Back in January, we at Pure Mobile were following all the hottest news in mobile accessories with the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show. And among the emergent trends was an iPhone case that was as nostalgic as it was novel.

Mobile accessories maker Smallworks showed off a series of LEGO iPhone cases they had in the works, including some elaborate models, like space ships and dinosaurs.

Smallwork's T-Rex LEGO iPhone case, presented at CES 2013. Image courtesy of Mashable.

But another mobile accessories label, Belkin, also had their own LEGO-themed buildable iPhone cases out on display. And this week, they've officially announced a licensing deal with LEGO, meaning the little plastic building toys of our childhood will very soon be making their way onto our iPhone cases.

Excited yet?

Well, you should be, because the this promises to be one of the coolest iPhone cases in years, especially since you should be able to totally customize them with compatible LEGO pieces.

No word yet though on how functional or shock absorbant they'll be. And we doubt they'll be able to rival the likes of Griffin or OtterBox's full-protection models. But still, we find the kid in us sort of wins out over the practical adult, and the cool factor of these LEGO iPhone cases alone is bound to be worth something to anyone who grew up in the 80s or 90s.

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Sunita's Swarovski crytal-encrusted iPhone cases made Mashable's list of most blinged-out accessories at CES

If Liberace were around today, we know exactly what iPhone case he'd be rocking.

Wrapping up their coverage of the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Mashable rounded up some of the most blinged-out tech, like cell phone cases and headphones, from this year's CES.

And we couldn't help but marvel at (and maybe even admire) this line of iPhone cases  from Sunita, positively dripping with luxury in no subtle way at all. Sure, we've all seen sparkly, rhinestone-studded cell phone cases before.

But it's a much different story when the entire back of your phone is swathed in actual Swaorski crystals; those babies aren't cheap. Though Mashable never mentioned what Sunita's charging for these iced-out cases, other iPhone cases that merely use Swarovski crystals as an accent (think a crystal bumper) can start at $70 or $80.

We're not exactly sure what use anyone would have for such an elaborate iPhone case, except to be able to say they have one. We're not scientists but we're pretty sure crystal isn't the most shock-absorbing or durable material. In fact, we'd recommend getting a case for your case, in the event you drop it and a pricey crsytal or two pops out.

But if showing off in grand style is your thing, it may be worth it.

Incipio's Xgo iPhone 5 case, unveiled at CES, is waterproof up to 25 feet. Image courtesy of 9to5Mac.

Move over Liferpoof, there's a new waterproof iPhone 5 case in town. 9to5Mac reported on a new, seriously rugged case from Incipio, unveiled yesterday at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

The award-winning cell phone accessories maker's latest is the xGO, a rough-and-tumble iPhone 5 case that's waterproof up to 25 feet, and which the company has branded as an "action sports equipped case solution," ideal for the adventurous type.

The xGO blends a plextonium frame with a silicone core and sports a tempered glass screen, so that your iPhone isn't just protected underwater, but maintains full functionality as well.

Meanwhile, the case's mounting system allows you to "effortlessly mount the case to backpacks, bicycles, surfboards," and comes with a bunch of cool screw-in lenses for your phone's camera, like wide angle, fish eye, macro and zoom.

This latest Incipio iPhone case "provides our active enthusiast with the ability to protect their mobile device and take it with them on all their adventures,” said Incipio Chief Executive Andy Fathollahi in a statement. It's a solution that "changes the way you use your iPhone 5," the company says.

If you're a rugged, sporty or outdoorsy type and can't wait to get your hands on one, the xGO will start rolling out next month in a number of colors, and will be available along with add-ons like attachments, hardware, nylon hand straps and more.

Sony's Xperia Z, one of two new phones the company just unveiled at CES 2013

Last week, on Pure Mobile's Canadian blog, we reported on a leaked picture of two yet to be unveiled smartphones that prematurely popped up on Sony's website. The devices in question were quite clearly the newest additions to Sony's Xperia line, but we expected to have to wait until this week's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to get some real idea of their specs.

And now as expected, Sony has brought the Android-powered Xperia Z and Xperia ZL to CES 2013 in Las Vegas, where attendees got to have the first real hands-on with the new phones, both of which are "worth getting excited about," according to Gizmodo.

According to reports, both phones have just about the same internal specs. Each sports a 5-inch,1080p TFT Reality display and a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor. And both are LTE-capable, with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage.

Even the 13MP cameras are the same and both can capture HDR video, except that the Xperia ZL's is rear-facing and the Xperia Z's is front-facing.

Sony's Xperia ZL

So far, the reviews are mostly raves, with Gizmodo calling them "the best phones Sony has ever made, by a huge margin," and with Engadget claiming "Sony may have a bonafide hit on its hands with the Xperia ZL."

So what's really so great about them? Well, for starters, the sleek, glassy surface of the Xperia Z is totally waterproof for up to 30 minutes at up to 3 feet. Meanwhile, the ZL, which isn't waterproof, works as a universal remote. Both phones also boast an awesome Battery Stamina Mode feature, that turns your data stream off when your phone is idle, so your standby time will be increased by up to 400 percent.

For a while now, Sony phones have sort of been taking a backseat to other Android devices. But if the reception at this year's CES is any indication, their newest phones may just have them poised to take a much more aggressive position once the Xperia Z and Xperia ZL launch sometime around March.

Griffin just unveiled its latest accessories, like the PowerDock 5, at CES in Las Vegas

We're smack in the middle of the Consumer Electronics Show, which is a pretty big deal for us at Pure Mobile. That's because the annual CES event is basically the biggest event around for anyone interested in the newest and best in mobile technologies, like the latest in phones and accessories.

It's where most of the major names in mobile, like Samsung, Nokia and HTC choose to reveal new smartphones and other gadgets, and where it's we get the scoop on the best new accessories.

This year's CES is still going on in in Las Vegas, and already we've seen some cool stuff for from one of our favorite accessories makers, Griffin. The company's already well known for its iPhone, iPad and iPod accessories, like tough cases and the like. And CES 2013 has seen the launch of even more Apple accessories from the company.

Among Griffin's newest offerings is the PowerDock 5, a USB docking station for iPhone, iPad and iPod that works on what Engadget calls a "toast-rack" design and can charge multiple devices at once with a capacity of up to 5 iPads at once. Pretty cool for households with more than a couple of people, or for really geared up techies.

But Griffin has as just as big of a reputation for audio, and they're living up to it this year with the launch of new audio accessories like an updated Lightning version of their iPad StudioConnect, as well as a new Mic Stand Mount "that works like a traditional microphone performance stand," says 9to5Mac, but for iPad. Oh yeah, and they've also introduced a new studio-quality XLR to 3.5mm recording mic for iPhone and iPad, but it won't be available til June

No, you don't have to feel bad about having just bought a new case for your Samsung Galaxy S III. In fact, go ahead and get all the accessories you want, because your trusty old S III should be around for some time yet.

Despite what the rumor mill would have you believe, the unveiling of the Galaxy S IV is not imminent. A couple of days ago, we reported that Samsung had released a teaser video, telling us to "get ready" because "the world awaits [...] something new" January 8 to 11, 2013.

Those are of course the dates for the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a huge annual event for the consumer electronics industry, where, in the past, big players in mobile have unveiled new devices and accessories.

Needless to say, Samsung's promise of new and exciting developments started a whole whack load of speculation as to whether or not we might see the smartphone maker unveil a successor to the Galaxy S III – the Galaxy S IV.

Aside from the fact that the teaser video cited the dates of a major event where smartphone makers, including Samsung, have traditionally introduced their new hardware, we actually know that the company is preparing a new handset.

But alas, CNET has confirmed that Samsung will mostly be pushing smart TVs at this year's CES, and that the company most certainly will not be unveiling the Galaxy S IV. So for the time being, owners of the year's best selling smartphone can sit back and enjoy their Galaxy S III, brand new case and all.

With its Premium Suite upgrade, Samsung brings multi-window multitasking to the or Galaxy S III

You may already have received the new Jelly Bean update for your Samsung Galaxy S III, but there may be something even better on the way for your smartphone, reports Slashgear.

Along with their Android software upgrade, Galaxy S III users in Poland, India, the UK, France, Sweden, Italy, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Algeria have also been introduced to something Samsung is calling Premium Suite. The upgrade brings some of Samsung's newer features, designed for the more recent Galaxy Note II, to the Galaxy S III.

That includes features like screen splitting, which allows you to use different apps in separate windows at the same time. Meanwhile, other new features of the Premium Suite upgrade fall in to the "contextual awareness," category, says Slashgear.

The most notable among those is the predictive "Page Buddy" feature, designed to intuit the appropriate response to your actions, like "launching the music player when headphones are plugged in," says Slashgear.

Though the Premium Suite upgrade has so far only been released to Galaxy S III users outside of the North American Continent, there's no reason to assume it won't be heading to the U.S. at some point soon, even if you've already received your Jelly Bean update.

Oh, and as a bit of an aside, Premium Suite is hardly the last trick Samsung's got up its sleeve for the near future. Rather, the company has already been teasing in pictures and video, telling us to "get ready" as "something new" is coming in 2013.

Still from a Samsung teaser video promising "something new" in 2013

The general opinion is that Samsung will reveal their big surprise at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). But though the event has traditionally been a venue for new product launches, Mobile Syrup warns us not the get too excited over the possibility of a new Galaxy device, as "we probably won’t see the Galaxy S IV announced at CES."

Still, as you can imagine, the rumor mill is already turning, big-time.

By Adhurim Murtezai

After the shock and awe of the Consumer Electronics Show last month, Samsung is bringing us a more mid-range mobile device that will satisfy those consumers  who want more functionality without shelling out the money for a brand-new, top of the line smartphone. So, without further ado we introduce to you the Galaxy S Advance a welcome addition to the Samsung Galaxy cell phone line.

The following is an insightful video review of the Samsung Galaxy S Advance by Mobile Gazette

Customers will experience a zippy interface that is quick to open apps and multi-task on. The specs are solid, if not stellar. 4 inch Super AMOLED display gives a great visual experience and the middle-of-the road RAM and internal storage are pretty standard.   There are no current plans to move the mobile OS from Android Gingerbread to Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich.

Consumers can further enhance the Samsung Galaxy S mobility by optimizing aaplications with select accessories including stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and glider gloves all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

As Samsung’s President of IT & Mobile Communications Division, JK Shin noted, “The GALAXY S Advance adds to the successful track record of the GALAXY  smartphone range with a phone that combines power and style with all the versatility of Samsung’s Hub services.” This particular group of services is what will give users over 11 million music tracks, 2.3 million e-books, 3,500 magazine and 200 newspaper titles which are both excellent reasons to invest in good headphones and speakers.

For gamers, the ever-popular Game Hub puts thousands of catalogued games at users’ fingertips. As these may take up more juice, check the specs and requirements to see if a purchase of additional resources is needed.

And, in a move that will bring a more competitive offering to the new Nokia Windows Phone line, ChatON acts as a kind of people hub to interactively share content, group chat via video and voice and in general make messaging intuitive and easy. The last (and perhaps favorite) feature is Find My Mobile which is a unique lost-phone management system. Securing and encrypting data, ability to wipe the device data via Web or trace the device via Web is uber awesome.

All in all, Samsung looks to bring a best-of-both-worlds kind of phone to market and we look forward to seeing the smartphone in action!

By John Castell

There is no question that Samsung has the Android smartphone mastered at this point. With world-wide popularity and the manufacturer of the de facto line of Galaxy S 2  smartphones that are synonymous with “Android.” This set the bar high for a Samsung tablet. So far these expectations have fallen flat.

Hopefully this trajectory changes following the rumored cancellation of the Samsung Galaxy S III that was scheduled to launch at Mobile World Congress. According to Android And Me, the upcoming Galaxy Tab would be a great replacement with an Exynos 5250 processor with a 10 inch display and the Android 4.0 OS, Ice Cream Sandwich.

Turn your Samsung device into a power tool!  Discover select accessories such as; stylus & pens, micro SD memory cards, batteries, docking stations, Bluetooth headsets, data cables and glider gloves all specifically designed to make your devices functionally efficient and performance rich.

What gives this latest gossip credence is the prototype seen at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. And what will set this slate apart is the fact that it not only will have the Android 4.0 but will also be Samsung’s first mobile processor with ARM’s latest Cortex-A15 CPU core. This translates into double the computing power, augmented memory bandwidth, all-day battery life and a whopping five times the graphics horsepower of existing CPUs.

Leaving your valuable mobile devices unprotected is risky!  Discover the latest innovative protection solutions... stylish top brand bags, sleeves and cases specifically designed to protect your devices from scratches and blemishes.  Tough on the outside, sweet on the inside these brand name protection accessories combine complete device coverage with sleek artistic expression.

These kinds of next-gen specs could be the turning point in Samsung’s quest to make a significant play in the tablet market. If they add in some innovative, top of the line accessories to the next release they can compete and incentivize customers to add another Samsung device into their homes. Whether those are docking stations, wireless attachments, or just artistic and great protective covers, these kinds of add-ons have the ability to solidify the popularity in this market for Samsung.

There are no details on when this would be made available to the general public, but we will be sure to keep you informed of what Samsung’s offering will be.

By Aldo Panessidi

The furor and fervor of CES is slowly dimming after its close and industry and consumers alike now have a moment to digest all that was seen, shown and announced in Las Vegas last week. With 2011being an incredible year of innovation and development, the question of “how will 2012 compare?” spiked the excitement of this year’s convention. The result? 2012 tech is impressive.   Get complete overview of the CES manufacturer brand announcements on the 'All You Need to Know On CES 2012' blog.

From very innovative protective accessories, charging solutions, power solutions, earpieces and headsets for new tablets and unlocked cell phones, and any number of apps were brought around for our perusal in this modern-day bazaar. But which innovations took home the coveted CNET award for 2012? The readers and editors of CNET granted the Research In Motion owned QNX platform for their latest Blackberry smartphones and PlayBook 2.0 as well as for the best best car tech for its QNX CAR 2 application which will has impressive implications. Tying the mobile OS into the car keeps the consumer demand for technological entertainment at their fingertips while incorporating conversational voice recognition.

The concept Porsche Carrera demonstrates how the “one-touch Bluetooth pairing using Near Field Communications (NFC) eliminates the hassle of pairing the driver’s phone to the car. And experience how conversational voice recognition and in-vehicle controls enable drivers to use the car’s infotainment system easily and conveniently.” This could be the breakthrough innovation that breathes life back into RIM and launch a myriad of car tech and mobile  accessories.

On the smartphone front, Nokia took home the Best Smartphone award for the latest Nokia cell phone release the Lumia 900 (probably for its great interaction with Microsoft technology and adaptability with other tech accessories). Another pseudo-win for Microsoft is BlueStacks recognition for its technology that gives Windows 8 products the ability to run Android apps.

Android itself was recognized for its role in the impressive quad-core Ice Cream Sandwich ASUS Memo 370T tablet. A great alternative in the tablet market, industry spectators are bound to be anxious to see what additional accessories will be forthcoming to further enhance the capabilities of this technology.