FRIEZE NEW YORK 2013
INTERNATIONAL HOME + HOUSEWARES SHOW 2013
TOKYO DESIGN WEEK 2012
BEIJING DESIGN WEEK 2012
Posted by StuCon | 22 Dec 2010
|
Comments (8)
Detroit-based industrial designer Eric Strebel, along with his partner Jim Nogarian, have launched a Kickstarter campaign seeking funding for the Solar Vox, a solar powered USB charger. Inspired by the Minty Boost DIY charger, Strebel added a solar panel to recharge a pair of AA batteries or connect directly to your portable device. The housing allows you to angle the solar panel easily to optimize charging, and features a built-in storage compartment to hold your phone while charging.
The project video explains the whole thing nicely, including footage of the sketch models. Pre-order yours now to help bring this product to market. Deadline is Jan. 28.
While you're at it, check out Strebel's portfolio at Coroflot.com too!
Comments
Why so big? This design is begging for a roll up flexible solar cell that it much more portable.
80's are back? move on...
This is a project for people who can't do math. Imagine, for $100 you can leave your phone out in the sun all day and it will slightly extend its battery life.
This project has been done by others dozens of times, and every time it's become a meaningless novelty. You need a lot more surface area to get what people are expecting out of this.
I think not being able to see the phone screen while the phone is charging is a big problem.
I do like how the different aiming angles are built into the structure.
This looks like a over-designed novelty item, much unlike the "Glif" tripod mount that was simple and has a purpose. Honestly I wouldn't purchase or fund something of this matter.
@hop Agreed on the bulk comment, however the flexible films have about half the efficiency of the solid panels so you will need a bit more room to spread out. I think the issue with this concept is that it is limited to the desktop and not meant to be very portable.
A couple of Norwegian teenagers already produce a protection cover for iphone that contains a small solar panel and a back-up battery. Charges all the time in sunlight or under your desk lamp.
http://www.grontnorge.no//images/product/1073792864_untitled.bmp
Made of plastic no doubt. How many barrels of oil does it take to save a ton of coal?