If you travel with electronic gear like tablets, phones, and computers, you know that keeping them all charged while you’re on the go can be a real challenge. The AMPL SmartBackpack is more than a battery in a backpack. It’s a highly configurable power system, with a single built-in battery and room to add up to three more batteries, including one powerful enough to recharge a laptop. They’re all linked in to a mobile app that shows you status of all the batteries and lets you prioritize charging. The backpack is also designed to stand upright when you set it on the floor and absorb shocks (and protects your gear) when you drop it. It’s the must-have bag for techie travelers.
The AMPL has just launched a campaign on Indiegogo.
Press Release: AMPL LABS LAUNCHES INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN FOR AWARD-WINNING SMARTBACKPACK
Program to support first backpack to integrate advanced portable charging system
SAN DIEGO, Calif., Feb. 3, 2015 – AMPL Labs today announced the launch of its Indiegogo campaign to support its innovative AMPL SmartBackpack, the first product of its kind to integrate an advanced portable charging system directly into the fabric of a bag.
The AMPL SmartBackpack campaign can be found at: http://igg.me/at/ampl
The SmartBackpack, which is slated for availability in September 2015 and debuted to rave reviews at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show, is an intelligent mobile charging system that can power portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets — even laptops — while protecting them with a shock-absorbing core and rain-resistant coating.
Its SmartSensors communicate battery levels, internal temperatures and more to the AMPL mobile app, helping consumers monitor and control charging inside the bag without having to open a zipper.
The company has completed the design of the backpack, batteries, and smart-power electronics and has built several working prototypes. With a fundraising goal of $125,000 for the Indiegogo campaign, AMPL Labs is looking to purchase tooling, build a global supply chain and finance the fixed costs of ramping-up production.
“The feedback we’ve received before, during and after the 2015 Consumer Electronics has been overwhelmingly positive,” said AMPL Labs President and CEO Mike Patton. “We want to bring this product to life to help consumers to stop worrying about whether their portable and mobile devices have enough power to get them through the day.”
The Indiegogo campaign features several Perk tiers for consumers looking to support the program, with product-based Perks starting at $50. All Perks are being offered at a significant discount of 25 percent or more off the suggested retail price. The base AMPL SmartBackpack (with an integrated Lithium-Ion 18.5 watt-hour battery) is discounted to $200 (a 33 percent savings off the $299 MSRP) for the first 48 hours of the campaign program.
After the initial 48 hours, contributions for the base bag will be $225, while a bag bundled with two additional Lithium-Ion modular batteries and a SmartInverter for charging any laptop will be $365, (a 32 percent savings off the combined MSRP of $537).
The charging system of the AMPL SmartBackpack is comprised of six USB connections, an internal 18.5 watt-hour (Wh) battery that can recharge a smartphone 2-3 times, and supports up to three optional modular SmartBatteries. The SmartBatteries come in two sizes: TabletBoost (which supplies another 18.5Whs and can charge a smartphone and tablet simultaneously) and LaptopBoost (which adds 55Whs and can charge most laptops directly or through the optional SmartInverter module with an AC outlet, sold separately).
The SmartBackpack communicates with the AMPL Mobile App, allowing consumers to manage the charging-priority of their devices, monitor battery levels, internal temperatures, and even be alerted if they’ve forgotten their bag. Users can also check battery levels and other vital statistics on the OLED display on the front of the bag using capacitive touch-sensitive controls.
In addition to providing power to charge devices on the go, the TSA-friendly backpack protects consumers’ portable electronic gear with a lightweight, shock-absorbing bottom sole, and a water-resistant coating on the exterior fabrics.
The campaign on Indiegogo, the world’s largest global crowdfunding platform, runs from Feb. 3, 2015 through March 4, 2015.
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About AMPL Labs
AMPL Labs is a seed-stage startup based in San Diego dedicated to empowering consumers with innovative solutions that make mobile life easier. The winner of two 2015 CES Innovation Awards and three additional “Best Of” awards at the show, the AMPL SmartBackpack is the creation of a veteran team of engineers, product designers and marketers, all committed to bringing to market smart products that deliver remarkably satisfying user experiences. For more information, click on www.ampl-labs.com.
