Mycroft Mark II open voice assistant, KlipAL universal smartphone holder, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

This week we are bringing you four currently running crowdfunding campaigns from Kickstarter. This week’s campaigns are for people interested in voice assistants, smartphone accessories, coffee, and more. Check out our picks for this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Quick Pack Attachment

Blurb by Andy Jacobs

What is it?
Quick Pack Attachment is a mount system for backpack or bag straps that allows you to attach items for quick access.

Why do I like it?
I carry my GORUCK GR1 rucksack everywhere, from EDC to the office, to work trips, to family vacations to hiking. It has some attachment points on the straps, but I’ve always wanted a way to attach and detach needed items quickly and have them right at hand. appears to provide that capability. It’s versatile, with its thick non-slip, silicone band that adjusts to many strapQuick Pack Attachment sizes and shapes, and its keyhole slot and magnet design allows items to be accessed quickly but gives positive feedback to confirm that it’s locked in. Simple and effective.

Where can I find more info?
The Quick Pack Attachment campaign ends on 2/21/2018 and they have already more than doubled their funding goal of $1,000 by raising over $4,000. You can pre-order a Quick Pack Attachment starting at $12. After the Quick Pack Attachment campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Rite Press — The ‘No Mess’ French Press

Blurb by Andy Jacobs

What is it?
Rite Press is a low-fuss coffee press with a built-in thermometer and timer, making it even easier to enjoy that ‘perfect’ cup of joe.

Why do I like it?
Like you, I’m a gadget fan. I like technology that makes things better and easier. Rite Press claims to do that for coffee brewing fans by incorporating a removable bottom that catches grounds for easier cleaning, an integrated thermometer for spot-on water temp and a built-in timer for the perfect brew time. Now that’s technology that makes things better and easier. Rite Press is available in two sizes, 1/2 Liter and 1 Liter, and with either silver or matte black finishes. Java was never so easy to brew.

Where can I find more info?
The Kickstarter campaign ends on 3/9/2018, and has already blown past its funding goal of $20,000 by raising more than $390,000 and counting with the support of over 8,400 backers. Pledge packages start at $25 (although this level is already sold out) and increase from there. Rewards are set to ship in March. Visit the Rite Press — The ‘No Mess’ French Press campaign page for more info or to become a backer.

KlipAL® Modular | Metal | Multi-functional Smartphone Holder

What is it?
KlipAL is a modular universal smartphone stand made out of aluminum.

Why do I like it?
I like the KlipAL because it has a modular design with a ring attachment that allows you to use it in various ways. If you need a stand to connect to a tripod, you can do it. Need it to attach to the vents in your car? No problem. Need a secure way to hold it in your hand, you can do that too.

Where can I find more info?
The KlipAL campaign ends on 3/11/2018 and they are already more than half way towards reaching their funding goal of $4,189. You can pre-order a KlipAL starting at $28. After the KlipAL campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Mycroft Mark II: The Open Voice Assistant

What is it?
The Mycroft Mark II is an open source voice assistant like the Amazon’s Alexa, Microsoft’s Cortana, or the Google Assistant and features a color display.

Why do I like it?
I like the Mycroft Mark II because it keeps your data (voice requests) private and never mines and sells your info to advertisers like other voice assistants are known to do. Mycroft is also driven by community development to add more capabilities to work with other IoT devices.

Where can I find more info?
The Mycroft Mark II campaign ends on 2/24/2018 and they have already surpassed their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a Mycroft Mark II starting at $99 for one that you can build yourself or $129 for a fully assembled device. After the Mycroft Mark II campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.