The Moto Z brings modular technology to a whole new level, you may be aware of some of the existing Moto mods available and the freedom that they bring. Mico takes that a step further making your smartphone, truly yours. Mico is the world's first solar charger Moto Mod!

Mico has a 2200mAh battery giving you 75% more power for your Moto Z with the integrated solar cell allowing it to continue to charge throughout the day. This provides vital charge, on a camping trip, whilst out on a hike, or even in an emergency. Even in everyday use Mico will keep your internal battery fuller for longer helping to offset that dreaded power cable – not to mention, solar power is FREE!

Mico can be configured by your Moto Z for your charging preferences. You can set either default mode to keep your phone at 100% charge, or efficiency mode to keep your phone at 80% battery while helping Mico to last longer.

Mico is extra modular too, with the ability to use Snap-Panels at the same time (up to 2 Snap-Panels can be used at once when attached to Mico). Just snap them into Mico’s USB Type-C input ports. The Snap-Panels allow you to double Mico’s solar charging rate when plugged in, but of course Snap-Panels are always charging up their own internal 1000mAh battery whenever light is available.

Snap-Panels are also their own stand-alone product, there is no need to own Mico or even a Moto Z smartphone to use them, simply plug into any USB Type-C compatible device and charge!

Mico Charging Times

Mico will be able to charge in approximately an hour and a half through the phone via turbo charger!

Via Solar power Mico can charge in approximately 10 hours of good sunlight. With 1 Snap-Panel Mico can charge in approximately 5 hours of good sunlight.

Specifications

Mico Moto Mod Concept

Additional Specifications

Compatibility: Moto Z, Z Force, Z Play, Z Droid

Dimensions: 152.7 x 73.5 x 7mm

How does it work?

• Charge Mico up before the start of your day just as you would with your phone;
• Dock Mico onto the back of your Moto Z like you would any other Moto Mod;
• Select how you want Mico to keep your phone powered;
• Let Mico do the rest!

You use Snap-Panels to keep Mico topped up if you’re a super heavy user or on an extra-long trip.

Snap-Panels for Mico and other USB Type-C Devices

The team consists of 2 electronic  and electrical engineering students (both named Ross) from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. The development of both Mico and Snap-Panels is still under way but the internal designs should be finalised soon.

Development and Manufacturing

Update (15/02/17)

Mico Prototype MK1 works! Our first working iteration of Mico is complete and fully operational. We are now carrying out testing to see what performance we can expect from Mico and areas we can improve the design. Including shrinking the size of the electronics down and fitting a bigger more efficient panel into the design.

We are also currently in talks with manufacturers who are helping us to ensure the highest quality materials and fabrication methods are used. Arrow Electronics are a sponsor of this campaign and will be helping with reduced prototyping costs and engineering expertise!

Press materials

Website

Share our project on social media to let the world know! We rely on you, the backers in order to make this product a reality! If we do not reach our goal then Mico will not get to production!

FAQs

What if it's not sunny?

Mico functions as a normal battery mod for Moto Z smartphones, with an internal battery of 2200mAh providing over 75% more power for a Moto Z/Droid! The thought behind the solar panel is the level of freedom it provides the user. While in everyday life it will keep the battery topped up that little bit longer (helping it to outperform some of the competition depending on lighting conditions), it is when you take the Mico into an outdoors situation such as hiking in the hills or a long day out in the summer it truly begins to shine! (No pun intended.) Even in office situations the Mico is able to charge – just leave it by the window.

Snap-Panels, while also adding another 1000mAh battery and being easily moved around can double the charging speed of your Mico! Snap-Panels provide extra freedom; the core purpose of the modular approach Moto Mods give their users!

What value do Snap-Panels bring?

The main USP for Snap-Panels is that they provide a USB Type-C solar battery bank that can be used not only in conjunction with the Mico but to charge any USB Type-C device, especially as this is quickly becoming the standard. A USB Type-C extension cable will also be included in the box.

Will it get too hot?

We are currently experimenting with insulating and cooling materials whilst carrying out our testing - so far with positive results. Although it should be noted that if it is too hot to sit in the scorching sun for hours then obviously you don't want to put any gadgets outside for long periods of time. Simply sitting Mico and/or Snap-Panels by the window in a cool building would be enough to charge it. And remember Mico is a Moto Mod so can be detached from your phone at any time, if you are worried about your phone overheating while you charge up Mico simply detach it from your device.

Moto Mods™ is a trademark of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC.