Skip to main content

Kensington Car Cradle Amplifies iPhone Audio

ken-caraccesPeripheral and accessory maker Kensington has introduced a slew of notebook, mobile phone, and computing accessories for the upcoming holiday season—because nothing makes a better gift for the tech-savvy members of your social circle than a little bit of gadgetry, right? Among the notable releases are a USB powered light specifically intended to help video chat work better in low-light situations, and a new car cradle for iPhones that amplified iPhone audio so the device is easier to both see and hear while driving—important for folks using their iPhones for maps or turn-by-turn directions.

First up, the Kensington Windshield/Vent Car Mount with Sound Amplified Cradle for iPhone (say that five times fast, we dare you) is designed to let iPhone owners mound their devices in a vent or on the windshield of their vehicles, which makes them more visible while driving—a handy feature for following maps. However, the cradle also features an “amplification system” that doubles the volume coming out of the iPhone’s speaker: Kensington says this system works without any added battery drain on the iPhone and the cradle doesn’t need an external power feed, so we’re guessing the amplification is a passive acoustic system designed to make the existing iPhone speaker more audible—however, it works, folks who need to hear turn-by-turn directions (or, say, calls—we hear the iPhone even supports voice communication) might appreciate any improvement they can get. The cradle runs $39.99, and comes with inserts for all iPhone models, and can orient the iPhone in either landscape or portrait orientation.

Recommended Videos

Next up, the Video Chat Light for Netbooks aims to let video chat fiends present a better image: the device pops into a USB port and provides extra illumination so other folks can see you clearly. The light features an adjustable gooseneck stand, features eight LED lights, and has an on/off switch and dimmer so you can adjust the amount of illumination. Although these sorts of devices are obviously not for everybody there are unquestionably instances—some even work-related!—where a better webcam image might make all the difference. The Video Chat Light for Netbooks is priced at $14.99.

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Apple might discontinue its most ‘courageous’ iPhone accessory
Apple's Lightning to 3.5mm headphone adapter.

Apple introduced the iPhone 7 in 2016. The phone is noted for being the first Apple handset to ship without a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack — something Apple infamously praised as a move that took "courage."

At a time when most wired headphones needed one of those jacks to listen to music, Apple had an interesting solution: a Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter that shipped with every new phone. According to MacRumors, Apple is set to end production on that accessory.

Read more
It’s the end of the road for these two iPhone models
Apple iPhone 6S Plus

Seeing your favorite handheld gaming device in a retro store has a unique way of making you feel old, but Apple might have topped it. According to the company, the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 6s Plus are now "vintage." They join the ranks of the iPhone 4 and even the iPad Pro 12.9-inch model.

It's not wholly unexpected. Apple declares a device vintage after five years, and that means it becomes more difficult to have that device repaired or to find replacement parts for it. Obsolete is applied to products that are more than seven years old, but sometimes certain variants get that label early.

Read more
The uncertain future cost of Apple’s Emergency SOS feature
Person holding iPhone 14 searching for Emergency SOS satellite.

It's been roughly two years since the launch of the iPhone 14 and its Emergency SOS via satellite feature. You might recall that during the first two years, Apple said it would be free to use but that it might require a subscription after that time, according to MacRumors. Last year, Apple extended the time limit by one more year, so you actually have until November 2025, when the trial period ends.

That's good news. The Emergency SOS feature is, quite literally, lifesaving. During April of this year, three university students lost their way in a canyon and used the feature to call for help. Another story arose in July where the feature came through once more in a moment of crisis. And if you keep digging, you'll find numerous other examples of how this tech is truly beneficial.

Read more