Xenxo S-Ring smart ring, Reolink 4G security camera, collapsible drinking straws, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

This week we are bringing you four crowdfunding campaigns that are currently running on Kickstarter and Indiegogo. This week’s campaigns are for people who like to keep an eye on their home, people who suck, people who like pencils, and more. Check out our picks for this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Reolink Go: Wire-Free 4G Rechargeable Security Cam

What is it?
Reolink Go is a small wireless security camera that doesn’t need WiFi to operate because it uses 4G.

Why do I like it?
I like the Reolink Go camera because it doesn’t need wireless internet connectivity where you want to install it. It uses existing 4G-LTE mobile networks like AT&T and T-Mobile here in the US, and other networks (see the campaign page for more info). You have to have your own data plan and SIM card to install in the camera, but after that, there are no additional monthly charges. Also, the camera doesn’t need to be connected to power because it runs on batteries that can be charged with a solar panel. This camera would be a good solution for monitoring locations on your property that are not in the coverage area of your WiFi network.

Where can I find more info?
The Reolink Go campaign ends in a month and they are racing towards their funding goal of $30,000. You can pre-order a Reolink Go starting at $119. After the Reolink Go campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2018. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Xenxo S-Ring – The World’s Smartest Smart Wearable

What is it?
Move over smartwatches, because now we have smart rings and the Xenxo S-Ring is poised to be a genius in this category because it has almost every feature you’d want on a ring. It’s a fitness tracker, a gesture controller, a wireless headset, and more.

Why do I like it?
I like the Xenxo S-Ring because it combines multiple features that require multiple devices into one small device that you can wear on your finger. If this ring actually gets manufactured (I sure hope so), it’s going to give new meaning to wearable tech. I like the idea of having all those features on my finger and am especially excited about using the ring to make payments and as a wireless headset just because I want to look like secret service agent when I talk into my hand.

Where can I find more info?
The Xenxo S-Ring campaign ends on 5/26/2018 and they are working towards their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a Xenxo S-Ring starting at $179. After the Xenxo S-Ring campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Grafton Mechanical Pencil. Lifetime Guarantee EDC Pencil.

What is it?
The Grafton is a mechanical pencil made of anodized aluminum that has been designed to last a lifetime with a lifetime guarantee to back it up.

Why do I like it?
I like the Grafton Mechanical Pencil because it has an understated style to it. It’s not flashy, it’s classy, minimal, and sleek. It works with .5 mm leads or .7 mm leads with a special reservoir that they can provide as an add-on order.

Where can I find more info?
The Grafton Mechanical Pencil campaign ends on 5/12/2018 and they have already reached their funding goal of $5,000. You can pre-order a Grafton Mechanical Pencil starting at $29. After the Grafton Mechanical Pencil campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

FinalStraw, the world’s first collapsible, reusable straw

What is it?
The FinalStraw is a stainless steel medical grade collapsible tube / straw that fits in a small case.

Why do I like it?
I like the FinalStraw because it solves the issue of too many plastic straws. We have a drawer overflowing with straws in my kitchen from to go cups that we bring home. We save them because we always use straws with our beverages. But straws are like rabbits and multiply rapidly. The FinalStraw looks like a really cool alternative and it even comes with a cleaning squeegee.

Where can I find more info?
The FinalStraw campaign ends on 5/19/2018 and they have already reached and raced past their funding goal of $12,500. You can pre-order a FinalStraw starting at $20. After the FinalStraw campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Xenxo S-Ring smart ring, Reolink 4G security camera, collapsible drinking straws, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 25, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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WaterField’s Rough Rider Messenger rides again – with new features inside!

WaterField has announced the “renaissance” of its Rough Rider bag.   It’s still a rugged, premium-leather laptop bag reminiscent of an Old West satchel, but it’s now updated with modern features.  Rough Rider still retains these classic features, as described by WaterField:

  • Constructed of thick, full-grain leather with raw edges for an adventurous yet sophisticated look; develops a beautiful patina with use.
  • A dual-layer leather flap shuts securely with strong snaps and is adjustable to two lengths, so users can fill the bag to capacity or cinch it tight. Either way the bag maintains its slim profile.
  • An unlined interior and natural edges reveal the leather’s premium quality.
  • A sumptuous leather panel under the flap creates a color splash— available in six color choices.
  • The innovative strap system compresses bag contents to maintain a slim profile and positions the bag snugly against the body to help ease back fatigue.
  • Two deep, waxed canvas pockets in the main compartment fit a tablet, smart phone and additional necessities.
  • A full-width, luxuriously-soft, lined pocket under the flap stows electronics or personal items.
  • A floating shoulder pad with a no-slip underside keeps the shoulder strap in place.
  • A top leather handle allows for a quick grab.

WaterField has added these modern features:

  • An interior waxed canvas, plush, padded laptop compartment that readily fits up to a 15-inch MacBook Pro.
  • Two slots hold an Apple Pencil, Surface Pen, or a regular ballpoints.
  • A rolling suitcase handle pass-through lets your messenger ride on your suitcase handle for easier transport.

The leather accent panel is available in blue, black, crimson, espresso, gray, or grizzly.  The Rough Rider Messenger Bag is $429.  Orders placed today will ship by May 4 from WaterField.

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WaterField’s Rough Rider Messenger rides again – with new features inside! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 25, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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This silly looking SleepSmart headband from Philips will change the way you sleep

At the IFA’s Global Conference in Rome this past weekend, Philips Health was on stage talking about sleep. Senior Vice-President Head of Connected Digital Propositions at Philips, Liat Ben-Zur says that Philips mission is to improve the lives of 3 billion people a year and that some of the ways they plan on accomplishing that is through sleep.

Philips has observed that time scarcity is the new normal, and as a result, people aren’t getting enough sleep. If you don’t have a good night sleep, it affects your health, focus, mood, stress levels and it can lead to chronic disease. In the U.S. 30% of adults have insomnia, and 40% of people aged 25 to 45 sleep less than 7 hours. Which is why Philips has come out with several products to improve your sleep.

Miss IFA wearing the Philips SmartSleep headband and Bernd Laudahn, Market Leader Personal Health DACH, at IFA Global Press Conference

Let’s start with the silliest looking one of the three – the SmartSleep headband. The SmartSleep Headband is designed to wear while you sleep. It might seem ridiculous to wear at first, but it’s actually quite brilliant. That is because the headband connects to a mobile app to monitor the quality of your sleep and determine ways to improve your sleep. Designed for those who typically sleep less than 7 hours per night, it’s effectively able to increase your energy, without having to increase your sleep time.

IFA Global
Senior Vice-President Head of Connected Digital Propositions at Philips, Liat Ben-Zur at the Philips power briefing at the IFA Global Press Conference

The headband houses two small sensors which are able to detect when you’re in deep sleep, also known as “slow wave sleep”. Once the headband detects that you’re in slow wave sleep, it triggers quiet audio tones that boost the slow waves which in turn improves your quality of sleep. The SmartSleep headband’s algorithm does this every night and customizes the timing and volume of tones to your sleep pattern. In the morning you can use the SleepMapper app to understand your sleep metrics. And for those of you concerned with the thought of “wearing” Bluetooth and Wi-fi while you’re sleeping – don’t fret because both of those wireless connections are turned off while the device is being worn.

In addition to the SmartSleep headband, Philips has come out with a connected Air purifier that helps keep your sleep environment clean and free of pollutants. They have also come out with the Somneo Connected light which produces a “natural” wake-up experience for when it’s time to rise in shine. All three of these products from Philips are 100% drug-free solutions. The Air Purifier is available on Amazon for $399 and the Somneo Wake Up Light for $158 on Amazon. We don’t have word on pricing or availability yet for the SmartSleep headband, but we’ll update this story when we do.

The IFA Global Press Conference brings together hundreds of journalists from around the globe to discuss the latest consumer electronics trends ahead of IFA. IFA is Europe’s largest consumer electronics show conference. 

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This silly looking SleepSmart headband from Philips will change the way you sleep originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 25, 2018 at 7:00 am.

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The Benro Aero 2 Video Travel Angel Tripod Kit is ready for your next adventure


For those of you that have been following my news stories, you know that I have been on a quest to research and find a travel tripod that is the perfect fit for me. The next travel tripod that I am looking at is the Benro Aero 2 Video Travel Angel Tripod Kit.

This is a lightweight aluminum tripod that includes a flat base video head and 3-stage legs. When fully extended it reaches 62.4 inches which includes the center column fully extended. When fully collapsed it measures only 18.3 inches, which is small enough to fit in or on the side of most camera backpacks. While the maximum load that it can handle is only 5 ½ pounds, that is enough for a DSLR, mirrorless, or compact video camera. The Benro Aero 2 is sold as a tripod, but it does have the ability to be converted into a monopod, by combining one of the legs with the center column. Additional built-in features include a QR4 Quick-release plate, and a bubble level.

The Benro Aero 2 Video Travel Angel Tripod Kit comes with a padded carry bag and strap, and can be purchased at Amazon or B&H Photo Video for $169.

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The Benro Aero 2 Video Travel Angel Tripod Kit is ready for your next adventure originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 24, 2018 at 4:10 pm.

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Spring 2018 gadget giveaway!

To celebrate spring (finally!), we are giving away seven awesome prizes. One winner takes it all! Entering is easy! Just answer three questions in a comment at the bottom of this post and if you’re willing to jump through a few extra hoops, you can earn up to three additional entries which will greatly increase your chances of winning. Please read the details on the prizes and the rules before you submit your entries for a chance to win our spring gadget giveaway prize pack!

Prizes:

One person will win a prize pack consisting of 1 of each of the 7 products shown below:

Keyport Pivot Outdoor Bundle

The Keyport Pivot Outdoor Bundle = Keyport Pivot + Pocketknife Module + Mini-Flashlight Module + MOCA 10-In-1 Multi-Tool combines the most universal keychain tools into a single indispensable device. Includes:

Price: $57.99
Website: mykeyport.com

YEVO Labs: YEVO 1

A new generation of smart headphones without any wires for total freedom of movement

  • Experience freedom: Bluetooth 4.1 connection and Near-Field Magnetic Induction – NFMI pairing for secure flawless connectivity
  • Excellent music experience: Integrated the latest advancements in audio quality with balanced armatures from Knowles delivering safe, crystal clear audio quality, fine-tuned to hit crisp highs and deep lows for a fully mesmeric experience
  • Audio transparency: Allows users to remain connected to their surroundings by letting sound in with just a tap
  • Two-touch sensors: 4 built-in microphones allows users to take phone calls, control music and volume, and access Siri or Google Now
  • Battery life: 20 hours of battery life* with the beautifully designed, elegant and slim charge and storage case
  • Available in Jet Black, Ivory White and Onyx Black

Price: $249
Website: YevoLabs.com

Skylink: SkylinkNet Alarm System Kit

Connected home security kit integrates directly with Alexa Voice Services and nearly all major smart home devices on IFTTT (If This Then That)

  • Utilizes Alexa Voice Service technology for maximum integration into the connected home
  • IFTTT function allows users to connect their kit to other industry leading connected home accessories including Amazon Echo, Nest® Cam™, WeMo®, and Phillips Hue
  • Homeowners can run recipes for functions unrelated to smart devices, such as receiving immediate email notifications for any occurrences in the home
  • Equipped with back up battery in case of power failure
  • App allows up to 6 users to monitor one or various locations at the same time
  • Works with up to 100 wireless sensors and controllers and 10 wireless cameras
  • No monthly fees or long-term contracts
  • Kit includes an Internet Hub, 2x motion sensor, 2x keychain remote, 2x door or window sensors, and 2x plug-in dimmers
  • Wireless Indoor Camera features 2-way talk with night vision and an audio output jack
  • Controlled by an Internet Hub that connects through a wireless router to coordinate sensor and receiver activity
  • iOS & Android smartphone app sends push notifications when sensors are triggered or if the alarm is armed or disarmed

Price: $212.99
Website: www.skylinkhome.com  

V-MODA: Crossfade 2 Wireless

V-MODA’s most versatile model boasts virtually identical sound quality in both analog and wireless playback

  • Crossfade Wireless Over-Ear headphones offer the best of both worlds with wired and wireless modes for hybrid listening
  • Simultaneous Device Pairing – Multitasking users can pair the headphones with two sources at a time, such as a smartphone and laptop for work or a smartphone and smartwatch for working out
  • BLISS Large Enhanced Memory Foam Cushions – Unparalleled supple comfort
  • VAMP – Legendary V-MODA VAMP AMP/DAC technology condensed
  • Qualcomm aptX (On Rose Gold version) – State of the art audio codec enables CD-like quality sound over Bluetooth which allows for the best lossless wireless listening experience
  • Passive Noise Isolation – Naturally cut the distractions of jet engines and unwanted noise without the hiss and pressure of Active Noise Canceling (ANC)
  • Crystal Clear Communication – Hidden mic and included 1-Button SpeakEasy™ cable allows calls on-the-go, at the office or gaming
  • CliqFold Hinge – Luxury lighter-like hinge mechanism precisely folds the headphones into impossibly small exoskeleton case perfect for on the go and traveling
  • V-PORT Vents – New ventilation system for air circulation after use on stage or working out
  • 15% Longer Battery – Bigger battery provides up to 14+ hours of music, unlimited hours in wired analog
  • Custom Shield Kits – 3D print or laser engrave your logo, change your shield material and color
  • Available in Black Matte, White Matte and Rose Gold (with aptX)

Price: $330.00 (Matte Black and Matte White); $350 (Rose Gold with aptX)
Website: www.V-MODA.com

LunaX

Portable Bluetooth speaker with light

  • The ideal table lamp for your bedroom, dorm, or living room
  • For all your outdoor adventures (camping, hiking, picnic, beach, or pool)
  • Travel with Luna X–it fits in most standard-sized cup holders (car and boat)
  • LED white light with 2 brightness settings
  • The lamp function can be used for emergency situations

Price: $29.99
Website: rapidx.io

SOUL Electronics: X-TRA Wireless

Performance Bluetooth over-ear headphones features a myriad of functions to fit any workout

  • Boasts advanced HD drivers and circuitry design for a balanced bass and clear mids and highs
  • Provides up to 24 hours of playtime and includes an extra cable to connect directly to the music source
  • Features fast charge function that provides 150 minutes of playback time with a 15 minute charge
  • Features safety LED lights with still and flashing options for added safety during night workouts
  • Includes removable and washable earpads for added convenience and cleanliness
  • Equipped with a breathable headband designed to provide a cooling sensation
  • Features a foldable and lightweight design for easy storage
  • Available in black and blue

Price:  $149.99
Website: www.soulelectronics.com

BEEM UNITED: BeMe D200

Eye-catching colors and cutting-edge tech deliver customizable sound and high-performing Active Noise Canceling for a unique listening experience

  • Dual mic features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with Adjustable Awareness
  • Keep your volume at safe listening levels with ANC to enjoy a pure, premium audio experience
  • HD Audio for a full digital – not analog – audio experience
  • Use the BEEM UNITED app to enable 10-band equalizer control
  • Delivers studio-quality bass for personal use
  • Striking LED light display brings the listening experience to life
  • Lightning connector cable supplies superior sound quality
  • Lightweight with no battery needed
  • 4 different sized ergonomic eartips for a secure fit with included carrying case
  • Available in fashionable colors including Rose Gold, Rebel Purple, Black and Flash Green

Price: $139.99
Website: http://beemunited.com/

How to enter (please read carefully – any missed steps and your entry will be disqualified):

Between now and 04/28/2018 midnight EST leave a comment on this page answering the questions below.

  1. Do you come here for news, reviews, or both?
  2. What is your favorite thing about The Gadgeteer?
  3. How would you make The Gadgeteer better?

Get a 2nd bonus entry by subscribing to our newsletter:
You’ll receive 3 emails a week with latest post info. Subscribe here.
If you’re already a newsletter subscriber, let me know and you’ll get a 2nd bonus entry.

Get a 3rd bonus entry by tweeting:
The Gadgeteer is giving away a giant prize pack of 7 gadgets. Entering is easy! https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/04/24/spring-2018-gadget-giveaway/

Get a 4th bonus entry by linking to The Gadgeteer home page on Facebook.

Make sure you come back to this page and leave a separate 2nd comment stating that you subscribed to the newsletter, a 3rd comment with a link to your tweet and a 4th comment with a link to your Facebook post. To get the links for Twitter and Facebook, just click the time stamp of your post and it will give you the page with that post so you can grab the link.

At some point on 04/29/2018, I’ll pick one random winner using random.org. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hrs to claim their prizes. If I do not receive an answer to my email in that time period, I’ll do other random.org drawings till the prize pack is claimed.

Rules:

1. Only one entry per person (warning: I check IP addresses).

2. Gadgeteer writers and their immediate family members may not enter this contest.

3. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for any lost packages due to incorrect shipping addresses.

4. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for the winner not accepting their prize offer within 48hrs. The winner will be posted on this contest page, in the contest page comment section and will be emailed using the email provided in the comment section. Check your spam folder.

5. Winner must have a US shipping address.

The post Spring 2018 gadget giveaway! appeared first on The Gadgeteer.

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Spring 2018 gadget giveaway! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 24, 2018 at 1:45 pm.

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