The EX Hybrid Controller system isn’t the first compact wireless keyboard or gamepad designed to sidle up to the iPhone, but it might be the first that’s actually worth using. At just 2mm thick, they won’t fatten up your phone. And since the separate accessories attach via the magic of magnets, both can be attached in either landscape or portrait orientations.
To actually connect either the EX Hybrid controller or keyboard to your iPhone 5 you’ll have to get used to your phone wearing a thin case that provides a magnet-friendly backing. But it’s not required. Either accessory will still work with your phone when not connected because they’re self-powered and rely on a wireless Bluetooth connection. The case just provides a convenient way to marry the two together.
And although they look far too thin to house a useful battery, both the keyboard and controller are claimed to have as much as 40 hours of battery life on a single one hour charge. It’s made all the more impressive given the EX Hybrid kit, which includes the case, the keyboard and the controller, will set you back just $US50.
[iPhone5mod via TechCrunch]