# Unobstructive Phone Bumpers This Aluminum Phone Bumper Causes No Signal Loss By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-03-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluminum-phone-bumper References: [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/designedbym/al13-v2-aluminum-iphone-protection-with-no-signal) & [thinkbym](http://www.thinkbym.com/) The AL13 v2 aluminum phone bumper adds a way to protect your phone without the bulk of a full-on case and without sacrificing signal loss. Metal bumpers tend to cause a weaker signal, but the design of this aluminum protector manages to eradicate that problem entirely. Part of why the design is successful at attaining zero signal loss lies in the fact that the bumpers don’t actually touch the [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dango-adapt-iphone-case) where it is most vulnerable to signal loss. A year ago, crowdfunding for the first version of the bumper, the AL13, took off on [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gobelt), but the prototype for the AL13 v2 is stronger and smarter this time around. Instead of being secured with screws, this new aluminum phone bumper implements a simple sliding cover that snaps into place, which actually makes it more absorbent to bumps and drops. The project just launched on [Kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/designedbym/al13-v2-aluminum-iphone-protection-with-no-signal), with a goal of raising $25,000 in just a little over a month. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Minimalist Phone Accessories:** The rise of compact and light phone accessories with features comparable to full-on cases can disrupt the traditional phone accessory industry. - **Signal-friendly Phone Protectors:** Manufacturers can explore producing phone protectors that don't interfere with cellular signals to address a market demand for improved mobile communication. - **Snap-on Phone Bumpers:** Replacing traditional screw-type phone bumpers with a simpler and more durable snap-on design can improve consumer experience and drive innovation in phone protection design. ### Where This Applies - **Mobile Accessories:** The rise of minimalist phone accessories can create new opportunities for businesses producing mobile accessories that are functional and stylish without being bulky. - **Telecommunications:** The demand for signal-friendly phone protectors reveals an opportunity for telecommunications companies to partner with phone accessory manufacturers in creating products that enhance mobile communication. - **Consumer Electronics Manufacturing:** Designing snap-on phone bumpers can improve the durability and usability of phone accessories, driving innovation in consumer electronics manufacturing and disrupting traditional phone accessory design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Durable Modern Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aulumu.md) - [All-Angle Protection Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rhinoshield-airx.md) - [Imperceivable Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nakey-smartphone-case.md) - [Chic Skeletal Smartphone Protectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dango-adapt-iphone-case.md) - [Hyper-Cushioned Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hypercushionedsmartphone-case.md) - [Adaptive Vapor-Chamber-Cooling-System Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iphone-17-airx.md) - [Kevlar Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rugged-iphone-case.md) - [Transparent Aluminum Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-phone-2-concept.md) - [Metallic Machined Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dango-covert-iphone-case.md)