Abigail Klein Leichman
March 6, 2017

Israeli-British social business Keepod has released the newest Keepod device that transforms your old or new computer into a powerful Chromebook.

For every Keepod purchased, another will be given to someone living without access to personal computing through partnerships with organizations and computer refurbishers around the world.

Keepod provides instant access to one’s personal desktop, apps, files and settings, removing the dependency on one physical computer per user. It can provide a private experience on a shared computer, revive an old computer, or allow for testing out Chromium OS before buying a Chromebook.

Users are protected from viruses and malware and no private data is left on the host computer; rather, it is stored safely on the cloud.

Keepod is available from the company’s website as well as on Amazon Launchpad, a program that helps startups bring innovative new products to market.

“Amazon Launchpad will allow us to expand the reach of our buy one, give one program, bringing us closer to our mission of bridging the digital divide,” said Franky Imbesi, a Keepod founder.

There are two retail models: an 8GB at $14 and 16GB at $25.For education customers and NGOs, Keepod is 50% discounted.

Keepod founders Nissan Bahar, left, and Franky Imbesi with a child wearing a Keepod for personal computing portability. Photo: courtesy
Keepod founders Nissan Bahar, left, and Franky Imbesi with a child wearing a Keepod for personal computing portability. Photo: courtesy

“After two years of deploying Keepod projects, we are excited to introduce the new Keepod,” said Keepod cofounder Nissan Bahar from the company’s Tel Aviv headquarters. “Now, the Chromium-based Keepod gives everyone the opportunity to have greater flexibility in personal computing, and to bring this technology to communities in need.”

Bahar and Imbesi founded Keepod in 2014 to make personal computing accessible to the 5 billion people living without it. They piloted the device in low-income communities around the world for two years to determine its capabilities and impact.

In 2016, they took Keepod to the next level by powering it with Chromium OS. The new Keepod is intended to expand possibilities in personal computing for techies, teachers, NGOs and communities.

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