Phone

Hot In The Hive: iTwinge iPhone Keyboard

Alex Gambardella on Sep 29, 2009 5:24 AM PDT

I think I'm one of the few people left in this world who still refuse to join the iPhone cult. I'll admit it, sometimes I get a little jealous when I see people at the gym listening to their music and making calls from one sleek device while I'm trying to juggle my PDA and my prehistoric video iPod... but I'm sorry -- I NEED a keyboard! REAL buttons that you push. Not a touchscreen with pretend keys and a "word predictor" that tries to guess what I'm trying to type through the inevitable typos. It shouldn't have to guess! Apparently our friends over at Mobile Mechatronics had the same frustrations, because they came up with one seriously genius idea: the iTwinge. It's an attachable keyboard that simply slips on over your iPhone, providing REAL push-able buttons for more accurate (and quicker) texting and e-mailing. Of course, I'm not sure if the convenience of having keys is worth having to constantly take the device on and off whenever you're done with an e-mail or text... so while this clever add-on is definitely worth the splurge for curious iPhone owners, I'm not sure if it's cool enough to make a convert out of a Palm girl like me!

Price: $29.99
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the iTwinge to the Hive.

Tags : technology , tech , phone keyboard , phone gadgets , phone

Hot In The Hive: Telephone Cord Watch

Alex Gambardella on Aug 20, 2009 6:20 AM PDT

What time is it? Time to get a new watch -- and possibly finally return some of those missed calls that have been piling up on your PDA. Unfortunately this "On The Other Line" Telephone Cord Watch from Uncommon Goods can't help you make phone calls, but it is a cute throwback to the pre-wireless world of long-distance communication. Made from recycled telephone cords and adorned with a vintage phone key, the timepiece is fun, functional, and artsy-chic. Plus, the stretchy cord eliminates the need for add-on links and resizing to suit your wrist. And you gotta admit, you kind of missed absent-mindedly twirling the cord around while you chit-chatted your way to an outrageous phone bill.

Price: $65
Who Found It: chelly was the first to add the "On The Other Line" Telephone Cord Watch to the Hive.

Tags : watches , watch , uncommon goods , timepiece , phone

Hot In The Hive: Reminder Rug

Alex Gambardella on Aug 17, 2009 6:17 AM PDT

If I had a dollar for every time I've waltzed out of the house in the morning without my keys, wallet, or phone (or a tragic combination of all of the above), I'd probably have enough money to simply buy a replacement of whatever I forgot at home on the way out. Unfortunately, since there is no Forgetfulness Fairy to reward my flighty morning-rush behavior, I could use a little helpful reminder to make sure I have all my necessities before I dash out the door. Luckily, Urban Outfitters knows what's up and came up with the brilliant Reminder Rug, designed to help start your mental checklist. It's the perfect doormat (with nice, big lettering so your eyes can't skip over it as you step), and even if you've never forgotten a thing in your life, it's still pretty cute as a cheeky addition to your apartment decor!

Price: $18
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Reminder Rug to the Hive.

Tags : wallet , urban outfitters , rug , reminder , phone

Hot In The Hive: Retro-Style Internet Phone

Alex Gambardella on Jul 17, 2009 6:25 AM PDT

Do you have a gift for gab and talk on the phone almost constantly? Do you have a special place in your heart for all things obsolete and/or retro? Do you have a laptop that's almost as old as you are? If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions, I may have the perfect vintage gadget for you! Urban Outfitters' Internet Phone (no, not that kind of iPhone) is about as unnecessary as laptop accessories get... that is, unless your computer doesn't have a built-in mic and speakers like most are made with nowadays. In that case, it's totally useful for finally carrying out successful Skype conversations and iChat video discussions (that's only assuming you've equipped your ancient computer with an external webcam) via a plug-in phone receiver made just for your computer. Otherwise, the retro-looking cyber accessory is still pretty covetable, for the sake of cuteness alone... and I guess it could also help keep the receiving end of your e-conversations on the down-low from snooping roommates. So in conclusion, it may not be the most mandatory addition to your shopping list, but the fun things never are, are they?

Price: $15
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Internet Phone to the Hive.

Tags : webcam , vintage , urban outfitters , telephone , phone

Hot In The Hive: The Motorola AURA, A Luxury Watch-Inspired ...

Alex Gambardella on Apr 3, 2009 5:21 AM PDT

Is your mobile service contract up and in your search for a new phone, you just can't bring yourself to buy into all the iPhone hype? Are you perhaps looking for something a bit more -- oh, I don't know -- stylish? Expensive?! Well, lucky for you, Motorola has just released the most exorbitant phone buy you'll be able to find! At a lavish $1,999.99, the Motorola AURA fuses the worlds of top-of-the-line technology and that of designer timepieces to bring you the first circular display mobile phone (a 62-carat sapphire crystal circular display at that!) to provide the luxury of fine jewelry with the crystal-clear yakking capabilities of a mobile phone. Does it have a full keyboard? No. Does it come with cool apps? No. Does it have a touch-screen? Of course not, but it is about as heavy as a brick (so you can literally "feel the richness," it says) so it can weigh down your pocket after it burns a hole in your wallet. Perf! Hopefully you still remember how to read an analog clock, 'cause this baby is already a whopper of a waste of money as it is!

Price: $1,999.99
Who Found It: shopchick was the first to add the Motorola AURA to the Hive.

Tags : watches , watch , technology , phone

And The Winners Of The Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth ...

Lisanne Silverman on Jan 30, 2009 11:14 AM PST

Earlier this week we told you all about the Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Headset (sleek, lightweight, potentially free- ring a bell?) and introduced you to their "Laws Of Style" campaign, where you were given the opportunity to send style "citations" to friends caught committing any number of fashion no-nos. Cool, right? But then we spun things around- in order to win one of the three headsets, you had to tell us your most heinous crime of fashion. You definitely weren't shy about it! Whether you blame it on the weather, inexperience, or oh, the eighties, we're sure you're a much better dresser for it today. Three of you earned headsets for your honesty- were you one of them?

Click READ MORE to find out who they are!

Tags : the bold and the beautiful , technology , plantronics discovery 925 bluetooth earpiece , plantronics , phone