What kind of accessory do you wish you have for your tablet or phone?

Posted Dec 19, 2012 at 1:15 am in Threads > Smartphones & Tablets

IPad has so much stuff out there as far as accessories for their products, not to say Android does not have some…but if you had you wish what would be the cool accessory you would want? Maybe someone will read this thread and step up and make some cool toys for us too.

49 Comments Join the discussion!

24 Mephisto 12/19/12 1:30 AM

Thumb up Thumb down +3
Really just an upgrade to existing accessories, higher capacity SD cards. Have 32GB cards in my phone and tablet. Had a 1TB external HDD plugged into the tablet via USB, until it fried, haven’t bought a new one yet. I would like to have that capacity in my SD card. I know we’ll get there eventually, I just want it now.

Reply
- 54 BrotherBloat 12/19/12 5:52 AM
  
  Thumb up Thumb down +1
  Are you using this at home? Perhaps a solution for you would be getting a NAS HDD and accessing it through wifi, instead of cabling yourself in?
  
  Reply
  - 65 rewagner 12/19/12 10:05 AM
    
    Thumb up Thumb down 0
    I do something like this. I access my desktop computer remotely and use the 1TB I have there. Also working on setting up another drive to my router via USB for the whole family.
    
    Reply
    - 24 Mephisto 12/19/12 11:11 AM
      
      Thumb up Thumb down 0
      I didn’t just use it at home. I had the HDD velcroed to the back of my tablet case for mobility. My tablet is my computer/entertainment center. I had approximately 600MB filled on the HDD with e-books, comics, music and a few movies. I don’t know why the HDD died, it was only in use a couple of months. One day it started clicking and won’t read. I’ll get a new one eventually, for now I’m just putting stuff on my tablet then taking it off when I’m done.
      
      Reply
44 Auzo 12/19/12 2:37 AM

Thumb up Thumb down +5
From a tablet perspective i would love there to be “better” cases. By better I mean smarter not super bulky high quality material, or built to take a bullet. I want them to be practical and lightweight, without blocking ports and such.

I’m no fan of Apple, but there smart cases are really something.

Reply
- 78 golfpedaler 12/19/12 11:12 AM
  
  Thumb up Thumb down +2
  I agree 100%…I have a Nexus 10 and I’m somewhat disappointed in the lack of quality cases/smart covers. Everything seems to be cheap pleather. Hopefully, more accessory suppliers will start to produce/sell more quality items.
  
  Reply
  - 81 epps720 12/20/12 11:50 AM
    
    Thumb up Thumb down +1
    I’m in the same boat. I have a Transformer Infinity and it’s really tough to find a case that houses both the tablet and keyboard that isn’t super bulky.
    
    Does anyone out there happen to have a recommendation?
    
    Reply
21 cjleines 12/19/12 4:25 AM

Thumb up Thumb down +1
I want more console gaming integration. Smart glass is a step in the right direction, and the Wii U has a touch screen unit, but I want to do Wii U type gaming on my android phone.

I know it isn’t technically an accessory, but all the accessories that I can think of are already made. I just can’t afford them :)

Reply
- 65 rewagner 12/19/12 9:56 AM
  
  Thumb up Thumb down 0
  I would love it if I could take my ASUS TF201 and just attach to a game console (wifi of course) like Wii U and go that would be so cool. I do know I am supposed be able to play PS games on my tablet but have not tired yet.
  
  Reply
66 Teebor 12/19/12 4:45 AM

Thumb up Thumb down +1
I’d just be happy with a decent dock for my phone, I think that there are ones out there but I think they are more generic

Reply
54 BrotherBloat 12/19/12 5:56 AM

Thumb up Thumb down +2
nice docking stations can be a hit and miss, especially with the silly side-on USB ports on some phones… I appreciate that it makes it easier to charge via a cable and watch a film in bed, but that’s about all this location of a power socket is useful for!

The life-long problem of Android devices is exactly their unique appearance and design. Each phone is slightly different and therefore prevents the creation of universal accessories that Apple users are accustomed to. It’s a pain in the back, because in my opinion, this is the biggest reason why Android devices, despite their superiority in many fields, still fail to win over Apple fans…

If Android was tied to a bottom-facin, 30pin connector for 6 years or so, like iPhones were, we’d see a slew of accessories on par with the fruity competition…

Reply
- 65 rewagner 12/19/12 9:54 AM
  
  Thumb up Thumb down 0
  BrotherBloat…I agree with you 100%….this has to be the biggest issue for Android. We have so many variables in the products that nobody can keep up with them and make something useable for all that is not so generic that nobody wants to touch it.
  
  Reply
51 klcow92 12/19/12 6:17 AM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
WiDi support

Reply
- 65 rewagner 12/19/12 10:00 AM
  
  Thumb up Thumb down 0
  …and the sooner the better.
  
  Reply
29 Guitaraholic 12/19/12 6:33 AM

Thumb up Thumb down +2
Wireless charging! Why haven’t we got it yet!?

Reply
78 kelltrash14 12/19/12 6:40 AM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
Just more in general would be great…I have a speaker dock that’s quite nice, it’s about the only android accessory I have!

Android should have a standard location for the micro-usb port, and orientation too. My galaxy Nexus and 7 both have the port in the same spot, but flipped!?

Reply
51 klcow92 12/19/12 6:44 AM

Thumb up Thumb down +1
wireless charging kit

Reply
38 ndorrough 12/19/12 7:29 AM

Thumb up Thumb down +2
Wireless charging would definitely be a nice-to-have. Maybe more decent integrated speakers instead of having to use headphones or an external speaker solution.

Reply
- 65 rewagner 12/19/12 10:02 AM
  
  Thumb up Thumb down 0
  Speakers on my TF201 do leave much to be desired, but once hooked to external speakers the sound is great. Also purchased a set of Arctic P311 Bluetooth headphones. Great sound and great price.
  
  Reply
  - 51 klcow92 12/19/12 10:56 AM
    
    Thumb up Thumb down 0
    I guess manufacturers have to start making speakers suck less. they all have been focusing on great screens and performance but forgetting bout the speakers. who wants to watch a hd movie on an hd screen but have sucky sound output?
    
    Reply
34 VerticalCobra 12/19/12 7:40 AM

Thumb up Thumb down +1
I’d love wireless or OTA charging, but would settle for high capacity SDCards (more than 32GB).

Reply
61 Puzzled by Choice 12/19/12 8:49 AM

Thumb up Thumb down +1
I would love for someone to develop some kind of wifi repeater/radio. I use my phone’s hotspot capabilities at times for my tablet or laptop. But when I do so it really takes a toll on my battery. Of course I can plug my micro-USB and charge at the same time from my laptop but wireless is better.

I’m no techno-scientist-programmer but I imagine that much of what drains my battery is the radio hardware that turns my data signal into a wireless output signal.

If someone developed a battery powered, wifi radio accessory that could access our phone’s data and using it’s own hardware and battery power, broadcast a wifi signal that would be a great accessory.

Surely this is possible. It would be even cooler if it plugged into our phone through the headphone jack like the Square attachment dongles or plugged into our micro-USB ports as a dongle.

Or does this already exist somewhere?

Reply
69 taz88ny 12/19/12 11:50 AM

Thumb up Thumb down +1
A tablet to put my phone into and a keyboard dock for the tablet. I know Asus already has that. I just want it for my Evo.

Reply
81 KennyL 12/19/12 11:52 AM

Thumb up Thumb down +1
I think a battery case, (like Mophie for iPhone) would be awesome for a my Nexus 7. That and a nice speaker dock. I know they’re kinda silly but I like speaker docks.

Reply
85 lou2cool88 12/19/12 12:09 PM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
I wish the Verizon Galaxy Nexus had more accessories for its 3 pogo pins. Like a charging stand, perhaps? The GSM verson has it.

Reply
42 cduran1983 12/19/12 12:12 PM

Thumb up Thumb down +1
You know I would love some Hi-End Bluetooth Headphones With Extra-Cushion for the ears!
Uuuh(extasy uuuh) I would just love those in my hands!(ears!) :D

Reply
- 65 rewagner 12/19/12 1:39 PM
  
  Thumb up Thumb down 0
  Check out the Arctic P311, bluetooth, wrap around, cushy ear pads, light, built in mic, and you can control FWD, BACK, VOL +/-…and super sound …for $25.
  https://www.google.com/search?q=Arctic%20Bluetooth%20Stereo%20Headset%20with%20Microphone&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&source=hp&channel=np
  
  Reply
65 rewagner 12/19/12 2:23 PM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
I would love to see a car mount that I don’t have to stress that it’s going to drop my tablet. I have one that was supposed to be universal but does not want to fit to the contour of my dashboard unless I want to mount atop the passenger airbag.

Reply
34 GuyWithDogs 12/19/12 3:36 PM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
In some ways, I’d find it useful if there was a USB interface that would accept MIDI input and an app to run software synths and do multitrack recording. I know there’s some stuff for a the iPad, but in my case, I have wind controllers and the requisite software isn’t available on any platform, as far as I know.

I’m not sure if even the newer tablets have the horsepower to do a good job at this, though.

Reply
82 Laurel laurel25 12/19/12 3:42 PM

Thumb up Thumb down +1
I would love to find that decent car dock/mount that will work in my car, but so far nothing seems to work well with the swoopy dash of an old Ford Focus.

Reply
- 65 rewagner 12/19/12 4:03 PM
  
  Thumb up Thumb down 0
  I’m using the IKross Car Dashboard Mount Holder for iPad / Tablet (IKHD12). For my Hyundai Accent seems to work fine but my dash angle on my Hyundai Tucson seems to be difficult for the mount to secure to. I just find it scary for my tablet to hang their in space. But it is so cool to have a GPS with a 10″ screen :)
  
  Reply
76 LadyDi 12/19/12 5:10 PM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
I have a 30% off coupon at TMo for an accessory for being a loyal customer. I have no idea what I will want between now and it’s next year expiration date. If you don’t know, they have a loyalty program that recently started when you pay your bills and I have no clue what else. Google it!!

Reply
80 heynomi4u 12/19/12 5:55 PM

Thumb up Thumb down +1
I want the wireless charger and a good car dock. have never owned a good car dock. I always end up getting something cheap from Walmart

Reply
43 pmrich 12/19/12 6:39 PM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
I’d like a dock for my TF201. I’d also like to see a standard connector for all android devices so the docks such as iHome can be made for android devices.

Reply
- 65 rewagner 12/20/12 12:16 AM
  
  Thumb up Thumb down 0
  Do you have the keyboard?
  
  Reply
63 sonicdeathmunky 12/19/12 9:39 PM

Thumb up Thumb down +1
Attachable keyboard like the Asus Transformer line. Even if it’s just bluetooth, I would love to be able to use my tablet like a laptop, without needing a bulky case that incorporates a keyboard.
I own a Logitech bluetooth keyboard, which is great for word processing, but not possible to use whilst on the bus or train!

Reply
40 KingCrow02 12/19/12 11:00 PM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
Battery cases similar to iPhones

Reply
58 ldouglas64 12/19/12 11:25 PM

Thumb up Thumb down +1
Wireless charging would be great.

Reply
93 WlfHart 12/19/12 11:37 PM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
As if it hasn’t been mentioned enough, a great car dock!

Reply
76 gh0st665 12/19/12 11:52 PM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
Lightsaber USB mini attachment.

Seriously, all of the stuff like wireless charging is good. However, I want more goofy stuff. I want more R/C Nerf rocket launchers that are compatible with Android or, R/C cars controlled via App.

I want TOYS! Were’s the iCade for the Nexus 10/7 or the Transformer line? Or the Android versions of the plethora of stuff from thinkgeek.com?

One other thing I would like to see is more music docks! Can an Android get a music dock??

Reply
- 65 rewagner 12/20/12 10:50 AM
  
  Thumb up Thumb down 0
  Besides the generic cheesy ones that are out there. Need something from BOSE.
  
  How about a Home Media Center controlled by out Android…???
  
  Reply
13 nimslake 12/19/12 11:59 PM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
Love my ear buds with integrated music back/pause-play/forward. But would love them to come with a better ear shape that works better than the generic round and huge size. Unless someone knows of one out there already? Would love to hear back.

Reply
63 jaysond 12/20/12 12:02 AM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
I wish I had a keyboard dock with real good sounding speakers powered by the docks lithium battery,think I just invented somthing oh well go ahead steal it just gimme a little loot lol

Reply
57 TheStig 12/20/12 2:49 AM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
whats happening to the wifi display??

Reply
70 Ezy03 12/20/12 2:54 AM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
light saber :P

Reply
50 gmaninvan 12/20/12 10:53 AM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
I just want low cost universal docks that change the interface depending on what it is plugged into.

Using your phone as the device.

plug into tv dock – display google tv on the screen
plug into monitor and keyboard – display tablet interface on the screen (which is basically a desktop anyways)
plug into car dock – display car mode on the cars screen.

Make the docks reasonable and they will sell a ton.

Reply
- 65 rewagner 12/20/12 11:42 AM
  
  Thumb up Thumb down +1
  wow…I really like this one. We need to start something on Kickstarter. Have to hit up my mechanical and electrical engineering friends and see what they say? I will call it the Gmaninvan.
  
  of course you would get a %… :)
  
  Reply
  - 50 gmaninvan 12/20/12 11:52 AM
    
    Thumb up Thumb down 0
    basically taking the padfone concept to the next level.
    
    Reply
33 Sambomojo 12/20/12 12:42 PM

Thumb up Thumb down 0
I want a bluetooth keyboard for my nexus 7, but honestly I probably wouldnt use it much, or I’d forget it at home when I needed it somewhere else lol. I wish the dang thing had a microSD card slot, the OTG cable plus adapter is kinda clunky.

Reply

Android and Me

Fresh Meat: 10 new apps worth checking out

PhoneDog Media acquires Android and Me, a change of hands and new beginnings

One year later, the Nexus 7 has gone from the best to worst tablet I’ve ever owned

Top 10 Android games released this week

What kind of accessory do you wish you have for your tablet or phone?