1. An illuminating apparatus for a mobile computing device, comprising: a front shell comprising at least an outer surface, an inner open region, an open window portion, and a toroidal illuminating ring; a rear shell comprising at least an outer surface and an inner open region; wherein the open window portion comprises at least an open region of the front shell, configured to pass through the outer surface of the front shell and into the inner open region of the front shell; wherein the illuminating ring comprises at least a component encircling at least a portion of the circumference of the front shell parallel to the plane of the front shell and affixed or integrally-formed as a portion of the outer surface of the front shell, and is configured to emit visible light; wherein the front shell and the rear shell are configured to be releasably coupled to each other; and wherein the inner open regions of the front and rear shells are configured to at least partially enclose the mobile computing device when so coupled.