The Joule power bar is billed as a “revolution” and the “coolest set of power outlets ever.” The range covers three different products, the JouleBAR, JouleBIT and JouleBOX. JouleBAR is the primary offering and will be the first to go into production next year. It has three illuminated AC outputs on the top, two side-mounted USB ports, built-in surge protection and a detachable power cable available in different lengths.
The power bar is designed to be portable and capable of “blending” into life. It throws away the clunky designs of traditional power outlets in favour of a minimalist and modern appearance that Joule claims makes it suitable for taking into town.
JouleBAR, the power bar “you can finally love”
Joule on Indiegogo
The company says its creation solves four “sucky things” associated with traditional power bars: cables of fixed lengths that are either too long or not long enough, insufficient numbers of outlets, particularly in public places, and the difficulty of finding a plug socket in the dark.
Joule says it has overcome all these issues. Power cables are available in extensions of 1 to 25 feet and a mounting plate lets you put the illuminated outlets wherever you need them. When in public, you don’t need to worry about the sockets at your local café being occupied anymore. JouleBAR is portable enough to fit into a bag and let you convert one socket to three, giving more people the chance to use their devices. The power strip is slightly larger than an iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge.
JouleBAR compared to iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
Joule on Indiegogo
Harp Ghoman, founder of Joule, said:
“Power bars are ugly and bulky, yet the status quo has remained since its inception. Joule is an upgrade in every way. It’s a power accessory that combines great looks with smart solutions through thoughtful design. As power outlets become prime real estate in public, Joule gives you the flexibility to bring stylish outlets with you.”
Ghoman hopes to take JouleBAR further in the future. One of Joule’s primary stretch goals involves adding a battery to the power strip so devices can be charged during a power cut or when there are no wall sockets available at all.
JouleBIT and JouleBOX
Joule on Indiegogo
The other members of the Joule line-up also hope to reinvent power delivery in their own ways. JouleBIT is a smaller offering designed for a computer desk or nightstand with limited space. It has one surge-protected illuminated electrical output, 2 USB sockets and a detachable power cable.
JouleBOX is a much larger unit built to connect everything in a home entertainment centre while still looking stylish next to the TV and speaker set. On the front, it has two AC and six USB outlets, joined by a further four AC sockets on the back.
JouleBAR prototype units
Joule on Indiegogo
Joule has ideas for other products to launch after 2016. The Joule Battery Bar will lose the AC outlets in favour of a smaller size and several USB ports to keep mobile devices alive. Joule Car Adapter will make it possible to use Joule products while driving and Joule Smart Home will add support for controlling power outlets from an app on your phone, letting you set on and off timers for when sockets should deliver power.
The company hopes to start delivering pre-orders of the JouleBAR by March 2016. It is looking to raise $25,000 in crowd-funding on Indiegogo and has currently achieved almost 50 percent of that goal with 20 days to go.
