Gbatteries (YC W14) Launches BatteryBox, A 50Whr Backup Battery For MacBooks

#1

Post by timsher » Mon, Mar 24, 2014, 5:05 PM UTC

Gbatteries (YC W14) Launches BatteryBox, A 50Whr Backup Battery For MacBooks
techcrunch.com

Re: Gbatteries (YC W14) Launches BatteryBox, A 50Whr Backup Battery For MacBooks

#2

Post by pg » Mon, Mar 24, 2014, 5:09 PM UTC

Here is a classic example of a startup launching an Altair Basic with the potential produce a Microsoft-like giant. Incidentally, I think this is also the first father/son team we've funded.

Re: Gbatteries (YC W14) Launches BatteryBox, A 50Whr Backup Battery For MacBooks

#3

Post by zxcvvcxz » Mon, Mar 24, 2014, 5:11 PM UTC

Wow this seems to be a very clear-cut value add.

Question on how the technology works: I don't really understand what a "battery OS" is. Do they have circuits that somehow manage the battery better or something?

Re: Gbatteries (YC W14) Launches BatteryBox, A 50Whr Backup Battery For MacBooks

#4

Post by btrautsc » Mon, Mar 24, 2014, 5:16 PM UTC

Pre-ordered. Unfortunately when traveling - device power is a constant pain point for me. very excited about utilizing for both Macbook & phone.

Re: Gbatteries (YC W14) Launches BatteryBox, A 50Whr Backup Battery For MacBooks

#5

Post by oq » Mon, Mar 24, 2014, 5:17 PM UTC

Take my money already! This is going to be a life saver - it's like a mophie juice pack for my MacBook, but smaller and more powerful.

Re: Gbatteries (YC W14) Launches BatteryBox, A 50Whr Backup Battery For MacBooks

#6

Post by gopalv » Mon, Mar 24, 2014, 5:17 PM UTC

Why Macbooks?

Is Apple friendly towards people who replicate their connector interfaces?

Or are Macs the only popular device out there where people wish "I wish I could carry an extra battery!"?

Re: Gbatteries (YC W14) Launches BatteryBox, A 50Whr Backup Battery For MacBooks

#7

Post by maxmcd » Mon, Mar 24, 2014, 5:18 PM UTC

I really like the end of their FAQ. Almost made a call.

http://www.getbatterybox.com/#faq

Re: Gbatteries (YC W14) Launches BatteryBox, A 50Whr Backup Battery For MacBooks

#8

Post by klaruz » Mon, Mar 24, 2014, 5:19 PM UTC

zxcvvcxz wrote: post #3

Wow this seems to be a very clear-cut value add. Question on how the technology works: I don't really understand what a "battery OS" is. Do they have circuits that somehow manage the battery better or something?

They say they have a patent pending, that should have more details. I would like to read it, can anybody find the filing?

http://www.gbatteries.com/technology/

Re: Gbatteries (YC W14) Launches BatteryBox, A 50Whr Backup Battery For MacBooks

#9

Post by maxmcd » Mon, Mar 24, 2014, 5:20 PM UTC

gopalv wrote: post #6

Why Macbooks? Is Apple friendly towards people who replicate their connector interfaces? Or are Macs the only popular device out there where people wish "I wish I could carry an extra battery!"?

If you wanted to cover as much current and future market share as possible (at least in the market they're targeting) I can't think of a better current combination than magsafe2 + usb.

Other than, maybe, a portable power outlet.

Re: Gbatteries (YC W14) Launches BatteryBox, A 50Whr Backup Battery For MacBooks

#10

Post by _jss » Mon, Mar 24, 2014, 5:21 PM UTC

pg wrote: post #2

Here is a classic example of a startup launching an Altair Basic with the potential produce a Microsoft-like giant. Incidentally, I think this is also the first father/son team we've funded.

What is the strategy for when Apple disallows sales based on the Magsafe adapter?

This happened to HyperMac (now HyperJuice) batteries back in 2011. I still have mine, ordered before Apple lawyers went after them. It's wonderful.

Edit: Adding link to Wired article: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/01/hypermac-is-back-with...