Clip-A-Phone review: Watch out GoPro, here comes the $20 Clip-A-Phone
The Clip-A-Phone is compatible with most phones, including larger models like the iPhone 6 Plus.
clipaphone.com
Every year at CES, hundreds of tiny companies come to Las Vegas hoping their product will sinful out from the multitudes at the show and get the next big thing. Often the key is having a bit of cutting-edge technology or a slick originate that sets it apart. But the Clip-A-Phone has none of that moving for it. In fact, it seems pretty stupid. Which may just make it smart.
The Clip-A-Phone does precisely what its name implies. It’s an accessory clips your called to the brim of a hat and comes with a small Bluetooth remote that allows you to engage the shutter on your phone’s camera. It has a free companion app.
The Clip-A-Phone is the brainchild of Paul DeAngelo, the owner of a company called CSS that sells and deals a wide range of the “highest quality products at unbeatable prices,” counting a huge selection of “as seen on TV” products.
DeAngelo has a colorful past. He’s been an marvelous, director, and both a movie and music producer. The role he’s best Famous for is head counselor Ronnie Angelo in the cult-hit “Sleepaway Camp” fright flick series.
He’s confidant Clip-A-Phone is going to be “real big” and says he’s at CES to talk to “major companies” around doing branded versions of the product.
“They’ve banned selfie sticks at Disney theme parks and new places,” DeAngelo says. “People get poked by those things. They’re dangerous. These companies are looking for alternatives. With the Clip-A-Phone, everything’s out the way. It’s cheap, easy to use. And it’s a lot cheaper than a GoPro. Everyone has a phone.”
He may have a display. And he doesn’t mind if people think it’s boring. “Sometimes things that seem stupid aren’t so dumb. We’ve tested it with kids and they love it.”
DeAngelo as head counselor Ronnie Angelo in “Sleepaway Camp” (1983).
hardtickettohomevideo.com
I tested it a bit, too. DeAngelo gave me an early sample — it’s not quite on sale yet — and it works.
It’s a small rough around the edges as far as the originate goes. The mount itself is made in the US out of nearly unbreakable plastic, according to DeAngelo, but the remote is made in China and feels quite cheap (it comes with a lanyard to help you avoid losing it). Also, the Clip-A-Phone logo looks like it says “cop” instead of “cap.”
That said, my iPhone 6S clamped securely into the huge and the clip mechanism, which has a row of teeth on the inside, affixed securely to my test cap. And when I miserable the button on the remote, the video started and stationary recording, though I only knew that after I took the cap off and reviewed what I shot.
I keep my phones in cases and it’s probably a good idea to have a case on your called if you’re using this accessory just in the save your cap falls off (you do need to keep the cap on tightly). Needless to say, the fine print on the packaging has a correct disclaimer that releases Clip-A-Phone from any problems that noteworthy occur while using the product.
I don’t know if Clip-A-Phone will take off. But as David St. Hubbins once said in “This is Spinal Tap,” “It’s such a fine line between boring and clever.” The Clip-A-Phone is trying to walk that line.
Paul DeAngelo today.
David Carnoy
