10 Cases At CES 2016 That Were More Than Just Fashion Accessories
Cases, Covers And Bags
Though drones and gadgets were the center of attention at CES 2016, there was one product that also took up a large portion of the show floor -- cases.
From smartphone covers to tablet tote bags, a bevy of companies including Brookstone and Ballistic showed off their coolest cases at CES. And today's cases aren't just fashion accessories -- they can charge phones, protect tablets from sand and snow, and even act as a mounting stand.
Following are 10 of the coolest cases for tablets, smartphones, and wearables that caught our eye at CES.
CTA Anti-Theft Case For Tablets
CTA's iPad case serves three purposes -- it protects a tablet from getting stolen, safeguards the device from bumps and scratches, and acts as a built-in standing mount.
This case, available now for $30, is padded with foam for impact resistance, and locks together with a galvanized twisted steel core and coated security cable, allowing users to safely lock up their iPads anywhere. The case, while only compatible with iPads, also contains a built-in stand on the back with eight different viewing levels so users can easily work from any location on their tablet.
Ballistic Urbanite Case For The iPhone 6
Ballistic showed off its case for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S at CES. Dubbed the Urbanite case, this cover is all about protecting the smartphone.
The Urbanite case, available for $15, is engineered with HexTec six-sided drop-protection technology, which prevents the iPhone 6 from all sides. The case also contains anti-scratch coating and high-polish finish.
NuAns Customizable Smartphone Covers
The NuAns Neo is a $380 Windows 10 smartphone, set to be shipped later in January, that allows users to customize their smartphones using a combination of covers on the back.
This product comes with two removable back covers that can be customized to feature two-tone combinations depending on the user's tastes. These covers can also be made from different materials such as wood or faux leather, as well as the option of a flip cover that can hold a credit card.
MyBat Challenger Polygon Case For iPhones
MyBat, a wireless accessory manufacturer, displayed its Challenger cover lineup for iPhones at CES. MyBat's Challenger case is made of clear, scratch-resistant polycarbonate backing that is both stylish but also shows off the exterior of the iPhone.
The slide-resistant case touts impact-absorbing technology that guards the smartphone from bumps and drops, and also provides complete access to all ports and buttons on the iPhone. The Challenger case is compatible with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s and is available for $20.
Altec Lansing 'Everything-Proof' Case For iPhone
Altec Lansing at CES unveiled its collection of "everything-proof" chargers, power banks, cables -- and phone cases. The "Everything Proof" smartphone case is built to provide maximum protection for the iPhone 6 and Galaxy S5 or S6 smartphones.
This rugged casing can help a smartphone survive a 5-foot drop with 360-degree impact protection, as well as safeguarding against dirt and water. The Altec Lansing case is scheduled for a spring 2016 release and is priced at $30.
InCase iPad Pro Icon Sleeves
At CES, InCase took the wraps off new sleeves intended for Apple's recently released iPad Pro. Thin, light and flexible, the Icon sleeve contains shock-absorbing Tensaerlite, which ensures maximum protection, a magnetic snap on the front to offer secure closure and easy access to the device, and layers of premium panels and faux-fur-lined interior walls to offer enhanced support. This sleeve is available on InCase's website for $69.
Brookstone Bluesmart Carry-On
At CES, Brookstone showcased a new Bluesmart Carry-On case that it called "smart luggage."
This $399 carry-on case can track itself with a GPS locator and weigh itself so that users can ensure they are complying with airport baggage weight requirements.
The carry on contains a built-in 10,000 mAh power bank and two USB ports, allowing it to charge users' tablets, phones or laptops as they wait for their flights.
Speck Pocket VR With Candyshell Grip
Virtual reality was a big topic at CES, and Speck's Candyshell Grip case, which will go on sale in the spring for $70, brings VR experiences straight to the smartphone.
This case enables certain smartphones, including the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s and Samsung Galaxy S6, to be transformed into an immersive VR experience through its portable design. The case contains compact design folds that flatten for ultimate portability, and can pop out to transform the smartphone into a small VR headset. It also contains retractable side panels that shield the lenses from dust and scratches.
Wetsuit Impact Case For iPhone 6
Wetsuit's impact case for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s, on display at CES, protects from all smartphone dangers, including dust and dirt.
This $80 case, currently available, features high-standard 9H flexible glass impact screen protection and a high-performance screen coating for anti-fingerprint, anti-smudge and anti-scratch features. On the edges of the phone is a rubber bumper that gives an extra layer of shock protection to the casing for added durability. The rugged phone case meets tough military standards and can withstand drops from 6.6 feet.
Clic 360 Drop-Proof Case
With the Clic 360 case, manufacturer Native Union prides itself on maximum protection and minimal bulk.
The rugged case contains internal 3-D rubber mesh and a shock-absorbing screen bumper, as well as military-grade drop-proof protection that gives the iPhone 360-degree protection. This case is currently available for $30 and comes in a variety of colors, including black, green, red and dark blue.