Here’s a new list of Indiegogo and Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns that you’ll want to check out and potentially back with your pledges. There’s a computer programming “game”, a hub for smart buttons, wireless earbuds, and more. Click through to see the full list.
Flic Hub: Simplify Home Control with Smart Buttons
What is it?
The Flic Hub is a controller for Flic buttons which are small clickable buttons that can be programmed to control a variety of IoT devices.
Why do I like it?
I reviewed the Flic buttons last year and have been using them ever since. The only downside to using them has been the fact that they are paired with a single phone. If you want to click a button to perform a task, you had to have your phone within range of the button. The Flic Hub fixes that problem. Now up to 64 buttons can be connected to the hub. That means anyone in your home can use Flic buttons without needing their phone.
Where can I find more info?
With 30 days left in the campaign, The Flic Hub campaign has already reached their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a Flic Hub starting at $69. After the Flic Hub campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.
Mistbox: Energy-saving device proven to cut AC bills by 30%
What is it?
Mistbox is a device that connects to your outdoor AC condenser unit and sprays a fine water mist around it while it is running. The mist pre-cools the air around the AC, which helps it be more efficient and the air coming out of your registers will be a few degrees colder than without the Mistbox.
Why do I like it?
I reviewed the original Mistbox last year and found that it worked as advertised. Their new version is smaller and uses cellular instead of WiFi for setup and connection with the mobile app. Also, the system is now “free” because it’s been changed to a subscription service where you get the hardware in exchange for a monthly or yearly subscription fee which includes filters and a lifetime warranty.
Where can I find more info?
With 53 days left in the campaign, The Mistbox campaign has already reached their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a Mistbox subscription starting at $10/mo. After the Mistbox campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
Turing Tumble: Gaming on a Mechanical Computer
What is it?
The Turing Tumble is a mechanical computer that is powered by marbles and has been designed to help kids (and adults) learn how computers and programming works by solving logic puzzles.
Why do I like it?
I like the Turing Tumble because it turns the task of learning to program a computer into a game by building, touching, and seeing. The kit comes with a book of 51 puzzles that fit in with a full-color Anime style comic book.
Where can I find more info?
With only 7 days left in the campaign, The Turing Tumble campaign has already reached their funding goal of $48,000. You can pre-order a Turing Tumble subscription starting at $60. After the Turing Tumble campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in January 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
The Anker Zolo Liberty wireless earphones
blurb by Bill Henderson
What is it?
The first wireless earphones weren’t at all wireless; they still had a length of cable connecting the left and right earpiece. Wireless should mean wireless – not almost wireless. The Zolo Liberty wireless earphones are two totally separate Bluetooth earpieces that lack any kind of physical connection.
Why do I like it?
Anker has a great reputation for both innovative and reliable products. I have a couple of their powered USB hubs that are lifesavers. Anker is now branching into the wireless personal audio market with a new division called Zolo. Anker vows that the Liberty earphones will be the world’s first zero-compromise wireless earphones. Anker wants people who already own wireless earbuds to let them know what they like and dislike. Anker states, “We’re convinced we’ve already created the world’s best total-wireless earphones, but we’re not finished yet. We really want to hear from the people who will actually do the listening. You can help make Liberty even better.”
Where can I find more info?
With 32 days left in the campaign, The Anker Zolo Liberty wireless earphones campaign has already leap-frogged past their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a pair of Anker Zolo Liberty wireless earphones starting at $99. After the Anker Zolo Liberty wireless earphones campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
Wetsleeve: Wear Your Hydration
What is it?
Wetsleeve is a 12 ounce capacity sports bottle that you wear on your arm.
Why do I like it?
I like the Wetsleeve because it looks like a better alternative to other wearable hydration systems that you wear on your back. The Watersleeve is handsfree and has an insulation layer that reflects heat away from the body so the liquid in the sleeve stays cool longer. It also has a bite valve so there are no caps to unscrew or flip open when you want to take a drink.
Where can I find more info?
With 43 days left in the campaign, The Wetsleeve campaign has already reached their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a Wetsleeve subscription starting at $39. After the Wetsleeve campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
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FYI, I asked my HVAC guy about Mistbox, and he said to avoid it. No filter can remove everything properly, so it would still shorten the life of your HVAC system. Most importantly, it would void the warranty on my AC unit. It might not with other people’s, but check before you install one!