Founded by a team of software developers, engineers and technologists who were creators of successful initiatives such as Ushahidi, Crowdmap and the iHub, the founders’ expertise runs from cloud software to fingerprint scanners for mobile devices to high-level medical device prototyping and manufacturing. The BRCK designed and prototyped in Nairobi, was built to deal with situations where electricity and internet connection are problematic both in urban and rural areas. The device is physically robust, able to connect to multiple networks, a hub for all local devices, with enough backup power to survive a blackout. The way the entire world is connecting to the web is changing. We no longer only get online via desktops in our office with an internet connection, we have multiple devices, and mobile connectivity is crucial. The device could be used with or without 3G data enabled SIM card. One can attach the antenna to external GSM port when out of signal range. When working, the device can connect up to 20 devices. The device comes with a rugged design suited for harsher environments; which allows for drops, dust, weather resistance, and dirty voltage charging. It can handle reverse voltage and surge protection, and do all this for up to 8 hours in full power mode. When the battery dies, one can charge the device from a solar panel, car battery, computer or wall. You can write your own custom software through the available API. Once purchased, the device comes with an upgradeable 4Gb of onboard storage. You can access and manage your BRCK devices in one place, set your preferences or top up credit on your local SIM card from anywhere in the world. If you’d like to buy a BRCK, you can get one here.
