Batfree: the first "charging strap" for the Apple Watch

The Apple Watch's Achilles heel is its battery, which has been around 300mAh at the best. It is an increasingly severe issue, as the smartwatch series is increasingly packed with features, even standalone data connections in some cases. Accordingly, a start-up called Togvu has developed a product that may augment the popular wearable's run-time.

These straps house a watch's core, as many third-party Apple Watch bands do. However, these varieties - termed Batfrees - also afford this module with extra power at need. This is done via wireless charging built inot the base of the strap. It can add up to 600mAh more to the Watch in question on a single Batfree charge.

These new accessories have variants that are compatible with all sizes of the Apple Watch series 2, 3 and 4. In the case of the 4, they are designed so as to support the core's electroencephalography (ECG) function. They are available in black or red silicone finishes, and are offered as a reward as part of Togvu's Kickstarter campaign to fund the Batfree's production.

Currently, this campaign has accumulated approximately US$15,000, or 150% of the original goal. Therefore, Apple fans may soon have an accessory to match their Smart Battery cases for their iPhones.