OnYou, a phone case that magnetically attaches itself to consumers’ bodies, is the next advancement in athletic arm bands for phones. Inventor James Rogers and his silent partner Scott Bauer came up with the idea to make a phone case that has a magnetic pad that will stick to a magnetic strap that can be strapped on the users arm or calf.

    Rogers came up with the idea after adding industrial-strength magnets to his phone case and added other magnets to a band that fit around his arm, making the phone stick to his arm. The phone then stuck to the band underneath his shirt, having the appearance that the phone was stuck to his arm. Rogers, after talking to many people about armbands that hold phones while running or exercising, found that they were very uncomfortable, and the idea took off from there.

    The magnets can hold up to 12 pounds of force, which make them secure enough to wear during just about every athletic activity. Rogers tested the strength out by kicking field goals with his phone attached to his shin. The phone stayed in the same place, proving it was secure enough for physical activity. Some consumers worry that the phone can easily be stolen, but Rogers plans to add a safety strap for people who prefer the extra sense of comfort.

    On October 1, Rogers and Bauer set up a kickstarter for the project with goal of $20,000. The money is intended to go towards creating molds for cases and speeding up the process of production since it is expected to take around one hour to make each one. To start off, they will only be making cases compatible with the iPhone 5, iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S5, and the cases will start selling for $49.99. However, they can be pre-ordered on their website now for $39.99. Along with each case, customers will receive additional arm and calf compression sleeves. “I believe this product is set towards a specific consumer group,” said senior Charlotte Baskerville. “It is a great product and a great price for people who will use it often, such as a runner or an athlete, but for someone who does not take part in those activities often it seems like a waste of money.”

However, the cases and sleeves are not only made for exercise; many customers have suggested attaching them on the top of their purse so they do not have to search for their phone so long. “I think that aspect of the device could really appeal to women,”  said sophomore Jordan Armstrong. “I know first hand that purses can get really cluttered and it is always difficult to find what you need.”

Bauer, a graduate student at George Mason University, took their invention to GMU’s  Innovation Lab. He, along with Rogers, is working towards an initial funding round from the school. If all the patents are put together and funding comes through, Bauer and Rogers plan to release the product as soon as 2015.