Air Sling bag, AKITA IoT watchdog, Magnet Driver, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

This week we are featuring five crowdfunding campaigns from Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Click through to read more details about these seven crowdfunded products.

Magnet Driver™ DDN: The Total Tool to Drill, Drive and Nail.

Blurb by Bob Patterson

What is it?
The Magnet Driver is a sleeve that slides over the bits on your screwdriver or power driver. A magnetic ring in the sleeve keeps your screws in place for easy driving.

Why do I like it?
I was sent the full MICATON Driver Set which includes 5 different sized Magnet Driver sleeves, plus a set of 10 color-matching bits (hex bits, Phillips heads, and a square bit). It really does make driving screws a lot easier. The screws click securely into place when inserted into the sleeve, and don’t waggle about while you’re trying to drive them smoothly into the desired surface. Since the screw head sits in the sleeve, your surface is also protected from scratches. And the magnetic sleeve keeps your screws from falling out, making it much easier to manage tasks in difficult to reach places.

As an added bonus, this it also includes an extension for holding nails in place. Attach the extension to your screwdriver and slide the magnetic sleeve in place. You know have a magnetic clip for holding your nails in place, protecting your fingers from getting squashed by an errant whack with the hammer!

Where can I find more info?
The Magnet Driver campaign ends on 2/5/2018 and they are just beginning their trek towards their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order a Magnet Driver starting at $9. After the Magnet Driver campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Morphcooker | The World’s First Electric Camp Stove

What is it?
The Morphcooker is a battery powered collapsible cooking pot.

Why do I like it?
I don’t camp or cook outdoors, but if I did, I’d consider a Morphcooker because it’s battery powered and can morph into a frying pan, pot, and even an oven. It also functions as a flashlight and a backup battery for your other tech gear.

Where can I find more info?
The Morphcooker campaign ends on 1/9/2018 and they have already met their funding goal of $14,100. You can pre-order a Morphcooker starting at $96. After the Morphcooker campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Air Sling: The World’s First Cutproof Sling Bag

What is it?
The Air Sling is a small wearable EDC gear bag that holds only the gear you need and can be worn cross body style.

Why do I like it?
I like the Air Sling because it reminds me of a much smaller version of the Peak Design Everyday Sling 5L bag that I just reviewed. But the Air Sling features cut resistant waterproof fabric, magnetic latches, and pass through charging port.

Where can I find more info?
The Air Sling campaign ends on 1/9/2018 and they have already met their funding goal of $5,000. You can pre-order an Air Sling starting at $55. After the Air Sling campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in April 2018. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

The World’s Smallest Phone – Introducing The Zanco tiny t1

What is it?
The Zanco tiny t1 is a miniature mobile phone that’s not much bigger than a USB flash drive or a lighter.

Why do I like it?
I like the Zanco tiny t1 because it’s…. tiny! It reminds me of a simpler version of the Jelly Pro phone that I reviewed a few weeks ago. It makes me wonder if tiny phones are going to be a trend for 2018. The Zanco doesn’t have a touchscreen and can’t run apps, but it’s perfect for an inexpensive back up phone for those times when you just can’t carry a phablet.

Where can I find more info?
The Zanco tiny t1 campaign ends on 1/18/2018 and they have already passed their funding goal of $33,444. You can pre-order a Zanco tiny t1 starting at $47. After the Zanco tiny t1 campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

AKITA | Instant Privacy for Smart Homes

What is it?
AKITA is a plug and play IoT (Internet of Things) watchdog hub that monitors all the smart home devices on your network to make sure they are secure and have not been hacked from the outside.

Why do I like it?
If you’re like me, you have more than a couple IoT devices in your home. You probably have security cameras, tablets, smart thermostats, voice assistants like Amazon Echos and Google Homes, and more. AKITA scans your home network for your connected devices looking for any unusual activity and immediately blocks the activity if it detects a problem and notifies you. You can then get live help from AKITA support on how to fix the problem if you want to pay for the monthly subscription which will be priced between $15 – $25 a month. This subscription is not required though.

Where can I find more info?
The AKITA campaign ends on 1/13/2018 and they have already more than met their funding goal of $30,000. You can pre-order an AKITA starting at $89. After the AKITA campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in April 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Radius insect repellant keeps mosquitoes away without having to apply chemicals to yourself

I’m always the prime target for mosquitoes;  I’ve spent most of my summers covered in itchy bites.  I’ve found the true cure for mosquitoes is living over 100 feet in the air – it’s apparently too high for them to fly, and they aren’t strong enough to push the elevator call button.  😉  But even I have to come down to earth sometimes, and it would be nice to have a way to keep mosquitoes away when I’m enjoying the outdoors without having to coat myself in insect repellent sprays.

Enter Radius, which sprays the area to repel bugs with a compound based on a chemical naturally occurring in chrysanthemum flowers.  This compound has been used for ages as an insect repellent, but Radius uses a modified version that can be dispersed at a lower temperature.  In the past, actual combustion was needed to reach the necessary temperature for dispersal, but Radius can use a battery-powered heat source with the modified compound.  The effective treated area is 110 square feet, and the repellent cartridges can last up to 40 hours.  The lithium-ion battery is USB chargeable.  Radius is small enough to fit in your hand, which makes it portable enough to take with you wherever you go.

Radius is a current Kickstarter campaign.  It’s more than met its funding goal, but you still have until Friday, January 12, 2018 at 8:06 AM EST to pledge to get one of your own.  A minimum pledge of $40 gets you a Radius with a 12-hour repellent cartridge.  Shipment is expected in February 2018.

Halberd proximity based PC lock, Deskspace planet models, PAL modular light, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

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

Halberd – GateKeeper’s NextGen Proximity-Based Computer Key

What is it?
GateKeeper is a smart Bluetooth key and lock for your computer.

Why do I like it?
I like the GateKeeper because it is compatible with Windows, Macs, Android, and iOS. Put the Halberd keyfob on your keychain or wear it around your neck. The included USB dongle will act as the lock. Now when you walk away from your computer, it will lock automatically when you are a few feet away and will unlock as soon as you come back into range. If you have multiple devices like a laptop and a tablet, it will lock and unlock them both.

The key (the Halberd keyfob) doesn’t transmit your user info to the lock to open it. It just acts as a beacon so your info is safe and by using military-grade encryption to store your credentials using AES-256 encryption.

Where can I find more info?
The GateKeeper campaign ends on 1/5/2018 and they are still working towards their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a GateKeeper starting at $30. After the GateKeeper campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in January 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

LET VisionAI Smart Glasses with Alexa & Stereo Sound

What is it?
LET VisionAI Smart Glasses are eyeglass frames that have integrated Alexa features.

Why do I like it?
The LET VisionAI Smart Glasses look interesting to me because I wear glasses in case you didn’t notice and having the capability to perform Alexa voice commands no matter where I am sounds pretty cool. With VisionAI glasses, you can answer and make calls using your glasses. Just tap the frame with your finger, say the command, and enjoy. You don’t need to stick an earbud in your ear because the frames use bone conduction to transmit the sound to your ears. Slick! The glasses even track your steps, so you can leave your Fitbit at home.

The glasses have a built-in Li-ion battery that will last up to 10 days in standby mode and 5 hours in playback mode. The battery is charged with a magnetic charger.

Where can I find more info?
The LET VisionAI Smart Glasses campaign ends in a month and they are getting pretty close to meeting their funding goal of $30,000. You can pre-order one of the 3 frame styles of VisionAI Smart Glasses starting at $119 (prescription lenses can be added for an extra charge). After the VisionAI Smart Glasses campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2018. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

OneManBand (OMB) – A New Way to Play Guitar

What is it?
OneManBand is an upgrade kit that you connect to your existing guitar or it’s an acoustic guitar or electric guitar with a built-in OMB module that plays backup band audio accompaniment while you play the instrument.

Why do I like it?
I think OneManBand looks like a really fun way to experience the feel of playing with a full band without having to deal with actual humans. It adjusts to your guitar playing in real-time and lets you play with other instruments sounds with no latency. It will also let you turn your guitar into a different instrument and play that way too.

Where can I find more info?
The OneManBand campaign ends on 1/28/2018 and they have already gone way past their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a OneManBand starting at $149. After the OneManBand campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2018 (ouch, that’s a long time to wait). Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

DeskSpace: Handcrafted Solar System Desk Accessory

What is it?
DeskSpace is a set of nine planet models (including Pluto) made out of gems and minerals.

Why do I like it?
I think the DeskSpace solar system set looks gorgeous. Each planet has been recreated from high-quality polished gems or minerals like Earth is made of Sodalite and Mars is made of Obsidian. The gems and minerals were chosen to match the look of the planet as close as possible.

Where can I find more info?
The DeskSpace campaign ends on 12/31/2017 and they have already met their funding goal of $12,800. You can pre-order a DeskSpace starting at $64. After the DeskSpace campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

HEXAGONAL RULER

What is it?
The HEXAGONAL RULER is an electroplated stainless steel ruler with a hexagonal shape and built-in “tools” for sketching.

Why do I like it?
In addition to functioning as a ruler, these small metallic rulers also have other features like a protractor, circles, spirograph patterns and more. A set of these hexagonal rulers would be a perfect companion to my journal or for anyone who sketches.

Where can I find more info?
The HEXAGONAL RULER campaign ends on 1/17/2018 and they have already met their funding goal of $2,560. You can pre-order a HEXAGONAL RULER starting for $14 and all 4 rulers for $65. After the HEXAGONAL RULER campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

BoxLock Home – Smart Padlock for Protecting Deliveries

What is it?
BoxLock Home is a smart padlock that has been designed to protect packages delivered to your front door from thieves.

Why do I like it?
As you would imagine, I receive a lot of packages. Luckily, I live in a rural area with little traffic or humans within sight distance. But if I lived in a city or a busier area, I’d need a way to protect my deliveries. BoxLock Home looks like a cool way to do that without having to ask for packages to be held at the local shipping depot. This lock has a built-in scanner that the delivery driver uses to scan the label on the package. Once the label is scanned, the lock unlocks so the driver can place the package in your secured storage box (that you supply) and relock the BoxLock Home.

Where can I find more info?
The BoxLock Home campaign ends on 12/15/2017 and they have already more than doubled their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order a BoxLock Home starting at $99. After the BoxLock Home campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

PAL | A Versatile Rechargeable Light for Home and Outdoors

What is it?
PAL is a multi-use light with 3 350 lumen Cree LEDs and a modular multi-use design that lets this light replaces your flashlight, headlamp, lantern, bike, emergency and task lights.

Why do I like it?
I’m a minimalist in training, so I like the concept of the PAL light because it replaces a bunch of one-use lighting gadgets. It’s also always ready for use because you store it plugged into an outlet. When you’re ready to use it, you just twist and remove from the charger to use it with a head strap, flashlight handle (which doubles the battery life), a lantern holder, and more.

Where can I find more info?
The PAL campaign ends on 12/14/2017 and they have already achieved their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a PAL starting at $89. After the PAL campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Halberd proximity based PC lock, Deskspace planet models, PAL modular light, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 8, 2017 at 9:07 am.

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Ravean’s new Rugged heated jacket is as tough as you are

Ravean already has a puffy heated jacket, but their customers asked for a heated jacket that was rugged enough for work, so they developed the Rugged Off-Road, All Terrain, Any Weather Heated Jacket.  They have a crowd-funding campaign on Kickstarter seeking only $1000, perhaps as a way to judge interest in the jacket.  Interest is apparently quite high, because they already have $112,088.00 in pledges, with about two weeks left to go. 

The jacket has a water- and wind-resistant shell and a soft, breathable lining.  It has heated chest, back, and thumb-hole cuffs so you can heat just your core, just your hands, or both zones.  Each zone has high/medium/low heat settings, and the controller is part of the logo on the front of the jacket, so it’s always easy to find and use.  The jacket can be powered with a Ravean 10,050mAh curved battery that fits inside the jacket, or it can be powered with most power-tool battery packs (which fit in two external zippered pockets).  The Ravean battery can also be used as a powerbank for your phone.  There are five pockets for storing your gear, and YKK zippers and two waist cinches help keep out drafts.

A pledge of $74 nets you a Ravean battery pack only; $169 gets you one heated Rugged jacket but no battery; $199 gets you a jacket and a Ravean battery.  The Ravean Rugged campaign ends December 14, 2017 at 4:16am EST.  Delivery is expected for September 2018.

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Ravean’s new Rugged heated jacket is as tough as you are originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 30, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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Time to get freaky with the Wekey Pocket 2 folding keyboard

Although I travel a lot I still like to write when I am on the road. The problem I have is toting my keyboard with me, it is not always convenient. Recently I was checking out Kickstarter and came across a current project called Wekey Pocket 2, billed as the worlds thinnest lightest Bluetooth Keyboard. Weighing just 95 grams (3.35 Oz) this foldable re-chargeable keyboard is 5.7 inches folded and 6.9 inches unfolded with a 3.3-inch depth. The Wekey Pocket 2 features a QWERTY keyboard and it is waterproof. Compatible with Android, IOS, and Windows, the Wekey Pocket 2
Works with smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This project has met its funding goal and ends on December 24, 2017. Products will ship in the February 2018 time frame. Pledges for this project start at $39 for one Wekey Pocket.

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Time to get freaky with the Wekey Pocket 2 folding keyboard originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 25, 2017 at 1:28 pm.

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