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PITAKA modular wallet, Touch wireless earbuds, FODI device stand, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns


Today I have a selection of five Kickstarter and Indiegogo projects for you to read about. Click through to see my list of this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.

PITAKA – Redefine Carbon Fiber Wallet

What is it?
The PITAKA is a modular, magnetic RFID-Blocking wallet made of lightweight carbon fiber.

Why do I like it?
I reviewed the original PITAKA wallet earlier this year and found it to be an interesting design for a minimalist wallet. My main negative feedback was that credit cards with magnetic strips could not be used in the wallet for fear of the magnets damaging them. This new version of the PITAKA wallet solves that problem by adding an anti-degaussing module that can hold up to 3 cards. There are also other new layers that can hold keys, coins and more.

Where can I find more info?
With 31 days left in the campaign, The PITAKA campaign has already reached their funding goal of $15,000. You can pre-order a PITAKA wallet starting at $69. After the PITAKA campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

EverSleep – Wake Up Refreshed 5-In-1 Sleep Tracker

What is it?
EverSleep is a sleep tracking device.

Why do I like it?
I like EverSleep because it doesn’t just track the different sleep levels like light, REM, and deep, but it also tracks your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, movement and your respiratory function. It looks like a more comprehensive sleep tracker than the ones we see on the market today that are built into our wearable fitness trackers. The EverSleep’s main function is tracking sleep, so it focuses all its effort on that task.

Where can I find more info?
With 17 days left in the campaign, The EverSleep campaign has already reached their funding goal of $40,000. You can pre-order an EverSleep tracker starting at $169. After the EverSleep campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

FODI – The flat multi-purpose origami stand

What is it?
The FODI is a thin Origami stand that folds into different sizes to support phones, tablets, laptops more.

Why do I like it?
I like the FODI because it’s thin, easy to store, and can be used with a variety of devices instead of just phones or tablets. It’s made of a thin polypropylene fibre but is strong enough to hold up to 44 lbs.

Where can I find more info?
With 39 days left in the campaign, The FODI campaign has already reached their funding goal of $7,607. You can pre-order a FODI starting at $14. After the FODI campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Touch – Affordable, Ultra Small, Wireless Earbuds

What is it?
Touch wireless Bluetooth earbuds are that are very small and store in their own recharging case that easily fits in your pocket.

Why do I like it?
I like the Touch wireless earbuds because they look almost identical to the Rowkin earbuds that I reviewed last year. I loved the size and fit of those earbuds, but they had a lot of problems with connectivity. Touch earbuds are the next generation of that design. I asked the people behind the Touch campaign how their earbuds different from the Rowkin buds and this is what they had to say:

the differences between the Rowkin Bit. Touch is the second generation product where we’ve replaced the single multi-function button with a touch sensor. Now you don’t have to fiddle around to make sure you are pressing the button all the way. In addition, now the earbuds feature a brand new chipset and redesigned RF module with Bluetooth 5.0.

In your review, you mentioned the minor disconnects when you move around. With Bluetooth 5.0, the range is increased 4X and the new chipset has double the processing power for better DSP (better audio).

Otherwise, the same size and bullet styling is nearly identical with a slight angle where the ear-tip attaches for better fit!

I’m anxious to give them a try!

Where can I find more info?
With 16 days left in the campaign, The Touch campaign has already reached their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a pair of Touch earbuds starting at $89. After the Touch campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

eWheels: Turn Any Pushcart to an Electric Remote Golf Caddie

What is it?
eWheels turns any pushcart to a remote-controlled motorized electric golf caddie.

Why do I like it?
I don’t play golf, but I just think that eWheels is a cool idea that could be applied to other uses like a motorized garden cart. We spent last weekend moving rocks using a pull cart and it was a lot of work. Turning our existing cart into a rechargeable motorized cart that we can remote control sounds great! Although I can’t find any info on how much weight the eWheels can handle.

Where can I find more info?
With 8 days left in the campaign, The eWheels campaign has already reached their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order an eWheels starting at $429. After the eWheels campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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PITAKA modular wallet, Touch wireless earbuds, FODI device stand, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on June 28, 2017 at 9:35 am.

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#ad Xeric’s Fifth Kickstarter Proves Crowdfunded Watches Are Here to Stay


This post is sponsored by Watches.com

As retailers and marketers have gained expansive access to new markets through the internet in the past couple of decades; there has been growing distance between big brands and consumers that can result in “lost markets.”

The rise and rise social media, mobile and the struggling challenges of reaching millennials has lead to massive changes in the way consumers make purchases and interact with brands. 

To stay competitive and thrive in this new landscape, companies need to evolve the way they do business. Now more than ever, customers are longer passive observers but have become active participants, educating themselves about products and services before ever engaging with a brand. A traditional business that does not adapt will simply get left behind.

Kickstarter and social media allow businesses a return to the consumer by establishing a template for a direct relationship during every part of the process. And it does this not only by assisting businesses in jumpstarting their projects, but also in keeping an active and open line of communication through which ideas, feedback, and even criticism can be leveraged and brought back to a market where consumers could are able to vote with their money on the products that they truly want to be a part of.

A Tradition Built On Success

Xeric sees themselves as a design centric, Kickstarter first, brand. Unlike traditional swiss watch brands which design watches in silos and then market them using standard channels, Xeric turns to crowdfunding and social media to find out what their audience likes. They’ve resolved to talk directly to these consumers, find out what satisfies them (and what doesn’t).

Xeric is founded behind the team responsible for Watches.com. The family run team has seen considerable success from their followers for the crowdfunding campaigns.

The response to the Xeriscope, Xerics initial Kickstarter campaign, was positively humbling. The campaign quickly overtook its modest $40,000 goal and went on to raise $444,370 in pledges from 1,148 backers. Encouraged by their success, they began work on designing the Halograph and Soloscope. With expanded variation in limited-run designs, they once again saw that their idea of a unique, modern-but-timeless mechanical watch brought something to market that had, up until then, been hard to find in a wristwatch. 2015 and 2016 would see the Soloscope Kickstarter receive $679,310 in support from 1,623 backers, and the Halograph an incredible $885,593 in pledges from 2,409 backers.

In the course of their Kickstarter campaigns, they’ve received over $2M in backing for their designs. Clearly, what they were doing had struck a chord.

Xeric attributes a measure of this success to a three key factors:

• People just want to stand out – Xeric’s distinctive design flair and limited-edition mechanical watches were sure to be peerless in nearly any room full of people.

• Price and value are a factor for the buyers – customers want both superior artistry and high quality from their timepieces, and Xeric’s lower-than-luxury price-point was an ideal fit for this market. This notion of affordable luxury has been a driving factor for them in all of their subsequent watch designs.

• Design and aesthetic must not be lost in the presentation – Such a large part of the appeal of their watches, Xeric’s in-house photographers and videographers stopped at nothing when it came to bringing their designs to life in every intricate detail. Not only are the watches themselves beautiful; but the presentation of their watches online is near perfection.

The team also learned more about the audience they’d resonated with:

• Approximately 60% of their backers were from outside the US, indicating a wide international audience.

• The cities of Singapore, Tokyo, London, Melbourne, Sydney, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Brisbane, and Toronto were their top markets.

• Roughly two-thirds of their backers had already backed another Kickstarter campaign before backing Xeric’s.

Continued Success Through Kickstarter

Having already traveled the world to collect unique watches for their retail collection, the international nature of their consumer base was no great surprise. But that two-thirds of their support was from returning Kickstarter backers seemed to lend credence to what they had suspected all along — that Kickstarter represents entire groups of consumers who want something they simply cannot find anywhere else.

It’s something they feel so strongly about that the team is already looking forward to continuing this relationship with the Kickstarter audience through establishing a regular release of new designs – as two campaigns are being launched in 2017. Q1 saw the launch of the Evergraph Automatic Watch — A unique mechanical automatic timepiece with a design blending classic and modern. Inspired by the past, designed for the future. For Q2, Xeric launched it’s fifth and most current Kickstarted campaign, One-Handed RQ & SQ Watch Collections. Complete with two different case shapes (round or square) and multiple strap options, there are over 30 different options to choose from giving the customers the one thing they care about the most – personalization.

Xeric have become the authority in using the response from crowdfunding to drive the products that they create and introduce to the market, and their continued success coupled with innovative new designs (and campaigns) prove that crowdfunded watches are here to stay.

This post is sponsored by Watches.com

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#ad Xeric’s Fifth Kickstarter Proves Crowdfunded Watches Are Here to Stay originally appeared on on June 22, 2017 at 9:42 am.

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Updated Mistbox, Flic hub, Wetsleeve wearable water bottle, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns


Here’s a new list of Indiegogo and Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns that you’ll want to check out and potentially back with your pledges. There’s a computer programming “game”, a hub for smart buttons, wireless earbuds, and more. Click through to see the full list.

Flic Hub: Simplify Home Control with Smart Buttons

What is it?
The Flic Hub is a controller for Flic buttons which are small clickable buttons that can be programmed to control a variety of IoT devices.

Why do I like it?
I reviewed the Flic buttons last year and have been using them ever since. The only downside to using them has been the fact that they are paired with a single phone. If you want to click a button to perform a task, you had to have your phone within range of the button. The Flic Hub fixes that problem. Now up to 64 buttons can be connected to the hub. That means anyone in your home can use Flic buttons without needing their phone.

Where can I find more info?
With 30 days left in the campaign, The Flic Hub campaign has already reached their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a Flic Hub starting at $69. After the Flic Hub campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Mistbox: Energy-saving device proven to cut AC bills by 30%

What is it?
Mistbox is a device that connects to your outdoor AC condenser unit and sprays a fine water mist around it while it is running. The mist pre-cools the air around the AC, which helps it be more efficient and the air coming out of your registers will be a few degrees colder than without the Mistbox.

Why do I like it?
I reviewed the original Mistbox last year and found that it worked as advertised. Their new version is smaller and uses cellular instead of WiFi for setup and connection with the mobile app. Also, the system is now “free” because it’s been changed to a subscription service where you get the hardware in exchange for a monthly or yearly subscription fee which includes filters and a lifetime warranty.

Where can I find more info?
With 53 days left in the campaign, The Mistbox campaign has already reached their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a Mistbox subscription starting at $10/mo. After the Mistbox campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Turing Tumble: Gaming on a Mechanical Computer

What is it?
The Turing Tumble is a mechanical computer that is powered by marbles and has been designed to help kids (and adults) learn how computers and programming works by solving logic puzzles.

Why do I like it?
I like the Turing Tumble because it turns the task of learning to program a computer into a game by building, touching, and seeing. The kit comes with a book of 51 puzzles that fit in with a full-color Anime style comic book.

Where can I find more info?
With only 7 days left in the campaign, The Turing Tumble campaign has already reached their funding goal of $48,000. You can pre-order a Turing Tumble subscription starting at $60. After the Turing Tumble campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in January 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

The Anker Zolo Liberty wireless earphones

blurb by Bill Henderson

What is it?
The first wireless earphones weren’t at all wireless; they still had a length of cable connecting the left and right earpiece. Wireless should mean wireless – not almost wireless. The Zolo Liberty wireless earphones are two totally separate Bluetooth earpieces that lack any kind of physical connection.

Why do I like it?
Anker has a great reputation for both innovative and reliable products. I have a couple of their powered USB hubs that are lifesavers. Anker is now branching into the wireless personal audio market with a new division called Zolo. Anker vows that the Liberty earphones will be the world’s first zero-compromise wireless earphones. Anker wants people who already own wireless earbuds to let them know what they like and dislike. Anker states, “We’re convinced we’ve already created the world’s best total-wireless earphones, but we’re not finished yet. We really want to hear from the people who will actually do the listening. You can help make Liberty even better.”

Where can I find more info?
With 32 days left in the campaign, The Anker Zolo Liberty wireless earphones campaign has already leap-frogged past their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a pair of Anker Zolo Liberty wireless earphones starting at $99. After the Anker Zolo Liberty wireless earphones campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Wetsleeve: Wear Your Hydration

What is it?
Wetsleeve is a 12 ounce capacity sports bottle that you wear on your arm.

Why do I like it?
I like the Wetsleeve because it looks like a better alternative to other wearable hydration systems that you wear on your back. The Watersleeve is handsfree and has an insulation layer that reflects heat away from the body so the liquid in the sleeve stays cool longer. It also has a bite valve so there are no caps to unscrew or flip open when you want to take a drink.

Where can I find more info?
With 43 days left in the campaign, The Wetsleeve campaign has already reached their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a Wetsleeve subscription starting at $39. After the Wetsleeve campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Updated Mistbox, Flic hub, Wetsleeve wearable water bottle, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on June 21, 2017 at 12:22 pm.

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intelliPLUG smart plug, iMoov folding lapdesk, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns


Not a day goes by where I don’t receive at least a handful of emails pitching a variety of crowdfunding campaigns. Most of the time the products that are seeking funding are products I’ve seen before and aren’t that interestng to me, but sometimes there a few gems that are worth sharing to all of you. I collect those interesting projects and create one post a week showcasing the Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns that I think you’ll want to read about. Click through to see this week’s picks.

intelliPLUG Wi-Fi Smart Plug

What is it?
The intelliPLUG is a small app-controlled smart plug that does not require a hub and can be controlled with Alexa.

Why do I like it?
I like the intelliPLUG because it makes it easy to create a smart home. The plug is small and doesn’t require a lot of extra hardware or a complicated setup. Just plug it into an outlet, pair it with your phone and the intelliPLUG app and the appliance plugged into intelliPLUG can now be controlled anywhere with your phone. You also get 2 plugs for $20 which is very inexpensive compared to other smart plugs on the market.

Where can I find more info?
With a month left in the campaign, The intelliPLUG campaign more than halfway to their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order an intelliPLUG starting at $20. After the intelliPLUG campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

iMoov folding lapdesk

What is it?
iMoov is a portable folding lap desk for laptops, phones, and tablets.

Why do I like it?
I like the iMoov because it can be used in many ways making it a lot more versatile and ergonomic than a lot of other lap desks that I’ve tried in the past. It folds down into a lightweight package for portability. With certain pledge levels, they even offer a Bluetooth keyboard and a carry bag for the iMoov, the keyboard, your laptop, and other gear.

Where can I find more info?
With 19 days left in the campaign, The iMoov campaign has already met their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order an iMoov starting at $56. After the iMoov campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Magpie: the smartest, truly global GPS tracker around

What is it?
Magpie is a rechargeable, waterproof GPS tracking device that requires a low priced monthly subscription.

Why do I like it?
I like the Magpie tracker because it uses GPS instead of Bluetooth. So instead of being alerted when you walk only a few feet away from the object that you want to track, the Magpie will let you track objects globally because it uses GPS over a cellular network. The tracking device is also rechargeable and can last from 1 day to 3 months depending on the tracking frequency that you set.

Where can I find more info?
With 15 days left in the campaign, The iMoov campaign has already met their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a Magpie starting at $5. After the Magpie campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

BuildOne: $99 3D Printer w/ WiFi and Auto Bed Leveling

What is it?
BuildOne is a small auto calibrating 3D printer at a very affordable price.

Why do I like it?
I like the BuildOne mainly because it’s small. Most 3D printers take up too much space. This one is the perfect size for a hobbyist or for someone wanting to try 3D printing for the first time.

It has a 5″x5″x5″ print area and uses standard 1.75mm filament. The BuildOne is also modular and can be upgraded with different types of print beds, a display and other features.

Where can I find more info?
With 8 days left in the campaign, The iMoov campaign has already met their funding goal of $100,000. You can pre-order a BuildOne starting at $5. After the BuildOne campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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intelliPLUG smart plug, iMoov folding lapdesk, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on June 14, 2017 at 9:32 am.

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Video doorbells, folding photography studios, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns


This week we have two Indiegogo campaigns and two Kickstarter campaigns. I want one of each! Click through to see this week’s list of notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Xchime Doorbell: Watch your home from your phone

What is it?
The Xchime Doorbell is a video doorbell with features not found in other video doorbells that are currently on the market.

Why do I like it?
I like the Xchime Doorbell because it includes additional features not found on other video doorbell systems like the Ring Smart Video Doorbell that I reviewed last year. The Xchime integrates with a smart light to automatically turn on when motion is activated. It can also integrate with a garage door opener.

Where can I find more info?
With a month left in the campaign, The Xchime Doorbell campaign has already met their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order an Xchime Doorbell starting at $129. After the Xchime Doorbell campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Foldio3 photo studio

What is it?
The Foldio3 is Orangemonkie’s latest portable photography studio. I reviewed and regularly use their Foldio2 photo studio which is listed on my Julie’s favorite gear page.

Why do I like it?
I like the Foldio3 because it takes what I already love about the Foldio2 and makes it bigger and better. At 25″ wide, the Foldio3 is almost twice as large as the Foldio2 so that you can photograph larger objects. The LED light bars have also been updated to be brighter so that there are fewer shadows and they are now offering magnetic halo light bars that can add extra light inside the studio box. I’m very excited about this new larger studio and am looking forward to reviewing it.

Where can I find more info?
With 39 days left in the campaign, The Foldio3 campaign has already blasted past their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a Foldio3 starting at $109. After the Foldio3 campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Hale Orb: A fun new way to share photos and videos

What is it?
The Hale Orb is a tennis-ball sized device that allows you to share and view your photos & videos on your TV.

Why do I like it?
I like the Hale Orb because it’s a more tactile/natural way to interact with your TV to view photos and videos that have been shared by family members and friends. The orb works like a remote that you can spin and tap. When new photos are uploaded, the device glows to alert family members that new media is available to view. Tapping the Hale Orb turns on the TV so you can see the new photos and videos.

Where can I find more info?
With a month left in the campaign, The Hale Orb campaign has already met their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order a Hale Orb starting at $139. After the Hale Orb campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Zeki Smart Shorts

What is it?
Zeki shorts are men’s shorts with lots of pockets and a special pocket for a portable wireless charger for your smartphone.

Why do I like it?
I like Zeki shorts because pockets! There’s even a cooler pocket that can keep your drink cold. Bet it keeps your leg cold too!

I hope they succeed with their campaign and make a women’s version of these shorts.

Where can I find more info?
With 25 days left in the campaign, The Zeki shorts campaign has lot of work to do to reach their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a pair of Zeki shorts starting at $39. After the Zeki shorts campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Video doorbells, folding photography studios, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on June 4, 2017 at 3:36 pm.

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