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Lifeplayer, a Wind-Up MP3 Player For Developing Countries

Posted by Japrax on Wednesday, June 15, 2011

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This big, ugly gadget is the LifePlayer, and it can change people's lives. It's a solar-powered five-band radio and MP3 player designed to be used as a teaching aid in the developing world. Currently, the units are being tested in Rwanda where the government has decided to switch the nation's language from French to English. I know — crazy, right?

The LifePlayer can be run from either a removable solar cell or by turning a hand-crank. It has 64GB to store educational materials — in this case English lessons — and content can be added via a microSD card slot or by recording direct from the radio.

The device also performs another key role: it can charge cellphones. This is essential in developing countries that have deployed cellular networks but have few power outlets.

You can't buy one but then it's not meant for you: an iPod Nano and a speaker can perform the same duties. But a big rugged radio that can run without power and time-shift radio broadcasts could probably have a much bigger impact than the OLPC in the countries that need it.

Lifeplayer [Lifeline. Thanks, Meaghan]


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