Joby has released its latest tripod designed for steadying your smartphone, the MPod Mini Stand. In addition to the typically bobbly flexible-jointed legs you'd expect from Joby, the MPod Mini features an expandable head mount with rubberized jaws which can clamp almost any smartphone in place, even something as big as the Samsung Galaxy Note II.
The MPod Mini Stand could be seen as a follow-on from the Joby GripTight stand in that it also offers the ability to steady most smartphones by stretching to clamp them in place. But while the GripTight uses an extending arm to hold a camera in place, the new device uses a flexible cord between two rubberized jaws.
This means it can clamp around phones up to 81 mm wide (3.2 inches) and 11.5 mm (0.45 inches) thick – covering popular devices like the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4. Because this attaches in the middle of the device, it allows smartphone photographers to continue using most accessories, even something like Holga's Lens and Filter Wheel.
However, while the GripTight has the benefit of being able to be attached to any tripod, the MPod Mini Stand is permanently attached to a mini tripod. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, featuring flexible leg joints it can be used on most surfaces or even wrapped around objects. It measures 11.6 cm (4.6 inch) tall and weighs 30 g (1.1 oz), making it small and light enough to carry with you most of the time.
Joby has also released the GPod Mini Magnetic tripod, which is designed for point-and-shoots or action video cameras like the GoPro and features a standard tripod thread. As its name suggests, and like its bigger brothers, the GPod Mini Magnetic has magnetic feet meaning it can securely attach to all sorts of metal objects whether that's a speeding car or a more sedate railing. It also boasts an adjustable neck allowing users to better angle their mounted camera.
Both the Joby MPod Mini Stand and the Joby GPod Mini Magnetic are available for a price of US$14.95.
Source: Joby