Motorola, Freeplay Offer Cellphone Energy Source
Staff -- TWICE, 1/21/2002
LAS VEGAS— Motorola and London-based Freeplay Energy Group have teamed to jointly develop FreeCharge, a portable self-sufficient power source for cellphones. With FreeCharge, users are able to continue conversations for an extended time, even if a phone's battery is low or if it dies and no power outlet is available.
The 6-inch long, 11-ounce FreeCharge, which is equipped with its own internal battery, is a generic unit customized to major brands such as Motorola through the use of an adapter module, which provides the interface between the mobile phone and the charger unit.
Once the FreeCharge is energized by the user winding its handle for 30 seconds, calls can be extended for between four and five minutes, adding additional speaking time and several hours of standby time. The more the user winds, the longer the phone can be charged. The FreeCharge also can be powered via an external source, such as an AC/DC adapter.
At initial shipment, adapter modules will be available for most major models of Motorola phones. Additional modules, compatible with most major brand cellular phones, are expected to be available in 2002.
Suggested retail is $65, and the first Motorola/FreeCharge units should be available in stores this March.
