Month: October 2014

Categories
Music Technology

Prizm teaches speakers to be in tune with your mood and your friends

The world of streaming music over the past decade has exploded, with dozens of companies offering competing services that all want to be your one and only source for tunes. But with the increase in all this choice, the process of figuring out what to listen to can be an unnecessary obstacle to our enjoyment.

A Parisian company created Prizm to facilitate the process of personalized music curation. The slick product connects to existing speakers through Bluetooth, optical, or a 3.5mm wire, and provides an interface to not only discover new music, but instantly sync your favorites to your playlists with a simple press of a button.

Prizm is clever, too: its contextual approach adapts to not only who is in the room, but the kind of atmosphere as well. If there are just two people present, it combines their tastes and plays a song they both enjoy. If there are 15 people present, the acoustic sensor will recognize the ambient noise and play something more suitable. Compatibility with Spotify, Deezer, and Soundcloud will ensure all users are represented with more services on the way. Interested backers can grab their very own device $129. These ideas have pushed the company towards their $70,000 goal.

The product that most closely resembles Prizm is the Aether Cone, but upon comparison the differences are stark. While the $399 Cone boasts a decent speaker to directly play the music you want, it is more of a streaming radio device. On the other hand, Prizm contains many more features allowing users a lot of personalization– even a friend’s Prizm will recognize who you are and adapt to your taste! This level of personalization and interconnectedness is impressive, even if it may tread very closely to the many privacy concerns up in the air these days.

Categories
Lifestyle

ClickStick overengineers the deodorant applicator because stains are the pits

Ever since deodorant first came into existence, there has always been the question of how to keep it from getting all over one’s clothes during application. From sprays to gels to those “invisible” solids, it seems that even if those white streaks are avoided, that there is still that feeling of something cold, wet and slimy hanging out in one’s armpits. So the creators of ClickStick have attempted to fix this problem by creating a specially engineered “smart” deodorant container that apparently knows exactly how much to apply, reducing overuse and waste of the product. Oh, and it’s eco friendly too. For those who don’t mind sharing with the digital world via an app about their personal care products and habits, the refills for ClickStick can even be ordered online and shipped directly to one’s home. The type of container in which those refills arrive isn’t stated, though the refillable idea is about cutting down on the plastic consumption that used deodorant containers apparently generate in general. While reusable is nice, it may be a hassle to have to order refills. After all, running out of deodorant and going without isn’t ideal. This campaign seeks to raise $55,000 by December 3, 2014. “Midday” bird backers who missed the early bird offer can get one product for $21, with an expected delivery of May 2015.

Categories
Home

Cullector creates a small shower reservoir to save water, create aromas

Showering is a catch-22 for those who want to save water. It always takes a minute for the water to heat up, meaning that cold water is sent down the drain unused. The Cullector Ultra Efficient Shower seeks to save water while still giving you a hot refreshing shower. Using a reservoir, the cold water initially spat out by the shower is collected while a small amount is let out through the shower head. This allows the dirty user to feel the temperature of the water from inside the shower, without getting scalded or frozen from head to toe. When the water feels just right, pull the lever for maximum water pressure. The cold water that is initially collected is then sucked back up into the shower head so it doesn’t get wasted. The reservoir can be opened and scented oils added for those who want to smell like flowers, pachouli, or other herbs.

Many shower heads boast water-saving techniques, but none have come up with an idea like this. So much water is wasted waiting for the right temperature. The Cullector has fixed a common problem with a simple solution. In addition, water-saving shower heads usually sacrifice water pressure for conservation, making you spend more time in the shower anyway trying to rinse yourself off. The Cullector uses wasted water to add pressure, not only saving water, but also expediting the entire showering process. Backers can pick up this Australian product for $179 AUD (~$157 USD) with estimated delivery set for January 2015. Cullector hopes to raise $10,000 AUD (~$9,000 USD) on Kickstarter.

Categories
Automotive

BeeDry Mat covers your car seats from water, sand and snow

One of the biggest annoyances of daily life is keeping the car clean and odor free. If there are kids, a clean car is a near impossibility. One item that can help bring some sanity and sanitation to your car, even for a family constantly in motion, is BeeDry Mat. It seems to be the ultimate multitasking wonder where keeping the car clean is concerned; protecting car seats from sweat after that great workout, pet hair, the grime factor that comes with sport enthusiast kids and more. The mat is made of a water resistant, washable material but is still soft with a bit of extra cushioning for added comfort. It also has a convenient strap and simple plastic-looking locking mechanism so that it can be easily rolled up and stored behind the car headrest when not in use. The foam mat is supposed to be water-resistant, but whether or not a chemical is used to enhance that isn’t clearly stated. This campaign seeks to raise $15,000 by November 24, 2014. For $44, early bird backers get one product with an expected delivery of March 2015.

Categories
Maker/Development

iBox nano 3D printer lets you make stuff anywhere

With 3D printing enjoying increasing coverage nowadays, more and more people are beginning to understand the possibilities. As a result, eyes widen at the concept, but not as many people have actually had hands-on experience because of the prohibitive costs. For those who currently do use 3D printers, it’s more likely someone wants to only print smaller objects, but has to shell out for a costly, large printer to get it done.

iBox Printers has created the iBox nano 3D: the world’s smallest and quietest 3D printer. Weighing in at three pounds, the device is capable of untethered resin printing over Wi-fi using any browser on any device, eliminating concerns of compatibility. The product was also conceived with the home user in mind, so there is no software to install. In addition, this product takes advantage of the large amount of open-source 3D modeling software and uses UV LEDs instead of DLP projector bulbs which last longer and use less power. The 328 micron resolution of the XY axis complements the .39 micron resolution on the Z-axis so that users can print fine detail without breaking the bank for more expensive printers. The company is looking to raise a whopping $300,000 in total. 3D printing pioneers can get their hands on one for $269.

The iBox nano 3D piques interest considering its portable, lightweight, and extremely open nature. The Pocket 3D printer has also positioned itself as a portable printer and, even if it’s form factor doesn’t quite lend itself to portability, what it produces doesn’t have a curing period like the iBox nano 3D. This is the biggest oversight: the iBox may be portable, but it doesn’t mean it will be actually usable everywhere as the resin supplied has very specific handling concerns. That might impede its practicality and may or may not be enough to turn people off, but its price point will probably ensure it won’t be much of a problem.

Categories
Pets

Odin is a puzzle for your pooch that pumps out treats

Giving dogs an opportunity to exercise helps to keep them healthy and trim. While this is something that owner and pet can do together, on those occasions when Fido’s alone, he can also be motivated to do it himself with dog toys such as the Odin.  And dogs are often best motivated with treats.  This toy comes with built in compartments that allow owners to hide the treats, creating a situation whereby their canine pal must push, paw, and sniff their way to enjoyment. This toy seems like one that can grow with one’s pet in that it is modular, and designed with the intent of additional pieces for the future if proper backing can be obtained. For a solution to pets who tend toward sneaking away with their treats, owners might like to check out the Pawda GPS tracking device. This campaign seeks to raise $25,000 by November 13. Early bird backers can get one toy for $25 with an estimated delivery of April 2015.

Categories
Kids/Babies Toys

Versa Bricks bridge Lego, Hot Wheels and K’Nex for kid bulding fun

It’s been said that kids who enjoy building blocks and puzzles as their favorite toys often grow up to be tomorrow’s engineers. Versa Bricks seems to have an interesting way to encourage the builder in every kid, and maybe even the kid in every parent. Versa Bricks are touted as being compatible with Lego type bricks, Hot Wheels tracks, K’nex, and HO scale train tracks. So all of those really cool ramps can now be placed much more easily under the race track as the Hot Wheels car plunges through the window of a Lego building – kind of like in the movies. For kids who like to think on a grander scale, XYZ and Assembly are worth checking out. To add a bit of artistic flare to that building enthusiasm, Curiositoys may be a perfect fit. This campaign seeks to raise $17,500 by December 2014. For $9, backers get 12 Versa Bricks (two sets) with an expected delivery of March 2015.

Categories
Sleep Wearables

BodyEcho head band tracks vital signs to improve sleep tracking

Some estimates peg the number of Americans who experience problems sleeping at 70 million, although most would agree the number is even higher than that. Unfortunately, having trouble sleeping isn’t considered much of a problem at all and if someone decides to do something about it, the most effective technology to help is stuck in impractical and expensive sleep laboratories.

OxiRate Inc. is looking to take that technology out of the laboratory and onto your head with their BodyEcho sleep system. The system is comprised of a headband that houses a removable, quarter-sized chip almost impossibly packed with heart rate, temperature, and respiratory sensors, along with an accelerometer and an oximeter.

With the oximeter at its core, the combination of technologies allows the BodyEcho to track things like your sleep stages, sleeping positions, and breathing interruptions with increased accuracy. The data gathered can then be reviewed on a Web portal or a smartphone application so that a user can take a more active role in their sleep. An SDK in development will expand on the device’s capabilities too, so look out for those lucid dreaming applications. OxiRate Inc. is looking for $100,000 to finalize BodyEcho, and interested backers can pick one up for $100.

BodyEcho is interested in being the best possible at one thing: sleep tracking. By offering so much technology in a small package, the company is letting everyone else make it something more with the SDK. It seem like everything created with it will be a touch inventive and versatile than other headbands strictly for lucid dreaming, like the DreamNet or the Aurora. Its included oximeter is the star of the show with its ability to provide the refined data only a sleep lab can offer, but its effectiveness ultimately remains to be seen.

Categories
Connected Objects Kids/Babies Lighting

BabySleep is a connected nighttime lamp for kids

Toddlers and small children are notorious for refusing to go to sleep. Even when they can barely keep their eyes open, they insist on staying up, unwilling to miss any action. Babysleep is a clock designed for these types of kids, teaching them when it’s time to go to sleep and wake up. Looking like a little wooden birdhouse, the product has a sun and moon on it. When the sun is lit, it tells the child that they should be getting up. When the moon is lit, it’s time to go to bed. Parents have several options in controlling Babysleep. They can either set times from the product itself, from a computer or even use an accompanying app. Times can be adjusted easily for nap time, traveling or sleepovers. Brightness of the lights as well as colors can also be customized.

The campaign included testimonials from parents claiming that Babysleep has become a fun nightly ritual for their child. It also goes into the detrimental effects of the often erratic sleep patters of terrible two-year-olds. Other children’s alarm clocks focus on different goals, such as the Onaroo Alarm Clock. This product urges kids to stay in bed longer so that their parents can sleep. Babysleep focuses more on the child’s well-being than the parent’s. Backers can donate £99 (~$160) for this Italian product. Babysleep is looking to raise £50,000 (~$80,600) on Kickstarter.

Categories
Food and Beverage

Bottleloft lets your brewskies hang out in the fridge

Football, beer and pizza. Now there’s a sports lover’s winning combo! What better way to beat the winter blahs than to have a bunch of friends over for Super Bowl Sunday? Ample space in the refrigerator for storing each delectable culinary delight is crucial to having a successful party. That’s precisely why Bottleloft was invented. This unique strip of magnets helps save and make more space in the refrigerator. A special low temperature application grade of 3M VHB adhesive is used to ensure proper adhesion to the top or the refrigerator shelf unit, and neodymium-grade magnets, which are some of the strongest that are available, hold beer or other beverages in place that have a metal cap. But alas, backers will be limited to a 12 bottle maximum on this. So if it’s a big party, break out the coolers. In fact, Coolest Cooler would be a great fit for just such a party. This campaign seeks to raise $20,000 by November 9, 2014. For $20, backers get one bottle loft that holds three bottles. Expected delivery is January 2015.