Handsfree shoes, EDC pen with a hidden sewing kit, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

NEWS – This week I’m bringing you four Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns for products that you would carry (or wear) with you.

KIZIK: shoes that pop on

What is it?

KIZIK shoes are specially designed shoes that use a titanium loop in the heel area so that you can put the shoes on completely handsfree.

Why do I like it?

KIZIK are cool because you can slip them on and off without untying them or bending over to remove them or put them on. They are perfect for travel and navigating through TSA checkpoints where you’re asked to remove your shoes. Howard reviewed a pair of their men’s shoes this past year and liked them so much that he made them one of his favorite “gadgets” of 2018. KIZIK sent me a pair of their women’s shoes to check out and I really liked them too. I’d love to check out these new styles although I actually like the men’s Cali style better than the women’s!

Where can I find more info?

The KIZIK campaign ends on 1/5/19 they have already met their funding goal of $15,000. You can pre-order a pair of KIZIK shoes starting at $79. After the KIZIK campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in January 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

PWR2 Traveling PowerStation

blurb by Andy Jacobs

What is it?

The PWR27 is a portable charging device that boasts 7 days of power, AC + USB A & C outlets, the ability to charge 5 devices at once, a solar panel, IP67 water resistance, crush-proofing up to 2 tons and a drop-proof to 1000+ feet.

Why do I like it?

I own several portable charging devices that we use for family trips, work trips, all-day outdoor events and so forth. Most of them work pretty well for their intended purpose, but all of the ones I own suffer from two drawbacks: (1) They can only charge a phone or two, or maybe a phone and a tablet, and (2) They are fairly delicate. The PWR27 solves both of these problems—in spades. As stated above, it can charge up to 5 devices simultaneously. And not just phones and/or tablets, but also larger devices—you can even plug in a two-prong AC plug and power a laptop or other more power-hungry items. In addition to a 120V AC outlet, it has two USB C outlets and two USB A outlets. It boasts a 27,000 mHa battery, as well as a 4-in-1 light with strobe and pass-through charging as well. This thing is LOADED.

Where can I find more info?

The PWR27 campaign ends on January 27, 2019. To date, 1,626 backers have pledged over $295,000, already crushing (pun very much intended) the campaign goal of $35,000. Pledge packages start at $139 + shipping for a single PWR27 shipped to the USA and increase from there based on the options selected. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

DARTER – A Micro Pen with a hidden secret

What is it?

It’s a tiny EDC ballpoint pen no taller than a standard AA battery that holds a complete sewing kit inside the barrel.

Why do I like it?

Tiny EDC pen + sewing kit = you had me at tiny EDC pen. Seriously though, the look of this pen makes me think of steampunk gadgets which I love and just the fact that I’d always have a sewing kit with me makes this 2-in-1 pen attractive to me.

Where can I find more info?

The DARTER campaign ends on 2/7/19 they have already met their funding goal of $22,862. You can pre-order a DARTER starting at $24. After the DARTER campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

PrintBrush™ XDR -Colors. Everywhere.

What is it?

PrintBrush is a small color inkjet printer that can print on paper, plastic, wood, metal, and more and is controlled by your smartphone.

Why do I like it?

It’s small, portable, and doesn’t use paper because it prints on almost surface just by swiping the printer across the material. I would love to use this little printer in my journals. I also like that they include free ink cartridges for a whole year.

Where can I find more info?

The PrintBrush campaign ends on 1/31/19 they are still working towards their funding goal of $502,250. You can pre-order a PrintBrush starting at $242. After the PrintBrush campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Handsfree shoes, EDC pen with a hidden sewing kit, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 30, 2018 at 4:30 pm.

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Smartphone tripod, Hover 2 4K drone, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

NEWS – This week I’m bringing you three Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns for photo and video creators. I’m setting goals to be more creative with my photography and video in 2019 and all three of these products would be great for me. How about you?

The Ultimate Kickstand

What is it?

The Ultimate Kickstand is a folding tripod for smartphones.

Why is it cool?

Why do I think that the Ultimate Kickstand is cool? Unlike most portable stands that I’ve seen and used, the Ultimate Kickstand allows you to position your phone in almost any angle or orientation. Not just in landscape or portrait orientations. You can also adjust the angle of the screen so that you can view the screen hands-free.

The inventor sent me a prototype of the Ultimate Stand that he had made with parts that were printed with a 3D printer. Although the prototype was pretty rough, I can see the potential for a stand of this type.

Where can I find more info?

The Ultimate Kickstand campaign ends on 1/20/19 they are working towards their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order an Ultimate Kickstand starting at $15. After the Ultimate Kickstand campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Pivo

What is it?

Pivo is a photography and videography accessory for your smartphone that works with an app to provide 12 shooting modes which include auto-tracking of the subject.

Why is it cool?

I think Pivo is cool because I can envision several ways that I could use this device to help me with the video and images I capture for the reviews that I do. The auto-tracking feature of faces and objects is the one that intrigues me most.

Where can I find more info?

The Pivo campaign ends on 1/10/19 they have already passed their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a Pivo starting at $79. After the Pivo campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Hover 2 4K Drone

What is it?

The Hover 2 is a folding 4K drone that flys itself.

Why is it cool?

Why is the Hover 2 drone cool? I think it’s cool because it has 3D radar that provides 360-degree obstacle avoidance which is killer. That’s my biggest issue with drones. I always end up flying them into things like trees and buildings. With this one, that would not be a problem anymore. The Hover 2 can also do cool cinematic shots that can take your videos to new heights. See what I did there?

Where can I find more info?

The Hover 2 campaign ends on 12/29/19 they have already passed their funding goal of $100,000. You can pre-order a Hover 2 starting at $449. After the Hover 2 campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Smartphone tripod, Hover 2 4K drone, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 24, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Praetor Pocketblade, a wearable mouse, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

NEWS – This week I have four crowdfunding campaigns that are currently running on Kickstarter or Indiegogo that I thought would be of interest to anyone who likes carbon fiber and wearable tech.

Praetor Pocketblade | Rethinking the Utility Knife

What is it?

The Praetor Pocketblade is a futuristic/sci-fi style utility knife that has a handle and sheath made of carbon fiber.

Why is it cool?

Why is the Praetor Pocketblade cool? Just look at it… It looks like a prop from the latest Star Wars flick. And it uses magnets so I have to love it. They sent me a pre-production sample of both styles and I have to say that I love them. They are light weight and once you know the “trick”, it’s easy to remove the knife from the sheath and it’s also easy to replace the blades without needing any tools like most utility knives. The blades are held in place by magnets which is a genius design!

Where can I find more info?

The Praetor Pocketblade campaign ends on 1/31/19 they have already passed their funding goal of $3,703. You can pre-order a Praetor Pocketblade starting at $33. After the Praetor Pocketblade campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Padrone Ring: Coolest Mouse Ever

What is it?

Padrone Ring is a wireless mouse that you wear on your index finger.

Why is it cool?

I think the Padrone Ring is cool because it’s a wireless mouse that you wear on your finger. GOSH!

Things to consider before pledging

The price is crazy. $199 for a mouse? Even though you can wear it on your finger, that’s extremely spendy. The price might be justified if this ring could do more than function as a mouse. If it was an activity tracker, NFC ring, or had other features, it might make it worth the price.

Another thing to consider is that rewards aren’t estimated to ship until July of next year. That’s a really long time to wait.

Where can I find more info?

The Padrone Ring campaign ends on 1/21/19 they are close to meeting their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a Padrone Ring starting at $199. After the Padrone Ring campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2019. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

CARBONARA pencil

What is it?

The CARBONARA pencil is lead holder made of carbon fiber

Why is it cool?

I think the CARBONARA pencil is cool because you can squeeze it to change the length of the lead tip. I also like the way it looks.

Things to consider before pledging

Very expensive for a lead holder.

Where can I find more info?

The CARBONARA pencil campaign ends on 1/7/19 they have already passed their funding goal of $7,970. You can pre-order a CARBONARA pencil starting at $74. After the CARBONARA pencil campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Kistler: The warmest jacket that uses aerospace technology

What is it?

Kistler is a brand of jackets that use aerogel for insulation.

Why is it cool?

I think Kistler jackets are cool (not literaly) because they are the warmest and thinnest jacket on on this planet and can keep you warm in temperatures as low as -320°F Things to consider before pledging
A lot of money to pay for a jacket although you may never need to buy another one.

Where can I find more info?

The Kistler campaign ends on 1/22/19 they have already passed their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a Kistler starting at $199. After the Kistler campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Praetor Pocketblade, a wearable mouse, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 20, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Go modular with Black Ember WPRT backpacks

NEWS – Even if I’m not hunting for new backpacks, they have a way of finding me. Black Ember’s newest release is called WPRT and is available in both a minimal and a modular version. I’m a sucker for modularity and really dig the way they’ve approached it here making it compatible with their earlier Citadel collection. From the clean lines and sturdy waterproof construction with rolltop to the fit adjustability and all the ways you can customize accessories this one is on my radar.

It’s on Kickstarter now and already fully funded. Campaign and early bird pricing will close on Dec. 29th if you’re interested. Should you pick one up, let me know what you think.

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Go modular with Black Ember WPRT backpacks originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 15, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Baksteen sling bag from Japan, keychain backup battery, MagnetDriver, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

NEWS – This week I have four crowdfunding campaigns that are currently running on Kickstarter that I thought would be of interest to anyone with gadgets that need to be charged, gadgets that need to be carried, and more.

Baksteen – The last sling crossbody bag you’ll ever need!

What is it?

Baksteen is an anti-theft, crossbody sling bag made of waterproof canvas.

Why is it cool?

The Baksteen is different from other sling bags that I’ve seen and reviewed over the years. Instead of the typical teardrop shape of most sling bags, this one is boxier and although it is a unisex bag, it gives off more of a masculine vibe.

They sent me a pre-production version of the Baksteen bag and it’s well made and can collapse down pretty flat for easy storage in a larger bag. That makes it perfect for vacation use when you don’t need a huge bag that will hold your laptop and other daily gear.

This 5L capacity bag is better suited for holding just the essentials like your phone, wallet, notebook, small camera, snacks, etc.

Where can I find more info?

The Baksteen campaign ends on 1/21/19 they have already passed their funding goal of $2,643. You can pre-order a Baksteen bag starting at $84. After the Baksteen campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

The first battery always charged – Useful & Stylish

What is it?

Useful & Stylish is a 1000mAh backup battery with a form factor that is small enough to fit on your keychain.

Why is it cool?

The Useful & Stylish backup battery is cool because it’s so small and it charges via a wirless charging pad. The cable to connect the useful backup battery to your phone is a stylish looking bracelet. I was a little unsure about the small capacity of only 1000mAh, but this isn’t a battery that you expect to completely recharge your device. It’s an emergency battery backup for those critical times when your phone is about to die.

Where can I find more info?

The Useful & Stylish campaign ends on 1/12/19 they are still working towards their funding goal of $34,085. You can pre-order a Useful & Stylish charger and bracelet starting at $52. After the Useful & Stylish campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Arriva Leo 5 Bluetooth v5 wireless headphones

What is it?

The Arriva Leo 5 is a Bluetooth v5 wireless headphone.

Why is it cool?

The Arriva Leo 5 is a Bluetooth v5 wireless headphone is cool because it’s built for extremes. Its unique customizable headband can be formed perfectly to the back of your head and it’s been designed not to get in the way of helmets, hats, glasses. The built-in battery will keep you entertained with your favorite tunes for up to 20hrs.

Where can I find more info?

The Arriva campaign ends on 1/10/19 they are still working towards their funding goal of $150,000. You can pre-order a Arriva Leo 5 Bluetooth headphone starting at $52. After the Arriva campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Magnet Driver™ Space Rocket

What is it?

The Magnet Driver from Micaton is a precision screwdriver toolkit for tiny projects.

Why is it cool?

I like the Magnet Driver because it has a strong magnet holder tip so you won’t lose those tiny screws that are used to hold together our favorite gadgets, glasses, and other products. I also like that it is designed for one-handed use and it can be extended to 4 lengths for hard to reach areas.

Where can I find more info?

The Magnet Driver campaign ends on 1/14/19 they have already met and passed their funding goal of $24,996. You can pre-order a Magnet Driver starting at $29. After the Magnet Driver campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Baksteen sling bag from Japan, keychain backup battery, MagnetDriver, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 14, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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