Tag Archives: Elago

Elago’s Pager Case for the AirPods 4 may have VERY unfortunate timing, but it looks cute

Posted on by

I’m sure the folks at Elago had no idea pagers would be a hot geopolitical topic around the time they announced their cute AirPods cases but we definitely live in unprecedented times! Designed to look like the famed device from the pre-cellular era, this silicone cover-case fits around the AirPods 4, transforming it into a piece of retro tech! The cover is a part of Elago’s ongoing series that has turned the AirPods into mini iPod Shuffles, Macintoshes, and even the Apple Watch into a makeshift iPod Classic.

Designer: Elago

Click Here to Buy Now

Designed to be compatible with the AirPods 4 which launched just last week, this cover case is yet another part of Elago’s throwback design series. This time, the cover case looks like a pager, complete with a screen that reads Apple’s signature “Hello” but in seven-segment calculator-speak. The screen (which glows in the dark) is accompanied by faux buttons too, along with a chain and clip that you can use to attach the AirPods to your pant pocket.

For those born after the turn of the millennium, pagers were the evolutionary step right before portable cellular phones. Unlike cell-phones or mobiles that let you have conversations with other people, pagers were simply beepers. You’d give your pager number to people, and they’d call your pager. The screen would notify you that you received a call from someone, and you’d then have to find a landline phone to call them back. It wasn’t convenient, but it was compact, had a battery that lasted several days, and was a great way to get notified of a call without getting distracted by having to answer it. You’d see the number and call them back whenever convenient.

This cover case, like all of Elago’s cases, comes made from silicone, known for its rubbery soft exterior and impact resistance. The shock-proof silicone cover makes it a perfect pick for people who want to protect their AirPods from bumps, scratches, or any impact-based damage. Moreover, the screen (and buttons) even glow in the dark, mimicking the backlight of pager displays back in the day, while also allowing your AirPods to be visible and accessible in the dark!

The Elago Pager Case comes at a very ill-fated time, following the series of pager explosion attacks that occurred in Lebanon over the weekend. Although it seems like pagers might not be having a good media cycle for now, these cases may be a cute option once the news dies down and pagers are again remembered for what they truly are… being the iconic communication device of the early 90s, with doctors even today using them in the hospital wards and operation theaters over actual phones.

Click Here to Buy Now

The post Elago’s Pager Case for the AirPods 4 may have VERY unfortunate timing, but it looks cute first appeared on Yanko Design.

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Click Here to Buy Now

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.

Click Here to Buy Now

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

Posted on by

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.