Smartphone owners forced to wear gloves this time of year know it can be tough -- if not impossible -- to use the touch-based screens unless you take off the glove to use a fingertip.

This common problem -- especially this time of year -- is solved with the new Tävo Gloves, designed for use with phones such as the Apple iPhone and BlackBerry Storm.

The insulation in regular gloves usually prevents touch-screen navigation. But these gloves have an electrically conductive overlay of nylon strips and silver sheen on the index finger and thumb, which Tävo calls “PlayPoint” technology.

We found them comfortable, relatively warm, and effective in controlling iPods and iPhones. We also liked the silicon material on the palm and fingers for an increased grip.