Tag Archives: Elago

Elago Game Boy style MagSafe iPhone charger looks fun but comes up short

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Nostalgia is a powerful emotion, as proven by the number of successful crowdfunded projects and launched products that try to capitalize on this ongoing retro trend, especially in the gaming industry. Vintage designs of the past are today’s quirky oddities, and there are many who are quick to jump on the bandwagon. While many of these retro designs try to also recreate the experience of holding a real gaming console or turntable with some modern features and conveniences, others are just content to copy the aesthetics of old-school products and leave it at that. This MagSafe iPhone charger might be in that latter category, and while it is charming in the way it brings back fun, playful memories, it could have probably gone further if it really wanted to.

Designer: Elago

To be fair, the Elago WS M5 Charging Stand does exactly what it says it does, which is to offer a fun MagSafe charger in the design of the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP. In that regard, it does its job well, providing a stable and useful stand for charging the phone. The fixed 30-degree angle, for example, is claimed to be perfect for watching videos or using iOS Standby Mode at night. It even has helpful support on its back to prevent the charger from tipping backward from the weight of the phone.

Elago never claimed that the stand was a functional gaming device, despite all visual indicators. It’s simply meant to inspire a trip down memory lane and nothing more. The buttons do nothing and you can’t fold the charger close like the original handheld it was based on. For a $25 MagSafe charging stand, that’s a bit disappointing. It sort of raises expectations and then dashes them quickly, making those good old days really feel more like a distant memory.

It’s also a missed opportunity for innovation and distinction. Sure, it won’t make much sense to turn it into a makeshift game controller, but having the buttons trigger some action on the phone or do anything at all is significantly better than making you feel like an idiot for expecting that a button press would actually result in something. A clamshell design would have also made this charging stand a bit more portable while relying on a kickstand mechanism to provide that same stability and support.

What this Game Boy-like MagSafe charger really accomplishes is to demonstrate the biggest benefit of this magnetic wireless charging technology. Sure, charging without cables is convenient, but its speed still leaves a lot to be desired. Instead, it’s the freedom to design a wider variety of accessories, from chargers to stands to docks, that MagSafe really shines, and this Elago WS M5, underwhelming as it might be, is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s possible.

The post Elago Game Boy style MagSafe iPhone charger looks fun but comes up short first appeared on Yanko Design.

Airpods charger cover brings you the Nintendo Gameboy feels

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When we use chargers for our devices, we usually just go for the ones that come with said device and don’t really think about other accessories to go with it. That’s because they’re almost always used exclusively for one purpose only: to juice up our smartphone, tablet, and other accessories. But who says you can’t have fun with it right? If you’re into the whole retro is cool again thing, then this new wrap for a charger from elago may be the one for you.

Designer: elago

Elago has been bringing their nostalgic accessories a-game as we’ve seen some Nintendo-inspired designs from them this year. The newest one that they’re releasing is a Game Boy cover for your Airpods charger. Basically, the “wrap” will turn your charger into the coolest thing ever, at least for those who can recognize the now-classic Game Boy design. It’s similar to the MagSafe wallet that they recently announced as well.

The wrap is compatible for the Apple 35W Dual USB-C Power Adapter that powers up your Airpods. It basically looks like the Game Boy interface with the face buttons, D-Pad, and other elements that you’re used to seeing in the Nintendo device. Of course these don’t have any function except to be nostalgic aesthetic. It uses soft silicone material and has a larger cutout around the dual USB-C jacks so it can be used with any cable thickness.

It is a pretty cute addition to your charger and aside from looking cool, it is also able to protect it from scratches, bumps, drops, dirt, and oils because of the material. It is available in Light Grey, Black, and Sand Pink and costs only around $15.

The post Airpods charger cover brings you the Nintendo Gameboy feels first appeared on Yanko Design.

Macintosh-inspired Wireless Charging Stand combines Nostalgia with MagSafe and Wireless Charging

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For those of us who were already alive and aware when the original Macintosh made its bow on January 1984, seeing any vintage design that is inspired by this classic is always nostalgic. We’ve been seeing a resurgence of all kinds of vintage-inspired designs on more modern gadgets and devices to blend the old and the new. elago is one such brand that has been coming up with more nostalgic magsafe and old-school Mac inspired accessories to go together with your iPhones, AirPods, Apple Watch, etc. This latest one is sure to appeal to the classic Mac lovers.

Designer: elago

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The MagSafe MS M4 Charging Stand is a charging stand for your iPhone that brings back the classic retro design of the Macintosh. It also helps reduce clutter on your table when you need to juice up your smartphone and of course do it in nostalgic style. It is made from premium silicone so it should be able to protect your device from scratches and even the spot on the desk where you will be placing the charger. It also adds a grip to to the surface that it’s resting on and has ventilation holes so your device won’t overheat.

You will need to have your own MagSafe charger which will be attached to the charging stand which then allows you to attach your iPhone in place. As it’s charging, you will also be able to use it to take phone calls and do video calls as well. It is also compatible with the StandBy mode that turns your device into an ambient smart display if you’re already sporting iOS 17. It is compatible with the iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 series. If you’re not using the charging stand, it still looks cute sitting there on your table with the mini Macintosh design complete with the classic cursive “hello.” greeting.

The charging stand doesn’t have any other new additional feature aside from being a stand that charges your iPhone or a stand to hold your device if you’re using it for calls or video conferences. But if you’re looking for something cute and nostalgic, then it’s something that you’d want to add to your collection. And at just $28.99, it’s not that of an expensive addition.

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The post Macintosh-inspired Wireless Charging Stand combines Nostalgia with MagSafe and Wireless Charging first appeared on Yanko Design.

Attach a faux Game Boy magnetic wallet to your iPhone

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A lot of “vintage” gadgets and devices are back but not everything is in their original iteration. Not all of these are still working per se since there’s a reason why they became outdated but that doesn’t mean they can’t come back in one form or another. A lot of these older gadgets are now being retrofitted as design concepts. So if you see someone walking around with a Game Boy attached to their phone, that’s not really an actual Game Boy.

Designer: elago

The latest addition to elago’s Nintendo themed Apple accessories is the Game Boy MagSafe wallet, which is exactly what its name says. It’s a magnetic wallet that you can snap on to the back of your MagSafe iPhone (from the 12, 13, 14, and 15 series) where you can store up to two cards. It has RFID blocking material so yur cards will not be affected by electromagnetic waves.

What makes this silicone magnetic wallet unique is that its design is inspired by Nintendo’s Game Boy which will bring on the nostalgic feels for anyone who has played this classic gaming console at one time or another. From the display to the red buttons to the D-pad to the start and select buttons, it has captured the exact design and vibes of the typical Game Boy that we used to know and love.

Since it’s actually a wallet for your two cards, it has a button that will help push the cards out. And since you also have to hold both the phone and attached Game Boy Magsafe wallet, there’s a groove near the bottom so you’ll have a good ergonomic grip. It’s now available for purchase at just $19, if you want to make your iPhone look cooler.

The post Attach a faux Game Boy magnetic wallet to your iPhone first appeared on Yanko Design.

Adorably nostalgic AirTag case makes your tracking device look like an Apple iPod Shuffle

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Apple’s tiniest iPod just happens to have the perfect form factor to become a case for the company’s tiny tracking device!

The Shuffle AirTag Case from elago is just the perfect accessory for any true blue Apple nerd. Designed to look almost exactly like a 4th Gen iPod Shuffle, this tiny legend just happens to be a protective case for your AirTag. Made from soft silicone, it protects your tracking device from bumps and scratches, while a keyring lets you secure it to bags, backpacks, etc. Manufactured to stunning detail, it also happens to perfectly capture the iPod Shuffle’s sheer iconic beauty, with the circular interface on the front, to even the switch and 3.5mm audio input on the bottom!

Designer: Elago

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The Shuffle AirTag Case comes in two colors – mint green and black, although I wholeheartedly prefer the latter. It’s one out of many of elago’s wonderful ‘Blast from the Past’ series of cases and covers for Apple devices and captures the fun history of Apple’s journey as a tech giant that went on to disrupt computers, music players, and then phones. This adorable crossover has the AirTag cosplaying as Apple’s smallest iPod, with dimensions that match the iPod Shuffle just perfectly.

The Shuffle Case’s silicone construction allows you to snugly fit the AirTag in, with its metallic disc base sticking out from the back. The silicone design in no way inhibits or blocks the AirTag’s tracking and broadcasting abilities, although you may find the ringing to be a little muffled. Moreover, if you’ve custom-engraved your AirTag, you won’t be able to see it since the white plastic element faces inwards. However, that’s a pretty small price to pay for what I easily believe is one of the most creatively nostalgic AirTag cases you can own!

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The post Adorably nostalgic AirTag case makes your tracking device look like an Apple iPod Shuffle first appeared on Yanko Design.

Elago’s new Airpods Pro case is shaped like a camera and holds an Apple AirTag inside its ‘camera lens’

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Elago Snapshot Apple AirPods Case with AirTag

While all AirPods come with the Find My feature, Elago’s Snapshot for the Apple AirPods Pro case gives it another layer of security, letting you efficiently track it using the AirTag’s UWB chip and even locate it when your AirPods Pro is completely discharged.

It isn’t uncommon for most people to put protective covers on their AirPods cases. With their glossy plastic exterior, those cases are prone to scuffing and scratching, and the fact that they’re all-white just makes them easy to get dirty. The guys at elago figured that if you’re going to put a cover on your AirPods Pro case, you might as well add a few more features to it. The Snapshot case for the AirPods Pro comes with a camera-shaped design that neatly houses an AirTag inside the faux camera lens. Aside from looking like a tiny little point-and-shoot, the Snapshot protects your AirPods Pro from physical damage as well as theft. The all-silicone design helps absorb shock, while still enabling wireless charging… and the fact that you’ve now got an AirTag strapped to your AirPods Pro makes it really easy to use the Find My feature to track the exact location of your earphones.

Designe: elago

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Elago Snapshot Apple AirPods Case with AirTag

The Snapshot’s overall design pays a hat-tip to Leica’s cameras (for their clean design and their repeated collaborations with ex-Apple CDO Jony Ive). Available in Black, White, and a Sand Pink, the cases sport a red-colored faux shutter button on the top, and space for an AirTag on the front. The AirTag can be fitted forwards as well as backwards, letting you either have the Apple logo facing forwards, or flip it over to reveal the custom emoji or initials Apple allows you to etch on your AirTag. The Snapshot comes with a carabiner clip too, letting you carry your tiny little faux camera with you on your belt loop or attached to your backpack!

Elago Snapshot Apple AirPods Case with AirTag

Elago Snapshot Apple AirPods Case with AirTag

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The post Elago’s new Airpods Pro case is shaped like a camera and holds an Apple AirTag inside its ‘camera lens’ first appeared on Yanko Design.

elago’s Apple Pencil protective case turns your stylus into a nostalgic rubber-tip graphite pencil

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I don’t know about you, but those generic yellow pencils with pink erasers were a very strong part of my childhood. I practically grew up on them, developed a love for sketching, took on a career in Industrial Design, and I’m finally here, reliving those fond memories through elago’s Apple Pencil cover cases.

Designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, elago’s Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) covers come with that familiar hexagonal pencil aesthetic, complete with the rubber-tip at the back. Slip them onto your Pencil and apart from giving you a blast from the past, the covers enhance your grip, thanks to the silicone construction, and protect your hardware from accidental drops and scratches. Moreover, the cover is compatible with the iPad Pro and even supports charging the Pencil by magnetically attaching it to the side of your tablet!

Designer: elago

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This Apple TV cover-case makes your set-top box look like a Nintendo console!

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Elago is back with a nostalgic revival project… although this time, it isn’t a cover-case for the AirPods or the Apple Watch. The Elago T4 is a silicone cover that slips around your Apple TV set-top box, transforming it from a sleek black device to a grey SNES-inspired gaming console. In fact, there’s a cover-case for the remote too, turning its back surface into a faux controller complete with the XYAB and D-Pad buttons.

Of course, there are some who’d prefer the cutting-edge black aesthetic of the Apple TV, but what the Elago T4 does is introduce a nostalgic touch to the device. Sure, it’s meant for a subset of gadget-lovers and not everyone, but for its target audience, the T4 provides a beautiful bit of nostalgia while also giving your set-top box a nice, impact-resistant cover-case! Oh, and that lanyard on the TV remote case REALLY makes it easy to carry and use.

Designer: Elago

Elago’s case gives your AirPods Pro a protective leather robe

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Designed to ensconce your $249 AirPods Pro in a rather dapper looking encasement, elago’s leather case for the AirPods Pro wraps your portable earphones in 100% veggie-tanned natural cowhide leather. Stamped out of a single leather sheet, the case comes together to protect as well as differentiate your case from the bunch. Available in black, brown, burgundy, and blue, the case comes with a brass fastener and a slim brass carabiner that you can use to hang the case from your bag, belt-loop, or anywhere else. Each case even comes with a conveniently placed cutout on its base to let you plug a lightning cable in while charging. Neat!

Designer: elago

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This iPod-inspired AirPods case is a music (and podcast) lover’s absolute dream!

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I personally believe the audio industry owes a massive debt of gratitude to Apple. The company has singlehandedly caused ripples in the industry ever since the iPod. Whether it’s the tiny music playback device, or the birth of iTunes and the death of music piracy, or the removal of the headphone jack and the ushering of the wireless age of AirPods (or even the fact that Apple literally invented the podcast), it’s undeniable that a major chunk of the past 20 years have been pretty much governed by what Apple has said or done.

Elago’s AW6 cases for the AirPods help cover that journey from beginning to end. Designed to mimic the iPod Classic’s jog-dial, the silicone sleeve for the AirPods are a nice bookmark in time, while also acting as a protective cover for your AirPods case. Compatible with 1st and 2nd gen AirPods, the sleeve comes with a slot for the charger as well as a carabiner clip so you can hang that piece of audio-nostalgia from your belt-loop or your backpack… and that tiny hole right above the menu for the charging light just sweetens the deal!

Designer: Elago

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