Stumped about what to give someone who’s hooked on a smartphone or tablet computer? Think accessories. Accessories can offer added functionality, protection and sometimes fashion to mobile devices. And choices abound beyond Bluetooth headsets for hands-free calling.Makers rolled out hundreds of iPad stands suppliers this year, some designed for a specific model, such as a fitted case for an Android phone or an Apple iPad tablet, while others can be used with any number of products.
Protection and personalization,Skins: GelaSkins ($14.95 to $29.95;) are high-quality covers that affix to a digital device to give it flair. There are hundreds of different designs and free matching wallpaper to download and display behind the phone’s icons. A percentage of each sale goes to the artist. You can upload your own design to create a custom, one-of-a-kind skin. Skins can be removed and reapplied. How-to videos are available on the website.
Cases: If you like to take your smartphone with you everywhere — even to the beach, camping or boating — the Grace Digital Audio Eco Pod ($49.99;) is a rugged “all-terrain” case for Android, BlackBerry and iPhone that is certified to keep water out (at 3 feet for 30 minutes). Included waterproof earbuds plug into the case’s waterproof jack.
iCade: iPad owners who are nostalgic about classic video games will fall for the charm of Ion Audio’s iCade ($99.99;), a miniature arcade cabinet with retro red-topped joystick and eight buttons. Download the Atari Classics app (featuring Centipede, Pong, Asteroids and others), sync to the iCade via Bluetooth and insert the laptop keyboard skin or iPad 2 to get your game on, circa 1981. No quarters required.
Parrot: Android and iPhone owners can download a free app and control the Parrot AR.Drone ($299.95;), a flying “quadricopter” designed for indoor and outdoor use. Not only can you fly this remote-controlled toy using your preferred touch-screen device, but there are a variety of game types, support for multiplayer matches and even a front-view camera with a live video feed that can be seen onscreen.
AppBlaster: Ideal for iPhone owners with a penchant for action games, Spin Master’s Appfinity AppBlaster ($19.99;) lets you dock an iPhone or iPod Touch into a toy gun and use dual triggers, which then press on the screen to fire, to take down various enemies. The accessory works with seven apps — including Alien Attack, which uses augmented-reality technology to superimpose flying extraterrestrials onto your real-world environment.