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“Once I had to do that, I was disgusted,” Galazin said. “I started thinking about what I could do end that problem.”
The solution? Galazin created Slivver, a slim credit card sleeve that slides onto an edge of a credit card and doubles as a stylus.
Users of the product can sign the screen with the sleeve instead of their hands so they can avoid germs.
The sleeve is both antibacterial and conductive, allowing electricity to be transmitted from someone’s hand to the touch screen. Without this feature, the sleeve would not work.
“You need to have electricity to disrupt the touch screens,” Galazin said. “If you take a regular piece of plastic and glide it across your screen, nothing with happen.”
The sleeve has been in the works for a while, but Galazin hopes to ship the first batch in 30 to 60 days. It retails for $4.99.
It comes in five “bold” colors, which allows consumers to organize their wallets, Galazin said. One could color code the cards in their wallets.
One could use a blue sleeve for American Express and a yellow sleeve for Visa, for example.
Galazin said he also plans to market the sleeve to companies as a promotional item. Instead of handing out pens, they can hand out sleeves with their name printed on it, he said. He plans to approach hospitals, too. Doctors can use the sleeve on their iPads and tablets as they treat patients, he said.
Germs on touch screens — which seem to be in checkout counters everywhere — are indeed a large problem.
"Mobile phones harbor 18 times more bacteria than a flush handle in a typical men's restroom,” according to a Sacramento Bee article recalled on Engadget.
While Galazin said he has a knack for inventing new products, he’s focused on Slivver for now.
“I’m not thinking too much about other products,” he said. “However, as soon as I see that Slivver is off the ground, people are happy, I’m sure I’ll start to think about (another) idea and execute that as well.”
For more information on Slivver, visit the product’s website here.
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