popSLATE 2 e-ink case can also charge your iPhone

The makers of popSLATE — the iPhone case that adds an e-ink display to the back of your device — are back with its second iteration. This time, the new case comes with an extra battery that can charge your phone and provide up to nine extra hours of talk time and four hours of internet use. Besides being a multi-purpose protective casing, popSLATE 2 also boasts features its predecessor didn't have. It has a dashboard and a news feed now, as well the ability to display to-do lists and loyalty/gift cards. You can also use it to read e-books from Project Gutenberg and, since it has a bunch of clockfaces to choose from, serve as your watch.

Compared to the first version with a 4-inch e-ink display, the new version's is larger and sharper. The iPhone 6 and 6s case comes with a (shatterproof, always on) 4.3-inch screen, while the iPhone 6+ and 6s case takes advantage of their size with a 4.7-inch one. The not-so-good news is that popSLATE's makers have chosen to run an Indiegogo campaign for it. That means you'll have to back the project and wait until its tentative shipping date (July 2016) to enjoy what it can offer. If that doesn't bother you at all, you can expect one case as a reward if you pledge at least $69, which is $80 off its real price once it hits the market.

Update: It's dead, Jim. After raising over one million dollars on Indiegogo, popSLATE's co-founders have said they're killing the project, orders won't be filled and there is no money available for refunds.

popSLATE is blaming the project's failure on "significant development hurdles" that have completely depleted its finances. The company said the case's housing material is not compatible with Apple's over-the-air (OTA) requirements and it would require a significant redesign to fix. popSLATE claimed it tried to raise additional money through angel investors, venture capitalists, equity crowdfunding and even the reality TV show Shark Tank, but it was unsuccessful.

"While this is a very tough moment professionally and emotionally for us, it is obviously extremely disappointing for all of you who had believed in the popSLATE vision," the co-founders said in a statement. "Many of you have been with us since the March campaign, and a smaller set helped found the popSLATE community back in 2012. To you—our family, friends, and other unwavering backers—we are incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm, ideas, and support throughout the years."

You can read popSLATE's full statement on its Indiegogo page.