By Gregg Ellman
McClatchy-Tribune
The iStabilizer Monopod and Shutter Remote Bundle are the perfect solution to make selfie photos much more appealing because they let you include your subjects and more of the environment around you.
The iStabilizer (one-foot long when collapsed, weighing 1/2 pound) attaches to a camera at one end and extends over three feet, giving your camera far more reach for that coveted selfie. It’s compatible with most every smart phone and other action cameras including iPhones, Androids, Blackberrys and GoPros.
But the key to the system is the hand-held wireless Shutter Remote (1.38 by 3.56 by 0.38 inches and weighing only an ounce). The remote connects to your device with Bluetooth and fires with your camera app or “any other app that uses the volume button to trigger the shutter,” according to the company.
I fired it up with an iPhone 5s problem free. Since it relies on Bluetooth, the remote can be about 35 feet from the camera if you’re using another device to keep in it place.
The remote also works with Apple computers (Macbook, iMac, Mac Mini) for snapping photos, music selections, volume and even to talk to Siri.
Details: www.iStabilizer.com. $59.95 for the Bundle includes the remote and monopod.
Digital digits
At first glance you might think the Moshi Digits are just gloves. They are that — and lot a more.
Winter isn’t far off so the dual-layered gloves are ideal for keeping your hands warm while giving you a touch-screen connection on your smartphone and tablets.
What makes them work is conductive fiber built into all 10 fingertips, which enable your fingers to work on the screen.
There’s also a soft micro-fleece lining to keep your hands warm and the GripTrak pattern in the palm area keeps your grip on your device in the cold.
Details: www.moshi.com. $29.95
Duo charge
TYLT has released an incredibly useful one-in-two cable called the Syncable-Duo charge and sync cable.
There’s a Lightning connection plug, which plugs into the microUSB end to make it one cable. When you want the microUSB end, just use it as-is. But when you want the Lightning end, pull off the microUSB tip to expose it. When the microUSB isn’t being used, it remains attached to the cable it so won’t get lost.
Details: www.tylt.com. $24.99-$29.99, depending on the length
Shake to wake
The new iLuv TimeShaker Micro is designed to give you a little nudge when your alarm goes off.
It has all the expected features of a night stand alarm clock including multiple alarm options, FM radio and Bluetooth for connecting other devices.
The main feature is the shaker, which goes under a pillow to give you a shake when your alarm goes off.
If you’re anything like me you could sleep through any sounding alarm but the shaker is another story. It also makes a great alarm for the hearing impaired.
If you don’t want your alarm to wake anyone else sleeping close by, the alarm can be set for shake only.
Inside the nightstand-sized sound system is a pair of nice sounding stereo speakers and a big, bright (adjustable with 10 levels) LCD display for the time.
There’s also a line in for non-Bluetooth devices and a USB port to charge smartphones and tablets.
Details: www.iLuv.com. $49.99
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