18/06/2013
Most people say they can’t go a single day without their devices, and Kensington’s 360-degree protection portfolio helps prevent loss, damage, theft and power loss
Aylesbury – June 18, 2013 – Adoption and proliferation of mobile devices is increasing to unprecedented levels, while people’s expectations about the reliability, functionality and availability of their electronic devices are also rising. Kensington, the leader in smart, safe, simple computing accessories, helps people ensure their devices are ready today with a complete range of 360-degree protection for mobile phones and tablets.
2013 is predicted to be the first year* that the number of mobile devices exceeds the world’s population, according to a recent study. As adoption is increasing, mobile devices and smartphones are becoming more essential. People expect to be connected whether they are at home or in the office, attending sports events, traveling in the car or on public transport, vacationing, or on business travel. Mobile devices are no longer just phones or computers. They now replace music players, cameras, alarm clocks, currency calculators, wallets, photo albums, organizers, calendars, address books, telephones, game-players, news readers, entertainment devices, travel books, reference guides – and they are critical as both personal and office lifelines.
In a recent study, 84% of mobile device users** reported they could not go a single day without their mobile device. However, as devices are more functional, they are also increasingly vulnerable to theft, damage, loss and battery failure from power-hungry apps. Technology advances like wearable devices and extended battery life promise to make device use more secure eventually, meanwhile Kensington’s suite of accessories can help ensure that today’s devices are protected.
Whoops! Protect Your iPad from Bumps and Scratches
Independent stress tests*** found that an Apple iPad is easily damaged by just a few drops on a carpeted surface, or after liquid is spilled on the device. To help people keep their tablets safe from bumps and drops while on the move, Kensington has designed a family of protective cases to satisfy a range of needs.
For on-the-go professionals who use their iPad for text-intensive applications or content creation, Kensington offers the KeyFolio. The KeyFolio is an all-in-one keyboard and case designed to protect the iPad from accidental damage. The beautifully-designed KeyFolio includes a high-performance Bluetooth keyboard integrated into a protective case and easel stand for improved productivity and comfort.
For even more demanding environments, such as those that involve small children, Kensington protects iPad and iPad Mini with a family of rugged cases. Children are unaware that a tablet can be fatally damaged by careless use, and their small hands are challenged to grasp the slippery iPad.
The Kensington family of SafeGrip cases includes several options that feature tough, padded protection against drops and bumps in attractive, fun colors. The SafeGrip’s innovative design includes a burly handle made for kid-sized hands that doubles as a two-position stand for viewing and typing. SafeGrip also includes versions with built-in security locks to protect against theft. Featuring a built-in Kensington ClickSafe Anchor and included ClickSafe lock for easy-to-use and superior security, the rugged case keeps the iPad safe.
Mobile Phone Theft is on the Rise
Mobile phone thefts surged last year in most regions of the world****. In London alone, more than 700,000 handsets were stolen from 2012 -2013. In some areas, politicians are even calling on mobile operators to help stem the thefts. Until political progress is made, Kensington’s Proximo is an app-enabled proximity monitoring system that helps iPhone 5/4S owners know where their smartphone, keys and valuables are at all times. Proximo delivers a unique way to track multiple valuables with a last-seen map pin-drop feature, an active proximity dashboard and extended battery life on both its Fob and Tag.
With a Proximo Fob Phone and Key Finder for iPhone set pricing starting at EUR 49.99 and the similar Proximity Tag for Android at EUR 39.99, Kensington is providing an affordable and convenient automatic early-warning system against opportunistic thieves and forgetfulness.
Power Up with Power Whiz
All of the applications and functions that make mobile devices indispensable while you’re out and about also cause a big drain on power. While battery and material manufacturers are feverishly seeking ways to improve battery life to support more power-hungry apps, experts agree that it will be years before a viable option is available.
Meanwhile, Kensington has a new solution for people who want to keep their mobile devices powered up, even on the go. The new range of Kensington PowerWhiz devices are smaller and more convenient than ever and provide an unrivalled choice of in-car or in-seat charging options.
With PowerWhiz, Kensington solves one of the biggest frustrations with battery-powered devices: charging time. PowerWhiz beats the trickle charge delivered by most adaptors, detecting the device amperage and safely delivering the maximum charge required, to ensure the device is ready to go faster than ever. The versatile and easy-to-use PowerWhiz is ideal for charging a single smartphone at home or two high amperage tablets from a single car power outlet.
Prices start at EUR 19.99.
EVAP Gets It Dry
Water damage is the leading cause for device insurance claims, but most people don’t ensure their phones. Nearly one-third of smartphone owners reported spilling a drink on their devices in a recent report. Other reported causes of water damage to devices include falling into water with a smartphone in a pocket, inadvertently putting the phone through the washing machine, and amazingly: dropping the phone in a cooking pot in the kitchen. Since water damage can be detected by manufacturers and is not repaired under warranty, these common accidents are a costly mistake.
Although there are many possible remedies for water-damaged smartphones listed online, many untested urban myths and can actually result in permanent damage to the phone. This includes using a microwave or hairdryer to dry the phone, or dropping the phone in a bowl of rice or salt to draw out the moisture.
Kensington has come up with a better way of rescuing a device from death by drowning. The innovative new EVAP Rescue Pouch safely removes moisture from soaked electronics, and has been shown in lab tests to save up to 90% of water-damaged devices. The EVAP pouch features a moisture-wicking silicon lining to safely absorb moisture. The EVAP Rescue Pouch is priced at just EUR 19.99, less than a 20th of the cost of replacing an expensive smartphone.
Notes to editors:
* Data about increased adoption of mobile devices can be found here: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/solutions/collateral/ns341/ns525/ns537/ns705/ns827/white_paper_c11-520862.html
** Data about people’s attitudes about their mobile devices can be found here: http://techland.time.com/2012/08/16/your-life-is-fully-mobile/
*** Independent stress tests for the Apple iPad: http://www.macworld.com/article/1150418/ipad_stress.html
**** Data about mobile phone thefts can be found here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-93597/Mobile-phone-crime-soars.html
Product Availability:
These Kensington products are currently available at Kensington.com, Amazon.com, and major resellers. For additional information on the new and existing line of Kensington products, please visit http://www.kensington.com.
Picture and video resources:
High-resolution product images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48490242@N04
Follow Kensington on Twitter @kensington
About Kensington
smart safe simple (www.kensington.com)
Kensington, a leader in smart, safe, simple computing accessories, is the recognized industry standard trusted by enterprises around the world. Kensington's mobile security product offerings include laptop and mobile security locks providing a new generation of front-line protection for mobile devices. In addition, Kensington offers accessories including power adapters, chargers, mice, keyboards, trackballs, universal docking stations, desktop accessories, carrying cases and iPad/iPhone/iPod accessories. Kensington Computer Products Group, headquartered in Redwood Shores, California, is the technology division of ACCO Brands (NYSE: ABD), a world leader in branded office products, with products marketed in more than 100 countries across the globe. For more information, visit www.kensington.com.
Kensington is a registered trademark of ACCO Brands. smart.safe.simple, KeyCover, EVAP, Proximo, Proximity and PowerBolt are trademarks of ACCO Brands. MacBook Air, iMac and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc. All other registered and unregistered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For more information contact:
Natalie Sutton
Proud PR
01276 679570
Natalie[at]proudpr.com
Notes to editors
About Kensington
Kensington is a leading provider of desktop and mobile device accessories, trusted by IT, educators, business and home office professionals around the world for more than 35 years. Kensington products empower people to dynamically interact with content, creating a better working experience for productive performance. In both office and mobile environments, Kensington’s extensive portfolio of award-winning products provides trusted security, desktop productivity innovations, and ergonomic well-being. Our core competencies in engineering, industrial design, product quality and responsive customer support make Kensington The Professionals’ Choice™.
Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Kensington operates as the technology division of ACCO Brands (NYSE: ACCO), one of the world’s largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded business, academic and consumer products, sold in more than 100 countries across the globe.
Kensington is the inventor and worldwide leader in laptop security locks, the acknowledged leader of Trackball innovation and offers a broad range of premium-branded desktop productivity solutions.