Categories
Cell Phone Accessories

CasePlug provides handy USB charging in the case

CasePlugRemoving your phone from a case in order to charge it can be a hassle. That’s why the creator of CasePlug decided to create a case that allows users to protect, mount, charge, sync and prop an iPhone conveniently. The ability to connect to a variety of devices while the phone is still in the case is a nice convenience, but one will need to weigh if said convenience is worth the $15 dollars for not having to remove the phone from the case — perhaps based on how frequently a USB hookup is needed. Anticipated delivery is December 2014.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories Connected Objects

Qblinks is a glowing button to control your phone

qblinksEven though most people are often mere inches or even millimeters away from their phones at all times, it would be nice to be able to control said phones without having to fish them out all the time. Qblinks is a little remote that can alert owners to notifications or be used to find phones, play files, or control the camera. The simple one-button interface is friendly and easy to learn, making it a snap to get used to quickly. Ultimately, the problem with devices like Qblinks is this: If the phone is close enough to use, why bother adding an extra device just to control it? For those less skeptical, Qblinks is available for $29 to ship out in October.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories Chargers/Batteries

Cabin makes sleek portable charging a magnetic reality

cabinWith all the accessories that drain a phone’s battery life, it’s always nice to see one that actually prolongs it. Cabin is a slim, ergonomic attachment for the iPhone that uses the magnetic connection to lock into place and charge without obstructing any of the pivotal iPhone features or even the handheld size of the phone. While this makes for great on-the-go charging, it also works with a custom dock that allows data synchronization and charges both iPhone and Cabin simultaneously. This looks like a convenient way to add more battery life without making the iPhone clunky, but the requirement of a whole new dock just to charge both at once seems a bit much. Cabin will be out in November for $99.

 

Categories
Home Sensors/IoT

Hoping to sneak in without getting caught? Don’t Blink

The Premise. Break-ins and burglaries happen at a rate that’s sure to make anybody feel unsafe. However, complex home security systems are bulky, inconvenient, and require monthly subscriptions to use.

The Product. Blink is a truly wireless home security system, not even requiring a cable for power. Blink starts with the Sync Module, which all of the Blink units report to and transmit to the cloud for phone access, alerts, and streaming video. Each of the Blink units offers a discreet, wireless camera with a full year of battery life. Each camera also includes a motion sensor, heat sensor, night vision, and an audio microphone. Because of the lack of power cables or ethernet cables, Blink can be moved, adjusted and repositioned to suit any possible needs.

The Pitch. Blink’s pitch video comes off a little strong and very commercial like, but the device speaks for itself. Seeing the alerts, streaming video, and how simple it is to customize a Blink system for any need is enough to put home security system complaints to bed for good. Blink is out to secure $200,000 for its project to complete fabrication, develop the beta version of the app, and conduct in-home trials.

The Perks. One Blink unit with a Sync Module can be picked up for $69 and will be ready for delivery in May 2015. To monitor more than one room, a 2 Blink system with Sync Module is available for $119. Anyone who wants to set up their home security system sooner can get the same package as part of the beta program for $149, shipping in March 2015. Packages for larger homes and resellers are also available at higher tiers.

The Potential. In terms of a home security system, Blink is sort of a “do-it-yourselfer.” Being able to access instant alerts and streaming HD video on the go is an awesome way to determine if there is really a break-in happening versus something routine tripping the motion sensor, but without an instant response system to notify law enforcement, that falls onto the owner’s responsibility to review the tape and then take it a step further and call the police. The wireless system is great both for convenience and flexibility, but also to disguise the security system and keep potential threats on their toes. All in all, as long as homeowners can remember to keep the batteries fresh and don’t mind having the cops on speed dial, Blink is an extremely attractive home security option.

 

Categories
Furniture

4Arms soups up desk chairs with armrests that show some muscle

4ArmsThe right office chair can go a long way where productivity is concerned. So 4Arms lets office workers replace stiff arms with a moveable armchair system that is more ergonomically correct for the body, and makes it more comfortable to work on a tablet or type on a keyboard. Isn’t it nice to know that users can experience more comfortable while working during those busy seasons of overtime? While this does seem like it could be a nice solution for those who are looking for a way to make their office chair more comfortable, an entirely new chair — and one that looks considerably less awkward — can be purchased for the requested $375. Expected delivery would be February of 2015.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories

cPulse phone case shines some light on whatever you’re up to

cpulseIt’s common sense to put smartphones in cases to prevent any damage to the device if dropped or worse. But why don’t cases do more than just protect? cPulse is a new smart LED lighting case for Android phones that offers a variety of functions using 128 LEDs that will sync up to music, function as a powerfully vivid alarm clock, or display unique visual notifications for incoming calls or messages. The wide variety of options available in terms of apps and features make cPulse an interesting option for those with customization in mind, but the added drain on a device’s battery may not be worth some added visual flair. cPulse lights up the market in February 2015 for $89.

Categories
Aquatics

Swimitation pools your water exercise in a compact space

SwimitationOne of the best forms of exercise is swimming especially for those who have joint issues. Swimmitation  offers the benefits of exercising to individuals without the chemicals of a public pool, even if they don’t know how to swim. The shallow adult type wading pool will likely still have to go in the backyard or maybe a suitable basement since it is 9.8 feet long and 6.6 feet wide, but it is only 24” deep. However, for $30,000, those who can swim may want to consider just investing in their own private pool if they have the room. Expected delivery is January 2015.

Categories
Input Video Games

Trinity Magnum lets you virtually bring a gun to a keyboard and mouse fight

The Premise. Since video games became a cultural phenomenon, gamers and developers alike have craved ways to become a part of the game. After 20 years of stalling and failing to launch, virtual reality headsets are on the brink of becoming the next big thing in gaming. Now it’s time to gear up with the weapons to survive the games.

The Product. The Trinity Magnum is a motion controller designed to handle and feel like a gun, the kind of which one would find in any first-person shooter. With one- or two-handed grips, a trigger, two joysticks, and four buttons, the Magnum is intuitively compatible with a number of titles regardless of genre. With a 9-axis IMU and optical tracking using a compatible camera, 1:1 motion is offered with no drift and maximum accuracy.

The Pitch. The launch video for Trinity Magnum is exactly what those who follow the gaming industry should expect. With hands-on footage from Game Developer’s Conference and testimonials from developers and users alike, it’s easy to get excited by what’s on display. The campaign itself goes into more detail regarding compatibility and functionality, as well as existing partnerships for the device. TrinityVR are shooting for a goal of $60,000 to assemble and test the prototype before finalizing and shipping the Magnum.

The Perks. A Magnum Developer Kit can be scored for $80 and will be out by the end of the year complete with SDK and the gun itself, though a compatible camera will need to be picked up elsewhere. Higher tiers simply offer multiple Trinity Magnums.

The Potential. As is pointed out in the pitch video, virtual reality gaming is all about immersion, and a VR headset is just half the battle. The technology behind the Trinity Magnum should make it an incredibly powerful tool in bringing games to life. Unfortunately, some of that realism might be lost through the current prototype design, which looks a bit like a Wii Zapper and a PlayStation Move controller had a baby as opposed to resembling a gun. The other issue this campaign might run into is focusing only on backers receiving development kits: which is great news for designers, but more than the average gamer needs. Add to this that an OpenCV camera is required, and there’s something that’s a really great piece of technology, but maybe a little too rough around the edges to really sell VR equipment.

Categories
Cooking

A ravioli rolling pin helps those Fonde of pasta productivity

FondeRavioli is a time-honored form of pasta, but one of the most trickyto make. Forming each individual ravioli can take up lots of time. The Fonde rolling pin is designed to make ravioli-making easier. It’s a wooden rolling pin with square slots. When the pasta and cheese are rolled over with Fonde, they form perfect raviolis. One Fonde will cost backers $75 for a 6” pin. While a bit costly for a food device, pasta aficionados will certainly appreciate the amount of time saved by this product. Fonde hopes to raise $1,000 in its month-long Kickstarter campaign.

Categories
Kids/Babies

Buggy Balance helps keep a stroller from tipping over

Buggy BalanceShopping with an umbrella stroller can make for a tricky excursion. Too much weight on the handles and a particularly squirmy little tike can make for an unbalanced load. Buggy Balance acts as a weight to counter baby’s twistin’ and shoutin,’ and help eliminate rockin’ and rollin while strollin.’  Backers get one pair for $25, which seems relatively reasonable given the product’s apparent quality. Expected delivery is November 2014.