Firm touts coin-op phone recharge kiosk

Singapore-based firm InfiniTec is trying to get retail outlets interested in installing its low-cost coin-operated mobile phone charger.

The unfortunately named Yuki Charger is compatible with most mobile phone brands and comes with ten different charger plugs.

InfiniTec claims it has identified a gap in the market, though we're not too sure. The company says travel chargers are bulky (obviously it hasn't visited Cash 'n Carrion recently) and existing coin-operated chargers are too expensive.

At present, similar products cost between S$1,800-6,000 (£640-2,130), whilst the distribution price for the 5kg Yuki Charger is less than S$650 (£230), InfiniTec chirps.

In fairness the Yuki Charger is an attractive looking device and a built in screen provides a display to run adverts. The device also comes with a UV sanitiser compartment to kill germs while the phone is charging. Punters would pay S$1 (35p) per charge to juice up their mobile. Users are able to talk on their mobile while it is charging.

The company doesn't say how long charging takes.

With the revenue from ads, InfiniTec reckons outlets (hotels, airports, shopping malls, restaurants, etc.) can reach breakeven point six months after installing the device.

InfiniTec reckons there's a worldwide market for the device though it would have to incur considerable extra expenses to equip the phone to take different types of coins.

More information is available from InfiniTec's website. A brochure (PDF) explains the business model behind the device. ®