Eton launches solar-powered Bluetooth sound system
updated 03:55 pm EST, Mon January 9, 2012
Rukus leverages energy efficient E Ink display
Etón, a producer of high-performance, green-powered consumer products has announced a solar-powered Bluetooth sound system. The Rukus integrates two 2.25-inch drivers with a 14-watt amplifier, an energy-efficient E Ink SURF segmented display, and a monocrystal solar panel to offer environmentally friendly portable stereo sound. The Rukus can also recharge the source device while it is playing the music.
The Rukus is powered by a built-in Li-ion 7.4V 1500mAh battery. It can be recharged by the device's 40 square-inch solar panel in about six hours. Alternatively the battery can be charged by AC power. The Rukus also sports a small mesh pouch which can hold an iPhone, iPod, MP3 player, or smartphone. The pouch contains a USB port which can be used to charge any of these devices. Sound is sourced to the Rukus through Bluetooth with AVRCP/A2DP profile support
Eton offers several other alternatively powered systems including the Soulra XL solar iPhone speaker dock and the FRX3 hand-cranked turbine NOAA, AM/FM, weather alert radio with smartphone charger.
Priced at $150, the Ruckus will be available in black some time during the second quarter of this year. A white non-solar version of the device will also be available. Price for that model has not been announced.
