Thanks to crowdfunding, start-ups and other aspiring designers and entrepreneurs can receive backing for their projects as well as find out how in-demand their products are. One of the most common products that seem to pop up often on crowdfunding websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo are device charging essentials like battery hubs and wireless phone chargers.
Right now on crowdfunding website Indiegogo, there are a variety of these devices that are looking for financial support. Here are six types of electronics chargers looking for help right now. Which do you find the most useful? Which would you back?
1. ATOM: Portable battery with built-in power outlet
Once you charge the ATOM for 90 minutes, it contains enough power to charge your phone for 13 to 18 full charges. It breaks into two pieces for convenient transport and can be snapped back together when needed. The ATOM can charge pretty much any device from smartphones, to laptops, to even musical instruments. The ATOM is available for an early-bird price of $170 on Indiegogo right now.
2. TYLT ENERGI: Desktop charging station
According to its creators, this charging hub with a portable battery is said to be 2.4 times faster than regular charging hubs. The station features four built-in, rapid charging 2.4 Amp USB ports (50 Watts total), as well as a removable, rechargeable battery pack as the 5th USB port. You can get it at an early-bird rate of $45 for one charging hub right now on Indiegogo.
3. WallJax: Completely wireless charger
This phone charger comes with no cables and makes it look like your devices are floating in mid-air. The WallJax comes in two versions:
a- WallJax EZ plugs directly into an existing 120-Volt outlet and does not require screws or installation. It has a USB port on the bottom and passes through two regular AC outlets so you can still use both plugs while charging. (Available for early-bird price of $69.)
b- WallJax Float is a wall-mounted wireless charging shelf that you can position wherever you’d like with the included non-mark adhesive or screws. WallJax Float is basically the top-shelf part of the WallJax EZ. A standard USB power supply “Wall Wart” (like the ones that come with phones) provides power over a USB cable. The cable can either run in front of the wall or behind wall. With the cable in front of the wall, installation is easier and requires no tools at all. To get a completely floating look, the cable must be ran behind the wall. Installing the cable behind the wall will take about 15 minutes and requires the use of a drill. (Available for early-bird price of $59.)
4. XTRON: USB-C Power Bank
The XTRON is a USB Type-C power bank with high power output at 4.2A and large capacity boasting 13400 mAh lithium- ion battery cells to power your new MacBook, Nexu 5x/6P, or iPad Pro anywhere.
5. PowerGoGo: Mag-charging wireless mobile charger
This mag-charging ecosystem comes with a charging case and cable, a cradle, power bank, and a car charging set. To use, slide your iPhone into the case, then decide which of the four charging options you would like to use: the case, cable, power bank, or car charging set. You can purchase each charging scenario separately or get the entire system for $120 on Indiegogo.
6. ZAPTIP: Magnetic super charger
This campaign just ended a couple of weeks ago and was funded thousands of dollars past its initial funding goal. The ZAPTIP is an $8 magnetic connector that allows you to charge any device using a snap-on connection. The charger is compatible with all devices and provides a full charge in 90 minutes.
