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Revisiting the ZAGGsmartbuds In-Ear Headphones

Accessorize Mobile Team — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:11:16 +0000

Every year we cover hundreds of new accessories that come to the market for various smartphones, but one thing you always need is a good set of headphones. I thought I would take a few minutes to look back on one of my favorite pair of in-ear headphones, the ZAGGsmartbuds. I got a pair of these headphones a couple years ago, and to this day I still use them with my iPhone. The ZAGGsmartbuds are priced at $50 and sound like a $100+ pair of headphones. Included in the ZAGGsmartbuds is a noise cancelling microphone, which works great with the iPhone 4S, plus they rock in-line volume control and an answer/end button. The cord on these headphones is tangle-free, so you never have to worry about them getting wrapped up. These headphones work on all iPhones, iPod, and most smartphones using a 3.5mm headphone jack. If you’re in the market for new headphones, I would suggest checking out the ZAGGsmartbuds at ZAGG.com. Below is some of the more technical specs of the headphones:

Earbuds Specs:

Speaker diameter: 10mm
Frequency response: 20hz to 20khz
Impedance: 16 Ohms
Max input power: 10mW
Cable length 1.37 meters/ 54 inches
Plug type: 3.5mm
Sensitivity: 94dB +/-3dB SPL/mW

Microphone Specs:

Microphone with Noise cancelling condenser
Speaker diameter: 10mm
Frequency response: 30hz to 16khz
Impedance: 10 Ohms
Sensitivity: 42dB +/-3dB
Some non-US smartphones, such as the Samsung i9000, have a unique jack configuration that requires an adapter for use with the ZAGGsmartbuds.

Check out the ZAGGsmartbuds at ZAGG

ZAGG Invisible Shield Now Available for iPhone 4S

Accessorize Mobile Team — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:28:26 +0000

If you’re one of those people who prefer not to protect your iPhone with case, then this might interested you. The ZAGG Invisible Shield is a full body protection kit that is 0.2mm thin, and will cover your display, back side and sides. Think of it as a screen protector for your entire iPhone 4S, which will protect it from scratches and won’t stretch. Even better the ZAGG Invisible Shield includes a 45-day money back guarantee, and a life-time warranty. The full body protection kits start at $24.99 from ZAGG.com.

Review: Skinomi Techskin For the BlackBerry PlayBook

Susan — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:44:24 +0000

Skinomi Techskin promises to protect your wireless devices with a clear screen protector and even colored skins to save your device from wear and tear. I had to see what the Skinomi screen protector is like. The quality is worth the investment. Check it out…A description of the Techskin is as follows:

TechSkin is the best solution for maximum scratch protection for your device. It is the toughest scratch protection film in the world made of the same material used to protect luxury cars, military aircrafts and NASA space shuttles. TechSkin has the ability to resist some of the highest level of abrasion combined with “self healing” capabilities

Features of the Techskin are:

The clearest film on the market
The toughest protection film on the market
The ultimate scratch-resistant film for your gadgets and devices
Adds protection to your gadgets and devices without bulky cases
Keeps the device manufacturers’ original sleek design
Grip-improving ridges assure smooth feel while making the device easier to grip and hold.
Easy to install film cuts that maximize coverage while minimizing customer’s efforts.
The clear “Protection for Perfection.”
Lifetime replacement warranty

While similar to the popular ZAGG Invisible Shields, there’s another difference off the bat which is price and shipping. Skinomi offers free shipping to the US and Canada, where ZAGG is free shipping with orders of $29.98 or more to 48 US states. I chose black carbon fiber to see how it would look.

When I ordered my Skinomi, it didn’t take long at all to come in. The price of the carbon fiber skin protector with a screen protector was only $29.95 with free shipping, compared to that of ZAGG which is $54.98. For $24.95 you can get the full clear Skin Protector compared to ZAGG’s $29.99. The box comes included with instructions, screen protector, liquid applicator, skin, and an installation card to squeeze out air bubbles and water. There’s also a card to let you know there’s a lifetime warranty on the skin!

Skinomi Preparation Tools (Be sure to have these on hand) for Skins:

Skinomi box
Lint free cloth
Scissors
Hair dryer

After removing the contents of the box, I cleaned my BlackBerry PlayBook, cut the box open for the instructions, and began reading the instructions which are easy. Clean your device, wash your hands, and have a lint free cloth available. Turn off the device and remove the battery if possible. Identify the screen protector and find where it will align with the screen of your device, spray your fingers and the top sidesof the screen protector, and peel off after making sure that the front is wet. Now align the screen protector lining it from the top or bottom, or side, but carefully lay it down. If you make a mistake or misalign, just lift up and wet and realign to avoid the screen protector getting pulled out of shape. While you’re lining up your screen protector and laying it out, use the installation card to help squeeze out the excess water. Use the lint free cloth to help absorb the excess water. The installation is very easy. Take your time and don’t worry, it’s going to look great so long as you make sure you’re in a dust and lint free environment.

I found this screen protector to be the easiest one I’ve ever attempted to install. The directions do state to let it dry a few hours or overnight. Any streaks or slight imperfections will disappear within a few days. Now the skin. The hairblower will assist you in installation. This part is liquid free. In this part I unstick the skin and align with the device, making sure the camera is open and aligned with the skin. Slowly lay it flat, smoothing out air bubbles from the top to bottom. Take care to stick the sides to the device, and smooth accordingly. Now turn on the hairblower to a medium setting and carefully heat the device, all while smoothing it out. The heat will help the skin to stick and as it cools adhere tightly. I am very impressed with the skin for keeping my device protected. The screen protector looks like liquid glass which is nice and shiny.

Also included with your order is a 25% off coupon for other purchases. After a few hours or overnight you can turn your device back on and after 24 hours the screen protector is nice and invisible except for the feel. It doesn’t interfere with the sensitivity of the touch screen, but it does have a different feel to it. If you want just the screen protector, Skinomi has those available for only $16.95. With the lifetime warranty, you need only one for the device, as long as you install correctly. What Skinomi prides themselves on besides customer service is that their skins do not have the orange peel look so it’s your device sealed in protection with no change to the look except a glossy screen.

The pros to this skin is the pliable material and how easy it is to install. It’s made easy for you. The skin is easy, and the screen is easy so long as you take your time.

The only con I could find with this skin is that I didn’t know about Skinomi sooner. If you’re serious about protecting your device, and want a screen that’s going to do it at a reasonable cost, then your search is over. The materials are top of the line, customer service is amazing, as they don’t wait to return your questions. Every detail is as close to perfect as they can get. After seeing the results of the Skinomi Techskin, I had to order one for each of my wireless devices, including my BlackBerry. The skins are available for several wireless devices, so it’s not just for BlackBerry, but other manufacturers as well. Overall rating: 10/10.

Here’s the video for installation as well, which you’ll find helpful.

You can purchase the Skinomi Techskins and Screen Protectors from Skinomi here

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

ZAGGkeys SOLO – A Bluetooth Keyboard Designed for Any Tablet

Accessorize Mobile Team — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:07:46 +0000

ZAGG just made a pretty cool announcement on their blog. ZAGG announced the upcoming launch of the ZAGGkeys SOLO, a Bluetooth keyboard designed for any tablet, including the Apple iPad, BlackBerry PlayBook, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and Motorola XOOM. The ZAGGkeys SOLO allows users to use their tablet in portrait or landscape view and acts as a stand. ZAGG has not announced an exact launch date for the ZAGGkeys SOLO or pricing. We should also point out that ZAGG plans to launch this product in several colors. If you have any iPad or iPad 2 then check out ZAGG.com as they currently have the ZAGGmate for iPad available. Also stay tuned as we’ll let you know when its officially available.

ZAGG Acquires iFrogz

Accessorize Mobile Team — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 03:20:35 +0000

ZAGG recently announced they have acquired iFrogz Inc, which is known for their popular audio and iPhone accessories. The deal is said to be worth $105 million dollars and is a huge win for ZAGG. We have always been a huge fan of ZAGG products, and we really look forward to see what they have coming up. You can find the joint press release below…

ZAGG Acquires iFrogz Inc.

Increases brand portfolio, expands product offerings and broadens retail distribution.

Expected to be immediately accretive to earnings per share.

ZAGG Inc. (NASDAQ: ZAGG) (www.ZAGG.com) announced today the acquisition of privately held iFrogz, Inc. (www.iFrogz.com), a leading mobile device accessories company specializing in lifestyle audio products and protective cases, for approximately $105 million.

“This transaction represents an exciting next step in ZAGG’s evolution, and gives us scale within the rapidly growing protective cases and audio products markets by allowing us to immediately broaden our product line and drive the growth of our retail footprint,” said Robert G. Pedersen II, co-founder, president and CEO of ZAGG. “iFrogz is highly complementary to ZAGG in terms of brand positioning, product lines and customer base. This acquisition is a natural extension of our strategy to build complementary brands and increase overall market share by growing product lines and expanding distribution.”

iFrogz designs, manufactures and distributes protective cases, headphones and earbuds, and other accessories for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices under the iFrogz™ and EarPollution™ brands. The Company has built a reputation for selling high quality, fashionable products geared toward a youthful demographic at affordable price points. iFrogz products are sold worldwide through leading retailers such as AT&T, Best Buy and Walmart. The Company is based in Logan, Utah.

Scott Huskinson, president and co-founder of iFrogz, said, “We are excited to become part of the ZAGG team. iFrogz and ZAGG share similar cultures and a passion for designing innovative and functional products that enhance the mobile device experience of millions of consumers worldwide. Together, we plan to leverage our combined resources to expand our market share.”

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, ZAGG acquired all of the outstanding stock of iFrogz for $50 million of cash, 4.4 million restricted shares of ZAGG common stock, and assumed approximately $5.0 million of outstanding debt. The cash portion of the purchase price, as well as certain closing fees and expenses, will be financed through a new senior credit facility led by Cerberus Business Finance and PNC Bank.

Going forward, iFrogz will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ZAGG led by Mr. Huskinson and will continue to be based in Logan, Utah. In 2010, iFrogz generated $40.9 million of revenue, and for 2011, is expected to generate over $60 million of revenue with operating margins in line with ZAGG’s previously disclosed guidance. ZAGG expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive on an earnings per share basis, excluding one-time transaction-related expenses. ZAGG will provide updated consolidated guidance on its second quarter earnings call.

Webcast Information

ZAGG will provide additional details on this acquisition on a conference call to be webcast Tuesday, June 21, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Interested parties can follow the conference call online at ZAGG.com/investors or at ZAGG’s page at investorcalendar.com. The call will be available for replay for 30 days by dialing 1-877-660-6853 and entering account number 286 and call ID number 374520. A webcast playback of the conference call will also be available through Investor Calendar’s event website until September 21, 2011, and will be archived on the ZAGG website for one year.

Further information about this transaction can also be found on the Company’s website at www.ZAGG.com/investors.

About ZAGG

ZAGG® is a leading mobile device accessories provider featuring innovative films, skins, audio and power solutions that protect, personalize, and enhance the mobile experience. ZAGG’s products are distributed worldwide with popular, award-winning brands such as the invisibleSHIELD®, ZAGGskins™, ZAGGsparq™, ZAGGbuds™, ZAGG LEATHERskins™, and ZAGGmate™. The patented invisibleSHIELD, ZAGG’s flagship product, is the original thin film full-body protector, and is available in over 5,000 precision pre-cut designs with a lifetime replacement warranty. ZAGG products are available online at ZAGG.com and in major retailers. For more product or investor information please visit the Company’s web site at www.ZAGG.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this release, are forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks, assumptions and other factors, many of which are outside the control of the Company. The forward-looking statements in this document address a variety of subjects including, for example, the expected 2011 revenue of iFrogz and the potential benefits of the acquisition. In addition to the risks and uncertainties noted in this release, there are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by some of the statements made. These include: (1) the ability to achieve business plans, including with respect to more value-conscious consumers and growing existing sales and volume profitably despite high levels of competitive activity, especially with respect to the product categories and geographical markets (including developing markets) in which the Company has chosen to focus; (2) successfully managing and integrating iFrogz; (3) the ability to manage and maintain key customer relationships; (4) the ability to maintain key manufacturing and supply sources (including off-shore supplier and plant manufacturing sources); (5) the ability to successfully implement, achieve and sustain cost improvement plans in manufacturing and overhead areas; (6) the ability to successfully manage currency (including currency issues in volatile countries), debt (including debt related to the Company’s acquisition of iFrogz) and certain commodity cost exposures; (7) the ability to stay close to consumers of mobile devices in an era of increased media fragmentation; (8) the ability to stay on the leading edge of innovation; and (9) the ability to successfully manage regulatory, tax and legal matters (including patent, and other intellectual property matters). For additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected herein, please refer to our most recent 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K reports.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

In connection with the proposed acquisition, the Company will file a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, attached to which will be a copy of the Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and iFrogz and the financing documents between the Company, iFrogz and various lenders. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the Form 8-K and other documents filed by the Company with the Commission, when filed, at the Commission’s web site at www.sec.gov and at www.ZAGG.com/investors.

ZAGGmate for iPad 2 Pre-Orders Starting Now…

Accessorize Mobile Team — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 01:29:20 +0000

The ZAGGmate with Keyboard become a huge hit for the original iPad last year, now with the iPad 2 launching in just a few weeks, ZAGG is accepting pre-orders for their popular keyboard case for the iPad 2. The ZAGGmate features beautiful Aircraft-grade aluminum with a bead-blasted, anodized finish, to bring a solid protection and style to your iPad. The unique hinge on the ZAGGmate allows you iPad to be angled 10 different ways, and basically converts your iPad into a portable netbook. The ZAGGmate for iPad 2 is expected to start shipping no later than March 31st, and can be pre-ordered now for $99.99 USD.

We should also mention that ZAGG is accepting pre-orders for their popular ZAGGshields for the Apple iPad 2 on their website as well.

Waterproof Headphones For Your Smartphone, Introducing the ZAGGauqabuds

Accessorize Mobile Team — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 01:45:20 +0000

Previously I’ve used a pair of ZAGGsmartbuds, and had nothing but good things to say about them. ZAGG has just introduced a new set of weather resistant headphones, which are compatible with any smartphone with a 3.5mm headphone jack. Now before you get too excited there is a few things we should point out about the new ZAGGauqabuds…

Sadly ZAGG has not included a microphone in this headphones, therefore you can not talk on your smartphone while using them, however if you’re looking for a good set of weather-proof headphones for your phone or iPod, then these are right up your alley. The ZAGGauqabuds are water resitant for up to 3 meters of water. So you can go out for a walk in the rain, or jump in the hot tub without having to worry about your headphones dying. Now ZAGG currently doesn’t offer any sort of waterproof case solution for your smartphone, therefore we might recommend you look at the OtterBox Waterproof Boxes to ensure your device doesn’t get damaged.

The ZAGGauqabuds are available from ZAGG.com for $29.99 each.

ZAGGmate – Your iPad’s new Best Friend…

Accessorize Mobile Team — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 01:47:08 +0000

It’s been a pretty huge year for accessory manufacture ZAGG. Recently they introduced the ZAGGmate iPad case series. The ZAGGmate cases features a beautiful aircraft aluminum body, in an ultra slim and lightweight body. The ZAGGmate comes in two variants – with Bluetooth keyboard or without keyboard – and both include a thin yet hard protective cover. The ZAGGmate with Keyboard retails for $99.99 and the model without keyboard is $69.99. You can check out the ZAGGmate at ZAGG.com.

Press Release:

ZAGG Has Shipped ZAGGmate to Retail Partners, Will Be Available to Online Customers in Time for Christmas

SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)– ZAGG Inc. (NASDAQ: ZAGG) (www.ZAGG.com), a leading producer, designer, and distributor of electronics accessories for protecting and enhancing the mobile experience, including the popular invisibleSHIELD®, ZAGGskins™, ZAGGbuds™, and ZAGGsparq™ brands, has shipped the new ZAGGmate™ to national retail partners. The ZAGGmate will be available on Black Friday, November 26, 2010, exclusively at select Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) stores and will begin shipping to ZAGG.com customers in early December.

ZAGGmate, winner of the 2011 CES Innovations Award, is a protective and functional companion to the Apple® (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPad® that accentuates both the appearance and utility of Apple’s innovative device. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a high quality finish, the patent pending ZAGGmate matches the design, look and feel of the Apple iPad. It features a simple and innovative hinge stand for viewing and typing in both portrait and landscape mode. In addition, a built-in wireless Bluetooth® keyboard allows for fast, responsive typing and interaction with the iPad’s features.

“Our hope to bring the ultimate must-have accessory for the iPad to consumers in time for this holiday season is now a reality,” said Robert G. Pedersen II, President and CEO of ZAGG. “The initial demand for the ZAGGmate has been overwhelming. Orders from our retail partners already carry into early next year.”

The ZAGGmate with Keyboard will be priced at $99.99, and a version without the keyboard will be priced at $69.99. ZAGG is currently designing versions of the ZAGGmate for other tablets hitting the market. Consumers can register to be notified when ZAGGmate becomes available for sale on www.ZAGG.com/ZAGGmate.

For more information about ZAGG® or any of their products, please visit ZAGG.com.

Yup, your new iPhone 4 certainlty will need a case

Accessorize Mobile Team — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:04:36 +0000

This doesn’t really come as a surprise to me, but the iPhone 4′s new glass back certainty can scratch. The guys over Engadget snapped some shots of their review unit Apple iPhone 4, which shows some nasty little scratches on the back of the device. The reviewer claims the scratches came from natural everyday use. Although it should be pointed out that they are harder to see in normal light. It took a pretty bright light to show them on camera, but still you should have a case. Below are a couple suggestions of different cases for the iPhone 4 on the market. Keep in mind some of the cases may not be available yet, but they should be within the next few weeks…

Don’t mind having a case on your iPhone 4? Here is a couple suggestions:

OtterBox Impact, Commuter, or Defender Series – Think of these as the ultimate protection from whatever you throw at it. OtterBox offers three different styles of cases depending on what you need. The basic is the Impact Series – which is basically a tough silicon skin to wrap around your iPhone 4. The second case is the Commuter Series which is a two layered case with hard plastic shell wrapping over it. Last is the Defender Series which is the ultra tough case for rough environments. Check out all the OtterBox cases here.
Case-Mate Gelli Case – The Gelli case is a thin thermoplastic skin that is form fitted for your iPhone 4, and wraps around the back and sides. These cases come in several different cases and designs. You can read more about these cases here or pick one up from Case-Mate for $19.99.

If you’re not a huge a fan of cases on your device here is a couple suggestions:

Case-Mate Barely There – Covers the back and sides, but leaves the device thin. Costs about $24.99 from Case-Mate.
ZAGG Invisible Shield – Think of it as a giant screen protector, that covers the entire device from top to bottom. These range from $14.99 to $24.99 from ZAGG.
Apple Bumper Case – These are a neat idea for those not looking to cover up their new iPhone 4. The Apple Bumper cases simply slip over the edge of the device and cover only the sides. While it may not protect the device from getting scratched, it will absorb some of the shocks from light drops. You can order these cases in several different colors for $29 each from Apple.

Of course there is many other cases that we haven’t talked about in this post. Don’t worry though just keep an eye on AccessorizeMobile.com for the latest accessories for the iPhone 4.

Quick Roundup of Announced iPhone 4 Accessories…

Accessorize Mobile Team — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 07:56:55 +0000

I know we’ve been covering a fair amount of iPhone 4 accessories today, but with every new handset launch comes tons of new accessories. I decided to do a quick roundup of accessory manufactures that we regularly cover, and see what they’re bringing to the table for the new iPhone 4. Below are just a few of our favorites to see what they’ve got in store. If we missed anyone… Drop a comment below and let us know!

Apple

Apple announced a couple standard accessories like the dock, however a big surprise was the announcement of the new iPhone 4 Bumper cases, which will be available in six different colors. These cases are a rubber and plastic molded case. You can find more details about them here.

Case-Mate

I was shocked when Case-Mate released a press release today saying they plan to launch 26 new iPhone 4 accessories, within Q2/Q3. I think Case-Mate will have the biggest lineup for one accessory manufacture. You can check out all the Case-Mate iPhone 4 cases and power cases here.

ZAGG

ZAGG isn’t wasting any time with their invisibleSHIELD. Starting today you can order you iPhone 4 invisibleSHIELD, and have it in your hands for launch day! ZAGG has released the full body kit for $24.99 or display only kit for $19.99. You can order one from their website.

iLuv

iLuv creates some pretty nice accessories for the iPhone and iPad, with decent prices. Today they announced tons of new cases for the iPhone 4, which will be available starting this month. iLuv’s new iPhone 4 cases range anywhere from $14.99 to $49.99. You will find all of iLuv’s newly announced cases and screen protectors on their website, and shortly in the Accessorize Mobile Shop.

OtterBox

Our friends at OtterBox have been a little quiet today. We can only gather that they are getting ready for a announcement of their Impact, Commuter and Defender series within the next few days or so.

**Update: You can register to be notified once the Impact, Commuter, and Defender Series launch for the new iPhone 4 at OtterBox.com.