Combining augmented reality and a fun game from the appstore, the appBlaster lets you track down and shoot aliens who appear to be invading your home and the entire planet  - don’t let us down!

The appBlaster gun is lightweight and comes with a shoulder stock, meaning you can comfortably play for hours and make sure every one of those aliens is sent back to there home planet.  There’s two triggers on the gun too, a rear trigger which fires lasers and a front trigger which fires missiles, so there’s no excuses for missing the aliens.

appBlaster gun

Here’s the clever augmented reality bit: the appBlaster app uses the rear facing camera of your iPhone to overlay the game against your environment – transforming your iPhone into a high-tech sight complete with cross hairs and game data.  This makes the game completely feel like it’s happening all around you, bringing the invasion closer to home.  This is definitely one of the best iPhone accessories for gaming fans.

The augmentation is teamed with your iPhone’s accelerometer, making the game play at the same speed as you – if you turn fast, so will the aliens, but if you move slower, the game will slow down too.  Even re-loading your gun is incorporated into the game, as you have to point your gun to the sky then bring it back down to re-load; all before those pesky aliens attack even more.

Playing with the appBlaster can lead to hours of fun and you can even play to the Mission Impossible theme like in this video

10. Apple iPhone 4 bumper

Every iPhone 4 owner knows that an iPhone 4 bumper or case is needed to boost the signal of your iPhone 4 and none perform better than the official Apple iPhone 4 bumper.  The perfect accompaniment for an iPhone screen protector, a bumper protects the corners and sides of your handset without taking away the style or sleekness.

The bumper contains all the cut-outs needed to keep your iPhone fully functioning like one for the charging port and volume control, making a bumper a great alternative for those who still want to show off the design of the iPhone but protect the sides and corners.

Apple iPhone 4 bumper

9. Drivetime Car Pack for iPhone 4

This iPhone 4 car holder allows you both dock and charge your iPhone whilst driving; meaning that no matter how long your journey, you’ll never run out of power and you’ll always be viewing your phone safely and legally.

Unlike other mobile phone car holders, the Drivetime car pack can be stuck to almost any flat surface meaning it can be used on both the dashboard and windscreen of your car.  The car holder also has three joints which can be moved to put your handset in a number of positions and angles, allowing you to find the most suitable one for you and your driving experience.

As this iPhone car holder is made with the iPhone 4 in mind it contains all the relevant cut-outs including one for the charging port and the lock button.

Drivetime iPhone 4 car holder

8. Power Support Crystal Front and Back Film Set

Number 8 in our top 10 countdown goes to the Power Support Crystal Front and Back Film Set, a revolutionary screen protector which offers high quality protection.  Here at Mobile Fun we do think that a mobile phone screen protector is a must for all new handsets in order to protect your display from scratches and dust and Power Support have some top quality ones available.

This iPhone 4 screen protector is made from a crystal film with state of the art cling adhesion, which means that application of the screen protector is simple, easy and residue free.

The screen protector is custom-fit to your iPhone 4 meaning that the front facing camera, home button and speaker are all still accessible and fully functioning.

Power Support iPhone 4 screen protector

7. Boxwave Keyboard case for iPhone 4

Some iPhone owners miss using a qwerty keyboard, so owning an iPhone 4 keyboard like the Boxwave keyboard allows you to have the best of both worlds.

Unlike other iPhone keyboards, the bluetooth Boxwave keyboard doubles up as a case, so you can slide it out when you need it and slide it back to be part of the case when you’re finished.  the case and keyboard are both stylish and modern, but also help to provide protection to the iPhone, as well as being functional.

Another great feature of the Boxwave is that it uses it’s own power supply which is recharged through a Mini USB cable, so it doesn’t drain your iPhone 4′s power.

The Boxwave bluetooth keyboard connects wirelessly through to your iPhone 4 meaning there’s no installation needed, just simply pair it with your iPhone and you’re ready to go.

Boxwave iPhone 4 keyboard

6. Otterbox Defender iPhone 4 case

Otterbox are at the forefront of tough protective cases thanks to their multi-layer technology and guaranteed protection.  Therefore it’s no surprise that they released a range of iPhone 4 cases which use their layered technology.

The Otterbox Defender Case contains three layers: a thin thermal-formed sheet which covers your screen; a strong polycarbonate shell which protects the handset as a whole from bumps and drops and finally a silicone skin which absorbs shocks.

This makes the Otterbox Defender iPhone 4 case both practical and protective, as all the phone’s ports and features are still accessible whilst in the case.

Right now if you buy any Otterbox Case, you receive a free Otterbox stand simply by using the rebate code ‘OTTERSTAND’ at the checkout.

Otterbox Defender iPhone 4 case

5. CaseBuddy Dock

The CaseBuddy is the answer to most iPhone owners problems: the lack of iPhone docks which allow you to charge your phone with the cover still on.

Being small and compatible, the CaseBuddy can be used with any Apple device including the iPhone 4 and even better it allows you to charge your phone whilst your iPhone 4 cover is still on and due to its size, makes it the perfect dock to take on your travels.  However the CaseBuddy will still work if your iPhone doesn’t have a cover on it.

The Casebuddy can be used as an iPhone 4 dock also due to its cradle style, making it perfect for listening to music, texting and surfing the web.  Another great feature of the CaseBuddy is its ability to hide your wires, so that the area your CaseBuddy is on remains clutter free.

CaseBuddy case Compatible Dock

4.IK Multimedia iRig Microphone

Number 4 on the list, the iRig Microphone is one of the perfect iPhone 4 accessories for aspiring musicians, journalists or those who frequently give speeches.

It allows you to record studio quality audio recordings to your iPhone or iPad simply and easily and view and build upon them with its three major apps or any other music/recording based app.  This makes the iRig great for recording podcasts and for use on the go, as the audio quality is second to none.

Singers and musicians can record and edit songs, whenever, wherever; journalists can record interviews on the go in excellent quality and those who give speeches can amplify their speech or practice and listen back beforehand.

One of the leading brands for specialist iPhone accessories, IK are known for their excellent quality.2

IK Multimedia iRig Microphone

3. The Ultimate iPhone 4 Accessory Pack

Starting off the Top 3 is the Ultimate iPhone 4 accessory pack which contains six accessories which any iPhone 4 owner should have: a desk stand, car holder, Flexishield skin, mini desk stand, car charger and a screen protector.

This is a great pack of mobile phone accessories for any iPhone 4 owner, especially those who have just bought an iPhone 4 and want to use it to its full potential straight away, as it contains everything you need to get started.

The Ultimate iPhone 4 accessory pack

2. MiLi Pico Power Projector for iPhone

Taking second place is the MiLi Pico Power Projector which lets you stream media from your iPhone and project it onto the nearest wall; allowing you to make a cinema anywhere in your home.  All you need now is the popcorn and surround sound speakers and the cinema effect comes to you.

This projector is also great for those who frequently make presentations, as it charges your phone whilst it’s docked and comes with a remote which can be used to control the volumes and menus amonst other things.

One of the most useful mobile phone spares being sold simply folds out and can even be used with laptops and your iPod touch; adding to it’s multi-functionality and user-friendliness.

MiLi Pico Power Projector

1. Incipio offGRID Battery Back Up Case

Top of our list, the Incipio offGRID battery Back Up Case solves the main problem smartphone owners have: a lack of battery power.  The offGRID doubles your iPhone 4 battery power without adding bulk to the handset, an unusual feature for battery cases.

The offGRID has a thickness of just 6mm, meaning most people would just mistake it for a standard iPhone 4 cover without realising that its actually housing a powerful battery.

Syncing and charging isn’t an issue with the Incipio offGRID as it includes a MicroUSB cable which allows you to perform these actions without having to remove your iPhone from its case.

Owning a battery back up takes away the stress of forgetting your iPhone charger as you have double the power, meaning your battery should last twice as long.

Incipio offGRID Battery Back Up case for iPhone 4

It’s a rare oversight from Apple, who normally like to do everything possible to shave away those unnecessary seconds of wasted time – as can be seen from the in-built magnetic sleep sensors in their newest tablet, the iPad 2.

Hence our excitement about the CaseBuddy Case Compatible Dock, which just came into stock this week.  The CaseBuddy allows you to sync and charge your Apple device with or without a case/bumper attached, saving you those precious few moments.

Let’s have a bit of a gawp at it, then:

What's up dock?

It’s teeny-tiny, which means that you can take it with you wherever you go, and it won’t take up much space in storage.  It also comes with a USB cable that’s compatible with all Apple devices, so it’s easy to sync & charge.

Just standing around...

The iPhone 4 stand is designed without any barriers, so almost any Apple device can fit on it with or without a case or bumper.  It even fits the largest covers, such as a the Otterbox Defender.  Silicone feet on the bottom prevent the dock from slipping around on the desk as you use it, which helps to keep your device safer and more stable, and it has a cable-tidy system built into the base to keep things looking neat and tidy.

Keep your feet on the ground

To request a sample product, please get in touch with Laura.

iPhone docks | iPhone 3G docks | iPhone 3GS docks | iPhone 4 docks | iPad docks | iPad 2 docks | iPod Touch 4G docks

Bunjees seen in the wild at Gadget Show Live 2011

According to the Bunjee website, there were over 1 million claims on mobile phone insurance over the past year, only 11% of which were due to theft.  Accidentally damage is a much larger reason for claim, at a whacking great 60%, and most of the circumstances of damage are avoidable.

Here are the top reasons for claims:

1. It fell out of my pocket
2. I dropped it on the floor
3. I dropped it down the loo
4. I left it in a bar/ restaurant/ taxi

They’re certainly pretty familiar to me; I’ve been guilty of numbers 1, 2 and 4 at various points of my life, although thankfully not to disastrous effect! At least… not yet (gulp).

Side-note: If you’re the type of person who suffers from number 3, you might want to grab a packet or two of the Dry-All Wet Mobile Phone Repair Kit.

The Bunjee is a handy accessory that fits around your phone and then clips onto your person with a boingy lead.  It can be clipped wherever – jacket, trouser pocket or bag – and if your phone falls out or is dropped at any point, the Bunjee will stop it from getting lost or hitting the ground at speed.  It’s basically like those mittens-on-strings that you get for children, but much cooler, and with a built-in shock absorber.

You can watch their video below:

It looks like a great idea for accident-prone kids and adults alike, and comes in a range of cool colours to appeal to different markets.

No word yet on whether a similar type of Bunjee providing iPad 2 protection is on its way; if that’s the sort of thing you want then you might be better off with the iBalls Shock Absorbing Harness, which is available now over on the iPad 2 accessories category of our main website.

The first stall that drew our attention at was for PODSTA UK, who had a bright array of rather funky-looking universal mobile phone desk stands compatible with most devices!  Here’s a pic we took:

The PODSTA launched last week in a range of colours, and is compatible with most smartphones and devices of a similar size – with a larger PODSTA iPad/ iPad 2 stand apparently on its way soon.

What we liked

• Small and portable, so easy to slip into a handbag, pocket or briefcase
• Soft and squeezable, which makes holding them quite a tactile and comforting experience – and there’s no danger of the PODSTA breaking if you drop it, and its child-friendly
• Compatible with most smartphones
• Works in portrait and landscape modes
• The texture of the holder has quite a bit of grip, which means you can use it on the train or as a car holder
• Low cost and simple

Here’s their video, for more info:

Our Blogger Liaison Executive Laura has been road-testing it this week and adores it (we suspect mostly because it’s pink!)

Here’s what she had to say:

“So far i’ve found the Podsta to be an excellent little phone holder.  I can just drop it in my bag to take it anywhere and the fact that I can sit it upright on my desk makes Facetime and reading messages easier.”

So it sounds like she’s a convert!  We’re keen to get your views on new products – should we stock these? Would you buy one?  Feel free to drop me a line and let me know!

In the meantime, we have tons of iPhone accessories and iPad 2 accessories available on the main site.

My top pick this year is this Kindle Cover with Light, which both protects and illuminates the Reader at the same time.  It’s a great gift for bookworm mums, and is perfect for reading in dim light or whilst in bed without disturbing the other person.

M-Edge Executive Ladger with E-Luminator Light for Amazon Kindle

For something a little less costly, how about the USB Aroma Fragrance Oil Burner?  Candles for Mother’s Day feels a bit cliché and overdone, but this gives the idea a modern spin – just put in some fragrance oil, plug the lead into the USB port and there’ll soon be relaxing and revitalising fragrances wafting their way through the home, office or car.

USB Aroma Fragrance Oil Burner

I also think this Hi-Rez Digital Photo Frame Key Chain is a nice little trinket, allowing favourite photos and memories to be transported and shared with ease.  It can be filled with holiday snaps, photos of the family or anything else your mum fancies (yes, including pictures of Johnny Depp!)

Hi-Rez Digital Photo Frame Key Chain

If your mum’s the tech-savvy tablet type, there are some absolutely gorgeous iPad and iPad 2 covers available on the market – and there’s just no need to stick with a boring old black case when there’s so much variety to be found!

I really like this Tuff Luv Multi-View Case for iPad in Marrakesh Red, which draws the eye immediately with its sumptuously exotic design.  It’s hand-crafted from high-grade textiles and artificial leather, and doubles as an iPad stand for viewing movies or pictures.

Tuff Luv Multi View Case for iPad - Marrakesh Red

Another nice one –  the Jivo Executive Buckle Case for iPad, which also works just as well as an iPad 2 cover.  I’ve always had a thing for satchels, and this one has a nicely rustic feel – as though you’ve just stepped out of Cider with Rosie, albeit with an expensive slab of tech at your side!  It’s hand-crafted from top layer Brazilian buffalo hide and has a neat chunky buckle to keep the tablet tucked away safely.

Jivo Executive Buckle Case for iPad & iPad 2

Last of all, here are a few likely-looking iPhone 4 covers: the Foofpod Sleeve for iPhone/iPod, iLuv Nature Soft Case for iPhone 4 and Casemate iPhone 4 Ivy Case

For those who are planning to grab an iPad 2 but already own an original iPad, we’ve got some really cute children’s iPad covers for people who have decided to pass on their iPads on to their kids (we just didn’t get hand-me-downs like this when I was little!).  There’s an Elmo iPad case and a Cookie Monster iPad case available.

For big kids as well as small:

The Angry Birds iPad 2 case has been announced and is coming soon!  Mega-fans can kill two birds with one stone (or two pigs with one bird!) and pick up the Angry Birds iPhone 4 case at the same time as the iPad 2 case over on the main site.

And I also really like this Pinball Case for iPhone/iPod, which brings a spot of retro-chic to your iDevice and lets you turn it into a real-life tiny pinball machine, complete with flippers.  Of course there are no actual balls involved; this is a completely modern version of the game which works by downloading a (totally free) dedicated pinball app.

For Kindle:

The M-Edge Executive Jacket with e-Luminator Light for Amazon Kindle is a nice bundle which combines a stylish faux-leather executive Kindle case with a handy Kindle light, to keep the e-reader illuminated on dimmer days or at night-time. The light attaches easily to the case itself.

Until next week,
MF Nat

TypeTop Swivel Mini Bluetooth Keyboard for iPhone

The TypeTop Swivel takes the idea of the original TypeTop Keyboard Case (a top seller over the past couple of months) and goes one better, with a unique 360° tilt and swivel motion allowing you to position your phone in the best position for whatever you’re doing.  That means it should be good for hands-free activities such as watching movies or enjoying a spot of FaceTime with your friends, as well as having the obvious bonus of allowing you the option of typing with a physical keyboard.

IT SWIVELS! WHEEEE!

A few things to note about the case:

• 360° swivel, tilt
• Available in QWERTY, QWERTZ and AZERTY
• Wireless connection via Bluetooth – connects automatically
• Keyboard has built-in battery so it won’t leech power from the iPhone
• Keyboard can be removed from the case & paired with other gadgets such as computers, laptops, PS3
• Very thin (only 0.9mm thick) so won’t add much bulk
• Cut-outs allowing you to access features/ docks

Of course, a lot of iPhone users are perfectly happy with the touchscreen keyboard, but for some the only thing that really cuts it is a physical keyboard.  The TypeTop works as either an iPhone or iPhone 4 case, and is best suited for people who want to type lengthy emails or documents, fat-fingered people like me (!) who don’t get on with on-screen keyboards and people who also want a handy stand for hands-free activities.

This one’s £34.95 over on our iPhone 4 accessories page.

A fabulous array of new SIM free handsets have come into stock here this week – we’ve got the SIM free HTC 7 Pro for £459.95, the SIM free Optimus 7 for £389.95, the SIM free Samsung Optium 7 for £484.95 and the SIM free Nexus S for £479.95.

If you’re an iPhone 4 user who wants to avoid cutting your standard SIM down to size, the Micro SIM adapter and stand case for iPhone 4 might be of interest.  This is a way to let you continue using your standard SIM in the iPhone 4 without having to cut your SIM down to MicroSIM size.  It looks a bit fiddly to me, but could be very useful for people who switch between different phones regularly? Let me know whether you think it’s a good idea or not!

We’ve just got in the iChair for iPhone 4 and iChair for iPad, too. These slim-fitting cases with a kickstand which will let you prop your device up either horizontally or vertically, making it easy to watch videos and look at photos hands-free and comfortably. These look pretty good for terrible telly-addicts like me who like to catch up on their TV on the train (Is anyone else watching the new series of Being Human? OMG).

For those who prefer Android to Apple, the HTC Desire HD Case with Kickstand does the same job as the iChair but for the Desire HD.

Something pretty nifty for gaming addicts that’s coming soon are Thumbies for the iPod/ iPhone, which are little round friction pads which you stick onto the screen of your iPod or iPhone.  They use heat-pad technology to take gaming to a new level, creating external gaming controls which give you a better feel and experience.  As ever, there are loads of gadgets for gamers available over at our sister site www.gamingzap.com

Until next week!
MF Nat

Aside from hobnobbing, it’s been business as usual. Here are some kernels of news for you:

When the Parrot AR.Drone RC Quadricopter was released it was exclusive to HMV, but that’s no longer the case and we’ve got our hands on this brilliant iOS-controlled quadricopter.  The gadget can be controlled using iPhone, iPod or iPad and used indoors or outdoors. It also features two onboard cameras so that you can get a birds-eye view, onboard WiFi technology & augmented reality games available from the App store.  See the press release.

Parrot AR.Drone RC Quadricopter

We’ve now got in the KeyCase Faux Leather Case for Samsung Galaxy Tab, a sturdy polyurethane case with a built-in physical QWERTY keyboard.  The KeyCase for iPad was a great hit, generating massive sales, so getting in the Galaxy Tab version was a no-brainer really – we just hope it proves as popular! Press release here.

We also have what we believe to be the first solar iPad case available in the UK (let me know if you know differently!), which might seem a little ambitious at this time of year, but the snowdrops have started poking their heads up so it can’t be too long until Spring’s here and the sun comes out! Unti then, this leather iPad charging case can provide your iPad with an some extra OOMPH on the go (6600mAh, to be precise) and approximately double your surfing time.

For HTC Desire HD & Desire Z users (like meee!), here’s a way to stream media wirelessly to your computer screen or HDMI-ready telly with the HTC Media Link DLNA Adaptor. You can read the full press release here.

And over at our sister site, GearZap:

We’ve got the largest variety of Gelaskins available in the UK, and we’ve just added to it with a new range of PS3 Gelaskins imported from the US.  They’re great quality, and let you customise your devices to really let your personality shine through.  I’m a big fan of the Exploding Dog designs (one of my favourite webcomics!)

"I Like this Music" PS3 Gelaskin

If you’re looking for something fun for the Kindle then we’ve some great Kindle sleeves available from Built – just something a bit more interesting than your standard black or brown case!  See the range from them here.

If you’re a journalist with enquiries about these or any other stories, please feel free to get in touch with me.

Until next week,
MF Nat