Holtz Leather Co. says it has the perfect groomsmen’s gift

NEWS – Holtz Leather Co. is a family-owned business that produces handcrafted wood and leather goods.  The Tennessee Whiskey Barrel .30 Caliber Bolt Action Pen and Pen Sleeve is a perfect example of their products.  They purchase complete whiskey barrels from Lynchburg, Tennessee hand-turn the wood into pens or other useful goods.  These white oak barrels have housed distilled whiskey for 5-7 years, and the wood retains some of the fragrance of those spirits.

This pen has a “shotgun” for a pen clip.  Instead of clicking on the top, you open the pen using a bolt-action mechanism similar to those found on some firearms.  Finally, the top of the pen looks similar to the end of a shotgun shell.  To finish the pen set, Holtz handcrafts a leather sleeve for the pen.  You can add three initials to the sleeve for a perfect, personalized gift set.  It’s not just for groomsmen, though.

The Tennessee Whiskey Barrel .30 Caliber Bolt Action Pen and Pen Sleeve is $59.00, direct from the Holtz Leather Co.

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Holtz Leather Co. says it has the perfect groomsmen’s gift originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 29, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Smark language translator, fidget toys, backpacks made from plastic bottles, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

NEWS – This week we are bringing you info about six different crowdfunding campaigns that are currently running on Kickstarter and Indiegogo. This week’s campaigns are for people who like to travel, like fidget toys, recycling, and more.

Smark Translator – Your Cross Border Sidekick

blurb by Julian Perry

What is it?

The Smark Translator is a handheld shareable Language translator.

Why is it cool?

I like the Smark Translator because it provides translation in 24 languages right from the device with no need to use an App. It can be used as a shared device by simply separating the 2 modules like in a walkie-talkie mode. It also has a conference mode that can handle multi-lingual translation with several people all at the same time.

Where can I find more info?

The Smark Translator campaign ends on 10/11/18 and they are still working towards their funding goal of $19,108. You can pre-order a Smark Translator starting at $185. After the Smark Translator campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

The Fidj: App & Smart Device Enabled Phone Spinning Gadget

What is it?

Fidj is a stick on thingy that turns your smartphone into a fidget spinner, art thing, toy.

Why is it cool?

I like the Fidj because it takes fidget spinning to a new level of fun and since it’s only $9, there’s not much to lose buying this conversation starter.

Where can I find more info?

The Fidj campaign ends on 9/10/18 and they have already reached their funding goal of $6,500. You can pre-order a Fidj starting at $9. After the Fidj campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Plugo: An immersive AR gaming system

What is it?

Plugo is an AR gamepad designed to be used with iOS and Android tablets and smartphones for kids ages 5 to 11 to learn while playing games.

Why is it cool?

I like Plugo because it uses games and physical controls and objects to help teach kids math, vocabulary, navigation skills, construction, and more.

Where can I find more info?

The Plugo campaign ends on 9/15/18 and they have already reached their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a Plugo starting at $25. After the Plugo campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Tactical Marker 2.0 – The Classic Sharpie Marker Just Got Better!

What is it?

TM 2 is a holder/cover for Sharpie fine point markers.

Why is it cool?

I think the TM 2 Sharpie cover is cool because it’s a crazy over-engineered and expensive aluminum, brass, or titanium holder for a pen that you can buy for less than a buck. Why is that cool? Because the inventor is making money off this product when it’s a completely unnecessary purchase.

Where can I find more info?

The TM 2 campaign ends on 9/14/18 and they have already reached their funding goal of $3,000. You can pre-order a TM 2 starting at $45. After the TM 2 campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Mobius – The World’s Most Eco-Progressive Backpack

What is it?

Mobius is a backpack that is made from 31 recycled plastic water bottles and the padding made from algae. Yes, algae!

Why is it cool?

I think the Mobius is cool because I think recycling is cool. The backpack looks pretty nice too and features a roll-top design that lets the bag’s size and capacity to expand and contract as needed.

They will also plant 10 trees for every backpack that they sell.

Where can I find more info?

The Mobius campaign ends on 9/19/18 and they have already reached their funding goal of $3,000. You can pre-order a Mobius backpack starting at $76. After the Mobius campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

4-Mation: The Interactive 3D Zoetrope.

What is it?

4-Mation is a Zoetrope. And if you don’t know what a Zoetrope is, it’s a disk or cylinder that shows an animation when it spins.

Why is it cool?

I think the 4-Mation is ultra cool because it can show a 3D animation the spinning disc physical objects attached to it. You have to watch the video above to understand.

Where can I find more info?

The 4-Mation campaign ends on 9/20/18 and they have already reached their funding goal of $10,300. You can pre-order a 4-Mation starting at $283 for a full kit with all the parts. After the 4-Mation campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in April 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Smark language translator, fidget toys, backpacks made from plastic bottles, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 28, 2018 at 4:59 pm.

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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and Special Edition Bundle Revealed

NEWS – Nintendo has unveiled a special edition pro controller and game for this year’s very hyped  Super Smash Bros Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. This pro controller is painted black and white with the Smash Bros logo, which varies from the existing plain black Nintendo Switch pro controller. The special edition game also looks like it’ll come in a steel book case with fiery Smash Bros logo. No retailers have been officially displayed on the site yet, but check back on the Super Smash Bros Ultimate website for updates! Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will be released on December 7th, 2018.

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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and Special Edition Bundle Revealed originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 28, 2018 at 2:30 pm.

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The Nomad Slim Wallet with Tile keeps track of your wallet even if it’s stolen

NEWS – Slim wallets are all over the place these days but, the people over at Nomad have come up with one that you’ll never lose. That’s because the Nomad Slim Wallet with Tile uses an integrated Tile Slim tracker. Tile Slim uses advanced Bluetooth and crowdsource location technology to help you keep track of your wallet so that you never lose it.

Inside the wallet, there’s a stealth pocket concealed behind a false liner that completely hides the shape of the Tile. So the only one that knows it’s there is you, keeping your wallet trackable even if it’s stolen.

And you don’t lose any precious space in the wallet either.

The wallet has 4 card slots, 2 cash slots, and 1 quick access pocket. It can comfortably hold up to 12 cards. All in a wallet with a resting height of just over 1/2-inch, making it the perfect everyday minimalist wallet.

The leather used to make the wallet is sourced from the Horween Leather Company of Chicago. They use raw, vegetable tanned leather that over time develops a rich natural patina, which gives the wallet a character that’s unique to its owner. I reviewed a couple iPhone X cases from Nomad that use the same leather, and both developed a nice patina with time and use.

The Nomad Slim Wallet with Tile sells for $79.95 and is available on Nomad’s website.

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The Nomad Slim Wallet with Tile keeps track of your wallet even if it’s stolen originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 28, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Pop some corn with the sound of your voice with this GE microwave

NEWS – GE’s 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Smart Countertop Microwave Oven with Scan-To-Cook Technology (JES1097SMSS) adds Alexa voice control to your microwave.  The microwave connects to your home WiFi, so you can control it with voice commands through your Alexa device.  

The 0.9 ft³ oven has 900W of cooking power.  It has a variety of pre-set controls for defrosting food, reheating a dinner plate, popping corn, baking potatoes, and more.  Or you can use Alexa voice commands to set time and power levels, add cooking time, stop the microwave, and other commands.  And using the GE app, you can scan the bar code on a food package, and the GE Smart Countertop Microwave automatically adjusts power levels, cook times, and more, according to package instructions.

The interior has an LED light and a glass turntable.  The exterior measures 19″ wide x 11 ½” tall x 14 ½” deep, and the interior measures 13.7″ wide x 8.7″ tall x 12.4″ deep.  It has a gray body and a stainless steel door.

The MSRP is $139.00.  Check the GE website to learn more about the 0.9 Cu. Ft. Capacity Smart Countertop Microwave Oven with Scan-To-Cook Technology and to find local retailers.  Amazon also sells this microwave for $125.99.

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Pop some corn with the sound of your voice with this GE microwave originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 28, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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