Everything is smart these days — not even the humble glasses case is safe. Meet BOB, a current Kickstarter project that attempts to reinvent the centuries-old container to better fit modern gadgets.
The basic idea of BOB is pretty simple — a glasses case that roles out to offer a handy place to keep your phone, tablet, e-reader and other pieces of technology. There’s a stand at the front which is sturdy enough to support a phone, small tablet or e-reader, even allowing for two devices to stand side by side. On the back there’s a little space for whatever you have in your pocket — change, pens, headphones, wallet and the like. And of course, in the middle there’s a protected space for your favourite specs or sunglasses.
It all rolls up into a slightly larger-than-average case made from ABS plastic, which is easily to chuck in your bag and take to work, on the train or to the beach. The glasses compartment measures 146 x 40 x 38mm, big enough for all but the most oversized novelty shades, and has a soft touch fabric liner and anti-scratch cloth to keep everything inside safe. A magnetic clasp keeps your glasses inside, too.
It’s a sensible enough idea, adding some modern utility to an item that anyone who wears glasses on the regular is likely to keep with them, at least occasionally. BOB costs £12 as well, so it’s hardly a massive investment. That’s for a black, white or orange model via Kickstarter; you can also pick up two models for £24 or three models for £36. BOB is expected to arrive for Kickstarter backers in November.
If you’d like a BOB or see more, the Kickstarter campaign runs for another couple weeks, ending on July 20th. So far £8,985 has been pledged of their modest £5,000 goal, based on the efforts of only 355 backers, suggesting most have gone for at least two cases.
I reckon the project is an interesting idea, even if the actual modifications to the standard glasses case are a bit light on the ground. I’d love to see a version with an integrated battery or a Wi-Fi hotspot, to better suit the gadget-friendly theme. What are your thoughts? Let us know below.