Sponsored and seeded products I was sent to review, disclosed as such, mostly chargers, cases, and other accessories.
Philips hue lets you control your lights wirelessly through a smartphone or tablet app. It launched in Singapore on 13th November 2013 as an Apple Online Store exclusive, then reached Apple Premium Resellers and Philips outlets from 11th December.
The Moshi iGlaze Armour is a metallic case for the iPhone 5/5s, retailing for S$54.90 in Bronze, Silver, and Black to match the phone. Its build is solid, with an aluminium backplate and polycarbonate body, plus an open bottom.
The Moshi Cardette 3 is in its third generation, hence the number, neatly coinciding with USB 3.0. It's a USB 3.0 card reader with a built-in 2-port USB 3.0 hub, and at just 88g it's wonderfully lightweight and travel-friendly.
The Ozaki O!coat 0.3+Pocket is an extremely thin, 0.3mm, and lightweight 9g case made from polypropylene. Its leather-textured back includes a cardholder slot for one credit card, or two at a push. It also holds paper reminders.
The Moshi 3.5mm Audio Jack Splitter, at S$20.90, offers something most splitters lack, even the pricey Belkin one, letting one of the two connected earphones support a microphone. A splitter lets two people share music from a single device.
IonBank is Moshi's range of portable battery packs, currently three products: the IonBank 10k, plus the IonBank 5k in Lightning and Micro USB versions. The 5k holds 5,000mAh and has two integrated cables, one a Lightning or Micro USB connector.
Thanks to screenprotector.sg for the complimentary 3M Easy-On Privacy Filter for iPad. Made in the USA, this custom-fit filter for the iPad 2 and 3rd/4th generation keeps on-screen information private while maintaining high image clarity and protecting the LCD.
The Braven BRV-1 IPX5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker retails for S$228 at physical stores like EpiCentre and Infinite, or online via Ban Leong's eStore. Besides being a lightweight, rugged Bluetooth speaker at 346g, it doubles as an emergency portable charger.
The Moshi Codex Air and Codex Retina are new from Moshi, lightweight carrying cases for the MacBook Air 11/13-inch or MacBook Pro Retina 13/15-inch. Codex protects your MacBook from the wear of daily use. This is the Air 13 Titanium.
The Moshi USB Cable with Lightning Connector, in black or white, retails for S$31.90, about S$4 more than Apple's original Lightning to USB Cable. Both are one metre and equally official, but Moshi's costs more thanks to its aluminium-encased connectors.
The D-Link DIR-868L Wireless AC 1750 Dual-Band Gigabit Router retails for S$319, or S$279 at Challenger's member price, steep for a router. Still, it's cheaper than the Cisco Linksys EA6500 was at launch. This draft 802.11ac router supports simultaneous dual-band.
MobyShop sells the Mujjo Galaxy S3 Wallet for S$48. It's an excellent, well-made, stylish pouch that fits the Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, and even the HTC One, with an iPhone 5 version also at S$48. Made of 100% wool felt.
The PKG Slim Sleeve is a nostalgic-looking padded sleeve for the MacBook Air 11 or 13-inch. It feels made from premium materials, with thick internal padding to protect against knocks. It fits the MacBook Air exactly, leaving no extra space.
Protag, at S$59, is a loss-prevention device engineered in Singapore that helps you keep watch over your belongings. You pair it with an Android phone, no iOS support yet, and tuck it into a bag or wallet. It alerts you.
The Targus Crave II Convertible 3-In-1 Backpack for MacBook Air/Pro 13-inch (TSB772AP) retails for S$109. As the name suggests, it can be carried three ways, as a backpack, a messenger bag, or slipcase, with a dedicated compartment protecting both devices.
Good news for fashion-forward, tech-savvy Android users who love shopping on the go. ZALORA, Southeast Asia's fastest-growing fashion and beauty e-retailer, has expanded its mobile offering with the launch of an Android shopping app across the region.
The Speck SeeThru is a hardshell case for the MacBook Air 11 or 13-inch. It's thinner and lighter than the STM Grip, but lacks the suede inner lining that stops the shell scratching the laptop. The material is also reflective.
The STM Grip is a hard shell case for the MacBook Air 13, with versions also for the Air 11, MacBook Pro 13, and Pro Retina 13 and 15. It retails for S$69 at DISTEXPRESS or Apple Premium Resellers.
The BodyGuardz ScreenGuardz HD anti-glare, anti-fingerprint screen protector retails for S$59, from DISTEXPRESS or Apple Premium Resellers like EpiCentre, Infinite, and Challenger. It reduces glare so you can use your device under bright lights and direct sunlight.
I hadn't heard of Bootcase before, but thanks to DISTEXPRESS for seeding it, the Bootcase Hybrid Snap Case has replaced my SwitchEasy Nude as my default iPhone 5 case. It retails for S$45 from DISTEXPRESS or Apple Premium Resellers.
The Bluelounge Mika is an all-in-one stand that supports the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Air or Pro. Made from a solid aluminium block with soft rubber edges to prevent scratches, it retails for S$49 from DISTEXPRESS or Apple Premium Resellers.
In my final Synology DiskStation DS413j review, after covering unboxing, setup, and performance, I focus on its multimedia features. These include Video Station, Audio Station, and Photo Station, along with their mobile apps, DS Video, DS Audio, and DS Photo.