# Instant Upgrade Cases The ZTE Peel Almost Turns Your iPod into an iPhone By Armida Ascano | Published 2010-11-12 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zte-peel References: [buzzfeed](http://www.buzzfeed.com/ashleybaccam/zte-peel-turn-your-ipod-touch-into-almost-an-ip) & [phonenews](http://www.phonenews.com/sprint-announces-zte-peel-ipod-touch-sleeve-for-november-14th-13732/) [Sprint](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/t-mobile-customer-initiative) has recently announced the release of its ZTE Peel case for November 14, 2010. This innovative case is rumored to be an instant upgrade for [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peachy-pods-case) device lovers, as it gives any old iPod the fancy features of the [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reetle-smartink-i) touch. The ZTE Peel acts as a mobile WIFI hotspot powered by the Sprint 3G network. The entire deal costs $80 for the unit and $30 a month for service, making for a fabulous deal considering how much an iPhone goes for. Check out the ZTE Peel in the featured gallery. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Mobile Hotspot Cases:** Opportunity for mobile phone case manufacturers to incorporate mobile hotspot capabilities into phone cases. - **Upgrading Device Functionality:** Opportunity to develop accessories that can add advanced capabilities to existing devices, offering customers features at a lower cost than purchasing a new device. - **Affordable Device Alternatives:** Opportunity to create devices that offer the same functionality as more expensive models at a lower cost, targeting budget-conscious consumers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Mobile Phone Accessories:** Mobile phone accessory manufacturers can expand their product lines to include cases that double as mobile hotspots, offering customers added value and convenience. - **Wireless Network Providers:** Wireless network providers can offer affordable mobile hotspot devices that allow customers to access wireless networks on multiple devices, expanding their customer base and increasing revenue. - **Consumer Electronics:** Consumer electronics manufacturers can develop more affordable devices with advanced capabilities like mobile hotspot features, appealing to budget-conscious consumers and offering an alternative to more expensive models. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Connected Display Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reetle-smartink-i.md) - [MP3 Player Smartphone Wallpapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipod-wallpapers.md) - [Smartwatch-Turned Nostalgic Handheld](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinypod.md) - [Handheld Smartwatch Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elrow-industries-miniphone.md) - [Customizable Phone Skins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customizable-phone-skins.md) - [Retro Computer-Inspired Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-c1.md) - [Backwards-Compatible Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/obsoless-iphone-case.md) - [Slim Battery Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mophie-juice-pack.md) - [Branded Custom Device Skins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/custom-device-skins.md)