Freeplay™ Energy Announces Launch of Newest Lighting Entry
Freeplay Energy Press ReleaseFlashlightNews.org - 09/20/2006
Indigo LED Lantern Perfect for All Occasions
Freeplay Energy's Indigo Lantern
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Freeplay™ Energy consistently offers the highest quality radios, lighting sources and portable energy sources, that incorporate not only AC/DC rechargeable battery sources, but also back up sources of power, such as solar and wind up energy. The company's newest offering, the Indigo LED (light emitting diode) lantern has received rave reviews from industry leaders.
"The Indigo lantern may be the hottest new camping item I have seen in the category in the last few years," said Ken Hammond, president of the Hammond Group. "It gives consumers two lighting options in one - the seven LED cluster for a three foot radius of light and a 10mm LED directional light. It is perfect for camping, boating and even everyday use."
Ideal for everyday and emergency use, indoors and out, the Freeplay Indigo LED Lantern is a serious tool that integrates two power sources - wall rechargeability and trusted Freeplay wind-up technology - for maximum reliability and dependability. Freeplay's products are also great for the environment - they do not rely on disposable batteries that are continuously purchased and discarded, which adds waste to landfills. In addition to rechargeable batteries, the LED light in the Indigo has up to 100,000 hours of useful life and should never have to be replaced.
Weighing just under a pound, the Indigo is easy to transport and provides up to 70 hours of light on the night light setting with a fully charged battery - that means light anywhere, anytime. With dual functionality - both radiant and directional task lighting - the Indigo does more than most lighting sources. The task light provides guide light while walking at night and the lantern, with adjustable dimming, is perfect for lighting an area either around a picnic table or in a tent. Freeplay's self-sufficient LED lantern combines both light sources into one so that not only campers, but also everyday users have a dependable light source.
When needed, a 60-second wind will provide two hours of shine time at the night light setting and five minutes at the max-bright setting. The integrated directional light will shine for up to 35 hours continuously when fully charged. A 60-second wind provides one hour of light from the directional light.
Freeplay's products are all developed with rugged construction and the winding mechanism can not be over-wound. Other special features of the Indigo include an articulated handle to carry or hang the lantern, sturdy rubber feet for placement on uneven surfaces and splash proof casing.
The Indigo is offered in two colors, yellow and green and retails for $39.99. It is currently available in the U.S. at Target and REI retail outlets. More information is available at www.freeplayenergy.com or by calling Dixie Sales Company at 1-866-697-7529.
Why Is It Named Indigo?
Thousands of guns were exchanged for Freeplay radios as part of ground breaking initiative in 2002. A partnership between the government of Niger, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Freeplay Foundation sponsored a unique new project to encourage Nigerians to exchange illicit guns for Freeplay radios in a bid to encourage peace and stability in the country. The Nigerian Tuareg - often called "The Blue People" owing to the color of the dye used to color their clothes - formed a significant part of this amnesty and this product was named in recognition of this.
Since the production of Freeplay Energy's first radio product in 1996, over 300,000 Freeplay Energy radios have been brought to communities in at least 40 developing countries. Radios can reach those isolated by conflict and provide knowledge and practical life skills to build safe and sustainable communities. This theme is reflected in the naming of Freeplay Energy's products which highlight the plight of communities in the developing world and link the beneficiaries of Freeplay Energy technology to other global users. The company's technology is already benefiting HIV orphans and child-led families in Africa, through the lifeline radios which are distributed through the work of the Freeplay Foundation.
About Freeplay Energy plc (AIM:FRE)
Established in 1994, Freeplay Energy plc is the only company in the world dedicated to capturing and redirecting the power of human energy. Its series of rechargeable, wind-up and solar powered products are renowned for design excellence, for reliability, as well as for delivering energy nearly three times more efficiently than all other competitors in this market space. Freeplay Energy's products guarantee power anywhere - any time. Applications include radios, torches and a mobile phone charger, with over 3.5 million units sold to date.
In March 2005, Freeplay Energy began trading on AIM under the ticker symbol 'FRE' and raised the capital to expand manufacturing capability, launch new products, retire debt and recruit a dynamic business development team.
In July 2006, Freeplay Energy announced the completion of its takeover of the Barrett Marketing Company and its wholly owned parts and wholesale distribution subsidiary, Dixie Sales. The company has also secured a separate agreement to supply UNICEF with Lifeline radios and provide electoral education in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 2006 is also the year of the Indigo and Kito - the company's latest extensions to its flashlight ranges.
Three Freeplay products have been selected for their design excellence and show-cased in The Museum of Modern Art, (MOMA) New York.
For more information, please visit the company's website www.freeplayenergy.com.