KFC is going crowdfunding crazy

CROWDFUNDING NEWS – KFC Innovation Labs, founded in 2019, is taking KFC’s craziest marketing ideas to the public through Indiegogo crowdfunding campaigns.  For all the campaigns, they are a hard go/no-go depending on whether they reach their funding goals. To support a campaign, you can toss them $20, $50 or $60 and get a set of puffy stickers, a limited edition t-shirt or limited edition sweat pants.

Some of the campaigns also have purchase options, but they will only apply if the campaign gets funded.

Stay with me here, as it gets a little crazy!  Each of the titles below are links to the individual funding campaigns.

Kentucky Fried Hot Tub

Yup – they’re pitching a wood-fired hot tub that looks like a big old bucket of chicken.

Funding goal: $46,683. Additional perk: get a tub for $13,311. Funding as of this writing: $335.

Picnic with the Colonel

You can get an assemble-yourself cardboard picnic table and Colonel.  The table is said to be large enough to hold four folks and a KFC $20 fill-up with all the fixins.  Don’t plan to dine in the rain.  Because it’s cardboard.

Funding goal: $32,248. Additional perk: get a set for $1,020. Funding as of this writing: $80.

Smart cane remote

Throw out old canes and smart remotes! Here’s the “feature set”:

  • Integrated gyroscope and battery-powered microcontroller
  • Handsome cane shape
  • Colonel-head decorative handle
  • Rubber foot for optimal safety

But, the description says they are still working out details.

Funding goal: $195,052. Additional perk: get a cane for $1,703. Funding as of this writing: $50.

Little Colonel locator

Nothing looks better on a little one that the Colonel’s tie.  This one is linked up with a GPS and Bluetooth locator.  Style & function!

Funding goal: $10,050. Additional perk: get a tie for $132. Funding as of this writing: $1,022.

Colonel on Ice

Disney has done it.  Sesame Street has done it.  Why not the Colonel!

Funding goal: $2,206,750. Additional perks: be part of the Colonel’s army and get a thank you, $5; VIP show tickets, $150; be in the show, $50,000. Funding as of this writing: $55.

Obviously, more of a marketing ploy that an actual pitch for products, KFC is leveraging interest in crowdfunding to get some branded clothes out there.  But you never know.  This is the same company that once replaced buns on a sandwich with fried chicken.

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KFC is going crowdfunding crazy originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 9, 2019 at 8:33 am.

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EMT-The EveryMan Tool – Notable crowdfunding project

CROWDFUNDED – EDC is sort of our bag here at The Gadgeteer, baby.  And the best EDC gadgets are small, sleek, and multi-functional.  The EMT-EveryMan Tool is all that, and you just might be able to add a bag of chips.  (Not really, but customization is available!)

What is it?

The EMT-EveryMan Tool is a pocket-sized multi-tool that includes several base features and also can be customized with several add-on features.

Why do I like it?

The EMT packs a lot into a compact, cool-looking size and shape.  At the heart of the EMT is a utility blade that slides to deploy and can be locked in virtually any position along its deployment path.  It accepts standard utility razor blades for low cost and high availability, and blades also appear to be quite easy to swap out.  Also included is the obligatory EDC tool bottle opening (which I find to be quite useful as a craft beer drinker).  A flat head screwdriver and pry bar are also present, as well as a 6mm hex driver.  It open slot can be used to attach it to a keychain or paracord lanyard.  One of the more unique features is a 3x11mm Tritium slot that has a glow bead embedded in it to help you find the EMT in the dark.  The EMT is made from stonewashed Titanium and Aluminum materials.  As if all of that wasn’t enough, there are a whole host of customization add-ons planned, like pocket clips and various Tridium glow bead colors.

Where can I find more info?

The EMT-EveryMan Tool campaign ends on March 21, 2019. To date, over 200 backers have already pledged over $13,000 toward the $7,500 funding goal. Pledge packages start at $30 for a single EMT with standard blade insert, black paracord lanyard and green/blue glow bead and package prices increase from there pen of any of the style, or $195 for a set of all three. After the end of the campaign period, rewards are expected to start shipping in June 2019. Visit the EMT-EveryMan Tool campaign site for more information or to become a backer.

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EMT-The EveryMan Tool – Notable crowdfunding project originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 8, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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PC and Tablet Shipments Expected to Continue Slow Decline

There has been much debate over the past several years whether the tablet was going to replace the traditional PC. People who enjoy tablets insist it could happen while PC purists insist it never could. But the interesting trend, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) is that both markets are declining. They lump them into one category of “personal computing device shipments.” According to their WorldWide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker, they predict the market for this category will continue a slow decline over the next five years. IDC Prediction IDC predicts traditional PCs and tablets will decline 3.3% in 2019. This is despite… Read more

Posted by / March 8, 2019 / Posted in News

Instagramen for ramen – FOODBEAST Dream Machine Instagram Nissin Cup Noodle vending machine

NEWS – If you live near Los Angeles or Las Vegas, go take a selfie and get some free noodles! FOODBEAST, a digital media house that covers food news and also produces food experiences has debuted a new type of vending machine.  In a clever collaboration with Nissin Cup Noodles, FOODBEAST placed the machines within Del Amo Fashion Center (near Lids) in Los Angeles County starting March 1, and Las Vegas Premium Outlets South (near Volcom) starting March 6.

Rather than cash, credit or Bitcoin, the Dream Machine uses Instagram posts as currency. When you press the big button on the machine, it generates a unique hashtag for you. Take a selfie with the machine and post it on Instagram with that unique hashtag and tag @foodbeast and @originalcupnoodles. The machine will instantly dispense a Nissin Cup Noodles for you to enjoy.

The build is a fun mix of old and new tech:

  • Two retrofitted 1970s-model vending machines bought off Craigslist & eBay
  • Internet connected ‘Raspberry Pi’ computer installed within that virtually controls all aspects of the machine
  • Hashtag session authentication system to verify posting and the active user
  • Vending Machine Motor API to turn spirals and control at-random vending
  • Web server running multiple sets of signals between Instagram API, vending machine API, and the cloud
  • Private VPN connectivity to encrypt data across the open web
  • Custom interface atop newly affixed instruction screens

Initially tossed out as a joke in an idea session, the folks at FOODBEAST recognized the potential power in social media influence and decided to put the build together. For Nissin, it is a way to directly target their consumers, who tend to be younger, connected consumers.

You can follow @foodbeastdreammachine on Instagram to see where the FOODBEAST #DreamMachines is scheduled to go next.

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Instagramen for ramen – FOODBEAST Dream Machine Instagram Nissin Cup Noodle vending machine originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 8, 2019 at 8:13 am.

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The Wooly Snuffle Mat feeds your dog’s belly and brain

NEWS – In the past, I’ve written about my dog Zoey’s voracious appetite, and my search for ways slow her down during meal time. I recently wrote about the Rock ‘N Bowl dog feeder from Paw5. Now they’ve come up with another item that’s not a bowl but looks more like a shaggy mop than a dog feeder – the Wooly Snuffle Mat.

Here’s how it works. Just scatter the dog’s food directly on top of the shaggy mat then let them go to town. Snuffle Mat actually taps into your dog’s natural instinct to hunt and forage for food.   

Like the Rock ’N Bowl, it slows your dog down and makes the everyday routine of mealtime engaging and more fun. But with a softer approach.

It also works as a puzzler to help stimulate fido’s brain.

Snuffle Mat is made to be used with any dry dog food or treats.

It’s fully machine washable for easy cleaning between meals.

The Wooly Snuffle Mat comes in a modern gray color and is perfect for any size, breed, or age dog. You can buy one for your pooch from The Grommet for $39.95.

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The Wooly Snuffle Mat feeds your dog’s belly and brain originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 7, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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