Check out my 5 picks for this week’s notable crowdfunding projects from Kickstarter. Hey, don’t blame me if you’re always broke!
3D 5.1 Virtual Surround Sound Earbud with Premium Sub Bass
What is it?
360 Earbuds are wired earbuds that simulate surround sound.
Why do I like it?
I was sent a pair of 360 Earbuds to try out and they make it feel like you’re in a room surrounded by the music. The audio quality was very impressive. Music sounded significantly better than my current favorite earbuds: DUNU Titan 1s. Vocals sound much crisper and the bass response is excellent. The only down side to the 360 Earbuds is that they are wired.
Where can I find more info?
With 46 days left in the campaign, the 360 Earbuds campaign has already met their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a pair of 360 Earbuds starting at $55. After the 360 Earbuds campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
HELIO: Solar Light & Powerbank for Adventures & Emergencies
What is it?
HELIO is a solar powered 150-lumen emergency light with a 5200mAh backup battery.
Why do I like it?
There are all kinds of solar powered power banks with built in flashlights on the market, but I like this one because it can also be used as a lantern and it has a red light mode to prevent problems with night vision. Also, 100% of the profits for this product are used to provide light and power products to those with limited access to electricity.
Where can I find more info?
With 49 days left in the campaign, the HELIO campaign is still working towards their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a HELIO starting at $45. After the HELIO campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in December 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
Luna Display
What is it?
The Luna Display is a Mini DisplayPort or USB-C adapter for MacOS devices that turn an iPad into a wireless second display with almost zero lag.
Why do I like it?
I’ve used software solutions that turn an iPad into a second display for my MacBook and while they work, those solutions tend to be laggy and buggy. Luna Display turns your MacOS device into a touch screen device because you can use keyboards and mice with it.
Where can I find more info?
With 36 days left in the campaign, the Luna Display campaign has already blown past their funding goal of $30,000. You can pre-order a Luna Display starting at $55. After the Luna Display campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
Qbit keychain measuring device
What is it?
Qbits are machined brass or stainless Steel metric or standard measuring tools that you can carry in your pocket, on your keychain, or leave at your desk.
Why do I like it?
I like Qbits because I’m a sucker for EDC gear that looks good AND serves a purpose. Semi-regularly I need to measure something and don’t have a ruler with me or any way to record the length of an object. Qbits seem like a cool way to always carry a ruler – even if it a short one.
Where can I find more info?
With 29 days left in the campaign, the Qbit campaign has already passed their funding goal of $1,000. You can pre-order a Qbit starting at $20. After the Qbit campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
ZIPPELIN: An inflatable, one-of-a-kind travel bag by FREITAG
What is it?
ZIPPELIN is a large travel bag made of recycled truck tarps that compresses down and rolls up into a shoebox sized pack for easy storage when you aren’t using it and inflates to a full sized rolling luggage when you do.
Why do I like it?
I love this idea because I’ve never seen a large travel bag that can fold down that small, and the idea of using a bicycle tire intertube in place of a frame is a genius design. It’s just too bad that they cost over $500 and won’t be available until next year. But still, I think this is a great idea and hope to see it used with other travel bags.
Where can I find more info?
With 29 days left in the campaign, the ZIPPELIN campaign has already passed their funding goal of $119,827. You can pre-order a ZIPPELIN starting at $505. After the ZIPPELIN campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
