Micro Drone 4.0, Spoke pen, Paper Guardian notebook, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

NEWS – This week I’m bringing you four Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns and one campaign from Indiegogo. We have pens, drones, “notebooks”, and more. Let’s check them out.

Micro Drone 4.0




What is it?

The Micro Drone is a palm-sized autonomous drone that captures smooth aerial video and is priced under $200.

Why do I like it?

I’ve been on the lookout for an ultraportable drone that has a decent feature set without hurting my wallet. The Micro Drone 4.0 looks pretty sweet at less than $200. It has a 2 axis gimbal which is a must-have if you want smooth footage, and it’s going to have cool features like autonomous flight and 360 orbiting around objects of interest. Another plus is that these guys already have a successful drone campaign under their belts.

Where can I find more info?

The Micro Drone campaign ends on 3/1/19 and they have already met their funding goal of $75,000. You can pre-order an Micro Drone starting at $145. After the Micro Drone campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2019. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Spoke Pen

blurb by Andy Jacobs

What is it?

The Spoke Pen is, “a streamlined geometric-deco style in a world of minimal cylindrical machined pens.”

Why do I like it?

This campaign is a collaboration between Brian Conti of Spoke Design and Brian Dowdy of The Pen Addict. You could not have a better combo of pen technical knowledge and the ability to bring campaigns to life. Brian Conti has produced some really cleverly designed, solidly built, and successfully-crowdfunded products in the past, so I am confident in his ability to make this one happen. He has also been progressively updating his original Spoke Pencil design for several years now, with the latest evolution being the Spoke Pen, which he has been working on for some time. The Spoke Pen continues the familiar “spoke” shape and includes an aluminum barrel grip in either aluminum or titanium, a magnetic cap, a spring clip, and anodized colors. It’s also been designed to accommodate the Uni-ball Signo DX cartridge.

Where can I find more info?

The Spoke Pen campaign ends on March 9, 2019. To date, over 600 backers have already pledged over $50,000 toward the $20,000 funding goal. Pledge packages start at $55 for a single aluminum-grip Spoke Pen shipped to the USA and increase from there based on the options selected. Visit the Spoke Pen campaign site for more information or to become a backer.

Re:ease – The Modular Desk Organizer with 11 Features

What is it?

Re:ease is a modular desk organization system that is made of small magnetic modules that include a pen holder, a wireless phone charger, stapler, hole punch, and more.

Why do I like it?

I like Re:ease because I’m a stationary and an organization nerd. Combining both seems like a win win for me because I don’t like a messy and unorganized workspace.

Something to consider before pledging

Rewards aren’t estimated to ship until November which is a very long time to wait.

Where can I find more info?

The Re:ease campaign ends on 3/7/19 and they are still working towards their funding goal of $17,013. You can pre-order a Re:ease starting at $124. After the Re:ease campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Paper Guardian Zero-waste Refillable Notebook

What is it?

Paper Guardian is a paper holder that lets you recycle regular used paper to create a refillable notebook that never runs out of paper.

Why do I like it?

I like the Paper Guardian because it lets you reuse paper that you would otherwise throw in the trash. I also like that has a built-in straight edge that you can use to resize the paper into an A5 sized notebook which is my favorite size to use because it’s more manageable and can easily fit into bags.

Something to consider before pledging

Rewards aren’t estimated to ship until December which is a very long time to wait.

Where can I find more info?

The Paper Guardian campaign ends on 3/1/19 and they are still working towards their funding goal of $35,000. You can pre-order a Paper Guardian starting at $37. After the Paper Guardian campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

DualFuel – Charge Any Device on the Go

What is it?

DualFuel is a pocket-sized emergency power bank that can charge any of your USB gadgets and it’s a flameless lighter.

Why do I like it?

I like products that can have dual uses and the DualFuel fits that criteria. You can use it to charge your phone or other gadget and if you need to burn something, you can do that too. Because who wants to sit around rubbing two sticks together when they have a flameless lighter in their pocket. Nobody! Even better is the fact that this lighter doesn’t use lighter fluid so there are no consumables to manage. Yay!

Where can I find more info?

The DualFuel campaign ends on 2/28/19 and they are still working towards their funding goal of $9,712. You can pre-order a DualFuel starting at $45. After the DualFuel campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Micro Drone 4.0, Spoke pen, Paper Guardian notebook, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 8, 2019 at 12:19 pm.

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Atwood Rope MFG Micro Cord Dispenser and Tactical Rope Dispenser

Hand holding Mini TRD to show scale

NEWS – Atwood Rope MFG of Winchester, Ohio has recently introduced a Micro Cord Dispenser (Mini TRD) to compliment their Tactical Rope Dispenser (TRD). The Tactical Rope Dispenser hold standard 550 paracord, while the Micro Cord Dispenser holds 3/64″ (1.18 mm) cord. Both of the dispensers come loaded with a full spool of appropriately-sized cord and are refillable with your choice of cord. Both allow you to carry and easily dispense and cut cord using built-in cutters.

Atwood Micro Cord Dispenser

The Micro Cord Dispenser checks in 3.25″ long by 2.35″ high by 1.5″ thick and will hold a spool of either Atwood Rope’s micro or nano cord.

If you elect for the micro cord, you will have up to 125′ of cord at your disposal while you can carry up to 300′ of the nano cord. Atwood Rope offers over 15 different patterns and types of cord for the Micro Cord Dispenser including glow-in-the-dark, reflective, and Aramid / Kevlar (r) and can be reloaded in seconds. A built-in cord holder and cutter allow you to dispense and cut the small cord as easily as using a tape dispenser. The cord holder prevents the cord from unspooling during and between uses. The Mini TRD also sports a molded loop which may be used to secure your dispenser. The Mini TRD comes in black and has an MSRP of $12.99

The larger Tactical Rope Dispenser comes fully loaded with 50′ of 550 paracord. The TRD has a heavy-duty belt loop on the back and a loop for securing it to your gear using a piece of cording. The TRD is approximately 4.2″ long by 4″ high by 2.7″ thick.

Atwood Rope MFG Tactical Rope Dispenser in Flat Dark Earth
Atwood Rope MFG Tactical Rope Dispenser in Flat Dark Earth
Clear shell version of Atwood Rope MFG Tactical Rope Dispenser
Atwood Tactical Rope Dispenser Clear showing paracord spool
FDE Tactical Rope Dispenser showing belt clip
FDE Tactical Rope Dispenser showing belt clip

Like its smaller brother, the TRD has a cord management clip and built-in cutter to allow for easy dispensing. If the TRD is worn using the belt clip, dispensing and cutting paracord can be performed one-handed. A handy viewing window on the front of the case allows you to check how much cord is left on the spool.

Close up of TRD cord clip and integrated cutting blade
Close-up of TRD cord clip and integrated cutting blade

The Tactical Rope Dispenser will hold 50′ of 550 paracord and may be reloaded. The process of loading the TRD is much more involved than that of the Mini TRD and will take minutes rather than seconds. The Tactical Rope Dispenser is available in 12 color choices, including black, safety orange, red, flat dark earth, glow-in-the-dark, and multiple camouflage options. Prices for the TRD range from $19.95 to $29.95 depending on the type of shell.

The TRD and Mini TRD are available at retailers nationwide like Amazon and from Atwood Rope MFG’s website at atwoodrope.com.

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Atwood Rope MFG Micro Cord Dispenser and Tactical Rope Dispenser originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 8, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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The most popular kinds of drones we’ll see in 2019

ARTICLE – Consumers arguably became most familiar with drones by getting introduced to the ones that took photos from the sky. Those kinds are still popular, and many drone enthusiasts own them.

But, like any other segment, the drone industry evolves to meet needs. Here are five kinds of drones most likely to gain prominence in 2019.

1. Pocket-Sized/Microdrones

Although there are drones of modest builds that make them maximally accessible to hobbyists, there’s a recent push toward drones that could fit in backpacks or even smaller compartments.

AirSelfie unveiled several new pocket-sized drones at CES 2019, opening up the possibilities for people who want drones they can hold in their hands. The AIR 100 is the least expensive option, retailing for under $100. It boasts a 12-megapixel camera and a six-minute flight time.

The U.S. Army is also getting into the microdrone market with plans to equip its soldiers with personal reconnaissance drones that can survey battlefields for their operators and send back footage to them. The drones weigh only 1.16 ounces and are less than seven inches long.

People could see many more uses for microdrones in 2019, especially depending on the reception of these early efforts. It’s easy to see how these gadgets could be big hits during backyard parties.

2. Home Security Drones

Households are accustomed to intelligent security cameras that move in response to changes in the environment and even use artificial intelligence to recognize people versus animals, for example. It appears the next level of home security advancements involves drones. Many of the companies offering them suggest that drones get used as part of a more extensive home security system.

If a person noticed something on a camera that caused concern, they could direct the drone to check it out in detail. Sunflower Labs has a drone called a Bee that flies autonomously, guided by sensors called Sunflowers. Users can also make the Bee fly to designated places on their properties.

Companies use most of the security drones now, but Sunflower Labs is among numerous companies trying to make drones staples of home security systems. They could be especially advantageous for people who live on expansive properties, such as farms. The moveable nature of drones could mean an owner could send only one drone to look around the whole property, instead of installing several cameras.

3. Underwater Drones

Thanks to new technologies, people can admire drones in the air as well as underwater. Companies sell models for hobbyists and professionals, with one called the Deep Trekker DTG2 Pro outfitted with 4K camera and video capabilities at a depth of up to 150 meters. Those features make the drone excellent for scuba divers who want footage of their adventures.

And, there’s the Geneinno Titan, with its three speed levels and power from six thrusters. This model has an automatic hover mode and can take shots from both high and low angles.

In today’s society, people love collecting videos and snapshots and sharing them with others. The nice thing about these water-ready drones is that they give undersea perspectives to individuals on land.

4. Disaster Recovery/Relief Drones

Engineering experts in laboratory settings have suggested drones could be excellent for helping relief workers examine rubble after earthquakes and engage in similar tasks that are dangerous for humans to undertake. In 2019, people interested in drones can expect more real-life applications of those drones.

A recent collaborative project in Japan involved TerraDrone, KDDI, and Secom, and the companies unveiled a drone used for stadium security that detects suspicious people. Representatives believe the drone could be a good fit for disaster relief missions, too.

Also, the underwater drones mentioned above help people acquire footage of surroundings beneath the ocean. But, some could do double duty and assist after disasters, too. In one case, officials in India used a drone to find the body of a miner trapped due to flooding.

That story didn’t have an uplifting outcome, but an initiative in Alaska that relies on drones could be different. Drone experts at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are working on a way to use unmanned aerial vehicles to deliver supplies during medical emergencies. The researchers assert mushers on dog sleds handled the job in earlier eras, and now the task seems suitable for drones.

Many Drones to Interest Gadget Lovers in 2019

Some of these drone projects are in the early stages, but they give previews of larger trends likely to happen in the world of drones this year.

People should keep an eye on the headlines to stay abreast with how these possibilities develop, and which other companies follow suit with other ideas that fit into these categories.

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The most popular kinds of drones we’ll see in 2019 originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 8, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Look brighter in your video chats or vlogs with Lume Cube AIR VC

NEWS – Have you ever tried to video chat with someone, post live on Facebook or shoot a vlog, only to find that the video is muddy and dull because there simply wasn’t enough ambient light? Lume Cube, a provider of lightweight, portable lighting solutions has a solution with the Lume Cube AIR VC lighting kit for video conferencing.

The kit comes with a suction cup mount that allows you to attach the light to phones, laptops, desktop monitors, tablets – essentially anything with a smooth surface.  Beyond the suction cup mount, it can also be mounted to any standard tripod mount or attached to any magnetic surface.

It comes with two different diffusers.  The first, a white diffuser, softens the harshness of the light and provides bright white light.  The second, a yellowish warming diffuser, provides more flattering light for faces. The light is daylight balanced at 5600K, provides a 60-degree beam angle and 400 lux brightness at 100% power. For reference, 300-500 lux is typical for assembly halls and retail space, so at 400 lux, this light will provide sufficient light for a well-lit video call.

The difference between using ambient room light and adding supplemental lighting makes a dramatic difference in the quality of your video.  This is important for vloggers trying to build an audience, remote workers making a video call to the office and parents trying to provide a quality experience when the grandkids are FaceTiming with grandparents.

At 1.6″ x 1.6″ x 1.1″ and two ounces, the light is small and easy to carry.  Its non-replaceable lith-ion polymer battery has a claimed runtime of 2.5 hours at 50% brightness and 30-45 minutes at full brightness.  Controls for power and the four lighting levels are handled via a single button or via Bluetooth through the Lume-X app. A micro USB cable is included, but you have to use your own charger or simply use your laptop or PC USB port to recharge the light.

Lume Cube AIR VC is available directly from Lume Cube or Apple for $79.95.

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Look brighter in your video chats or vlogs with Lume Cube AIR VC originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 8, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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Valentine’s Day 2019 gift guide

ARTICLE – Sound the alarms and get out your wallets because there are only seven days left until Valentine’s Day! If you haven’t already bought something for your partner in crime, significant other, sweetie, girlfriend, boyfriend, etc., here are a few gift ideas to help you out.

NixPlay Seed Wave digital photo frame

Nixplay makes nice digital photo frames and the new Seed Wave features a high definition IPS 13.1-inch or 10-inch widescreen display and built-in Bluetooth speakers that will let you play a soundtrack while viewing your photos or you can stream Spotify Connect, Pandora and Internet Radio directly from the Nixplay app or from a paired Bluetooth-enabled device.

The Seed Wave’s digital photo frame features include Google Photos connectivity which will let you create live albums that are will update as you add new images. If you’re not a Google fan, you can connect the frame to your photo albums on other social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Dropbox, and Verizon Cloud.

But wait, there’s more! The Nixplay Seed Wave (I don’t quite understand where they got the name…), has a feature called Smart-Hu which is a motion sensor that wakes up the display when it detects motion. This helps it save power when no one is around to look at it. It also works with Amazon Alexa so you can control it with your voice. I reviewed their Cloud Frame last summer and felt it was one of the nicest digital photo frames I’d ever tested.

Price: $149.99 – $249.99
Where to buy: Nixplay.com

SodaStream Fizzi One Touch

The SodaStream Fizzi One Touch is a gift that is sure to make your Valentine all tingly inside. It’s the best sparkling water maker that I’ve tried so far and I’ve been using one since last summer when I posted my review. You only have to press one button to get the water as fizzy as you like it. The only thing to keep in mind with this particular model is that you have to plug it in.

I use mine to make my own calorie-free carbonated drinks using Capella’s flavor drops and some packets of Stevia sweetener. Using a SodaStream and these drops helped me kick my Diet Coke habit with ease.

Price: $109.99
Where to buy: SodaStream and Amazon

Mavin Air-X True Wireless earbuds

There’s a quote that says that “music hath charms to soothe a savage breast”. I don’t know how savage my breast is, but I know that music is my friend throughout my day, on my drive to and from work, and during my workout sessions. Finding a pair of wireless earbuds that sound good and are comfortable has been a quest that I’ve been on for quite a while and I’ve found a couple pairs of truly wireless earbuds that fit that criteria. One such pair is the Mavin Air-X earbuds. These earbuds feature Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo Plus technology, 100 ft. connection range, 50 hours of battery life with the charging case, splash resistant, and voice assistant-enabled (Siri/Google/Alexa). They even come in pink and red for Valentine’s day or more guy-friendly colors like black and white.

Price: $139.99 for one pair or $249.99 for two pairs (Valentine’s Day special pricing)
Where to buy: Mavinlife.com and Amazon

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera

blurb by Julian Perry

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many of us are going through the yearly ritual of trying to figure out what gift to get for that special lady in our life. If you have been with her for a while, then you have likely exhausted many of the customary and commonly accepted gifts and the task has become much harder. If your favorite lady happens to be a gadget nerd, then there are usually many options to choose from. With the constant release of new gadgets or new versions of older gadgets, your chances of please here are likely good.

My wife loves to take pictures, and many women love to have those wallet-sized photos to show and in many cases to keep tucked away in their wallet. While we do walk around with 1000s of pictures on our phones, the physical wallet photo is usually a more personal and memorable treasure.

The FujiFilm INSTAX Mini 9 Instant Film Camera with Instant Film Kit is a compact and versatile camera that holds 20 sheets of film at a time and produces credit card sized prints on demand. There is a built-in selfie mirror that also allows you to capture your own moments. With its built-in flash and versatile settings controls, this little gem measuring just 4.6 x 4.7 x 2.7″ is the perfect companion to live comfortably in her purse. And, just in case she has a preferred color, it is available in Cobalt Blue, Flamingo Pink, Ice Blue, Lime Green, and Smokey White.

Price: $62:50 ~ $64.50 with the Instant Film Kit and depending on the color; $49.99 without the Instant Film Kit (Amazon)
Where to buy: B&H Photo and Amazon

Folding Massage Chair

blurb by Julian Perry

In a couple of days it will be Valentine’s Day 2019, and just as men are scrambling to find the right gift for the lady in their life, women are also window shopping looking for the right fit for that man. In my opinion, most men like gadgets of some sort, and if your man is a gadget nerd then he is like me. When I think about myself, I begin to understand how difficult a task this is for my wife. I own so many gadgets that it is impossible to count or for her to remember what I have and don’t have. This is especially true for smaller gadgets. However, like most men, I have my moments when I want to just stop fiddling with any gadget and sit outdoors on the deck or in my Man Cave or maybe more realistically I should call it my Man Space since technically I have to share every room (lol), and just watch TV or listen to music without distractions.

Whenever I go to the mall, I always find myself sitting in the public massage chairs and paying the $1 required to experience the most relaxing 3 minute back massage that I wish would just keep going and going. I easily spend $5 or more on each visit. I have explored getting a massage chair for home, but they are typically big, heavy, and don’t usually meet the decor requirements that would deem them to be an addition that pleases my wife.

Urban Outfitters sells a folding massage chair that is compact, portable, and it offers the massage that I constantly seek.

Finally, a way to relax any place you choose and to experience that “ultra-soothing, deep-tissue massage in a compact design that you can store away in a cinch.” The chair features 4 massage modes with 3 pressure settings to customize your relaxation preferences just how you like it to target neck, shoulders, and back. It also features a built-in USB port so that you can charge your phone or tablet with ease. This may be just the right Valentine’s Day gift for the man in your life.

Price: $269.00
Where to buy: Urban Outfitters website

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Valentine’s Day 2019 gift guide originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 7, 2019 at 1:02 pm.

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