Accessories

Student makes an ID case with a power bank and USB flash drive

From the same guy who made a life-sized BB-8

Published

July 23, 2018

Daniel Morial

Image credit: Angelo Casimiro

Back when I was still in high school, I always carried my 128MB USB flash drive with me. Since it was very expensive back then, I made sure I didn’t lose it by tying it to my ID lace, along with my house keys. Today, there’s another necessity you should carry around: a power bank. You surely don’t want to hang a bulky battery on your neck, but that won’t be a problem with this ID case.

Angelo Casimiro, the Filipino student that created a working life-size BB-8, has a new creation: an ID case prototype with a power bank and a USB flash drive. Portable batteries are already built in to modern wallets and cardholders, so putting it into an ID case is a great idea for students.

Image credit: Angelo Casimiro

Casimiro’s ID case prototype is made using a 3D printer. It has a sizeable 3000mAh Li-poly battery and a pull-down USB flash drive with a whopping 128GB of storage. According to him, the overall weight of the ID case is just 50 grams.

The battery capacity of the ID case should be able to fully charge an iPhone or Android smartphone depending on battery size, while the 128GB storage is more than enough to store software, videos, and games.

Image credit: Angelo Casimiro

On the side, the ID case has a full-size USB port for charging portable devices and an LED battery level indicator. The built-in battery is charged through a micro-USB port just like a typical power bank. A pull-down USB connector is hidden beneath the case when you have to plug it into a computer.

“I usually offer my 3D Printing services and electronics expertise to fellow La Sallians for product prototyping and fabrication, but never have I had a client with such a brilliant idea. David Zinampan and his groupmates had an idea to sneak in a compact 3000mAh Li-poly battery inside a custom 3D-printed ID holder while stuffing in a 128GB pull-down USB flash drive,” said Angelo in his Facebook post.

The ID case is just a prototype and a college project, so you won’t see it in stores anytime soon. But, it could actually be a product designed for students by students.

This prototype is just one of the many creations of Angelo. He has his own YouTube channel called TechBuilder where he showcases his inventions and DIY projects.

Update (July 23, 2018): I reached out to Angelo to ask more details about the project. His post regarding the ID case power bank was just meant to be a showcase of another finished DIY project in collaboration with David Zinampan, Sarah Tan, Celine Solis, Andreana Gabrielle Yu Santos, and Ivan Yeung. He didn’t expect it to go viral outside his circle. The demand pushed them to work on its patent and look into mass production. If things go well, there are plans to start a company and sell the ID case power bank as a consumer product.

Accessories

Apple is reportedly working on its own gaming controllers

It might launch under the Beats brand.

Published

September 14, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Last week, the iPhone Duo changed how you look at the ubiquitous smartphone. Foldables are in, and Apple is right there with it. But the company isn’t stopping with the foldable segment. Apple is reportedly working on its own branded game controllers.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has been working on a controller since last year. Further, a piece of code linked to macOS 27.4, spotted by MacRumors, includes references to two unknown gaming controllers.

Because Apple just concluded its huge event this month, it will likely be a while before we see confirmation of this controller. And it could be anything. Of course, because the Duo is fresh on our minds, the easiest answer is a mobile controller than can maximize the foldable’s ability to stand by itself. It could also use Apple’s larger screens like the iPad, the MacBook, or the Mac. Some even speculate that this could be Apple’s stronger push into the gaming market.

Outside of the actual hardware, the reports are also claiming that the controller will arrive by way of Beats, rather than from Apple itself. At first, the branding comes off as a surprise, but then again, Beats hasn’t really evolved past an audio brand in a long, long time. Is it time to revitalize Beats as something more than just a peddler of headphones?

SEE ALSO: First Look: Apple iPhone Duo

Accessories

New AGON gaming monitor features up to 1000Hz refresh rate

New level of speed, flexibility for competitive gaming

Published

September 10, 2026

GadgetMatch

AGON by AOC has released the new AGON Pro AGP277QK dual-mode gaming monitor for the competitive segment.

This new offering features up to 1000Hz refresh rate at HD and 540Hz at QHD so gamers have the flexibility to prioritize either clarity or speed.

The 27-inch IPS gaming monitor comes with NVIDIA G-SYNC, synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU to help minimize screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag.

This is combined with 0.3ms MPRT and 1ms GtG response times for fast-moving action that is sharp and responsive, giving competitive players a clear visual advantage.

Moreover, the AGON Pro AGP277QK features VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification for enhanced contrast and more vivid, lifelike visuals.

Delta E < 1 color accuracy also provides precise color reproduction not just for gaming but even other scenarios like content creation.

For even smoother high frame-rate gameplay, MBR Sync combines motion blur reduction with variable refresh rate (VRR) technology. This helps maintain clarity during rapid movements.

The monitor also includes Low Input Lag, customizable Light FX ambient RGB lighting, Gaming Mode presets, and Shadow Control.

The display comes with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity, along with a height-adjustable stand and G-Menu support.

Accessories

CASETiFY upgrades iPhone 18 cases, teases iPhone Duo lineup

Duo case waitlist is live.

Published

September 10, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

CASETiFY is launching a new collection of cases and accessories for the iPhone 18 series, updating some of its most popular designs with refined finishes, new protection features, and expanded customization options.

Impact Case

The collection is led by the Impact Case, CASETiFY’s best-selling case with more than 19 million units sold worldwide. It uses an internal EcoShock™ design and Duo-Lock by CASETiFY™ bonding for impact absorption and dispersion. The case is tested for drops of up to 8.2 feet and 4x Military Standard 810G. It also features a scratch-resistant Glaze finish, raised bezel, precision-engineered camera control button, and MagSafe and wireless charging compatibility.

The Ultra Impact Case builds on the same family with redesigned, more rounded corners and reinforced structures with internal air cells. It is tested for drops of up to 11.5 feet and 6x Military Standard 810G. It also has a slimmer profile, multiple design options, and MagSafe compatibility.

Both cases are available in Ring Stand variants. These feature a built-in metal camera ring stand that adjusts up to 150 degrees, with a screwless hinge designed for durability and stable hands-free viewing. Select models are also available with Glitter and Mirror finishes.

Ripple Case

CASETiFY is also bringing its Ripple Case to the iPhone 18 lineup. The soft-touch silicone case features rippled edges and puffed corners, with protection tested for drops of up to 6.6 feet and 3x Military Standard 810G. New colorways include Banana, Dusty Blue, Blush Pink, and Fig, alongside Black and White.

For users who want more protection, the Bounce Case offers CASETiFY’s highest level of drop protection in the collection. Its Expanded Bounce Corners, TesseLock™ design, and enhanced Duo-Lock bonding support drop protection of up to 21.3 feet and 7x Military Standard 810G.

Alloy Ripple Case

The lineup also includes the Alloy Ripple Case, which reworks the Ripple’s sculptural design in aluminum with an EcoShock™ design and Duo-Lock bonding. It is tested for drops of up to 8.2 feet and 4x Military Standard 810G. The Cloud Case uses a quilted soft-touch design with pillowy bumpers and up to 6.6 feet of drop protection.

Beyond cases, CASETiFY is expanding its accessories with the Ripple Wallet, Grip Stands, Loop Grips, Jelly Wristlets, Bow Charm Wristlets, and other charm-compatible straps. The iPhone 18 cases range from USD 50 to USD 90 , while accessories range from USD 25 to $USD 45.

The collection is available beginning September 10 through CASETiFY. The company is also preparing a case lineup for the upcoming iPhone Duo, with its waitlist already live.