Well although I will criticize the presentation the device does have some applications, although may not be completely unique.
So what is the application?
A) Removal of the data-lines to prevent data communication.
This does make sense... I can foresee the desire to charge a mobile device on lets say a public (or multi-use) computer which could be compromised. Data now available to be copied and used with bad intentions. Is this unique? Not completely. A quick Google internet search revealed some cables without data lines connected. Alright so there is the solution, though more rare (I have one, charger for my wireless headset). Dongle form? Haven't found one yet but minimal effort was used. Also to note sometimes AC outlets are unacceptable or not easily accessible. It is interesting how as of late you probably will find more USB ports spread through an area than AC outlets. Depends on the environment.
B) Improve charging rates by utilizing USB standard charging specifications.
Not sure how many devices support this functionality. My laptop supports 1.5A/port charging for two ports but the rest are basic USB ports. Could it be advantageous to allow larger amounts of current to be drawn for devices which follow the specification? I suppose. It really depends on the use of these protocols (DCP and ACA). Could it damage the source? Maybe but unlikely. Glanced over the USB Charging Specifications but really didn't put much effort into it. Looks like a simplified handshake for charging rate agreements.
How is the presentation?
I'll agree that there seems to be some gimmick in the way it is being presented. Maybe to give the illusion that there is more than what meets the eye. First is the overly complex development board. To make a guess in benefit to the campaign, maybe they are utilizing a chip on the development board similar or equal to the power management IC being used. I don't believe it should have been used as a "prototype" image. More of an experiment at most.
Free 10GB storage for supporters? Alright so they may link you to Dropbox, Skydrive, or a plethora of other services which offer a free limited storage space (10GB isn't much at all). This is really just chucking something in that costs them nothing and would only be advantageous to those who don't know about cloud storage yet and are ignorant at the fact that many offer free service.
Conclusion:
I can't say I like the presentation they put on for this campaign. On one half they post technical details so they'd expect a technical background for some of the campaign supporters. Yet, they offer "wank" things like storage which condescends the notion of technical people with at least mundane computer skills. On the other hand, $10 isn't much for two USB connectors (low quantity they cost quite a bit (relatively)), a PCB with SMT soldering (hand-soldered or hired labor?) and a plastic molding around it.
As an engineer I may get the feeling that I might as well make my own but it wouldn't have a protective shell, and the time spent designing, testing, and debugging would make that time worth less than what the widget is being sold for. I don't think it is that bad for the price they ask.
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