It’s time for another selection of crowdfunding campaigns that have caught my interest in the last week. This time around we have five projects that range from a trash smasher to a CNC mill that is small enough to put on a table. Click through to read my picks for this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.

GENIE – A Multi-Language Voice Assistant Bluetooth Speaker

What is it?
GENIE is a portable Bluetooth speaker that you can use with your favorite voice assistant service like Amazon Alexa, Google Now, Siri and Cortana in 50+ different languages and dialects supported by Google and Apple including Arabic, Chinese, Taiwanese, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Norwegian (Bokmål), Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai and Turkish.

Why do I like it?
I like GENIE because it has a multi-function button on the side that will launch the voice assistant software on the paired device. The multi-function button is also a rotary dial that controls volume. The speaker can run for up to 24 hours on a single charge and has a play time of up to 10 hours.

You can use GENIE to take and make hands-free calls, listen to and control your favorite music and playlists with 360-degree omni-directional sound, and you can take it outdoors because it’s water and dust resistant.

Where can I find more info?
With 59 days left in the campaign, The GENIE campaign is just getting started working towards their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a GENIE starting at $40. After the GENIE campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Tapdo | World’s Smallest Remote for Everything

What is it?
Tapdo is a wearable button that triggers commands based on the prints from different parts of your hand from your fingers to even the print on the palm of your hand.

Why do I like it?
I like Tapdo because it’s one button that can have up to 20 different commands associated with it. It’s like a Flic smart button steroids. It is powered by a standard coin cell battery that has a lifetime of approximately 6 months.

Commands can include wireless light control, camera shutter button, send a tweet, time tracking, make fake call, and a bunch of other commands.

Where can I find more info?
With 10 days left in the campaign, The Tapdo campaign is very close to reaching their funding goal of $48,867. You can pre-order a Tapdo starting at $108. After the Tapdo campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

The MicroMill – A desktop CNC milling machine

What is it?
The MicroMill is a small table top sized computer controlled 3-axis milling machine for makers and designers.

Why do I like it?
I like the MicroMill because it’s a small machine that anyone from makers to hobbyists can use in their home or garage to create things. It can mill materials that are softer than steel, like brass, acetal/Delrin, aluminum, wood, wax, foam, and more.

Where can I find more info?
With 31 days left in the campaign, The MicroMill campaign still has work to do to reach their funding goal of $39.614. You can pre-order a MicroMill starting at $804. After the MicroMill campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Trash Press: Simplify the Way You Deal with Garbage

What is it?
The Trash Press is a handheld plastic press that you use to compress the trash in your trash bin to make room for more trash.

Why do I like it?
There are only two people living in my house, but I’m always surprised by the amount of trash that we produce even though we do our best to recycle paper, cardboard, glass, cans, and plastics, and we throw food scraps in our woods. Every week we have at least two to three bags of trash that we have to drop at the trash center. A product like the Trash Press might cut that down by half, saving us a trip to the trash center, trash bags and reducing the amount of junk that we send to the land fill.

Where can I find more info?
With 16 days left in the campaign, The Trash Press campaign still has work to do to reach their funding goal of $5,000. You can pre-order a Trash Press starting at $10. After the Trash Press campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

AirVolt charging smartphones from radio waves

What is it?
The AirVolt is two piece charger that converts radio waves into electricity that recharge a device battery.

Why do I like it?
I like the AirVolt system because it’s a new and unique way to charge devices wirelessly. It does need a special adapter plugged into the device, but it is exciting that such technology exists and it makes me daydream about devices that have this technology baked in so that you never have to plug in a device to charge it again. Imagine having the base chargers all over the place so that your device is always charging. Endless battery life and no more worrying if your phone will last till you get home.

Where can I find more info?
With 30 days left in the campaign, The AirVolt campaign is just getting started working towards their funding goal of $9,000. You can pre-order an AirVolt starting at $35. After the AirVolt campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Crowdfunded

GENIE voice assistant speaker, Trash Press, a desktop sized CNC mill, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on April 25, 2017 at 11:28 am.

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Today I am sharing four crowdfunding campaigns that I thought you might like to read about. Click through to see my list of this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.

The Mirabook turns your smartphone into a laptop

What is it?
The Mirabook is a laptop that is powered by your Android or Windows Phone (and even Raspberry Pi) smartphone and provides it with a larger display, keyboard, touchpad and a higher capacity battery.

Why do I like it?
I like the Mirabook because I still have a dream of using my smartphone as my everything device. The only thing that sort of worries me about the Mirabook is that it physically tethers to the phone with a Type-C cable. That just seems a little awkward to me. I’d still love to try it though.

Where can I find more info?
With 30 days left in their campaign, The Mirabook campaign is still working towards their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a Mirabook starting at $180. After the Mirabook campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Code Angel: Learn to code amazing games on a Raspberry Pi

What is it?
Code Angel is a Raspberry Pi game programming kit that includes the Raspberry Pi computer and lessons to teach you coding in Python.

Why do I like it?
I like Code Angel because it is designed to teach computer programming in an easy and fun way by coding games. Programming helps develop problem-solving skills and analytical thinking skills that are important for all types of jobs and hobbies that are not just computer related. I’ve always wanted to tinker with a Raspberry Pi AND learn Python, so I’m really tempted to pledge for this campaign.

Where can I find more info?
With 24 days left in their campaign, The Code Angel campaign is still working towards their funding goal of $4397. You can pre-order a Code Angel starting at $124 for a reward that includes a Raspberry Pi. After the Code Angel campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

B-2 Nano Blade | World’s Smallest Tactical Pocket Knife

What is it?
The B-2 Nano Blade is a tiny folding and locking pocket knife that has a blade with serrated and non-serrated sections.

Why do I like it?
I like the B-2 Nano Blade because it’s so small, but has a serrated part of the blade that can be used to saw through things. I also like the locking blade.

There are a couple things to consider before you pledge. We’ve reviewed Bomber & Company products before and the review wasn’t too favorable. Also, this item won’t ship until February 2018 which is a crazy long time to wait for a reward and makes me wonder if the people who have pledged for it really paid attention to the estimated ship date.

Where can I find more info?
With 47 days left in their campaign, The B-2 Nano Blade campaign has already wildly surpassed their funding goal of $5000. You can pre-order a B-2 Nano Blade starting at $25. After the B-2 Nano Blade campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

miniRIG – Capture more with your smartphone and GoPro

What is it?
miniRIG is a video stabilizer for GoPros and smartphones.

Why do I like it?
I like miniRIG because it comes with extra accessories like a LED light, microphone, and legs that attach to turn the miniRIG into a small table top tripod. It is being made by the same people who brought you the Smoovie which I reviewed last fall. I wasn’t impressed with the Smoovie and didn’t recommend it, but it appears that they’ve vastly improved the design to create this new product that has a lot more features.

Where can I find more info?
With 23 days left in their campaign, The miniRIG campaign has already surpassed their funding goal of $12,563. You can pre-order a miniRIG starting at $52. After the miniRIG campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Crowdfunded

Turn your smartphone into a laptop, Learn Python, tiny pocket knife, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on April 18, 2017 at 8:00 am.

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Today I have a four Kickstarter crowdfunding projects that are all for products that I would buy for myself, so I thought you might like to read about them too. Click through to see my list of this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Ti Pocket Pro : The Auto Adjusting EDC Pen

What is it?
The Ti Pocket Pro is a new EDC pen from Big Idea Design that grows or shrinks in size so it can work with 80+ refills.

Why do I like it?
I like the Ti Pocket Pro because it addresses the one thing my current favorite pen does not have… a cap. I use Big Idea Design Ti Arto pen and love everything about it except having to unscrew the cap when I want to use it. With this new pen, I won’t have to do that.

Big Idea Design has a proven track record with crowdfunding projects and I can’t wait to get my hands on this new pen. I have a feeling it will be my next favorite.

Where can I find more info?
With 29 days left in their campaign, The Ti Pocket Pro campaign has already surpassed their funding goal of $5,000. You can pre-order a Ti Pocket Pro starting at $65. After the Ti Pocket Pro campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

AdapDesk: The World’s First Portable Work Station

What is it?
The AdapDesk is a convertible / modular desk that can be used in bed, on the couch and even as a standing desk.

Why do I like it?
I like the AdapDesk because it adapts (sorry) and can be used in several different ways instead of just one way. It’s also foldable so if you decide you don’t want to use it, it’s easily stowed away for the next time that you want to use it or want to take it with you.

Where can I find more info?
With 34 days left in their campaign, The AdapDesk campaign has already surpassed their funding goal of $15,000. You can pre-order an AdapDesk starting at $125. After the AdapDesk campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Had enough of messy cables during trips? THE POWER PACKER

What is it?
The POWER PACKER is a slim zippered pouch that has been designed to hold and organize all our cables and small tech gear.

Why do I like it?
I like the POWER PACKER because I have several small pouches that I use to hold various cables, chargers, flash drives, adapters, etc. None of the pouches that I’m currently using are large enough to hold all the gear, so I have to split the gear between multiple pouches. That means I’m always trying to remember which pouch has the specific item that I need. The POWER PACKER looks like it can hold everything I would need and then some. It also allows you to easily see and find all your small items.

Where can I find more info?
With 23 days left in their campaign, The POWER PACKER campaign has already surpassed their funding goal of $6,435. You can pre-order a POWER PACKER starting at $29. After the POWER PACKER campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Welle: Turn Any Surface Into A Smart Interface

What is it?
The Welle is a device that turns any surface into a gesture-based remote control by using ultrasound technology.

Why do I like it?
I like the Welle because you can place it in a central location and use it to control all of your smart devices using different gestures that you draw with your finger or your hand. For example, you can use your finger to draw the letter D to turn down the heat on your Nest thermostat or draw a U to turn up the volume on your Sonos speakers. You can also create custom gestures and assign them to commands that control your devices.

Where can I find more info?
With 33 days left in their campaign, The Welle campaign has already surpassed their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order a Welle starting at $69. After the Welle campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Crowdfunded

New Big Idea Design Ti pen, a transforming laptop desk, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on April 9, 2017 at 11:03 am.

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

Roadie 2 and Roadie Bass Automatic Instrument Tuners

What is it?
Roadie 2 is a motorized guitar (and other stringed instruments like banjos, mandolins and ukuleles) tuner.

Why do I like it?
I like the Roadie 2 tuner because I’m lazy and it will do ALL the work to keep my strings tuned. All I need to do is hold it over the tuning gear and let it do its thing even in noisy environments.

If you use the Roadie 2 with the dedicated app, you can also use it to easily and quickly tune alternate tunings like Drop D tuning.

Where can I find more info?
With 33 days left in their campaign, The Roadie 2 campaign has already surpassed their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a Roadie 2 starting at $89. After the Roadie 2 campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

AquaPurse: The Water Bottle / Handbag Hybrid

What is it?
AquaPurse is a purse that doubles as a beverage bottle. Wait, what?

Why do I like it?
Do I actually like the AquaPurse? Ok sure… I guess. I mean I don’t hate it. It’s one of those goofy crowdfunding campaigns that I can’t help but smile at. But I suppose if your life long dream is to sling your favorite beverage and your wallet over your shoulder, then the AquaPurse appears to be the answer to that dream.

Where can I find more info?
With 24 days left in their campaign, The AquaPurse campaign has almost reached their funding goal of $7,628. You can pre-order the AquaPurse starting at $37. After the AquaPurse campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

dbell live: Smartest Video Doorbell & Security Cam

What is it?
The dbell is a live video door bell that streams a live video feed to your smartphone when someone pushes the button.

Why do I like it?
The dbell features a 160° wide angle HD video camera, a mic and sensors that allow to function as both a video door bell and a security system that has motion sensors and night vision that will alert you when someone comes to the door before they even press the button. All with no monthly fees.

Where can I find more info?
With 1 days left in their campaign, The dbell campaign has already reached their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order the dbell starting at $129. After the dbell campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Cora Ball – Microfiber Catching Laundry Ball

What is it?
Cora Ball is a recycled plastic ball that has been designed to catch all the microfibers from our clothes that are shed when they are being washed in the washer and ultimately end up in the ocean where fish eat them.

Why do I like it?
I don’t want to eat plastic and I don’t want fish eating plastic or the fibers to float around in the ocean, so I think this is an easy to use product that lets people reduce the amount of microfibers that end up in the ocean.

I didn’t even realize this was a problem until now.

Where can I find more info?
With 23 days left in their campaign, The Cora Ball campaign has already surpassed their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a Cora Ball starting at $20. After the Cora Ball campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Crowdfunded

Guitar tuners, a purse that can hold your fave beverage, video door bells, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on April 2, 2017 at 4:21 pm.

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Today I have three Kickstarter and three Indiegogo projects for you to check out. I want one of each, especially one in particular. Can you guess which one? Click through to see this week’s list of notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Superscreen – Supercharge your phone with a 10.1” HD display

What is it?
Superscreen is a $99 10.1″ tablet that duplicates what’s on your Android or iPhone’s display with virtually no latency, no wires, WiFi, and no carrier contracts.

Why do I like it?
You might think why do I need ANOTHER tablet? Well, the Superscreen isn’t really a tablet at all. It’s like an extension or mirror of your phone. You don’t install apps on the Superscreen. All your apps are on your phone, but you can interact with any app that is on your phone through the larger Superscreen. Anything and everything you can do on your phone, you can do on the Superscreen.

Is it sinking in yet why you would want this? Basically, it’s a tablet that you never have to update because it just mirrors your phone. You won’t have to deal with updating operating systems or apps or buying a new tablet every year or two.

The only question I still have about this product is if you can make and receive calls through the Superscreen. When I find out, I’ll make an update.

Where can I find more info?
With 29 days left in their campaign, The Superscreen campaign has already wildly surpassed their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a Superscreen starting at $99. After the Superscreen campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

UrbanX | Convert Any Bike to an Electric Bike in 60 Seconds

What is it?
The UrbanX is a plug and play front wheel for your bicycle that turns the bike into an electric bike that can travel 30 miles on a charge at a top speed of 20mph.

Why do I like it?
I like the UrbanX because it turns existing bicycles into electric bicycles without a lot of work. You just replace the front wheel and you’re done. It will be available in six sizes that are compatible with 99% of the bicycles on the market.

You can enjoy three different modes. Full electric, pedal assist, and traditional bike mode. You can also switch back to your original wheel. It can also interface with an app on your phone to track your trips.

Where can I find more info?
With 33 days left in their campaign, The UrbanX campaign has already passed their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a UrbanX starting at $299. After the UrbanX campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Heatbuff | No more cold hands – The future of gaming and workstations

What is it?
The Heatbuff is an infrared heater for your hands.

Why do I like it?
I like the Heatbuff because even though I’m not a gamer, my hands are cold all the time. I have an infrared heater at home for our basement living room, so I already know that these types of heaters work great. I could use a Heatbuff heater at my day job to keep my hands warm while I’m helping people with their software application issues.

Where can I find more info?
With 16 days left in their campaign, The Heatbuff campaign has already passed their funding goal of $10,849. You can pre-order a Heatbuff starting at $64. After the Heatbuff campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Gladius Ultra HD 4K Underwater Drone

What is it?
The Gladius is an underwater drone that can go down to a depth of 100 meters (328ft) and capture video with its 1080P 4K camera.

Why do I like it?
I think the Gladius is cool because it’s like a drone but instead of flying in the sky, it’s for underwater exploration. It uses a WiFi buoy that floats on top of the water and provides the Gladius with a 500-meter range. The drone can travel up to 2m/s and can last up to 3 per charge.

The only problem that I see is that the Gladius is tethered to the WiFi buoy with a 100 foot cord. Knowing my luck, I’d get the tether cord wrapped around a shark or something.

Where can I find more info?
With a month left in their campaign, The Gladius campaign is almost halfway to reaching their funding goal of $30,000. You can pre-order a Gladius starting at $599. After the Gladius campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Populele – The Smart Musical Gift for Everyone

What is it?
The Populele is a Bluetooth ukulele made of Maple with good quality Aquila strings that pairs with a mobile app on your phone or tablet and uses 72 built-in LEDs that help you learn to play music without needing song books.

Why do I like it?
I like the Populele because it looks like a fun new way for ukulele noobies to learn to play without getting too frustrated. The LEDs for each fret light up to show you exactly which strings and frets you need to press to make a chord. This can be easier than trying to mimic another player or figure out diagrams in books and sheet music.

Where can I find more info?
With 22 days left in their campaign, the Populele campaign has already reached their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a Populele starting at $149. After the Populele campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Nimuno Loops – The Toy Block Tape

What is it?
Nimuno Loops is reusable, cuttable, and flexible tape that is compatible with LEGO and Mega Blox bricks.

Why do I like it?
I like the Nimuno Loops because LEGO! I am a LEGO geek, so anything that will let me stick my LEGO creations to a wall gets a thumbs up from me.

Where can I find more info?
With 21 days left in their campaign, the Nimuno Loops campaign has crushed their funding goal of $8,000 by over 1.3 million dollars! You can pre-order a roll Nimuno Loops tape starting at $13 for a 6.5ft long roll of tape. After the Nimuno Loops campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Crowdfunded

Give your phone into a 10.1 screen, Electric bikes, an underwater drone, LEGO tape, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on March 21, 2017 at 4:53 pm.

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