There are plenty of good reasons to use iOS over Android, and Android over iOS. But the problem is that no matter which platform you use, there’s always tradeoffs. But how far are you willing to go to bridge the gap? Are you willing to stick an entire Android phone on the back of your iPhone in order to get the best of both worlds? Well, that’s what Esti’s Eye is trying to do. Literally, it’s just a case that has the guts of an entire Android phone on the back of an iPhone. Warning: video contains dabbing grandma.
Why, you may ask. Well, one reason is that because it connects over Lightning, it can theoretically access the camera if you open it up on Android, and then you can take selfies with the iPhone’s rear camera, that is the front-facing camera on the Eye. Okay. Also, some models will have two extra SIM card slots, so you can have three SIM cards on one device. I’m sure you can think of reasons for that. You can also transfer files between the iPhone and the Eye, with a microSD slot on the Eye supporting up to 256 GB. The Eye will use the iPhone’s mic as well.
This is all in theory, as it quite seems like Apple could shut this all down with a software update or sternly-worded letter. Especially since this is trying to access iOS device functions over Lightning (though perhaps they could work through an app?) Also, since this is a Kickstarter, those delivery dates should be taken with a huge heaping bowl of salt. Perhaps even if Apple shuts this down, Bluetooth and AirPlay hacks could make this work, but still…I’d have my doubts on this being viable.
I can think of two good reasons why you’d want this. One is for those Android games from developers that don’t quite make it to iOS, or soft launch first on Android. Emulators could work too! For the cheap costs, though, don’t expect this phone to be a powerhouse of any kind. The other reason is for music. Between the micro-SD, and the ability to use music powerhouse apps like BubbleUPnP and USB Audio Player Pro, having an Android device appeals to me, specifically. But why have an Android phone strapped to the back of your iPhone when you can have an Android phone on your headphones?
Yes, I regret to inform you that Android manufacturers are at again. The Vinci headphones are headphones that have an Android touchscreen on them. And a SIM card slot, so you theoretically could stream music from anywhere with just these headphones. Madness. They’re $129, and the Verge says they sound okay but certainly nothing special…beyond that you can have all your music on your headphones and have a visualizer playing for the world while you listen to your music. I mean, it’ll be kind of unintuitive to take off your headphones to change tracks/albums, but manufacturers have left asking if they should so far behind to ask if they could. And oh, they sure could.
