This week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns include a couple cool pens, a smart lock, a wireless backup camera and a holder for your toothbrush. Click through for all the details.
BOLD Smartlock
What is it?
It’s a smart lock that replaces your door’s cylinder lock instead of the deadbolt lock like a lot of smart locks that are currently on the market.
Why do I like it?
After having just reviewed the Kevo smart dead bolt lock, I’ve gained an interest in these types of products and I like the BOLD because it unlocks as you approach the lock instead of needing to touch it. It still needs to be paired with your smartphone, but I like the simplicity and that I could use it with doors that don’t have a dead bolt already installed.
There is one caveat… It’s unclear if they will offer a US version of the lock cylinder. As of this writing, they are only offering the Euro version.
Where can I find more info?
With 33 days left in the campaign, the BOLD Smartlock campaign still has some work to do before reaching their funding goal of $135,939 (that’s a weird amount). You can pre-order a BOLD Smartlock for $169. After the BOLD Smartlock campaign ends, the rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
CRONZY Pen
What is it?
The CRONZY pen is a writing gadget that combines the features of a color scanner and an ink-jet printer into the form factor of a pen. CRONZY can write in over 16-million colors, and the ink color can be matched to any color that you see by scanning it with the base of the pen. Specific shades of color can be selected by programming the pen to write in that color with the companion app. The pen comes with 5 different tip styles to suit many different coloring or writing needs
Why do I like it?
I like this pen because it uses technology in a new and creative way to include multiple writing and coloring options in a small flexible footprint. We review a lot of writing instruments on The Gadgeteer and this definitely qualified as a writing gadget.
Where can I find more info?
With a month left in the campaign, the CRONZY pen campaign is almost halfway to their funding goal of $200,000. You can pre-order a CRONZY pen for $219, and there are still deals available on the Indiegogo page for early backers and bulk orders. Delivery is slated for May 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.
KOSMOS Pen
What is it?
It’s a pen that has been made out of a solid block of aluminum and features a unique mechanism to extend and retract the pen tip.
Why do I like it?
There are two reasons why I like this pen. First of all, the minimalist design is really appealing. And then there’s the fact that it uses magnets in the mechanism. I am a sucker for anything that uses magnets, so I automatically want this pen. You can easily extend or retract the pen tip with one hand and it’s compatible with any Parker-style G2 refill so that’s a big plus too.
Where can I find more info?
With 17 days left in the campaign, the KOSMOS pen campaign has already surpassed their funding goal of $11,030. You can pre-order a KOSMOS pen for $54. After the KOSMOS pen campaign ends, the rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
FenSens wireless parking sensor
What is it?
The FenSens is a license plate mounted back up camera that is completely wireless and uses your smartphone as the display.
Why do I like it?
I have wanted a backup camera for a very long time, but I keep dragging my feet installing one because I don’t want to run wiring to a display and power. I’ve thought about creating some type of home brew wireless system that interfaces with my smartphone. FenSens beat me to the punch. This backup camera installs on your rear license plate and automatically launches an app on your phone when it detects that you’re backing up. Sensors alert you with tones when you’re getting too close to an object.
Where can I find more info?
With 12 days left in the campaign, the FenSens campaign has already surpassed their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a FenSens for $99. After the FenSens campaign ends, the rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2017. That’s a long time to wait, but visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.
CUBECOID
What is it?
It’s a holder for your razor or toothbrush that uses nano-suction technology instead of screws or adhesive.
Why do I like it?
It made me realize that the cup we have in our medicine cabinet that holds our toothbrushes and the cup in the shower that holds the razors are disgusting. This is a cleaner way to hold these everyday items.
Where can I find more info?
With 17 days left in the campaign, the CUBECOID campaign has already met their funding goal of $3,414. You can pre-order a 2pk of CUBECOID holders for $15. A little expensive for what it is, but after the CUBECOID campaign ends, the rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
