Coming soon, Swann’s completely wire-free smart video doorbell

For the past few years, affordable home security cameras have become very popular. Now the trend seems to be heading towards cameras that are wireless. That means no more hard wiring outdoor cameras for power because these new series of cameras have rechargeable batteries or even solar-powered batteries. One such camera that will be available this month is the Swann wire-free Smart Video Doorbell.

Swann has been in business since 1987, so they have a lot of experience in this market and technology. They plan to roll out new hardware like the Smart Video Doorbell this year, along with cool new features like voice control via Google assistant and Amazon Alexa. You’ll soon be able to use your voice to ask for a live feed from one of your cameras.

Swann’s VP Dennis McTighe says:

End users consider what’s in their doorway to be the frontline of their home security plan. They want products that are convenient but also reliable. Now, wireless technology has allowed doorbells to get so much smarter and easier to use.

Another feature that I’m interested in is Swann’s work in integrating their camera’s live feed with Chromecast and Android TV. I can imagine sitting on my couch in the basement in front of my 65-inch TV and being able to view a streaming live feed from my cameras upstairs.

The new Smart Video Doorbell will also feature True Detect heat and motion sensing technology that detects warm objects like people and cars and helps prevent false triggers.

We’ll be sure and let you know more about the Smart Video Doorbell as we get more info. Visit Swann to shop their current line of home security camera systems.

These zippered pouches were designed by a soldier to organize your EDC gear

How do you carry your favorite EDC gear? Is everything dumped into the bottom of your backpack or messenger bag where it’s hard to find? If you would like to improve your daily gear organization, check out these zippered pouches from Bond Travel Gear. They were designed by a soldier and world traveler, Chris Elfering.

The Bond bags that are made of 1000D ballistic nylon and feature YKK auto locking zippers. There are two bags to choose from. There’s the Dash dopp kit that has been designed to hold your toiletries and other bathroom gear, and the Escapade small gear bag that holds everything else.

The bags are abrasion and water resistant, have double-stitched zippers and double-stitching on stress points. A carabiner is included so you can hang the DASH anywhere.

The Bond pouches are backed by a lifetime guarantee and are priced from $39 for the Escapade and $44 for the Dash. You can find out more at bondtravelgear.com and order from Amazon.

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

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

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

Blurb by Ryan Pagel

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

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

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

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

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

SUPRA TAG – Credit card multifunctional plier full Titanium

Blurb by Andy Jacobs

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

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

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

SNOW-C | Charge Your Phone Wirelessly In Your Pocket

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

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

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

ESPRO Ultralight Travel Press| Caffeinate & Hydrate Anywhere

Blurb by Andy Jacobs

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

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

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

Klips – Ban the Bulge!

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

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

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

Ditch your boring wireless charger with a stylish Cooper Ecostand Qi wireless charging stand

Slowly but surely Qi charging is being integrated into more of our personal devices. With the iPhone 8 and X having Qi charging, more companies are looking to take advantage of the upswing in Qi charging technology. One of the easiest ways to take advantage of this charging method is charging stands. There are a lot of these stands on the market today, but I have noticed that there seems to be a lack of style in most of them. Cooper Cases has changed that with their introduction of the Cooper Ecostand Qi wireless charging stand. The Cooper stand is made of aluminum and rosewood, not boring plastic like a lot of current Qi charging stands. With a triple coil charge plate for a wider charging area and an ergonomic stand design (allowing you to comfortably read your device while it is charging), the Cooper Ecostand Qi wireless charging stand has style. At a price of $29.95 from the Cooper Case web site, you can afford to Qi charge in style.

Your wallet full as a fridge? Switch to the Ridge minimalist wallet

Although I am not always on the lookout for a new wallet, When I see something that looks interesting I like to give it a mention. The Ridge wallet has recently caught my eye not only for the design but also the different material models they have. The basic wallet design is two outer plates covering an inner elastic band that holds up to 12 cards. All the wallets offer RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) protection and come with a money clip attached to the rear or an elastic cash strap option. The Ridge comes in carbon fiber, titanium, aluminum or polycarbonate in various colors. Another nice feature of The Ridge wallets is the ability to get replacement parts from their website, allowing you to keep your wallet in tip-top condition. The Ridge wallet starts at $45 for the polycarbonate model and runs up to $115 for the carbon fiber model. You can buy and get further information about The Ridge wallet at The Ridge website.

Note from Julie: We actually reviewed the Ridge wallet a few years ago.