Falsehood alert for the sun helmet (but it's still a good idea!)
In fact, I don't like picking on things. But when I see this solar helmet, where JBL's marketing department is making one stupid mistake after another, I have no choice.
"Self Charging. Endless Playtime."
What you still need to know is that JBL has been owned by Harman since 1969. And, since 2016, Harman has been part of Samsung. Basically, JBL doesn't really need to rely on crowdfunding. JBL uses Indiegogo as a marketing tool and relies on its contributors to become ambassadors for the product.
Bad math on JBL's part
JBL's sample calculations leave me with an uneasy feeling: the 700 mAh battery capacity should be enough for 24 hours of operation. So why are they telling me that an hour and a half of sunlight is enough for 68 hours? It's not as if I can overcharge the battery to keep myself supplied.
Nonsense.
A miraculous solar cell with unheard of efficiency
Next, I check the performance data for Egexer's "Powerfoyle" solar cell using some simple maths.
As a reminder: the energy (1000 watts per m²) emitted by the Sun and reaching the Earth is 6 W per sunny day for a surface of 0.20 m × 0.03 m amounts to 6 W per sunny day.
It is therefore impossible to recharge the battery almost three times in just an hour and a half. Unless Exeger have developed a solar cell that has an astonishing 76.5% efficiency level. In that case, I'm already congratulating them on the Nobel Prize.
Once again, it's all bullshit.
Here's JBL's reaction:
And mine:
Still an interesting product
Even if the performance data advertised are purely fantasy values, the concept is interesting. Even if the panel only extends the listening pleasure a little, the idea is a good one.
The other data for the JBL Reflect Eternal:
I dare say that if the Reflect Eternal works properly, it will end up in our online shop. If you want to be one of the first to own the JBL Reflect Eternal, you can back the project on Indiegogo until 14 January 2020. The product is due to ship in October 2020. Personally, following the fancy marketing, I'd wait for solid reviews to be published before buying it.
I'm the master tamer at the flea circus that is the editorial team, a nine-to-five writer and 24/7 dad. Technology, computers and hi-fi make me tick. On top of that, I’m a rain-or-shine cyclist and generally in a good mood.
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