Got a tip for us?Let us know

a. Send us an email
b. Anonymous form

iPhone5mod Launches Ultrathin Keyboard and Game Controller for iPhone 5

Wednesday January 2, 2013 6:55 AM PST by Eric Slivka

Over the past several months, we've been following the progress of iPhone5mod, one of several companies that have developed unauthorized versions of Apple's new Lightning connector, allowing them to launch a number of accessories, adapters, and cables for customers frustrated by the slow pace of development on official solutions.

iPhone5mod is now launching an interesting new product today in the form of an ultrathin keyboard/game controller for the iPhone 5. The $49.90 EX Hybrid Game Controller consists of a thin back cover for the iPhone that provides magnetic attachment for a pair of 2-mm thick aluminum plates: one offering a keyboard and a second containing gamepad controls. The plates also include integrated batteries for up to 40 hours of active use, with a separate charging station for the plates included in the package.

Top Rated Comments

genovelle

170 months ago

Cool! This is why the iPhone trumps Google phones. Having one form factor that won't get dumped every 6 months means that companies can create very special accessories and know they have time to market and recoup their investment. 3 years minimum 5, 5s, and then kept at least one year after the next generation is released at a lower price. The benefit for owners is not only do they get a new phone via next generation software updates which are rare on the Google side, they can use accessories like these to customize their hardware.

----------

I prefer the will.i.am one.

I thought that was a camera upgrade.

Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Simplicated

170 months ago

Attaches magnetically... I wonder what impact does it have on the magnetometer.

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

flashflooder

170 months ago

The extra battery life is more enticing than the keyboard/game controller.

it doesn't add battery life to your phone, they're talking about the battery life of the accessory itself.

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Digital Skunk

170 months ago

Cool! This is why the iPhone trumps Google phones. Having one form factor that won't get dumped every 6 months....

Nice to see that some are still making things up, or are still choosing to remain uninformed/blinded.

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

TMar

170 months ago

Please keep your giant magnetic device away from my credit cards.

Thank you.

Modern credit cards can't be degaussed by even rare earth magnets...

Agreed.
Moreoever, in my view "Magnet = NOT OK!"

Why?

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Christoffee

170 months ago

I prefer the will.i.am one.

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 12 New Features

Thursday January 15, 2026 10:56 am PST by Joe Rossignol

While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another eight months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models, as of January 2026: The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID...

• 70 comments

New Leak Reveals iPhone 18 Pro Display Sizes, Under-Screen Face ID, and More

Wednesday January 14, 2026 7:09 am PST by Joe Rossignol

While the iPhone 18 Pro models are still around eight months away, a leaker has shared some alleged details about the devices. In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo this week, the account Digital Chat Station said the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will have the same 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Consistent with previous...

• 65 comments

Apple Adjusts Trade-In Values for iPhones, Macs, and More

Thursday January 15, 2026 11:19 am PST by Joe Rossignol

Apple today updated its trade-in values for select iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models. Trade-ins can be completed on Apple's website, or at an Apple Store. The charts below provide an overview of Apple's current and previous trade-in values in the United States, according to the company's website. Most of the values declined slightly, but some of the Mac values increased. iPhone ...

• 54 comments

These 5 Apple Products Will Reportedly Be Upgraded With OLED Displays

Friday January 16, 2026 7:07 pm PST by Joe Rossignol

Apple plans to upgrade the iPad mini, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, iMac, and MacBook Air with OLED displays between 2026 and 2028, according to DigiTimes. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that the iPad mini and MacBook Pro will receive an OLED display as early as this year, but he does not expect the MacBook Air to adopt the technology until 2028 at the earliest. A new iPad Air is...

• 65 comments

Verizon Offering $20 Credit After Major Outage, Here's How to Get It

Thursday January 15, 2026 7:37 am PST by Joe Rossignol

Verizon today announced it will be offering customers a $20 account credit after a major outage on Wednesday, and action is required to receive it. The carrier said affected customers can accept the credit by logging into the My Verizon app, but it might take some time before this option shows up in the app. Affected customers will receive a text message when the credit is available. On...

• 50 comments