This week we are featuring seven crowdfunding campaigns from Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Click through to read more details about these seven crowdfunded products.
Halberd – GateKeeper’s NextGen Proximity-Based Computer Key
What is it?
GateKeeper is a smart Bluetooth key and lock for your computer.
Why do I like it?
I like the GateKeeper because it is compatible with Windows, Macs, Android, and iOS. Put the Halberd keyfob on your keychain or wear it around your neck. The included USB dongle will act as the lock. Now when you walk away from your computer, it will lock automatically when you are a few feet away and will unlock as soon as you come back into range. If you have multiple devices like a laptop and a tablet, it will lock and unlock them both.
The key (the Halberd keyfob) doesn’t transmit your user info to the lock to open it. It just acts as a beacon so your info is safe and by using military-grade encryption to store your credentials using AES-256 encryption.
Where can I find more info?
The GateKeeper campaign ends on 1/5/2018 and they are still working towards their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a GateKeeper starting at $30. After the GateKeeper campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in January 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
LET VisionAI Smart Glasses with Alexa & Stereo Sound
What is it?
LET VisionAI Smart Glasses are eyeglass frames that have integrated Alexa features.
Why do I like it?
The LET VisionAI Smart Glasses look interesting to me because I wear glasses in case you didn’t notice and having the capability to perform Alexa voice commands no matter where I am sounds pretty cool. With VisionAI glasses, you can answer and make calls using your glasses. Just tap the frame with your finger, say the command, and enjoy. You don’t need to stick an earbud in your ear because the frames use bone conduction to transmit the sound to your ears. Slick! The glasses even track your steps, so you can leave your Fitbit at home.
The glasses have a built-in Li-ion battery that will last up to 10 days in standby mode and 5 hours in playback mode. The battery is charged with a magnetic charger.
Where can I find more info?
The LET VisionAI Smart Glasses campaign ends in a month and they are getting pretty close to meeting their funding goal of $30,000. You can pre-order one of the 3 frame styles of VisionAI Smart Glasses starting at $119 (prescription lenses can be added for an extra charge). After the VisionAI Smart Glasses campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in May 2018. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.
OneManBand (OMB) – A New Way to Play Guitar
What is it?
OneManBand is an upgrade kit that you connect to your existing guitar or it’s an acoustic guitar or electric guitar with a built-in OMB module that plays backup band audio accompaniment while you play the instrument.
Why do I like it?
I think OneManBand looks like a really fun way to experience the feel of playing with a full band without having to deal with actual humans. It adjusts to your guitar playing in real-time and lets you play with other instruments sounds with no latency. It will also let you turn your guitar into a different instrument and play that way too.
Where can I find more info?
The OneManBand campaign ends on 1/28/2018 and they have already gone way past their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a OneManBand starting at $149. After the OneManBand campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2018 (ouch, that’s a long time to wait). Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
DeskSpace: Handcrafted Solar System Desk Accessory
What is it?
DeskSpace is a set of nine planet models (including Pluto) made out of gems and minerals.
Why do I like it?
I think the DeskSpace solar system set looks gorgeous. Each planet has been recreated from high-quality polished gems or minerals like Earth is made of Sodalite and Mars is made of Obsidian. The gems and minerals were chosen to match the look of the planet as close as possible.
Where can I find more info?
The DeskSpace campaign ends on 12/31/2017 and they have already met their funding goal of $12,800. You can pre-order a DeskSpace starting at $64. After the DeskSpace campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
HEXAGONAL RULER
What is it?
The HEXAGONAL RULER is an electroplated stainless steel ruler with a hexagonal shape and built-in “tools” for sketching.
Why do I like it?
In addition to functioning as a ruler, these small metallic rulers also have other features like a protractor, circles, spirograph patterns and more. A set of these hexagonal rulers would be a perfect companion to my journal or for anyone who sketches.
Where can I find more info?
The HEXAGONAL RULER campaign ends on 1/17/2018 and they have already met their funding goal of $2,560. You can pre-order a HEXAGONAL RULER starting for $14 and all 4 rulers for $65. After the HEXAGONAL RULER campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in March 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
BoxLock Home – Smart Padlock for Protecting Deliveries
What is it?
BoxLock Home is a smart padlock that has been designed to protect packages delivered to your front door from thieves.
Why do I like it?
As you would imagine, I receive a lot of packages. Luckily, I live in a rural area with little traffic or humans within sight distance. But if I lived in a city or a busier area, I’d need a way to protect my deliveries. BoxLock Home looks like a cool way to do that without having to ask for packages to be held at the local shipping depot. This lock has a built-in scanner that the delivery driver uses to scan the label on the package. Once the label is scanned, the lock unlocks so the driver can place the package in your secured storage box (that you supply) and relock the BoxLock Home.
Where can I find more info?
The BoxLock Home campaign ends on 12/15/2017 and they have already more than doubled their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order a BoxLock Home starting at $99. After the BoxLock Home campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
PAL | A Versatile Rechargeable Light for Home and Outdoors
What is it?
PAL is a multi-use light with 3 350 lumen Cree LEDs and a modular multi-use design that lets this light replaces your flashlight, headlamp, lantern, bike, emergency and task lights.
Why do I like it?
I’m a minimalist in training, so I like the concept of the PAL light because it replaces a bunch of one-use lighting gadgets. It’s also always ready for use because you store it plugged into an outlet. When you’re ready to use it, you just twist and remove from the charger to use it with a head strap, flashlight handle (which doubles the battery life), a lantern holder, and more.
Where can I find more info?
The PAL campaign ends on 12/14/2017 and they have already achieved their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order a PAL starting at $89. After the PAL campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in September 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.
