14 DAY TRIAL // AAA batteries may be the most common for small gadgets and cheap wall clocks, but they aren't that great for larger things, like the better toy cars out there, and more or less every battery-powered electronic device.
True, many cameras, laptops and high-end consumer electronics in general have specific, custom-designed battery packs.
However, 9-Volt batteries are still quite prominent, and they are easy to find up for sale at pretty much any corner shop.
Seeing some untapped potential in this particular segment of the power market, a startup company from Sydney, Australia, has created a smartphone / tablet charger that can use them. The company is called Flintu and the device caries the name of Plan V.
The Flintu Plan V charger
The “V” in the name probably refers to the Volts in the 9-Volt batteries, rather than something involving the number 5 (V is the roman numerical symbol for the number 5).
The device is more along the lines of a very flexible strap with two sockets where the positive and negative contacts of the battery plug in.
To use the charger, you have to place your phone somewhere where it won't get in the way, like on a table or desk. Then you connect the charger via micro-USB and stretch it out, so that the battery may take its place.
You might think that the battery appears to rely more on its own weight to stay in place, rather than some clasping mechanism.
But it's actually possible to turn the setup upside down or hold it up and the battery still won't fall out.
Speaking of which, a full 9-Volt battery can restore 4 hours of talk time to the smartphone, less if you use Wi-Fi or play games, take pictures, etc.
It's not on the same level as a lithium-ion charger, which can restore a full phone charge once or twice over. Still, it will provide you with a failsafe if, say, you go hiking and get lost in the mountains.
On that note, the Plan V can fold and attach to your keychain easily, where it can stay forgotten until you need it.
Availability and pricing
The people at Flintu don't have the money to launch the Plan V in retail, but that's what crowdfunding is for. A campaign is now up on Kickstarter, where you can pledge just $10 / €7 - €10 for one of the things (the funding goal is of $30,000 / €24,099). Shipments will begin in February, but retail availability might take a bit more.
A Lightning versions for iPhones will be revealed as well, if the funding goal is met, so Apple fans won't be left out.
