CROWDFUNDING NEWS – It’s been about 2 years since the first NexDock device was rolled out as a successful Indiegogo campaign and now the Nex Computer team is back with an updated version of the laptop that is powered by your Android smartphone or Raspberry Pi computer.
What is it?
The NexDock 2 is the latest update to the original NexDock laptop shell. The device looks like a laptop with a display, keyboard, and touchpad, but it’s really a “dumb” device until you connect your Samsung or Huawei smartphone or Raspberry Pi to it. Then it turns into a “smart” laptop using the attached device’s OS.
Why do I like it?
For decades, I’ve had a dream of owning one device to rule them all. A device that would be my camera, and my computer, either as a laptop or a desktop.
The NexDock 2 brings that dream one step closer to reality because I already use my phone as my only camera and now the NexDock 2 gives me a way to turn my phone into my only computer by providing a 13.3 inch IPS LCD, USB-C ports, SD card reader, full-sized keyboard, and a touchpad.
What to consider before pledging
At the moment, the only smartphones that will work with the NexDock 2 are Samsung’s newer Galaxy devices with the DeX feature (Galaxy S8/ S8+/ S8 Active, S9/ S9+, Note 8 / Note 9 and the new S10e/ S10/ S10+) and Huawei’s newer smartphones (Mate 10/ 10 Pro, Mate 20/ 20 Pro/ 20 X, P20/ P20 Pro, P30/ P30 Pro and Honor Note 10 / View 20) that have the EMUI easy projection feature that provides a desktop-like experience when attached to a monitor.
If you don’t have one of those phones, a Raspberry Pi, or a PC stick, then the NexDock 2 will be little more than a paperweight for you until Android Q is released, or if you just want to use it as a second screen for another device since it does have an HDMI connector.
Where can I find more info?
The NexDock 2 campaign ends on 4/20/19 they have already surpassed their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a NexDock 2 starting at $209. After the NexDock 2 campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.
CROWDFUNDING NEWS – We sure do like our pens here on the Gadgeteer. Just do a quick search on “pen review” and you’ll see a bunch of them. But guess what? I don’t think we’ve ever reviewed a pen that hovers like the Hoverpen.
What is it?
The Hoverpen is a pen that… well… hovers! Well, that’s not exactly true. It doesn’t hang in mid-air as much as it stands on its tip without falling over. Here, watch the campaign video to see what I mean.
The Hoverpen is a pen that is made of aluminum or titanium with a steel cap and comes with a special stand that keeps the pen from falling over. It’s like magic if magnets are magic, which I think we can agree that they are.
Why do I like it?
What’s not to like? It’s a pen. We like pens. It’s a magic pen that doesn’t fall over. We like magic. Is there really any downside here?
Seriously though, they sent me a pre-production Hoverpen to try out and by itself, it’s a nice enough pen. It’s made of lightweight titanium and it has a steel cap. But then when you add the zinc alloy magnetic base and it really kicks my interest up a notch.
Placing and removing the pen from the magnetic base takes a little practice, mainly the placing part. Removing it is easy. But placing it back in/on the base requires a little finesse as the base wants to push the end of the pen towards one of the magnetic posts. You have to fight the pull of the magnets to poke the pen right into the center. Use the Force Luke!
Once the pen is freestanding/hovering in the base, you can wobble it back and forth and you can also spin it in place like a fidget toy while it defies gravity.
Things to consider before pledging
The magnetic cap can not post on the back of the Hoverpen which means it’s a prime candidate for loss unless you “stick” the cap to the magnetic base.
The Hoverpen also uses Cross brand refill cartridges which is something to consider if that isn’t your favorite type of refill.
Where can I find more info?
The Hoverpen campaign ends on 5/26/19 they are working towards their funding goal of $5,000. You can pre-order a Hoverpen starting at $59. After the Hoverpen campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.
CROWDFUNDING NEWS – Dive deeper into your gaming and movie experiences with Feelreal VR headset add-on.
The patented design attaches to your existing VR headset and can simulate smell, rain, wind, vibration, punches and more. Weighing in at only seven ounces, the unit magnetically attaches to your headset. It can generate up to 255 different scents to enhance your gaming and movie experience.
Feelreal is compatible with a wide range of headsets.
Scents are generated by combining up to nine different aroma capsules. Heat and cold come from micro heating and cooling units. An ultrasonic ionizer produces mist and rain. Small vibration motors simulate bumps, punches, and general motion. It can run for up to four hours on a charge.
Beyond entertainment, the developers also have created operation modes for aromatherapy and meditation.
Several VR games are supported with more on the way. YouTube VR is also supported. You can also edit your own movies, adding scent and sensory tracks on your own.
Funded in under an hour on Kickstarter, Feelreal is just shy of $100,000 on a $20,000 initial funding goal. Funding ends on May 10 at 3am EDT with initial shipments slated for August 2019. Packages start at $199. For more information, visit their campaign on Kickstarter.
Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.
CROWDFUNDING NEWS – I’m a big fan of hoodies—I happen to think they are one of most comfy clothing items going. And if you can add a few features to the standard hoodie, all the better. And then, if you can make it out of sustainable materials, even better. The Evolution Hoodie from Coalatree may have checked all these boxes. Let’s have a look!
What is it?
The Evolution Hoodie is made of fibers that are derived from sustainable materials and also includes several additional handy features.
Why do I like it?
First off, I like that the Evolution Hoodie has some extra features that you don’t typically find on standard hoodies, like thumb holes, a zippered “pickpocket proof” travel pouch (that even has organization pockets inside), and it compacts down into a travel pillow. But even better is that the Evolution Hoodie is made from sustainable materials, including recycled plastic bottles and coffee grounds. Plus, it just looks super comfy.
Where can I find more info?
The Coalatree Evolution Hoodie: Made from Recycled Coffee Grounds campaign ends on April 18, 2019, and has already blown away its funding goal of $50,000. Pledge packages start at $62 for a single Evolution Hoodie in your choice of color and increase from there depending on the options selected. After the end of the campaign period, rewards are expected to start shipping in September 2019. Visit the Evolution Hoodie: Made from Recycled Coffee Grounds campaign site for more information or to become a backer.
Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.
CROWDFUNDING NEWS – This week I’m bringing you two Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns and two campaigns from Indiegogo. We have instruments, EDC items, and more. Let’s check them out.
MOVEO: The world’s first all-in-one water bottle
What is it?
MOVEO is a 750ml (25oz) water bottle that includes every feature but the kitchen sink – which you’ll need to fill it up
Why do I like it?
I like that the MOVEO water bottle has all its bases covered. The bottle includes the following features and accessories:
Fruit Infuser
Pill Box (Pill Disk)
Water Cup
Carrying Strap
Time Marks
Wire Ball
Bottle’s Lid
Infuser’s Adaptor
Removable Pin
Additional Nozzle Cover
Straw Filter (not included with all pledge levels)
Carrying Case/Sleeve (not included with all pledge levels)
The only caveat is that if you want the bottle with the straw filter or the carrying case sleeve, you’ll have to pledge additional funds.
Where can I find more info?
The MOVEO campaign ends on 4/17/19 they are working towards their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a MOVEO starting at $18. After the MOVEO campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2019. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.
Carbon Fiber Ukuleles and Guitars | KLŌS Guitars
What is it?
KLŌS dreadnaught sized guitars and tenor sized ukuleles are made from carbon fiber instead of traditional materials like wood.
Why do I like it?
I like these instruments because of the fact that they are made of carbon fiber. Using carbon fiber to build them means you won’t have to worry about the wood drying out and cracking due to low humidity which is a big deal in some areas of the world. You can drop these instruments, freeze them and even leave them in a hot car and they won’t break or crack.
I also like that the instruments are available in 6 colors instead of black which is a typical color you think of when it comes to carbon fiber. I just wish they made a soprano though as that’s my favorite size of the ukulele to play.
Where can I find more info?
The KLŌS campaign ends on 4/12/19 they have already reached their funding goal of $15,000. You can pre-order a KLŌS instrument starting at $449. After the KLŌS campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
LumiCharge II: All in One LED Lamp & Phone Charger
What is it?
The LumiCharge is an LED desk lamp with extra features.
Why do I like it?
I like the LumiCharge because it’s a multi-tool lamp. In addition to functioning as a desk lamp, it is also a Qi wireless charger, a universal phone charger for lightning/iPhone, USB-C and Micro USB Smart Phones, and it also has a builtin display with the time, date, and temp.
Where can I find more info?
The LumiCharge campaign ends on 5/2/19 they have already met their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a LumiCharge starting at $99. After the LumiCharge campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2019. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.
The Ultimate Adjustable Backpack For Travel & Everyday Use
blurb by Andy Jacobs
What is it?
I’m a believer and practitioner of “one-bag travel”—which for me means a single backpack that carries everything I need for a trip. Sometimes I take more items, sometimes less; it all depends on the duration of the trip, and what the purpose of the trip is. What I’d really like is a bag that has a large range of versatility built in so that I could use it for everything from my daily commute to a 2-week work trip or vacation. And you know what? I may have found it. Take a look at the Bamian Pack–The Ultimate Adjustable Backpack for Travel & Everyday Use from Eshena.
The Ultimate Adjustable Backpack for Travel & Everyday Use, AKA the Bamian Pack, from Eshena is a backpack system that provides a very wide range of both adjustability and versatility in size, carrying capacity, and organizational features through the use of clever design, modularity, and magnets (!).
Why do I like it?
I’ve reviewed and/or investigated a LOT of backpacks in my time, but I’ve never seen anything like the Bamian Pack. It comes in two versions, the 15 and 17, which are sized for shorter or taller folks respectively. The Bamian Pack has a military-inspired look, and is made from 1680D MATT coated fabric, and includes waterproof zippers, Woojin plastic, and YKK Zippers throughout. Using a zipper, its main volume can be expanded or contracted, from 22L to 37L for the Bamian Pack 15, and from 27L to 47L for the Bamian Pack 17. Further, by the use of variously-sized modular pouches (that attached via magnetic MOLLE straps!), the Bamian Pack 15 can reach up to 45L and the Bamian Pack 17 can reach up to a whopping 55L of space for your gear. The Bamian Pack is absolutely loaded with both internal and external organization and hidden safety features as well, and several modular accessories are available as add-ons, such as a rain cover, packing cubes, laundry pouches, a phone pouch, and a shoe pouch, just to list a few. Honestly, the only way to do justice to all of the features of this pack is to visit the campaign site for more info.
Where can I find more info?
The Eshena Ultimate Adjustable Backpack for Travel & Everyday Use (AKA the Bamian Pack) campaign ends in 17 days on April 25, 2019, and has already surpassed its funding goal of $10,000. Pledge packages start at $109 for a Basic Bamian Pack bundle and increase from there depending on the options selected. After the end of the campaign period, rewards are expected to start shipping in July 2019. Visit the Eshena Ultimate Adjustable Backpack for Travel & Everyday Use campaign site for more information or to become a backer.
Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.
