Not a day goes by where I don’t receive at least a handful of emails pitching a variety of crowdfunding campaigns. Most of the time the products that are seeking funding are products I’ve seen before and aren’t that interestng to me, but sometimes there a few gems that are worth sharing to all of you. I collect those interesting projects and create one post a week showcasing the Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns that I think you’ll want to read about. Click through to see this week’s picks.

intelliPLUG Wi-Fi Smart Plug

What is it?
The intelliPLUG is a small app-controlled smart plug that does not require a hub and can be controlled with Alexa.

Why do I like it?
I like the intelliPLUG because it makes it easy to create a smart home. The plug is small and doesn’t require a lot of extra hardware or a complicated setup. Just plug it into an outlet, pair it with your phone and the intelliPLUG app and the appliance plugged into intelliPLUG can now be controlled anywhere with your phone. You also get 2 plugs for $20 which is very inexpensive compared to other smart plugs on the market.

Where can I find more info?
With a month left in the campaign, The intelliPLUG campaign more than halfway to their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order an intelliPLUG starting at $20. After the intelliPLUG campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

iMoov folding lapdesk

What is it?
iMoov is a portable folding lap desk for laptops, phones, and tablets.

Why do I like it?
I like the iMoov because it can be used in many ways making it a lot more versatile and ergonomic than a lot of other lap desks that I’ve tried in the past. It folds down into a lightweight package for portability. With certain pledge levels, they even offer a Bluetooth keyboard and a carry bag for the iMoov, the keyboard, your laptop, and other gear.

Where can I find more info?
With 19 days left in the campaign, The iMoov campaign has already met their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order an iMoov starting at $56. After the iMoov campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Magpie: the smartest, truly global GPS tracker around

What is it?
Magpie is a rechargeable, waterproof GPS tracking device that requires a low priced monthly subscription.

Why do I like it?
I like the Magpie tracker because it uses GPS instead of Bluetooth. So instead of being alerted when you walk only a few feet away from the object that you want to track, the Magpie will let you track objects globally because it uses GPS over a cellular network. The tracking device is also rechargeable and can last from 1 day to 3 months depending on the tracking frequency that you set.

Where can I find more info?
With 15 days left in the campaign, The iMoov campaign has already met their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a Magpie starting at $5. After the Magpie campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

BuildOne: $99 3D Printer w/ WiFi and Auto Bed Leveling

What is it?
BuildOne is a small auto calibrating 3D printer at a very affordable price.

Why do I like it?
I like the BuildOne mainly because it’s small. Most 3D printers take up too much space. This one is the perfect size for a hobbyist or for someone wanting to try 3D printing for the first time.

It has a 5″x5″x5″ print area and uses standard 1.75mm filament. The BuildOne is also modular and can be upgraded with different types of print beds, a display and other features.

Where can I find more info?
With 8 days left in the campaign, The iMoov campaign has already met their funding goal of $100,000. You can pre-order a BuildOne starting at $5. After the BuildOne 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

intelliPLUG smart plug, iMoov folding lapdesk, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on June 14, 2017 at 9:32 am.

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This week we have two Indiegogo campaigns and two Kickstarter campaigns. I want one of each! Click through to see this week’s list of notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Xchime Doorbell: Watch your home from your phone

What is it?
The Xchime Doorbell is a video doorbell with features not found in other video doorbells that are currently on the market.

Why do I like it?
I like the Xchime Doorbell because it includes additional features not found on other video doorbell systems like the Ring Smart Video Doorbell that I reviewed last year. The Xchime integrates with a smart light to automatically turn on when motion is activated. It can also integrate with a garage door opener.

Where can I find more info?
With a month left in the campaign, The Xchime Doorbell campaign has already met their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order an Xchime Doorbell starting at $129. After the Xchime Doorbell campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Foldio3 photo studio

What is it?
The Foldio3 is Orangemonkie’s latest portable photography studio. I reviewed and regularly use their Foldio2 photo studio which is listed on my Julie’s favorite gear page.

Why do I like it?
I like the Foldio3 because it takes what I already love about the Foldio2 and makes it bigger and better. At 25″ wide, the Foldio3 is almost twice as large as the Foldio2 so that you can photograph larger objects. The LED light bars have also been updated to be brighter so that there are fewer shadows and they are now offering magnetic halo light bars that can add extra light inside the studio box. I’m very excited about this new larger studio and am looking forward to reviewing it.

Where can I find more info?
With 39 days left in the campaign, The Foldio3 campaign has already blasted past their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a Foldio3 starting at $109. After the Foldio3 campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Hale Orb: A fun new way to share photos and videos

What is it?
The Hale Orb is a tennis-ball sized device that allows you to share and view your photos & videos on your TV.

Why do I like it?
I like the Hale Orb because it’s a more tactile/natural way to interact with your TV to view photos and videos that have been shared by family members and friends. The orb works like a remote that you can spin and tap. When new photos are uploaded, the device glows to alert family members that new media is available to view. Tapping the Hale Orb turns on the TV so you can see the new photos and videos.

Where can I find more info?
With a month left in the campaign, The Hale Orb campaign has already met their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order a Hale Orb starting at $139. After the Hale Orb campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Zeki Smart Shorts

What is it?
Zeki shorts are men’s shorts with lots of pockets and a special pocket for a portable wireless charger for your smartphone.

Why do I like it?
I like Zeki shorts because pockets! There’s even a cooler pocket that can keep your drink cold. Bet it keeps your leg cold too!

I hope they succeed with their campaign and make a women’s version of these shorts.

Where can I find more info?
With 25 days left in the campaign, The Zeki shorts campaign has lot of work to do to reach their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a pair of Zeki shorts starting at $39. After the Zeki shorts 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

Video doorbells, folding photography studios, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on June 4, 2017 at 3:36 pm.

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This week we have six picks for for my notable crowdfunding campaigns list that include magnetic speakers, a wireless camera controller, construction set, and more. Click through to see this week’s list of notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Omni-Wearable | Sunglasses with a Docking HD Video Camera

What is it?
The Omni-Wearable are water-resistant sunglasses with an integrated hands-free flip-out 1080P POV video camera.

Why do I like it?
I like Omni-Wearable video sunglasses because they start recording when you flip out the camera. You don’t need to launch an app or fiddle with menus on the glasses. You just flip out the camera on the side of the glasses and that’s it. Flip the camera back and video recording stops.

Where can I find more info?
With 6 days left in the campaign, The Omni-Wearable campaign has already met their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order an Omni-Wearable starting at $199. After the Omni-Wearable campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

GoDuo Speakers | Powerful Magnetic Bluetooth Stereo Speakers

What is it?
GoDuo Speakers are magnetic connectable water and shock resistant Bluetooth speakers.

Why do I like it?
It’s tough to stand out in the crowded playing field of Bluetooth speakers, but GoDuo Speakers do just that. They feature a magnetic base that allows you to use the speakers as one portable speaker, two individual speakers, or linked speakers that provide left and right channel stereo sound. The magnetic base also lets you attach the speakers to steel surfaces.

Where can I find more info?
With 27 days left in the campaign, The GoDuo Speakers campaign has already met their funding goal of $15,000. You can pre-order GoDuo Speakers starting at $79. After the GoDuo Speakers campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

SID, The Next Revolution In 3D Storytelling

What is it?
SID is a 3D camera with augmented reality special effects and ultra stability.

Why do I like it?
I like SID because it’s a compact 3D 3K (2880×1440/30fps) video camera that has built-in stability features to make VR action video that you will actually want to watch.

Where can I find more info?
With 14 days left in the campaign, The SID campaign has already met their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a SID starting at $179. After the SID campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Arckit – Design & Build Your Dream City

What is it?
Arckit is a construction set designed for architects to create buildings and cities.

Why do I like it?
I like Arckit because I like construction sets. You might say that we don’t need another block set because we already have LEGO and Mega Blox. But Arckit blocks are more refined than LEGO. They don’t have the posts that stick out of the top of every brick. Each Arckit building piece has smooth and more realistic surface so that you can create more lifelike models.

Where can I find more info?
With 13 days left in the campaign, The Arckit campaign is still working towards their funding goal of $33,607. You can pre-order an Arckit kit starting at $26. After the Arckit campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

ACPD Drum Kit & Game: The Best Way to Learn to Play

What is it?
ACPD Drum Kit is a tiny virtual drum kit for your iOS and Android smartphone or tablet that will help you learn to play the drums.

Why do I like it?
I like the ACPD Drum Kit because it’s another way to turn your smartphone or tablet into an instrument for learning to play and creating music. I’ve always wanted to learn to play drums but I was never motivated enough to spend money on a large drum set. The ACPD Drum Kit looks like a minimalist way to experience drum playing without needing space or a lot of money.

Where can I find more info?
With 28 days left in the campaign, The ACPD Drum Kit campaign is still working towards their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order an ACPD Drum Kit starting at $49. After the ACPD Drum Kit campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Arsenal, the intelligent camera assistant

What is it?
Arsenal is a module that attaches to a DSLR or mirrorless camera to allow wireless control through a smartphone.

Why do I like it?
I like Arsenal because it’s different from other wireless camera controllers. Arsenal has an AI settings assistant that helps you get the perfect shot every time because it’s been trained on thousands of photos. so it can determine the optimal settings for the scene that you’re shooting.

Where can I find more info?
With 26 days left in the campaign, The Arsenal campaign has greatly surpassed their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order an Arsenal starting at $150. After the Arsenal campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in January 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Crowdfunded

Video sunglasses, 3D video camera, virtual drum kit for your phone, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on May 26, 2017 at 2:20 pm.

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This week we have five picks for notable crowdfunding campaigns that include an interesting design for picture hanging device, a keychain multi-tool, and more. Click through to see this week’s list of notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Exotac nanoSPARK

What is it?
The Exotac nanoSPARK is a tiny spark generator that you can add to your EDC and survival pack.

Why do I like it?
I like the Exotac nanoSPARK because it’s small, fits in your pocket or any gear bag, but is capable of starting a fire. The handle of the nanoSPARK is a waterproof storage area that can hold cotton or other fire starting tinder so that you can start a fire as quickly as possible.

Where can I find more info?
With 6 days left in the campaign, The Exotac nanoSPARK campaign has already passed their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order an Exotac nanoSPARK starting at $22. After the Exotac nanoSPARK campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

BISON ROLLING GRILL

blurb by Bob Patterson

What is it?
The Bison Rolling Grill is a flexible grill grate that, including the frame and stand, rolls up into a pouch about the size of a bag of tent stakes.

Why do I like it?
Whether you’re car-camping or backpacking, hauling your grilling gear is always awkward. The Rolling Grill provides a clever solution that’s easy to pack and stow without taking up a lot of space. The Teflon-coated aluminum grate is easy to clean, and the stand height is adjustable to match the size of your fire.

Where can I find more info?
With 9 days left to go, Bison Camping Equipment has almost reached its fundraising goal of $35,000. While the early-bird pledges are sold out, you can still get one for $49 with delivery planned for July 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Absolut Hangsmart

What is it?
Absolut Hangsmart is a tool that helps you hang stuff on a wall.

Why do I like it?
I like the Absolut Hangsmart just because it’s an extremely overbuilt gadget that will let you hang a picture on a wall. It’s a cool idea but wowza, it will get very expensive if you want one for every item that you want to hang on your walls. Apparently, people disagree because they have already doubled their funding goal.

Where can I find more info?
With 10 days left in the campaign, The Absolut Hangsmart campaign has already passed their funding goal of $30,000. You can pre-order an Absolut Hangsmart starting at $24. After the Absolut Hangsmart campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Handy Kee – Most Useful Titanium Multi-Tool Key

What is it?
Handy Kee is a Grade 5 Titanium multi-tool with 18+ functions and shaped like a key.

Why do I like it?
I like the Handy Kee because it’s small enough to fit on your keychain but has enough features to make it a worthy EDC item. It has multiple sized wrenches, a flat screwdriver, bit holder, bottle cap lifter, lottery ticket scratcher and more.

Where can I find more info?
With 16 days left in the campaign, The Handy Kee campaign has already passed their funding goal of $2,000. You can pre-order a Handy Kee starting at $21. After the Handy Kee campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

CHIZZLE: The Smart Sculpting Surface & Guide

What is it?
CHIZZLE is a platform that connects to your computer to help you make sculptures.

Why do I like it?
How you make a sculpture of a bird? You get a lump of clay and remove everything that doesn’t look like a bird. Simple right? But that’s what CHIZZLE is supposed to do for you. It shows you on the computer screen what to remove from the lump of clay. In a world full of 3D printers, this device looks like a lot of hands-on fun.

Where can I find more info?
With 30 days left in the campaign, The CHIZZLE campaign is still working towards their funding goal of $60,000. You can pre-order a CHIZZLE starting at $89. After the CHIZZLE campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Crowdfunded

EDC fire starter, key multi-tool, smart sculpting gadget, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on May 16, 2017 at 8:30 am.

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