eBags + Twyst Team Up To Create The "TLS Connect": The World's Smartest Professional Backpack

DENVER, July 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Two Denver-based innovators, eBags and Twyst, announced today that they are combining their expertise in a first-of-its kind collaboration. As the leading online retailer of luggage, backpacks and travel accessories, eBags has already received accolades for its carefully crafted private label luggage and commuter bags. Now, thanks to a partnership with local tech start-up Twyst, one of the company's best-selling backpacks will get a high-tech upgrade to incorporate Twyst's Smart Bag Platform that includes RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. The resulting product, the TLS Connect, will provide more than sleek, elegant storage for its owners' devices—it will actually help them keep track of their personal essentials.

"Today's traveler's are completely reliant on technology," says Kevin Schaff, CEO of Twyst. "Yet ultimately, it's the human brain that's responsible for keeping track of our devices—and as we all know, humans are not infallible. Leaving a smartphone at home can kill productivity; leaving a laptop on the plane can be catastrophic to business. With so much at stake on a daily basis, we wanted to take human fallibility out of the equation…and give the bag its own brain."

So how does it work? TLS Connect: the World's Smartest Professional Backpack is fitted with Twyst's unique technology that enables users to link any belongings they carry on a regular basis—from smartphones to tablets to laptops and beyond—to the backpack itself. The technology is linked to a smartphone app that registers and stores each device, so the TLS Connect can immediately send a message to the user's smartphone if a product is missing or removed. The backpack comes with RFID adhesive tags to link the backpack to up to 50 unique items via a low-frequency Bluetooth signal.

"eBags is constantly looking for ways to make our eBags Brand products structurally smarter with meticulous, user-focused design," says Bernard Majeau, Director of Product Development at eBags. "Making them technologically smarter is a natural next step. We believe the TLS Connect will pave the way for a new generation of truly indispensable professional and travel bags."

To this partnership, the Twyst development team brings deep experience in hardware development, RFID technology, data modeling, machine learning and software development; eBags brings 17 years of proven expertise in the design and development of luggage and professional backpacks and bags. Both Colorado companies share an entrepreneurial spirit—and a tireless dedication to improving the customer experience. Development of TLS Connect technology will be funded with a Kickstarter campaign, which launches today. Supporters can donate at a variety of levels, from $3 to $425 and beyond. Donations of $159 and above will reward investors with one of the very first TLS Connect bags.

"eBags is creating the ultimate platform for connected travel products, wearables, accessories and more," says CEO Mike Edwards. "TLS Connect is our first branded product launch in this growing category. It makes sense that the world's largest online retailer of luggage and backpacks should partner with the pioneer of smart bag technology to create a product that will help millions keep track of their essentials."

About Twyst: Twyst is an Internet of Everything (IoE) startup based in Denver, CO. The company specializes in creating Smart Connected Bags for retailers and consumers. The innovative team brings deep experience in hardware development, antenna design, RFID technology, data modeling, machine learning and software development. Twyst Technology is designed with the goal to be embedded into any type of bag or carryall that will enhance the daily life of consumers. Follow Twyst on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest or visit http://twystinc.com.

About eBags: With more than 17 years in travel and 25 million bags sold, eBags is the leading online retailer of luggage, backpacks and accessories. The company is devoted to helping its customers find the perfect travel gear for any journey. eBags features 67,000 products from 600 brands, including Tumi, Samsonite, Kenneth Cole, Patagonia, North Face and more. For more information, visit ebags.com.

SOURCE eBags

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