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

Orbitkey Ring, Clip, and Strap – The Keyring Reinvented.

What is it?
The Orbitkey Ring, Clip, and Strap are Orbitkey’s latest products to keep your keys organized and ready for use.

Why do I like it?
I like the new Orbitkey Ring because I hate split ring keyrings and am always interested when someone creates a new and improved version of this everyday item that won’t pinch my fingers and break my nails. The Orbitkey Ring is a stainless steel ring, but inside is a polymer core that rotates to allow you to easily add and remove keys without effort.

Where can I find more info?
The Orbitkey campaign ends in 49 days and they have already met their funding goal of $35,000. You can pre-order an Orbitkey product starting at $13. After the Orbitkey campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

EDC Ceramic Micro Knife

What is it?
The EDC Ceramic Micro Knife is a minimalist keychain-sized knife that features a ceramic blade.

Why do I like it?
They sent me a sample of the EDC Ceramic Micro Knife, and it’s so lightweight that you’ll forget you have it in your pocket or on your keychain. This little knife isn’t flashy, but it’s crazy sharp. It’s got to be the smallest box cutter I’ve ever tried.

Where can I find more info?
The EDC Ceramic Micro Knife campaign ends in 23 days and they have already met their funding goal of $1,179. You can pre-order an EDC Ceramic Micro Knife starting at $8. After the EDC Ceramic Micro Knife campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Just Mobile ShutterGrip

What is it?
The Just Mobile ShutterGrip is a universal camera grip for your smartphone that includes a built-in shutter button.

Why do I like it?
Just Mobile sent me a prototype of their ShutterGrip which I tested with my Pixel 2 XL. If you’re looking for a way to make your smartphone fell more like a real camera with a dedicated shutter button, the Just Mobile ShutteGrip does a good job of doing that for you. I also like that the shutter button disconnects from the grip if you want to use it by itself.

Where can I find more info?
The Just Mobile ShutterGrip campaign ends in 9 days and they have already met their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order a Just Mobile ShutterGrip starting at $28. After the Just Mobile ShutterGrip campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Muse – Alexa Voice Assistant for Cars

What is it?
Muse is a small Bluetooth device that brings Alexa voice control features to your car.

Why do I like it?
When it comes to voice assistants, Alexa is still the #1 service because there are over 25,000 voice skills developed for it/her that can control a huge variety of devices and provide info from various data services. I like Muse because it’s an easy handsfree way to use Alexa on the road without having to launch an app on your phone. It’s like having an Amazon Echo built into your car because it’s/she’s always listening for you to ask her to do something. And if you don’t want her listening, you can turn her off.

Where can I find more info?
The Muse campaign ends in 18 days and they have already met their funding goal of $15,000. You can pre-order a Muse starting at $40. After the Muse campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Oboo Smart Clock

What is it?
The Oboo Smart Clock that features a card-based real-time color display, gesture control, Bluetooth speaker, wireless charging pad for your phone, and is Alexa ready.

Why do I like it?
Although I now use my smartphone as my alarm clock, I still have a “thing” for clocks and am interested in clocks that have a variety of useful features like Oboo. I think my favorite feature of this clock is the gesture control. It’s easier to wave your hand to snooze an alarm than to fumble around to find a button.

Where can I find more info?
The Oboo Smart Clock campaign ends in 7 days and they have already met their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order an Oboo Smart Clock starting at $79. After the Oboo Smart Clock campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Crowdfunded

Orbitkey reinvented keyring, Minimalist ceramic bladed knife, Muse Alexa device for your car, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 25, 2017 at 8:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

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

Ti Arto EDC :The Ultimate Refill Friendly Everyday Carry Pen

What is it?
The Ti Arto EDC is the latest project from Big Idea Design. This is an update to the Ti Arto Pen that I reviewed and still use daily.

Why do I like it?
I love everything that Big Idea Design creates. I use their original Ti Arto pen every day at home and I carry their Ti Pocket Pro Pen with me every day too. I know the Ti Arto EDC will be a successful project and a great pen because everything that they create has been awesome so far. The Ti Arto EDC improves on the original Ti Arto by subtle updates and major updates to the mechanism which allows for 100’s of different pen refills to be used with this pen.

Where can I find more info?
The Ti Arto EDC campaign ends in 35 days and they have already blown past their funding goal of $5,000. You can pre-order a Ti Arto EDC pen starting at $65. After the Ti Arto EDC campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

AmpliFi Teleport : The Home Wi-Fi that Covers the World

What is it?
AmpliFi Teleport is a small adapter that allows you to connect to your home network’s  AmpliFi router and use the network resources from anywhere in the world.

Why do I like it?
I already know that AmpliFi makes great networking devices because I reviewed the original AmpliFi WiFi router and loved it. I used it exclusively for a year until I switched to a new home broadband provider which requires their own router. I’d love to try out the Teleport because it looks like the perfect device to take with you when you travel so that you can connect to your home network and all the devices at home like your home security, printers, backup drives, etc.

Where can I find more info?
The AmpliFi Teleport campaign ends in 8 days and they are less than $5,000 from their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order an AmpliFi Teleport starting at $89. After the AmpliFi Teleport campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Wolffepack Luna: UltraEasy Baby Changing Backpack Diaper Bag

What is it?
The Wolffepack Luna is a specially designed backpack diaper bag that swings to the front, without the hassle of unstrapping.

Why do I like it?
Dennis reviewed the Wolffepack Metro backpack two years ago and really liked the ability to access the contents of the bag without removing it from his back. The Wolffepack Luna now gives parents that same functionality with this newly designed diaper bag that provides one-handed access even if the other hand/arm is holding baby.

Where can I find more info?
The Wolffepack Luna campaign ends in 19 days and they are currently $5,000 from their funding goal of $19,716. You can pre-order a Wolffepack Luna starting at $89. After the Wolffepack Luna campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

GoBag | The Vacuum Compressible Carry-on Backpack

What is it?
The GoBag is the ultimate travel vacuum compressable backpack that will allow you to leave your regular luggage at home so you can skip the baggage carousel.

Why do I like it?
Every time we go on a trip, we pack a large rolling suitcase and another smaller rolling suitcase to hold all our toiletry items. rolling the bags around the airport, checking them in, and paying extra baggage fees means hassle and money. The GoBag looks like a great way to avoid hassle and fees because it’s been designed to hold a week’s worth of clothes while still allowing for easy access to your laptop and other gear.

Where can I find more info?
The GoBag campaign ends in 29 days and they have already passed their funding goal of $13,144. You can pre-order a GoBag starting at $163. After the GoBag campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

LUDICASE: Fidget iPhone X case

What is it?
LUDICASE turns your iPhone 6/7/8 or iPhone X into a fidget spinner. No, I’m not kidding.

Why do I like it?
I like it because it’s goofy and fun. Everyone wants to wring out as much juice from the fidget spinner fad as possible and this case is not something I expected. It’s definitely a conversation starter.

Where can I find more info?
The LUDICASE campaign ends in 23 days and they have already passed their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a LUDICASE starting at $15. After the LUDICASE campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Gravity Museum – Space Exploration Kit on your tabletop.

What is it?
The Gravity Museum is a new project from the same folks that created the MoonDrop project that we talked about this past spring.

Why do I like it?
I like the Gravity Museum because it sparks your imagination and makes you think about other planets besides the one we’re on right now. It looks like a great little table top science lab for kids and adults who are interested in astronomy and space.

Where can I find more info?
The Gravity Museum campaign ends in 28 days and they are still working towards their funding goal of $26,288. You can pre-order a Gravity Museum starting at $92. After the Gravity Museum campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Crowdfunded

Ti Arto EDC pen, AmpliFi Teleport, GoBag vacuum compressible backpack, Fidget spinner iPhone case, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 15, 2017 at 10:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

This week we have a metal themed edition of our weekly notable crowdfunding campaigns post with five projects that are made of all metal. Click through to read more details about these five crowdfunded products.

The WESN Titanium Micro Blade EDC Pocket Knife Keychain

What is it?
The WESN Titanium Micro Blade EDC Pocket Knife Keychain is a pocket knife that measures only 3.75 inches long when it’s fully deployed and a tiny eye squinting 2.24 inches long when it’s folded.

Why do I like it?
I like the WESN pocket knife because it’s a very well made knife that is a perfect addition to your EDC because it’s so small that it can fit on your keychain or in a pocket without feeling the extra weight. They sent me a sample and I have to tell you that this little guy is an over-engineered marvel. Even though it’s tiny, it feels great in hand. There are no sharp edges on the grade 5 Titanium handle, and the heat hardened steel blade is tiny but effective for all sorts of everyday chores like opening boxes. If you like tiny pocket knives, don’t miss this one.

Where can I find more info?
The WESN campaign ends in 31 days and they have already passed their funding goal of $12,000. You can pre-order a WESN starting at $40. After the WESN campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Spoke Note

blurb by Andy Jacobs

What is it?
A cool-looking, super tough, CNC-machined aluminum sticky note holder.

Why do I like them?
I think most sticky-note holders look boring and are poorly built—just hunks of injection-molded cheap plastic. Brian Conti, inventor, designer, maker and veteran of several successfully-launched brands and Kickstarter campaigns, felt the same way. When he couldn’t find anything better in the market, he designed and built his own, the Spoke Note. Spoke Note breaks that mold (pun intended). CNC machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, it looks tough and is tough. Its shape, style, and machined holes give it a cool an industrial vibe. Spoke Note holds a single 3-in x 3-in 100-sheet sticky note pad and has four “micro-suction” disc feet/pads, which can even allow it to be attached to many vertical surfaces. Do I need an over-built but cool-looking sticky-note holder? Probably not, but I sure do want this one.

Where can I find more info?
The Kickstarter campaign just kicked off (pun intended again) and will end November 21, so there is still plenty of time to become a backer. Already as of this writing, the campaign still has 14 days to go and has already achieved surpassed its $1,000 funding goal with over $4,000 in pledges. Pledge package pricing starts at $30 for a single early bird Spoke Note and increases from there. Estimated delivery is December/January 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

B•A•T Trident: 12 Function Mini Multi-tool

What is it?
The B•A•T Trident is a trident-shaped bead-blasted stainless steel multi-tool that has 12 functions and a 2.5 inch long and 1.5 inch wide form factor.

Why do I like it?
I like the B•A•T Trident because it’s a one-piece multi-tool that’s flat, which means it can fit in a pocket in your jeans or gear bag. This particular multi-tool has all the main tools that you want in an EDC tool. It offers the following functions:

Phillips head screwdriver
Razor sharp cutting edge
Sharp piercing point
Captured cutting edge
Small flathead screwdriver/pry tip
Wire stripper
Serrated fire rod scraper
Saw edge
Laser-etched 1” ruler
Bottle opener
Fire starter rod (included)
BAT TRIDENT comes with a small SOLAS reflective sticker that you can choose to attach for emergency signaling or leave off for stealth

Where can I find more info?
The B•A•T Trident campaign ends in 24 days and they are well on their way towards reaching their funding goal of $7,000. You can pre-order a B•A•T Trident starting at $35. After the B•A•T Trident campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Urban Kukri knife family

What is it?
The Kukri knife collection are eye-catching friction style folding knives that have been made by hand using basic tools by Ukrainian maker Konstantin Shaporenko.

Why do I like it?
I like the Kukri knives because they look more like a work of art or a sculpture than a cutting tool. But don’t get me wrong, they can still be used as an EDC knife that you can carry in a pocket or even wear around your neck if you opt for the tiny 30mm Kukri knife. They sent me a sample and I was very impressed with the workmanship and overall design of this knife.

Where can I find more info?
The Kukri knife campaign ends in 29 days and they are working towards their funding goal of $12,000. You can pre-order a Kukri knife starting at $25. After the Kukri knife campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in January 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

NeoKeys – Low Profile Self Organizing Keys

What is it?
NeoKeys are narrow key blanks that have a magnet built into the top that keeps all the keys stacked and connected to reduce the size and key jingle.

Why do I like it?
I like NeoKeys because they shrink each individual key and add an embedded neodymium magnet. It’s a more elegant alternative to the MagKeys stick on magnets that I reviewed a couple of years ago. If you’re looking to downsize and simplify your key carry, this looks like the perfect way to do so.

Where can I find more info?
The NeoKeys campaign ends in 13 days and they are working towards their funding goal of $2,000. You can pre-order a NeoKeys pack of 2 keys starting at $10. After the NeoKeys campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Crowdfunded

WESN Titanium EDC pocket knife, BAT Trident multi-tool, handmade Kukri pocket knife, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 8, 2017 at 9:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

This week I’m bringing you five crowdfunding campaigns that include four products introduced on Kickstarter and one project that is running on Indiegogo. Click through to read more details about these five crowdfunded products.

Sarvi Dock. Designed for Apple and Android devices.

blurb by Andy Jacobs

What is it?
A simple, sleek, minimalist design dock for smartphones and tables with tons of versatility and adaptability.

Why do I like them?
The main reason (among several) that I like it: Sarvi Dock claims to be compatible with “every possible combination of smartphones/tablets with protective cases and docks available.” Every? Well, it claims to fit the likes of Lifeproof, Otterbox, Catalyst, Apple, Spigen, Mophie, and many more. Its elegant “S”-shaped back with soft-touch coating provides solid support for your phone and its design allows unobstructed use of your phone’s speakers as well as audio jack while docked. Its Cable Connect System includes three easily-to-swap connector adapters that cover the vast majority of phones and tablets: Apple Lightning, Micro USB a, d USB C. It’s compatible with wireless charging pads, has a landscape mode and can act as a USB thumb drive reader as well. Finally, it comes with Sarvi Valet, a small stand that holds the unused Cable Connect adapters and the Landscape Kit. Is there a downside to the Sarvi Dock? I haven’t found one yet. I’m excited about this one.

Where can I find more info?
The Kickstarter campaign is in full swing and will end December 1, so there is still time to become a backer. As of this writing, the campaign still has 32 days to go and already achieved over $19,000 of its $20,000 pledging goal. Pledge package pricing starts at $28 for a single early bird Sarvi Dock and increases from there. Estimated delivery is March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Bento Stack for Apple Accessories

What is it?
The Bento Stack is a stackable storage system for cables, chargers, USB flash drives, adapters, wireless headphones, Apple Pencil, Apple Watch bands and other gear that you want to keep organized.

Why do I like them?
I like the Bento Stack because it helps keep all your “stuff” neat and tidy instead of a mess at the bottom of your gear bag. I have used small zippered pouches to keep my gear organized, but the Bento Stack looks like a nice alternative to pouches because you can arrange the storage compartments on your desk when you’re using the gear allowing you to see all the items. Pouches aren’t quite that useful.

Where can I find more info?
The Bento Stack campaign ends in 19 days and they have already passed their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a Bento Stack starting at $38. After the Bento Stack campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

MAGNO INK: The World’s Most Intelligent Magnetically Energised Pen.

What is it?
MAGNO INK is an ink pen made of aluminum that uses Neodymium magnets to retract and extend the writing tip.

Why do I like them?
Because magnets! The MAGNO INK pen looks like a nice EDC pen that can accept popular D1 style refills. The magnetic mechanism means you don’t have to worry about losing the cap. It has been designed so it won’t roll off your desk and it also looks like a fun fidget toy.

Where can I find more info?
The MAGNO INK campaign ends in 46 days and they have already met their funding goal of $7,877. You can pre-order a MAGNO INK starting at $40. After the MAGNO INK campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Universal 3.0 Credit Card EDC Multi Tool 60+ Tools in One.

What is it?
The Universal 3.0 is a multi-tool that has over 60 tools but is compact enough to store in your wallet or pocket.

Why do I like them?
I like the Universal 3.0 because it offers a wide variety of tools from wrenches and screwdrivers which are common for multi-tools, to the not so common axe, protractor, sundial clock and compass, and much more.

Where can I find more info?
The Universal 3.0 campaign ends in 15 days and they have already met their funding goal of $5,000. You can pre-order a Universal 3.0 starting at $23. After the Universal 3.0 campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

GoSun Go: Boil Water and Cook Meals with Solar Power

What is it?
The GoSun Go is a portable stove that uses the power of the sun to cook your food and boil/sterilize water.

Why do I like them?
I’ve talked about GoSun products before, but this new product is smaller and much easier to take with you on your adventures. The GoSun Go gives you the ability to cool food using no fuel (wood) or batteries. All you need is the sun even if it’s cloudy and cold.

Where can I find more info?
The GoSun Go campaign ends in 23 days and has already reached their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a GoSun Go starting at $99. After the GoSun Go campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in April 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Crowdfunded

Sarvi smartphone dock, MAGNO INK pen, GoSun Go solar stove, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 29, 2017 at 4:04 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

This week I’m bringing you five crowdfunding campaigns that include two products that shrink in size when you need to travel. Click through to see more info about these crowdfunded products as well as three others.

MYMUG: The Last Mug You’ll Ever Need. Century Guaranteed!

What is it?
MYMUG is an insulated beverage holder that is made of a virtually unbreakable composite material that 100% FDA approved, BPA and BPS free, dishwasher safe, can be used in the microwave, and is guaranteed for a century.

Why do I like them?
Making Modern sent me a sample of the MYMUG and I really like the modern look and feel. I also like the slots in the base that allow water to drain when you wash it in a dishwasher. The fact that you can drop it without worrying that it will break is a big plus too. It’s also great that it’s made right here in the US and each mug features a lifetime warranty against defects. The $5 drink-through lid is a nice touch too.

Where can I find more info?
The MYMUG campaign ends in 26 days and they working on reaching their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order a MYMUG starting at $10. After the MYMUG campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

The Mindful Notebook by Corso

What is it?
The Mindful Notebook is a hardback notebook that helps you unplug and write down your thoughts and task lists.

Why do I like them?
Corso sent me a sample of the Mindful Notebook to check out and I was impressed by the look and feel. Each lined page has a thought or quote at the top and there’s a section at the bottom that is dedicated to listing what you’re grateful for that day.

Where can I find more info?
The Mindful Notebook campaign ends in 18 days and they have already met their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a Mindful Notebook starting at $28. After The Mindful Notebook campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Neofit Roller: The Foam Roller That Goes Anywhere

What is it?
Neofit is a portable version of a foam roller that you can use for self-massage to help with tight muscles and sore areas that are also known as “trigger points”. The Neofit opens to 12 inches and collapses down to a super compact 4 inches.

Why do I like them?
First of all, I don’t personally use foam rollers, but my better half does ALL THE TIME. We have 2 of them in our basement living room and they are each over 3 feet long and 6 or so inches long. They are like a log and take up space. I’d love to get Jeanne one of the Neofit rollers to take the place of the regular rollers that she has because they look like they will do the same thing but take up a fraction of the space.

Where can I find more info?
The Neofit Roller campaign ends in 29 days and they have already met their funding goal of $30,000. You can pre-order a Neofit Roller starting at $49. After The Neofit Roller campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

MagC: Wireless MacBook Charging

What is it?
MagC is a wireless charging case that has been designed to clip to the bottom of a MacBook. It will charge your iPhone 8 and iPhone X devices and other Qi devices too.

Why do I like them?
I’ve been a fan of Qi wireless charging for years and would love to have that capability for my MacBook too. The MagC wireless charger looks really interesting and it’s being made by the same people who created the TarDisk so at least you know that it’s not from a company who has never made a product before.

Where can I find more info?
The MagC campaign ends in 56 days and they have already met their funding goal of $1,000. You can pre-order a MagC starting at $139. After The MagC campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Jammy – Super Portable Digital Guitar

What is it?
Jammy is a travel-sized steel stringed digital guitar.

Why do I like them?
I’m a sucker for small musical instruments. I have owned small keyboards, travel guitars, ukuleles, and even other miniature digital guitars like the Jamstik. I think the Jammy looks like it might be better than the Jamstik because it opens to a larger size. The Jamstik was cool, but it was really small and slightly awkward to use. The Jammy looks like it might solve that problem while remaining very portable and travel-friendly. You don’t even need an app to play music on it because it’s a MIDI instrument. Just plug in headphones and play.

Where can I find more info?
The Jammy campaign ends in 56 days and they have already met their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a Jammy starting at $349. After The Jammy campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in April 2018. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Crowdfunded

MYMUG indestructible mug, Mindful Notebook, Neofit collapsible foam roller, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 22, 2017 at 4:44 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.