When we are all travelling about, I’m sure one of things we look at on our mobile phones is the battery level remaining. Now, I’ve written about Power Banks, but sometimes – you forget them.
In London however, there’s a new solution called “Solarbox”
Solarbox charging booth – Image, Solarbox via Twitter
The idea is a simple one: get an old red phone box, paint it green, add solar cells to charge phones, add charging points and a screen to show adverts. The idea was developed by Harold Craston and Kirsty Kenny – geography students of the London School of Economics.
The boxes are free at the point of use, however you’ll have to watch some adverts whilst charging. Boxes will be locked at night to prevent vandalism, and the screen showing adverts is fully reinforced.
The first box has been commissioned for use i on the technology sales corridor of Tottenham Court Road in London, with a further five more are due to roll out by April 2015.
Solarbox states they can charge up to 100 phones a day, with a 20% boost to a phone’s battery in 10 minutes.
Advertisers seem to be interested in the product, with Uber, Tinder, Time Out taking interest and advertising space.
London Live has a full interview with the founders, and it seems to be a good idea to me. Whilst there are some pay and charge stations around, a free charging station utilising old infrastructure can’t be a bad thing. Hopefully the income of advertising will keep the boxes running.
Solarbox has an active Twitter feed for those who are interested.
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