Hand-crank technology is not new — flashlights and radios have been outfitted with it for years. But what about when your smartphone dies in the middle of the woods with nowhere to charge it?
That scenario has inspired the creation of the CrankCase, a smartphone case by Ampware that doubles as a portable charging device.
The case is outfitted with a power-generating handle on the back. The company claims just 1 minute of cranking will keep your phone running for an additional 40 minutes. If you have the wherewithal to crank for a full 5 minutes, you can get an additional 3 hours out of your device.
We haven’t tested it yet and are skeptical of promises made by Indiegogo campaigns (those charging rates are way faster than a wall outlet), but if the claims are true this will be one of the most effective phone-charging devices on the market.
Even more intriguing is that the case comes with a stowable charging cord and USB port so you can charge other devices, too, not just the phone it’s connected to.
