The billing system will use the same backend as in-app purchases. Developers will be able to set up the billing interval for subscription services and Google Play will handle the recurrence on the backend. Consumers will be able to login to their Google Play account and view their subscriptions as well as change them.

Apps requiring a subscription will have to state the price and the billing interval such as weekly, monthly, or yearly right on the app page so there aren’t any surprises for consumers. The subscription service is already being adopted by game developer Glu with a special currency subscription networks across any of the company’s games.

[via Android Developers]

The Idostand has two rotating arms that allow for the optimal positioning of your iPhone. There are no additional parts, and the case/stand has a hinged system that allow the arms to snap into place whenever they’re not in use. The case is minimal but does protect your phone as well. Hopefully, it won’t have some of the antenna interference issues that other metal cases have had, or the final design will be made out of another material.

The Idostand will soon be raising funds over on Kickstarter, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re interested in getting one.

[via designboom]

FYLM unfolds and attaches to itself using a magnetic latch. It uses a film speaker that’s less than 0.25mm thick, allowing it to be a lot less cumbersome than other portable speakers. It’s supposed to deliver full and rich directional sound, but that claim needs to be tested. The FYLM speaker needs no battery, as it’s powered by your music device’s 3.5mm audio jack – which means it’s unlikely to be very loud.

It will come in several different colors, each with matching cables. It was created by the Design Affairs Studio. No price nor availability has yet been set as the product is still under development.

[via Looks Feels Works]

Created by web developer/hardware tinkerer Charles Mangin, the PressurePen uses an audio signal to communicate how hard you’re pressing on the stylus while you draw. Rather than use an audible signal though, it sends data through the iPad’s audio jack to let it know the pressure level, passing at least 1000 levels of pressure information to the tablet. This means that it’s the first tethered stylus I’ve seen. Now that isn’t necessarily a bad thing – you’ll never lose your pen, so long as it’s plugged in.

The chunky looking PressurePen looks more like a fat marker than a skinny technical pen, but I actually think that’s a good idea, since drawing with pens which are too skinny doesn’t feel right either. Trust me, I’ve tried with the iPen – a horribly disappointing device. While the Jaja and Jot Touch pens also promise pressure sensitivity, the Jaja could have issues with audio interference because of the way it works. On the other hand, the Jot Touch uses Bluetooth, so expect it to burn battery for both stylus and iPad. I also HATE the goofy see through plastic tip on both of them. On the other hand, the more simple design of the PressurePen should get the job done, without the battery or interference issues, and it has a chiseled stylus tip that looks pretty usable.

Charles plans on making the PressurePen compatible with Android tablets as well, and will be making both the software and hardware Open Source, so you’ll be able to create your own, or make improvements.

The PressurePen is selling for just $60 (USD) fully assembled, and $30 in kit form (though you have to print your own 3D shell.) If you’re interested in one, head on over to PressurePen’s Kickstarter page and pledge in the next few days. They’re nearing their $10,000 fundraising goal, but need some more orders to push it across the finish line by May 31st.

Currently a mere concept, the geniuses behind Ions dream that their invention will have a magnetic base, a pivoting hinge and possibly a dimming function.

You can help make Ions a real product by going to Kickstarter Quirky and answering a short survey regarding its development.

[via Fancy]

The condom-like Case Marine is only 0.25mm thick and has a JIS rating of IPX8, which means that it’s waterproof to nearly 33 feet. That’s pretty amazing for something so thin. Naturally, you’ll need to peel it off in order to use the dock connector or headphone jack. The current version works with iPhone 4/4S and Samsung Galaxy II phones, but an iPad version is in the works as well.

The premium version of the Gooma Case Marine sells for as little as $38 if you happen to live in Japan, but if you must have one, you can find it at the Japan Trend Shop for the rather ridiculous price of $71(USD) – plus shipping.

[DigInfo via DVice]

The Converge has four USB outlets and the wires can be neatly tucked away thanks to its “Stash” cable management system. The main platform is curved so that it can cradle your devices safely. It looks like it will fit a tablet as well as a couple more devices without any problems, and its design is generic enough to look good with just about any gadget you can set on it.

Quirky states that it will charge most USB devices, though the Blackberry Torch, Curve and Barnes & Noble Nook aren’t compatible. The Converge sells for $39.99(USD) over at Quirky.

[via Ubergizmo]

The gTar was launched as a Kickstarter project. It has actual strings, and uses sensors to relay what you are playing to a custom iPhone app, which is supposed to help people learn to play the guitar more easily. The array of integrated LEDs along the fretboard will light up to show you how to play. Each note is relayed to the iPhone, which then produces the sound. There’s even a feature called SmartPlay that mutes incorrect notes. (They could also call this “Cheat mode.”)

It’s more of a learning tool than a replacement for a real guitar, though it does offer a “free play” mode where you can play it once you’ve built up your confidence. In just a couple of days, the project raised the necessary $100,000 to be fully funded. There are still 34 days left. Will it do $10 million like the Pebble smartwatch? You’ll need to pledge at least $399(USD) to get yours (the introductory batch of 200 already sold out for $350.)

Cwtfozzy rescued this old iMac G4 from eBay for £50 (~$80 USD). He basically gutted the iMac G4 and then fiddled with it so that his iPad would fit into the screen area. It’s surprising how good this looks.

He didn’t spend too long customizing it and the results speak for themselves. If you want to try this for yourself, you can probably find a cheap, broken one on eBay, like cwtfozzy did.

[via Cult of Mac]

The new Arcadie jumps into the iPhone arcade controller market with two key differences – one, it’s aiming for a reasonable price, and two, it skips Bluetooth, avoiding the battery drain for both iPhone and controller. It does this using a bit of “low tech” trickery, using a couple of pads and a series of wires which tap spots on the bottom of your gadget’s screen, rather than any sort of electronic connection. Clever – but I’m not sure how responsive or durable this setup will be.

The Arcadie looks like a miniature arcade cabinet, and comes complete with an 8-way joystick and a pair of buttons for your mashing pleasure. Just pop your iPhone or iPod Touch into the dock in the back of the Arcadie, flip it into place, and start playing. At this point, there are only a handful of games, but Zeon, the makers of the Arcadie say there will be “numerous games” from the App Store at launch for free. One thing to keep in mind is that the Arcadie intentionally shows only part of the iPhone’s screen, so games play in traditional arcade landscape orientation.

Looking on their website, there are at least six games planned – all of which are clones or similar to classic arcade games. I only wish that Apple would establish a standard API for third party controllers (at least up/down/left/right and buttons) – that way, all games could be compatible with all of these controllers. Oh well, I can dream, can’t I?

Zeon says they recently secured Apple approval, and will be releasing the Arcadie “very soon.” Pricing hasn’t been finalized, but they expect it to sell for just about £20/$30 (USD).

But even though I think the CordLite is overkill for its intended purpose, I see its value if I treat it as a Swiss Army cable. It’s a cable and a flashlight!

Pledge at least $30 (USD) to CordLite’s Kickstarter fund and you’ll be one of the first to own one if it goes into production. I suggest you order a backup CordLite for when you can’t find the first one.

[via Zagg]

Here’s a demo video in case you just can’t fathom how the cable works:

You can order the DualJack from iLuv for $30 (USD). It also has a second variant that pairs the iOS connector with Samsung’s proprietary connector.

[via Gear Diary]

This is the reason why I think the Ö Case concept design by Löytö Esineiden is such a good idea. It’s probably going to be a huge hit, too, since I know a lot of people who are looking for something exactly like it.

Aside from keeping your phone safe and secure, it comes with a screen-cleaning slider that will get rid of all those annoying fingerprints and grease marks, just by swiping it up and down the screen.

It also has two slots at the bottom where you can hook your earphones through it after you wind it over your device, so you can finally say goodbye to messy and tangled earphones. Pretty neat, huh?

[via Yanko Design]

The Moshi iGlaze with VersaCover was unveiled at CTIA last week and it will allow you to prop up your tablet in portrait or landscape orientation by flexing it at various fold points. The cover attaches to your iPad using magnets, and has a soft microfiber finish to protect your screen. I’ve always thought that the Smart Cover was nice, but a bit limited in terms of the angles you can use it at.

The VersaCover package includes an iGlaze, which is a clear backing case for your iPad to protect it from scratches too. It will be available this June and will sell for $60 (USD).

[via Gizmag via Ubergizmo]

The Rukus Solar comes with two speakers with a built-in carrying handle. The front panel has the music controls as well as a monocrystal solar grid. The control panel uses e-ink, for added visibility and low power consumption. The battery will power the speakers for 8 hours, and it takes 6 hours to juice it up in direct sunlight. It can also be connected via an AC adapter for speed up this process. Rukus comes with a USB port so that it can charge up other devices.

The Rukus is available in green, black, and white. You can get it for $150(USD) over at Amazon.

[via designboom]

These Ear Adapters were created by the Chilean-born, Paris-based designer JC Karich, and allow users to transform earbuds into over-the-ear headphones. This means that you can take your earbuds on the go, and when you want the stability or looks of headphones you can have them easily enough.

The whole thing is 3D-printed and even comes with cushioning. If you like the design, you can freely download the schematics from Thingiverse and print them out on a 3D printer.

[via designboom]

The Etcher case was recently launched as a Kickstarter project. The knobs will actually work just like a real Etch A Sketch, allowing users to draw straight lines on the iPad’s screen. Plus, the whole tablet will erase itself when you shake it. The case will work with an official app on the App Store, so there is no need to jailbreak your iPad to use it.

The Etcher case is available starting at $60(USD), but there are other versions up for grabs in the next 30 days, and there’s an early adopter deal for the first 100 people to get one for just $45. At the time of writing, the Kickstarter project had amassed $5,295 out of a projected $75,000, with 30 days left for funding, so it’s got a long way to go. Of course, you could always just spend $15 and buy an actual Etch A Sketch.

The charger uses small cartridges filled with butane about the size of a lighter that are actually made by lighter manufacturers. Each little cartridge has enough butane to recharge the iPhone completely as many as 14 times. The company says that would be enough for about two weeks of use for most people.

The fuel cell charger is manufactured by Lilliputian Systems, but will be Brookstone branded. The little cartridges of refill butane reportedly cost a few dollars each, and will be able to be carried on an airplane. The manufacturer says the cartridges will cost about the same price as a cup of coffee from Starbucks (which could mean as much as eight or nine dollars each.)

[via CNET]

The Kudocase doubles as a stand, and uses photovoltaic ink technology to generate electricity from indoor or outdoor light. The device has a slim 4mm 10,000 mAh battery, and will also let other mobile devices, like smartphones and cameras, get juiced up via the built-in USB port. The solar charger is supposed to provide up to 10 days of power for the average user.

The case itself is rubber-coated and composed of biodegradable corn grain. Like any good iPad case, it supports automatic sleep/wake, and works at several angles. It also has a handy built-in HDMI port.

Kudocase began as a Kickstarter project and raised more than four times its initial funding goal. It’s now being produced in black, with more colors – blue, gray, green, and pink, being released at a later date. It sells for $190 at the Kudo shop and it starts shipping on May 11.

[via designboom]

When configured with an audible password, Voicelok will not be recognized by a computer even if it’s already plugged in, not until it “hears” the password via its built-in microphone. The phrase has to be 2 to 4 syllables long, but the real password is your own voice. It’s the way you say the password that unlocks the drive. It’s your voice that rouses it from slumber. Your voice brings it to life. Your voice makes it believe it can love again. What?

But obviously you still don’t want to say the password aloud when you’re in a crowded place. You’re just alerting spies and ninjas that you have top secret data and a high tech flash drive. Here’s where the secondary color-coded input comes in. Voicelok has two switches that toggle two LEDs, one red and one green. I think it’s even more secure than the voice password. Watch the video below to see what I mean.

Hammacher Schlemmer is selling the 8GB Voicelok USB drive for $50 (USD), but I guess inconvenience is the real price for added security. That confounding initial setup would drain my patience. Then again, I don’t have top secret data to protect. But that’s just what I would say if I did have top secret data. Does that mean I do have top secret data? Is it so important that even I don’t know about it? But that’s just what I would say if I did have top secret data and do know that I have it. Wait. So do I have top secret data or not? Aaaaargh…

[via Voicelok & Bonjour Life]