Antenna79

About Antenna79

Antenna79, now operating under the corporate name Penumbra Brands, Inc. since February 2018, specialized in developing advanced antenna technologies to enhance the performance of wireless devices. The company was previously known as Invisible Gadget Guard. The strategic name change to Penumbra Brands, led by CEO Gentry Jensen, was intended to reflect the company's diversification and expansion of its product lines beyond its initial focus.

The core business revolved around engineering and manufacturing mobile device accessories that improved signal strength and reliability. Antenna79 developed patented, micro-thin, gold-plated antenna architectures embedded within smartphone cases. These antennas passively coupled with a smartphone's internal antenna to create a superior, enhanced system, leading to improved signal reception and transmission. This technology aimed to provide users with faster data speeds, expanded network coverage, and more reliable connections. The company's products were marketed to the general consumer market, with a significant distribution milestone achieved in November 2015 when its R79X smartphone case became available nationwide through select AT&T stores and its website.

Under the leadership of then-CEO David Vigil, Antenna79 launched the Reach79 brand of cases in January 2015. These cases were verified by CETECOM, a CTIA accredited facility, to improve a phone's signal strength by an average of 1.6 times, with peaks over double the strength. The R79X model, launched later, featured a unique slider design that allowed users to extend a lattice to maximize the antenna's effect. Beyond signal boosting, the cases also offered practical benefits like military-grade drop protection. Following the rebranding to Penumbra Brands, the company continued to market its antenna technology under different brands, such as 'alara' for cases that reduce user exposure to electromagnetic radiation and 'reach' for signal extension. The company also managed the Gadget Guard brand for screen protectors and TechTonic for screen cleaners.