phonetag - Multi-view Phone Stand with Magnetic Ring Holder

Background
phonetag is an evolution of the phone ring holder, commonly found stuck onto the back of mobile phones to aid the user’s interaction with their phone. The ring itself offers enhanced comfort, security and control for users, which are of growing importance as we hold our phones for extended periods of time, and as phones have become more expensive and larger in size. Circular ring holders can additionally function as a landscape stand and often comprise an in-built magnetic plate to attach to magnetic mounts.

Innovation and Opportunity
phonetag is a world-first in the ‘phone grip and stand’ category because its design has been optimised to further provide a portrait phone stand, achieved thanks to its unique and protected ‘tag-shaped’ design. This is a subtle but significant development because this use-case is prevalent among scores of consumers, evidenced by the growing demand for both stick-on and standalone portrait phone stand solutions over the last five years. In 2020, this demand has accelerated even further, because of the ‘stay-at-home’ and ‘work-from-home’ culture prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Function, Utility, and Impact
The benefits of a portrait phone stand are clear. Smartphone users hold their phones vertically over 90% of the time, so a hands-free, portrait phone stand is essential to ensure users can interact with their devices the right way around when rested down e.g. for video calls, reading, scrolling through portrait-only social media feeds, browsing the web, email/messaging and using face ID. This is particularly relevant where multi-tasking is often a requirement rather than a choice in our everyday lives, helping to create a sense of liberty and satisfaction.

As with traditional ring holders, landscape stand functionality (perfect for full screen video), and magnetic mount compatibility (ideal for latching your phone onto magnetic mounts commonly found on the dashboard of a car and around the home), are maintained in phonetag. The ease and simplicity of securing a phone onto a magnetic mount will likely make them the preferred choice for users for years to come.

Ergonomics
Unlike other adhesive accessories which offer fixed-angle stands, phonetag incorporates an adjustable friction hinge allowing users to tilt their screen to their desired viewing angle - approximately 45° to 60° in portrait mode and up to 40° in landscape mode. phonetag features a limiter to control this range and a rubber footing to prevent slippage from the taps and swipes sustained to the phone screen.

The ring holder itself is sized at a generous 25mm in diameter which is suitable for most fingers. At only 4mm in depth and with soft rounded edges, phonetag feels a natural addition to your phone and slips seamlessly in and out of pockets and bags. This portability makes phonetag an indispensable accessory to use throughout the day.

Aesthetics and Durability
phonetag’s rectangular-ended body provides a flat edge base to counterbalance the weight of a phone when angled backwards on a table surface. It’s made of a lightweight, zinc-alloy frame with a premium vacuum-plated finish, making phonetag's surface 5x more resistant to wear and abrasion than electroplated ring holders, whilst the matt finish eliminates unsightly fingerprints. phonetag is available in three colours; Black, Silver and Rose Gold.





Package Contents
The phonetag pack includes 1x phonetag and an accessories bag comprising 1x alcohol wipe, 2x spare 3M pads and 3x transparent films. This allows users to re-use their phonetag when upgrading their mobile or changing their phone case. Fixing instructions and a template are also provided.

Merchandising
phonetag’s packaging sleeve incorporates a Euro hook for retail merchandising/display, and we are currently considering the design for a PDQ tray and clip strip.

Pricing, Appeal and Convenience
At £11.99 GBP, phonetag is sensibly priced at a small premium to standard ring holders and sits comfortably within the price bracket of the wider stick-on ‘phone grip and stand’ category. It’s an ideal price-point for self-purchase impulse buying as well as making an ideal gift for friends and family. phonetag’s small size means it can easily be tucked alongside a greeting card, sent with a large first or second-class stamp (currently priced at £1.15 and £0.88 respectively).