If the bigger screen of the iPhone 5 is not enough, popSLATE offers a case with another 4-inch display on the back of the handset.
The case slaps on an E-Ink display on the back of the iPhone. This second display is always on, displaying images and data in an e-reader-like format, while drawing minimal power from the handset.
Like all E-Ink screens, popSLATE's screen makes it easy for users to read in direct sunlight, just as they would on the Amazon Kindle, for instance. Yes, this "case-ception" adds a screen on the back of the screen.
On the downside, however, the case's dimensions and weight may be a major drawback for many. It is .54-inch thick, nearly doubling the iPhone 5's sleek .30-inch profile, and adds nearly 2.64 ounces to the handset's 3.95-ounce weight.
The popSLATE case makers plan to roll out the gadget with Instagram capability initially. This means the case would interact with the photo-sharing app and display pictures on the E-Ink screen, allowing users to either view individual pictures or create a slideshow. The Instagram capability is controlled by a popSLATE app on the iPhone, which will also be able to work with other photo-sharing platforms. Moreover, an Application Programming Interface (API) will allow developers to create apps specifically for the E-Ink screen.
"You can Pop just about anything to the back of your phone. Snap a picture. Grab images on the Web. Take iPhone screenshots. Plug in to your other photo sharing platforms, like Instagram. Receive pictures from friends. You can Pop 'em one by one, or quickly set up a slideshow," reads the product's description.
According to the presentation video, the popSLATE E-Ink screen is not a touch screen, but it does work with the iPhone's accelerometer, reacting to a tap on the screen to allow users to change images. The company doesn't mention the screen's scratch-resistance, but claims that the display is "nearly indestructible," as it is made of super-hard plastic.
The case's E-Ink screen is black-and-white for now, but popSLATE developers say they "hope to add color screens in early 2014."
The popSLATE case is currently running a crowdsourcing campaign on Indiegogo, with a goal of $150,000 to finance the project. The campaign runs through Jan. 15, and has raised so far $63,034 at the time of writing. A $79 pledge will grant the first 500 supporters a popSLATE case with an estimated delivery date of May, 2013. The stated retail value of the case is $119.
