Eton Soulra iPod sound system is rugged, splash-proof and solar-powered
Solar-powered sound systems are certainly nothing new, but Etón has taken things a bit further than most with its new Soulra system, which not only adds an iPhone / iPod dock to the equation, but wraps it in a rugged, splash-proof enclosure. That obviously makes it better suited for the beach or pool-side than some other options, but you'll also naturally get an AC adapter and line-in to use it at home and connect other audio devices. Not much else in the way of technical specs just yet, unfortunately, but it looks like it should be available in the coming days for $199 -- Etón actually says "now," but most retailers seem to be saying otherwise. Full press release is after the break.
Etón Announces Soulra, The Innovative Solar-Powered Sound System for iPod and iPhone
Featuring a Large Solar Panel, Rugged Body and Full-Range Speakers That Power, Protect and Play Your iPod or iPhone
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Etón, a leading emergency preparedness company and creator of green-powered electronics for everyday adventures, announces Soulra – the new innovative, portable, solar-powered sound system for iPod and iPhone. Featuring a large solar panel and a rubberized exterior, the Soulra provides a portable sound solution that you may never have to plug in – providing hours of sound powered by the sun.
POWER
As a new self-sustaining sound system on the market, the Soulra provides portability for an on-the-go lifestyle. The Soulra contains a large, high-efficiency solar panel and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that delivers power to charge and play your iPod or iPhone. In addition, the battery charge indicator alerts you when you need to recharge the Soulra in direct sunlight or via an AC outlet.
PROTECT
To provide a solution for all-weather use outdoors, the Soulra has an aluminum and rubberized body providing ultimate durability, while maintaining a modern, sleek design. Its rugged case is IPX-4 splash proof and the speakers are sealed on the inside – providing protection from sand, water and other outdoor elements.
PLAY
Soulra's full-range speaker drivers provide crisp highs, balanced mids and bass-boosted lows. The Soulra also contains an audio line input for added flexibility.
"There has been a void in the consumer market for a quality, green-powered digital music player and we are excited to make this never-been-seen introduction with the Soulra," said Esmail Amid-Hozour, CEO of Etón Corporation. "Not only does Soulra offer an unmatched level of performance and technology, but it also comes to market with rugged good looks. Whether you are camping, spending a day at the beach or tailgating – the Soulra will be a mainstay at any outdoors event."
Available now in black for retail $199, Soulra comes packaged with an AC adapter, remote control and user manual. For more information or to purchase the system, visit www.etonsoulra.com.
About Etón Corporation
Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Etón Corporation is an established leader in providing trusted emergency preparedness and outdoor products for more than 25 years. A brand that is constantly evolving, Etón has a history in providing products that harness the power of the sun and provide people with essentials like Light, Information and Energy in times of emergency. Etón is a proud supporter of the American Red Cross and American Park Network, making annual donations to each organization, in part through the sale of its emergency preparedness and outdoor products. For more information on Etón Corporation, please visit www.etoncorp.com.
Featuring a Large Solar Panel, Rugged Body and Full-Range Speakers That Power, Protect and Play Your iPod or iPhone
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Etón, a leading emergency preparedness company and creator of green-powered electronics for everyday adventures, announces Soulra – the new innovative, portable, solar-powered sound system for iPod and iPhone. Featuring a large solar panel and a rubberized exterior, the Soulra provides a portable sound solution that you may never have to plug in – providing hours of sound powered by the sun.
POWER
As a new self-sustaining sound system on the market, the Soulra provides portability for an on-the-go lifestyle. The Soulra contains a large, high-efficiency solar panel and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that delivers power to charge and play your iPod or iPhone. In addition, the battery charge indicator alerts you when you need to recharge the Soulra in direct sunlight or via an AC outlet.
PROTECT
To provide a solution for all-weather use outdoors, the Soulra has an aluminum and rubberized body providing ultimate durability, while maintaining a modern, sleek design. Its rugged case is IPX-4 splash proof and the speakers are sealed on the inside – providing protection from sand, water and other outdoor elements.
PLAY
Soulra's full-range speaker drivers provide crisp highs, balanced mids and bass-boosted lows. The Soulra also contains an audio line input for added flexibility.
"There has been a void in the consumer market for a quality, green-powered digital music player and we are excited to make this never-been-seen introduction with the Soulra," said Esmail Amid-Hozour, CEO of Etón Corporation. "Not only does Soulra offer an unmatched level of performance and technology, but it also comes to market with rugged good looks. Whether you are camping, spending a day at the beach or tailgating – the Soulra will be a mainstay at any outdoors event."
Available now in black for retail $199, Soulra comes packaged with an AC adapter, remote control and user manual. For more information or to purchase the system, visit www.etonsoulra.com.
About Etón Corporation
Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Etón Corporation is an established leader in providing trusted emergency preparedness and outdoor products for more than 25 years. A brand that is constantly evolving, Etón has a history in providing products that harness the power of the sun and provide people with essentials like Light, Information and Energy in times of emergency. Etón is a proud supporter of the American Red Cross and American Park Network, making annual donations to each organization, in part through the sale of its emergency preparedness and outdoor products. For more information on Etón Corporation, please visit www.etoncorp.com.
























Batteries? We don't need no stinkin batteries!
...and ugly
But the iPod is not splash proof...
@ABay
and are we suppose to put that thing under the sun? (iPod user-manual says you should avoid doing that!)
Wait, so does it protect the iPod from the elements, too?
On a related note, I have this really cool invention to sell you guys! It's a suit of armor that you keep at home. It practically protects itself!
Perfect for the boat, now i need one
It looks like the iDevice is left unprotected. The horror, if true.
Yikes. That think will heat up quick poolside. Make it white.
It's a mobile suit for your iPhone.
I just looked at the website. When the batteries charged you fold down the solar panel (aluminum it looks like) and it hides the Ipod. Comes with a remote to use when closed. Has a red light in the front to track battery status. Just lugged my AL inmotion to the beach Sunday. With 8 D cells the thing weighed a ton. This might be better solution
More importantly, how does it sound? Been looking for a beach replacement for my old logitech PSP speakers,..this might do..
Erm, so I assume these are 2x 2w speakers if they are running off a 3.7V lith-ion batery. Kinda like the Devotec Solar Sound I have. But the new Devotec speakers are $99, and these are $199... yeah...
i assume it doesn't actually make the ipod touch/iphone splash proof too?
it is definitely rugged......
does it have bluetooth for wireless connection like the Devotec ones?
the latter is definitely sexier!
UNIT
Dimensions: 11.875” x 6.625” x 3.5” (W x H x D)
301 x 168 x 89 mm (W x H x D)
Weight: 3 lbs 7.9 oz. (1.58 kg)
SOLAR PANEL
Max power output 230mA, 2W
Size 130mm X 130mm
High efficiency monocrystal solar cell
Commercial grade lamination technology
(increased lifespan)
Superior low light response
(cloudy conditions)
RECHARGEABLE INTERNAL BATTERY
2 cell lithium ion 2000mAh, 7.4V
~ 4hr recharge time via AC
~10hr recharge time in direct sunlight
(depends on sunlight lux)
SPEAKER
Two full-range drivers
Total output 11W
IPX-4 SPLASH PROOF
(only when solar panel is closed)
Protected against spraying water from all angles at
10 liters/min at a pressure of 80-100kN/m2 for 5min
PERFORMANCE
~ 4 hrs of audio playback at mid-volume and continuous
charging of iPod and iPhone (depends on iPod/iPhone
model used and volume level) in battery mode