Native Union Moshi Moshi 02 handset

The Moshi Moshi 02 is a traditional style telephone handset that connects to various devices providing a convenient way to chat using your iPad or iPhone. With an additional USB adapter the Moshi Moshi 02 can connect to your computer as well making it a versatile audio handset.

Created by the French designer David Turpin, the handset comes with a matching base making it look like a rather stylish house phone. That is until you pick it up and realise that there is just a single button. This allows you to answer and disconnect when connected to your iPad/iPhone.

The MM02 handset is available in either “luxurious black soft-touch or white high-gloss”. I am (obviously) reviewing the high gloss white one here.

Native Union Moshi Moshi 02 handset

Native Union Moshi Moshi 02 handset

The handset has a coiled cable that terminates in a 3.5mm jack. This can be plugged directly into your iPad or iPhone, or using a number of adapters available (at extra cost) into a wide variety of mobile phones. The phone base has a pair of 3.5mm sockets, one for the handset and one for a male/male cable that connects to your device/computer. The base to device cable is just over 30″ long and is pure white. The coiled handset cable is slightly off-white.

Native Union Moshi Moshi 02 handset

If you want to use the Moshi Moshi with a computer then you will need to get the USB adapter. This is sold separately and is a zero configuration device that plugs directly into a free USB port. The adapter is about 2″ long by 3/4″ wide a little bit bigger than a memory-stick. Because of it’s width it makes it a little tight to use both of my USB ports on my MacBook Pro as they are sized for normal USB connectors, not the wider USB devices. The USB adapter simply provides an audio interface allowing you to select the handset as input/output for all audio, or just for specific applications.

Native Union Moshi Moshi 02 handset

In use the handset works very well both with the base and on it’s own. I have used is as a handset for my iPhone over the cellular network, and with my iPad using Skype over WiFi and 3G. The quality of the speaker microphone combination works very well, with conversations being as good as or better than other headset/handset solutions. The good thing about this device is that you have what feels like a conventional telephone. One thing I did find a little confusing at first was that the handset button will stop and start the iPod on my iPhone/iPad, as well as answer/disconnect a call.

Native Union Moshi Moshi 02 handset

Of course if you have an iPhone 4 and you suffer from the dreaded signal drops you can use the MM02, with your phone in the pocket meaning that you get full signal strength.

Although the iPad does have a microphone and speaker it is not very elegant, or private to try and use it for Skype or VOIP the handset is a much more practical approach.

Using it on the Apple MacBook Pro I often found that the USB adapter had grabbed the audio output, and I was left scratching my head trying to work out why iTunes wasnt playing properly… Once I got over that I had no problems assigning Skype to the handset and letting iTunes play over my speakers.

Priced at $59.99 or £45.00 with the USB adapter costing an extra $20 or £15 there are certainly cheaper options on the market, but if what you are after is a bit of style to add to your desk then this is for you… My only real criticism is that the coiled handset cable is just enough off-white to mar the overall effect of the handset and base, strangely if they had made it the same colour as the base to device cable it would be perfect.

Native Union Moshi Moshi 02 handset

From a more practical side of things would I want to carry this handset around with me when I am out and about? I think not! The idea of having the iPad is to cut down weight and clutter. I would be better off with a bluetooth handsfree kit, or even the iPhone headset with built in microphone. But this is not what the handset is about…

Check out Native Union’s US website or the UK site for more details including stockists.

Posimotion Helix gaming grip

Posimotion have overcome these fears with the $19.99 Helix gaming grip. This is basically a steering wheel style of holder allowing you to keep a good hold on your device and improves the tactile input whilst playing games. The design of the Helix is such that the iPhone can be installed in both portrait or landscape modes.

If you dont own an iPhone but have an iPod Touch then the Helix is for you too. Posimotion provide an adapter that mates with the Helix to provide a cradle to securely hold your iPod Touch as well.

I was able to try out the Helix when I visited the Posimotion offices in Florida. I found it easy to use, but not being an avid gamer I handed it over to the experts to show me how effective it really is. We have one in for review at the moment so more details will follow soon.

In the mean time the Helix gaming grip will be available from Best Buy and online from the Posimotion store for $19.99 plus taxes and shipping.

Posimotion Helix with iPod adapter

Posimotion Helix with iPod adapter

Posimotion Helix in portrait mode

Posimotion Helix in landscape mode

When I met Posimotion there was a special offer being promoted with the Helix: A free copy of their latest game Twisted Abyss. When I visited them the game was not quite complete, but was shaping up very nicely. Twisted Abyss is a 3D submarine shoot-em-up with the combat vessels modelled on aquatic creatures taking on their unique attributes in the game.

Twisted Abyss free with Posimotion Helix

Twisted Abyss free with Posimotion Helix

Twisted Abyss free with Posimotion Helix

Twisted Abyss free with Posimotion Helix

We will have more about Twisted Abyss very soon…

The Posimotion Helix gaming grip Press Release follows:

PosiMotion is pleased to announce that the Helix, a gaming accessory for the iPhone and iPod touch, is now available in Best Buy stores. It can be found in the Best Buy Mobile section, as well as bestbuy.com ($19.99USD).

Helix has a grip-enhancing soft touch that vastly improves gaming performance. Both extremely light and portable, Helix offers a sleek aesthetic and ergonomic design for enhanced playing comfort and control.

Features include:
• Compatible with iPhone 3G, 3GS and iPod touch 2G, 3G
• Devices fit securely in portrait and landscape orientation
• Comfortably wide handles for accurate steering control
• Sturdy, durable construction
• Simple wire management
• Ideal for racing, first person shooters, action RPG’s, flight simulators, side-scrollers… virtually any game.

Check out the new Helix video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sew-IivonhQ

For more info about Helix, visit http://www.posimotion.com/helix

Posimotion Helix gaming grip.

iLuv Cases for the iPhone 4

The iLuv Press Release states:

iLuv, the leader in providing the most appealing, innovative, and relevant products for iPhone, iPad, iPod and Macbook, is pleased to announced a new line of creative graphic designed cases and a screen protectors for Apple’s new iPhone 4. Ranging from dual layer mix and match cases, metallic cases, leather cases, soft coated ultra thin silicone cases to 2-way privacy screen protectors and glare-free screen protectors, this series of iPhone inspired cases presents a great protective solution for any new iPhone 4 owner. The entire line of new Apple iPhone 4 accessories will be available starting in June for prices ranging from $14.99 to $49.99 at www.i-luv.com.

“We are pleased to have these ready in the market for the release of iPhone 4 so that iPhone 4 owners will have the immediate opportunity to express themselves with color and style while protecting their newest purchase” says Howard Kim, the Marketing Manager at iLuv. “We have created a design and style option to meet every personality.”

iCC727 FUSION: A dual layer case made of silicone and PC with stand – $34.99 MSRP

iCC728 FUSION: A dual layer case made of silicone and PC and available in multiple colors for mixing and matching options - $29.99MSRP

iCC731 EMOTICON: A soft coated ultra thin hard case featuring an emoticon design with a variety of color options to choose from - $29.99 MSRP

iCC736 NATURE: A soft coated ultra thin hard case featuring a nature oriented print pattern - $29.99 MSRP

iCC725 DREAM: A soft coated TPU case available in a variety of colors including purple, pink, blue, black and white - $29.99 MSRP

iCC733 SILK: A soft-coated translucent ultra thin hard case available nine color options - $29.99 MSRP

iCC729 SENTINEL: A metallic case available in bronze, gold, chrome and titanium - $29.99 MSRP

iCC700 EDGE: A silicone trim case with dual films available in 8 color options - $24.99 MSRP

See below for their email:

Good morning,

I’ve had a chance to read your review about our ecovez collection. It’s unfortunate that our product didn’t impress you but we here at Innovez appreciate your honesty.  Innovez is always striving to find ways to improve our products and satisfying our customers. We would like to let you know that our logos have been greatly improved. The front ecovez logos are completely flush. The edges of the logo on the back has been rounded and lowered to a minimal.  We kept it slightly raised for added texture but now when you run your fingers over it, it’s extremely smooth. We also used a new eco-friendly adhesive technology that binds the aluminum logos to the polycarbonate plastic material, now achieving a better molecular interaction that ensures the logos won’t fall out. Per our last conversation, if you recall, I had let you know that we were working on a biodegradable plastic covering for the individual case within the [wooden] shell packaging and we have accomplished this. I have provided images for your viewing as well. We are currently in the process of making further improvement to our case and taking all customer and product reviewers comments to consideration and implementation. In that being said, we would like you to acknowledge these improvements and perhaps provide a follow-up review for our product?

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Regards,
[name removed]

So, in the near future there may be another review of the new and improved Ecovez cases! Like I said in the original review, I like the design but there were some issues with it’s implementation. If these have been resolved then this would greatly improve my review. It just goes to show that there are companies who listen and actively improve on their products.