Could this be the luxury handbag of iPhone accessories? Slated to become available for purchase today at London’s Selfridges (i.e. one of the world’s most iconic department stores – a place I lost many hours to when I lived in London) is the much-hyped (and both praised and slammed) i.am+ foto.sosho for iPhone 4 and 4S. Why the handbag comment? Because it isn’t particularly practical or necessary, but just as with a designer bag, that’s beside the point.
Designed by the Black Eyed Peas’ Will.i.am, this tech accessory strives to be more than just a case. Shaped like a retro camera, each features three interchangeable lenses (fisheye, standard and wide angle), and the more expensive model has a slide-out keyboard that connects with your phone via Bluetooth. An upgraded version compatible with iPhone 5 is due out early next year.
While its detractors are rolling their eyes at the price (£199+) and the wisdom of buying this case when you could opt for a cheaper alternative add-on lens or an equivalently-priced camera that would offer superior imaging features, design and gadget nerds are more willing to embrace the device for its statement-making look and novelty appeal.
It may not be supremely practical, but, at the very least, it’s fun to look at and another example of the continued convergence of style and tech and, related to that, the continued trend towards tech gadgets that satisfy the same kind of consumer urges as, say, luxury handbags or statement baubles. If you’re into the looks of things, this might go nicely with another set of white and gold tech accessories we spotted recently.
More luxury tech accessories….