popSLATE 2 adds a smart second screen to your iPhone -- and it looks amazing [Updated]
Update: Despite raising over $1 million in funding, iPhone E-ink case creator popSLATE closes down
At BetaNews we get bombarded with Indiegogo and Kickstarter campaigns on a daily basis, the vast majority of which we never cover. Occasionally though, we see something that really makes us sit up and pay attention. popSLATE 2 is such a project.
popSLATE 2 puts a second shatterproof E-Ink screen on the back of your phone, so you can view the time, news headlines, sports scores, stock quotes and the like without having to unlock your phone. You can read a book on it, use the screen to display discount, loyalty and gift cards, and although it’s always-on it won’t drain your battery life because the case also doubles as a battery pack.
The creators say the case will give your phone an additional nine hours of talk time and four hours of web browsing, and customizable dashboards let you choose everything you want to display on the second screen.
It delivers real-time smart alerts, and the 200 DPI resolution and anti-glare screen mean it should be a comfortable read. You navigate around using the capacitive buttons on the bottom.
The case only adds 0.16" to the thickness of your device, and you can use your existing Lightning cable to charge your iPhone and the popSLATE 2 battery pack at the same time.
Available for iPhone 6, 6s, 6 Plus and 6s Plus, there are choice of two case styles -- black text on a white background, or white text on a black background.
As for costs, pledging $69 will get you one popSLATE 2 ($80 off the MSRP), with free US shipping. Backers in Canada will have to add $10 for delivery, and if you’re anywhere else in the world, you’ll need to add $20.
Although I rarely back Indiegogo or Kickstarter campaigns, I’ve backed this and can’t wait for July to roll around as that’s when it’s estimated shipping will start.
Check out the campaign here.