For people in rural Africa and other developing areas, obtaining mobile connectivity is a difficult proposition – and not just because of the lack of a widespread network. With access to electricity being at a premium in these locations, charging a cell phone can be a nightmare.
Rob Goodier, a contributor to LiveSciene.com and Popular Mechanics, explains that rural Africans often take dangerous steps to power their cell phone, such as modifying used car batteries and cigarette lighter adapters to build useful, yet dangerous chargers.
In an effort to provide these people with a safer and more capable solution, a design firm called Fenix International has developed a new battery and generator system called ReadySet. The device is a portable and extremely rugged system that is a little bigger than your average car battery. Equipped with five USB ports, a cigarette light adapter and a universal battery charger, the ReadySet is specifically designed with consumer electronics in mind.
“Building upon the existing culture was the inspiration for this solution,” Michael Lin, founder of Fenix, told LiveScience.com. “People in developing communities have a variety of needs, of course, but access to electricity is exciting in that it empowers people to improve their lives in a number of areas.”
What truly sets Fenix's product apart from other solutions is that it can be charged from any number of sources, including solar panels, electrical outlets and a stationary bicycle called a Velo. Lin and his team are also working on technologies that could connect the system to wind and hydro generators.
Furthermore, the ReadySet requires no assembly and is built with a durable plastic frame that is designed to prevent dangerous battery leaks.
The portable charging station is currently being tested in 10 African locales. Fenix will price the portable battery at around $150, but could lower that number if demand increases.
Beecher Tuttle is a TMCnet contributor. He has extensive experience writing and editing for print publications and online news websites. He has specialized in a variety of industries, including health care technology, politics and education. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Tammy Wolf
