There used to be a time when thermal-imaging aficionados had to walk around with goggles strapped to their faces. Goggles!
Those dark days are over now thanks to the FLIR One. This iPhone 5/5s case features two side-by-side cameras on its backside: An infrared one and a VGA one that adds a bit more detail to the blobby heat-mapped image. The case also has its own built-in battery, a 1400mAh unit that powers things for a couple of hours. That battery won’t charge your iPhone, but it does prevent the case from having to sip off the iPhone’s charge.
You use the case with a free app to scan things for their thermal properties and capture those images if you want to---the app comes with some filters, panorama and timelapse modes, and video-recording capabilities if you’re primarily interested in its imaging skills.
It’s main goal is practicality, though. According to FLIR, the case’s thermal-imaging capabilities can help pinpoint the position of pipe clogs, identify leaks before they damage wood and walls, find weak spots in your home’s insulation, see if there are raccoons hiding in your shrubs, and make sure your pet is still alive.
This seems like a perfect case for camping, as you’ll be able to figure out where the designated bathroom tree is, cheat at hide and seek, and avoid burning down the campground by determining whether the bonfire is truly extinguished. It won’t stop bears from mauling you, but you’ll be able to see them coming and get off the blocks faster than your friends.
As far as non-diamond-encrusted iPhone cases go, it is very expensive. The FLIR One case goes for $350, and it’s available for preorder now. The infrared camera case is slated to ship in the first week of August. We will have a full review of the FLIR One when it ships.
