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.

Easily add a security camera by screwing in this smart lightbulb

The LightCam is a smart lightbulb with a security camera built in that’s currently seeking funding on Indiegogo.  The project is very popular and has been funded at more than 425% with 20 days still left in the campaign, so you have plenty of time to reserve one for yourself.

The lightbulb works in any standard socket.  To install, you simply screw it into the socket – no drilling or additional wiring is needed, which makes it the ideal security camera for renters.  It connects to your WiFi and communicates with you through a smartphone app.  There is no service contract required; the LightCam has enough built-in storage to save about a week’s worth of video, and you can access the video through the LightCam app and even download clips for more permanent storage.

The weatherproof bulb fits in a variety of fixtures, interior or exterior.  The 1080p HD camera with wide-angle lens can adjust to change the viewing angle to work with the fixtures, even with recessed fixtures.  It can “see” even in the dark, producing gray-scale images of objects up to 25 feet away.  A motion sensor can alert you when someone approaches the LightCam, and a microphone and speaker allows you to communicate with the visitor.  Using the app, you can control when the LED light comes on and when you get alerts,   It even comes with a cover for your light switch, so you can be sure the camera isn’t accidentally turned off.

The LightCam funding period ends in 20 days.  You can pledge $99 for a single LightCam, with discounts available for purchase of multiple bulbs.  Learn more and get your own LightCam at Indiegogo.

Aurga DSLR Assistant, SUPRA TAG credit card multitool, Klips money clip, and more – Notable crowdfunding posts

This week we are bringing you five interesting crowdfunding campaigns from Kickstarter. We have gadgets for photographers, gadgets for EDC fans, coffee lovers, and more. Check out our picks for this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Aurga, World’s First Smart DSLR Assistant & Cloud Storage

Blurb by Ryan Pagel

What is it?
The Aurga-Smart Camera Assistant & Personal Cloud Storage device is a multifunctional gadget that connects your DSLR camera to your smartphone and the cloud.

Why do I like it?
When you have paired this with your phone and the app it is a remote for your camera’s shutter and also allows you to see the camera’s field of view on your phone. The battery allows you to charge your phone in a pinch and the detachable USB stick houses the SD card and can be easily removed to plug into your computer or you can automatically upload your pictures to the cloud. The app is very intuitive and is great for taking pictures when you are not behind the camera.

Drawbacks
The whole thing is pretty big and makes a noticeable difference in weight and balance of the camera when it is attached. WiFi SD card’s are available that gives the same functionality of uploading photos to the cloud or my computer if that is all you are wanting and don’t want to use something of this size or don’t need the remote functionality. The Aurga attaches where your flash would so they cannot be used at the same time.

Conclusion
I like this device and it offers a lot of additional functions to help you get the shot your looking for. The size is a bit big for me to keep this on my camera all the time and I see myself only using it in those occasions where I want to have my phone act as my viewfinder. It is definitely a niche-filling device so if the features fit your needs, I would recommend this. It is a quality product and the app software is easy to use right away.

Where can I find more info?
The Aurga campaign ends on 3/7/2018 and they have already met their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order an Aurga starting at $89. After the Aurga campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

SUPRA TAG – Credit card multifunctional plier full Titanium

Blurb by Andy Jacobs

What is it?
The SUPRA TAG is a credit card-sized toolkit that includes a beefy pair of pliers in addition to other tools in a small, lightweight size.

Why do I like it?
You’ve seen other credit card-sized toolkits before, even some here at The Gadgeteer, but many of these have included more delicate, smaller tools for less demanding work. The SUPRA TAG not only folds down into a credit card size, it also includes what appears to be a pretty beefy set of pliers in addition to a screwdriver, knife blade, USB memory stick–in fact, it claims to have 14 tools total in a very small size. Plus, its made from lightweight Titanium.

Where can I find more info?
The SUPRA TAG campaign ends on February 28. To date, it has raised over $13,000 of its $20,730 funding goal with 83 backers. Pledge pricing starts at $72 and increases from there (but note that the first pledge tier doesn’t include drive bits or USB stick) and estimated delivery is September 2018. Visit the SUPRA TAG – Credit card multifunctional plier full Titanium Kickstarter campaign site for more info or to become a backer.

SNOW-C | Charge Your Phone Wirelessly In Your Pocket

What is it?
The SNOW-C is a water-resistant jacket that features a flexible 15W wireless charger in the pocket that can be used to charge qi-enabled smartphones like the iPhone 8, X, Samsung Galaxy devices, and others.

Why do I like it?
I’ve been a big fan of wireless charging for years and love any kind of tech that allows me to keep my smartphone’s battery topped off when I’m out and about.

Where can I find more info?
The SNOW-C campaign ends on 2/18/2018 and they still have work to do before they can reach their funding goal of $12,000. You can pre-order a SNOW-C jacket starting at $149. After the SNOW-C campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

ESPRO Ultralight Travel Press| Caffeinate & Hydrate Anywhere

Blurb by Andy Jacobs

What is it?
ESPRO is both a lightweight, compact, durable-looking coffee press that can also be used as hydration bottle while on the go.

Why do I like it?
I like my java, and I like the idea of being able to brew it anywhere, while on-the-go or off the beaten path, and also to keep it piping hot. ESPRO fulfills both of these wants, but also give the ability to just fill it with water and keep it cold as well. It features double micro-filters to reduce brew sludge, a 16oz-capacity vacuum-sealed insulated bottle and a threaded, leakproof carry lid—and the whole thing only weighs 9.5oz. ESPRO is available in grey, black and stainless steel.

Where can I find more info?
The ESPRO campaign ends on February 16. It has already met the funding $20,730 funding goal with over 800 backers. Pledge pricing starts at $25 (though this level is already sold out) and increases from there. Estimated delivery is May 2018. Visit the ESPRO Kickstarter campaign site for more info or to become a backer.

Klips – Ban the Bulge!

What is it?
Klips is a plastic money clip that can hold 1-3 plastic credit cards and a folded bill.

Why do I like it?
This money clip is about as minimalist as you can get without using a rubber band or a binder clip and I like that. I also like that it comes in a variety of colors instead of only every man’s favorite color of black 🙂

Where can I find more info?
The Klips campaign ends on 2/11/2018 and they still have quite a bit of work to do before they can reach their funding goal of $4,398. You can pre-order a Klips money clip starting at $18. After the Klips campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

The Ignite ring is made of lava rock and glows

Although this Kickstarter project falls more into the cool factor than a gadget, the Ignite ring does fuse lava rock, a proprietary polymer and carbon fiber to a unique ring. As you can see from the picture, the Ignite has an outer hard shell (lava rock) and a glowing inner polymer ring. The lava rock in this ring is actually broken down, reformed and then shaped into the ring form. The Ignite has three versions on the Kickstarter page each with its own characteristics. The V1 is the ring with the inner glow. V2 has the inner flow and an outer glow ring of the same color. V3 lets you pick the colors of the inner glow and outer ring, they can be different from each other. I am drawn to the Ignite V3 that lets you pick the inner glow and the outer ring glow. With glow colors including white, teal, violet, orange, green and blue there is probably a color that will appeal to you. Pledges for this project start at $35 for an Ignite V1. This project runs through February 15, 2018, and if successful will ship in the April 2018 time frame.

GIGA Super Jacket, RNGR ultra-thin knife, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

This week we have four crowdfunding campaigns from Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Click through to read more details about these crowdfunded products.

GIGA | The Super Jacket with 16 Amazing Features

What is it?
The GIGA Super Jacket is a down filled jacket that converts from a bag or cushion into a winter coat with plenty of pockets for your gear.

Why do I like it?
This might be silly, but my favorite features of this jacket are the built-in scarf to keep the wind from going down your neck and the built-in thumb loops to keep the sleeves from creeping up your arms. These features will come in handy for really cold weather like we’ve been heaving here in Southern Indiana so far this winter. I also like that the jacket can fold up to be carried like a bag or used as a pillow if you get stuck in an airport or you need a quick nap. The only downside to this jacket is that it won’t ship until September. That’s a long time to wait but hopefully, it will be ready for next winter.

Where can I find more info?
The GIGA Super Jacket campaign ends on 2/17/2018 and they have already met their funding goal of $12,780. You can pre-order a GIGA Super Jacket starting at $119. After the GIGA Super Jacket campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

RNGR: Ultra-thin Folding Knife

What is it?
The RNGR is an ultra-thin 440C stainless steel two-piece EDC pocket knife from Zootility, the same people who brought us the WildCard credit card knife, PocketMonkey multitool, and the HedgeHog multitool comb.

Why do I like it?
These guys already have a proven track record, so you know they will bring their product to market and that it will be well made and useful. It’s also great that the RNGR knife is made in the USA.

Where can I find more info?
The RNGR campaign ends on 1/31/2018 and they have already met their funding goal of $15,000. You can pre-order a RNGR starting at $44. After the RNGR campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

70MAI: Smartest Dash Cam Featuring Voice Control

What is it?
The 70MAI is a 1080P dash cam for your vehicle that features 130-degree viewing angle, 1GB built-in storage, and voice control.

Why do I like it?
The 70MAI has two main things going for it. First of all, it’s only $39 which is a bargain considering the second thing it has going for it, which is voice control. This is the first dash cam that I’ve heard of that you can control with your voice. You can say “Take a picture” and it will do just that. You can also say “Record a video” and it will make a separate recording so that you can easily find it instead of searching through saved video footage.

Where can I find more info?
The 70MAI campaign ends on 2/29/2018 and they are still working towards their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a 70MAI starting at $39. After the 70MAI campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Geekey Multi-tool

What is it?
The Geekey is a stainless steel key-shaped multitool with 16 functions.

Why do I like it?
I like that the Geekey (love that name too) can easily fit on your keychain and blends in with the rest of your keys. You don’t have to unlock it or unfold blades to use it. All the features are available to you right away in a small convenient form factor. It has hex wrenches, bit driver, Phillips screwdriver, bottle opener, rule, and more.

Where can I find more info?
The Geekey campaign ends on 1/19/2018 and they have already met their funding goal of $5,000. You can pre-order a Geekey starting at $17. After the Geekey campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in April 2018. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.