Many tools that can charge smartphones with batteries are sold at convenience stores. However, the price is about 900 yen and it is easy to lose it. Isn't it surprising that there are many people who pay 900 yen each time to purchase a charger and batteries every time they suddenly need to be charged?

"Nipper" is the perfect tool for such people. It claims to be the smallest and lightest in the world, and can be carried around by attaching it to a key chain. With this, you can charge your smartphone by purchasing only AA batteries at a 100-yen shop.

The world's smallest and lightest smartphone charger "Nipper"
The world's smallest and lightest smartphone charger "Nipper"

The "Nipper" consists of two modules, a top case and a bottom case, and a boost converter that converts the battery voltage of 3 volts to 5 volts is built into the module. The two modules are connected by a strap and attached by a "neodymium magnet".

How "Nipper" works
How "Nipper" works

It measures 17x17 mm and weighs 10 grams.
It measures 17x17 mm and weighs 10 grams.

When charging a smartphone, divide the module into two and insert two AA batteries between them. The "neodymium magnet" here serves to secure the battery. After that, if you insert the microUSB connector of "Nipper" into the charging port of the smartphone, charging will start and the smartphone can be used.

Divide the module into two
Divide the module into two

Insert the dry battery into the larger terminal with the negative pole of the dry battery
Insert the dry battery into the larger terminal with the negative pole of the dry battery

Bring the positive pole into contact with the smaller terminal
Bring the positive pole into contact with the smaller terminal

If you insert the microUSB connector into the port of your smartphone
If you insert the microUSB connector into the port of your smartphone

Charging starts
Charging starts

The developer gives an example of using "Nipper" in the case of forgetting to bring the charger to the hotel where he is staying. In this case, "Nipper" is used to activate the smartphone using the dry battery of the TV remote control installed in the hotel to check e-mails. When you check out the next morning, don't forget to pay for the batteries.

At the hotel where you are staying, rent a battery for the TV remote control ...
At the hotel where you are staying, rent a battery for the TV remote control ...

In addition, "Nipper" is also effective when the battery runs out while cycling while using the smartphone as a navigation system. In this case, you can use the batteries of the bicycle light to activate the smartphone for a short time and reconfirm the route.

Start your smartphone using the batteries of the bicycle light. You can check the route.
Start your smartphone using the batteries of the bicycle light. You can check the route.

Design on Impulse, which developed "Nipper" and is based in London, UK, is looking for investors on the crowdfunding site kickstarter for commercialization. At the time of writing, the standard model "Classic Nipper" is available with an investment of £ 15 (about ¥ 2,900), and the luxury model "Premium Nipper" with a leather strap is available for £ 20 (about ¥ 3,870). The shipping time is scheduled around April 2016.