Tag Archives: dock cable

CordLite illuminated iOS dock connector cable hands-on (video)

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CordLite illuminated iOS dock connector cable handson video

Love or hate it, Apple's 30-pin dock connector is no easier to attach than a standard micro-USB plug. That's not to say that it's tremendously difficult to link an iOS device with its proprietary cable, but it can be a nuisance on occasion, especially when you're fumbling around in the dark. CordLite makes that standard-issue dock connector cable a bit more nighttime friendly, adding a pair of touch-activated white LEDs to the left and right of the metal lead. Instead of the familiar white, this third-party Apple cable is finished in black (white is available, too), with a silver connector at the tail end. That component itself is noticeably wider, longer and thicker than its Apple-designed counterpart, but that's to be expected, given the added electronics. After you connect the USB plug to a computer or power source, the opposite end is ready to go to work, lighting up just as soon as you touch its metal housing. It powers off just as quickly, once it's docked with your iPhone, iPad or iPod.

We took the cable for a spin earlier today, and while the device we received is an early prototype, it still worked just fine, lighting up and turning off on cue, and pairing our iPhone with a MacBook just as any old dock connector cable has in the past. There's not much more to it than that -- the cable works, and we can see how it could be useful in low-light situations, such as at the bedside, in a car or while riding on a plane. It could theoretically also double as a flash light, and given that you're most likely to use it in a dark environment, it could be equally suited for non-iOS-related scenarios as well. CordLite isn't available for purchase yet, but you can be one of the first to receive a cable if you hop on board the company's Kickstarter campaign. Pledges of $30 or more will net you one CordLite in black or white after the device's estimated October ship date -- assuming the project meets its $70,000 funding goal before next week. For now, you can take a closer look in our hands-on video after the break, and rest assured that your days of blindly connecting your iPhone may very well be numbered.

Gallery: CordLite illuminated iOS dock connector cable hands-on

Continue reading CordLite illuminated iOS dock connector cable hands-on (video)

CordLite illuminated iOS dock connector cable hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insert Coin: CordLite illuminated iPhone cable (video)

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In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

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On average, North American consumers will spend a lifetime total of five days on failed attempts to pair their dock connector cable with an iPad or iPhone. Yeah, that's not true, but we can certainly sympathize with frustrated device owners -- fitting a tiny connector to any gadget can be a chore, especially in the dark. Scrap Pile Labs' CordLite sets out to point the way to a successful connection with its built-in LEDs. The illuminated cable is quite simple to use -- with no buttons or switches to fuss with, the connector lights up when you touch the aluminum plates, and powers off the moment it's secured to your device. There's really not much else to it -- CordLite functions identically to an Apple-manufactured cable, though the dock connector itself is significant larger than the OEM variety, at least in its current prototype form.

The design team has turned to Kickstarter to get their project funded, with a $70,000 goal. If all goes to plan, they expect to ship black or white CordLites beginning in September at $35 a pop, but as always, getting in during the "pre-order" phase will net you a hefty discount. The first 200 backers can get an early-bird cord in the color of their choice with a $25 pledge, with the required amount jumping up to $30 from there. A $45 pledge gets you an exclusive laser-etched model, while $50 will be met with a pair of early-bird cords. As you may have gathered from the picture above, the first version will only function with Apple devices, though a microUSB cord is also said to be in the works. See it in action in the video demo just past the break.

Continue reading Insert Coin: CordLite illuminated iPhone cable (video)

Insert Coin: CordLite illuminated iPhone cable (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 May 2012 12:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceCordLite (Kickstarter)  | Email this | Comments