mPowerpad, the world's first portable multi-function solar charger, expands its product line-up

Dec. 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Singapore, 5 December 2012 – Singapore-based company Third Wave Power today announced the latest additions to its mPowerpad line of portable solar chargers. Joining its flagship product mPowerpad Pro – the world’s first portable multi-function solar charger – are two new products, mPowerpad and mPowerpad Lite. While the three mPowerpads differ on features to target varying user needs, they are unique portable solar chargers equipped with essential functions for people operating away from the power grid such as AM/FM radio, reading light, flashlight and ultrasonic insect repellent.

The new line-up of mPowerpads is designed to suit individuals’ hobby, work or lifestyle needs. mPowerpad Pro with its gesture-based user interface is ideal for users who need a multi-function device and prefer button-free operations. While mPowerpad also has multi-functions, it features a newly designed thumbwheel selector which allows users to scroll and activate the functions of their choice. mPowerpad Lite comes with an on/off switch and is meant for users who need a basic solar charger and light.

All three mPowerpads take less than 6 hours to fully charge under direct sunlight and are capable of charging many types of USB digital devices such as mobile/smart phones, tablets and cameras. With a 2400mAh battery capacity, it can fully charge an iPhone – as quickly and efficiently as from an AC/DC outlet – while simultaneously providing reading light, radio and insect repellant for 4-5 hours. All three products are protected by a water, dust- and drop-resistant casing that is built to withstand tough outdoor environments.

“mPowerpad is serving the needs of people who often travel to remote places and need a serious solution to keep their gadgets and equipment up and running,” said VS Hariharan, Co-founder of Third Wave Power.

“Taking this a step further, we have designed two new products to cater to the specific needs of our customers. While offering the same durability, reliability and affordability that people have come to expect of mPowerpad, the products now benefit a wider reach of outdoor enthusiasts, professionals and households with no ready access to electricity,” said Hariharan.

Martin Staub, a
 consultant and investor from Switzerland said, “I used mPowerpad extensively as I travelled across nine West African countries recently. I frequently used it to recharge our mobile phones and it was excellent. The lights worked well and the mosquito repellant provided good protection every night. It was also great to have the radio fill our trip with awesome African sounds. Overall, it’s a very reliable and helpful expedition tool.”

Already available in Southeast Asian and selected European markets, mPowerpad products will soon be making their debut in New Zealand, Australia and India. The first shipments of mPowerpad and mPowerpad Lite are expected in early December 2012 with a recommended retail price starting from US$129 per unit.

About Third Wave Power
Third Wave Power (http://www.thirdwavepower.com) aims to empower people around the world by improving lives and increasing productivity. Incorporated in 2011 and based in Singapore, the company develops affordable and innovative renewable power solutions that serve portable energy needs in both urban and rural areas. Third Wave Power products are designed based on customers’ needs and are made to perform and last in the environments they are used in. The company is backed by commercial incubator Small World Group and SPRING Singapore. Third Wave Power was honoured at Techventure 2011, winning the “Most Eco-friendly Start-up” award.

About the Founders
VS Hariharan, Co-founder
Hariharan brings more than 20 years’ experience from the information technology industry. In Hewlett-Packard Company and Wipro Infotech, he was in general management roles as well as senior positions in sales and marketing. Hari has extensive experience in product marketing as well as building go-to-market engines for consumer and business products. Throughout his career, he has also been involved in scaling many new and emerging businesses.

Lim Chuin Kiat, Co-founder
With more than 20 years’ experience in the information technology industry, Chuin Kiat oversaw research & development department and was also in senior management roles in Hewlett-Packard Company, Dell and Venture Corporation. He holds eight US patents for inventions relating to printers, scanners and battery power management. Chuin Kiat has also been involved in scaling many product businesses.

About the Investors
Small World Group Incubator (http://www.smallworldgroup.com/?page_id=380)
Small World Group Incubator (SWGI) regularly provides seed funding, mentoring and help to start and grow small companies. SWGI operates under the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Technology Incubation Scheme in Singapore. SWGI focuses on three areas of technology innovation – clean tech, optical systems and advanced materials.

SPRING SEEDS Capital Pte Ltd (SSC) (http://www.spring.gov.sg/)
A wholly-owned subsidiary of SPRING Singapore, SPRING SEEDS Capital manages the SPRING Start-up Enterprise Development Scheme (SPRING SEEDS), an equity-based co-financing option for Singapore-based start-ups with innovative products and/or processes with intellectual content and strong growth potential across international markets.