@stuartgoldfarb #PWR
Thank you for the questions.
1) How is progress around this? what hurdles are you facing?
There are two problems with mobile power.
1. You need to carry extra cords and chargers
2. You need to attach yourself to a wall when charging
Progress
- Prong PocketPlug (Case + A/C Charger) launched on Kickstarter (under the name JuiceTank) and did $130k in sales. Since then we’ve had steady sales online and secured partnerships with various retailers including ATT, Skymall, Brookstone. The key piece of feedback we got was that in didn’t have a battery.
- Immediately started developing PWR case for iP5. A two part system that seamlessly integrates a Detachable Battery + Plugs into a protective band. Never carry any extra accessories. And with the detachable battery with the plugs built in you never need to be near and outlet.
- PWR for the iP5 is going through pilot production right now and the iP6 version will be ready in early Q2.
- Very strong interest at retail for this product for both iPhone 5 and iPhone 6.
Challenges
- Brand awareness
- Building a robust Direct 2 consumer business that will be our foundation and support our retail efforts
@stuartgoldfarb
2) What are upcoming milestones in 6-12 months?
Next 6 Months:
- PWR Case iP5 Shipped and strong retail placement
- PWR Case iP6 Shipped and strong retail placement at launch
Next 12 Months:
We have an exciting roadmap that includes sexy hardware solutions (ME & EE) integrated with simple software to differentiate our brand and provide our users with an superior experience and live a more convenient lifestyle.
@jessepliner I understand the ease of not having to carry a plug and cord but other than that why this instead of my mophie? Can't you make this sexier looking?
@stuartgoldfarb Great question. I mentioned above that the main two problems with mobile power are:
1. You need to carry extra cords and chargers
2. You need to attach yourself to a wall when charging
Mophie does not solve either of these problems. Let's look at the following use case:
You walk into a restaurant and you only have 10% battery left:
Mophie: The battery will be dead very shortly unless you are carrying a charger and a microUSB cable. If you are, once you do plug in, your phone will be tethered to the wall and away from you while you eat.
Prong PWR: You easily slide the backup battery off the protective bumper, flip up the plugs, and quench your power thirst while you eat and with your phone with you. Once you're done eating, you grab the backup battery off the wall, flip down the plugs and slide back on your phone and charge up. No Cords Needed. No leaving your phone in the wall ever.
@stuartgoldfarb As far as the look, a lot of our users like the plug feature on the back, and it catches people's attention both out in public and when hanging on the wall of a retailer. Having said that, we are exploring ways to cover the plugs and possibly automate them in the future. I'm here in NYC if you want to hold our products in your hand and experience them first hand.
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