Avoiding life's
day to day pitfalls is challenging enough. So, what can be done when common technology gadgets harbor
more germs than public toilets? That’s right: Recent studies show that a worrisome number of smartphones carry bacteria like E. Coli and MRSA. But, with most consumers more worried about their devices’ health than their own, some are reticent to attempt sanitation efforts. Fortunately, several clever products are here to take the guesswork out of keeping technology germ-free.
PhoneSoap: When cousins Wesley LaPorte and Dan Barnes first saw a TV report on smartphone bacteria, their curiosity grew faster than you can say "
H1N1." After conducting some petri dish tests on questionably clean surfaces—a toilet handle, a toilet seat, and a doorknob—they were alarmed to find that their cellphones were far more contaminated than those other ill-reputed environments. Thus began
PhoneSoap, a now fully-funded
Kickstarter project. Inspired by LaPorte's experience in an oncology research lab, the device uses the same sterilizing UV-C light used in hospitals. Meanwhile, a built-in charger powers the device while it’s submerged in the light bath, which couldn't be a more convenient way to stay sterile.
Violight: What's better than a specialized iPhone cleaner? Perhaps an all-in-one disinfecting device that works with MP3 players, earbuds and other headsets, too. The
Violight UV Cell Phone Sanitizer is a battery-operated germ killer that purges handsets of 99.9% of existing bacteria. Simply set the device into the base, secure the top, and watch the gleaming blue light (so
seapunk) do its job. Within minutes, the grime of a subway pole or drool of a toddler is zapped out of existence. Hypochondriacs for whom the threat of germs is a constant source of anxiety may also find solace in Violight’s
toothbrush sanitizers and travel cases.
iSkin Duo: Loved as it is, the iPad is a victim of frequent abuse, whether it be an accidental scratch, ding, dent, or crack. In an attempt to help owners preserve the health of their devices and themselves,
iSkin recently introduced
the Duo, an upgraded take on their classic gadget wetsuits that now includes a
Microban antimicrobial layer. Inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungus and odor, the embedded material is FDA-approved and won't come off after washing. Additionally, the underlying silicone fabric is hypoallergenic, non-porous and moisture-resistant. The Duo is available in a rainbow of bright colors, making it perfect for even the youngest of
jam hands.
