Month: December 2014

Categories
Technology

Jolla Tablet fires on competitors with impressive specs, open source OS

Jolla, a company founded by former senior Nokia team members, has made a splash in the smartphone market with its user-focused Jolla Smartphone powered by their proprietary Sailfish OS. The company constantly harps on about the effect user input has on the finished product and this, along with the phone’s Other Half functionality, resonated deeply with users. Now, they’re back at it again and looking for some of that same magic with their Jolla Tablet.

The Jolla Tablet is outfitted with a 7.85″ IPS screen boasting 330 ppi, a quad-core Intel chip, 2GB of RAM, a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera, a 4300mAh battery, and 32GB of storage with expandable microSD memory. However, the Jolla is more than just the sum of its parts. While the tablet does sport specs comparable to leading tablets, its Sailfish OS differentiates itself with gesture controls and full multitasking capabilities unlike those from competing brands, letting users easily control native Android apps or those from the Sailfish OS app store. Jolla’s open source nature and desire to make their products better using suggestions solicited from their users reinforce their people-centric belief and is a far cry from the lockdown-like policies in effect at other companies in the field. The Jolla Tablet clocks in at $209 and is expected to be delivered by May 2015. The campaign goal sits at a lofty $380,000.

The Jolla Tablet is a pretty piece of tablet that can stand up to the giants in the field. Giving exactly what consumers want can never be bad business, so barring poor exposure or lackluster tablet performance, Jolla should be able to sway some over to their ship. Novena is similar in that it gives users the option to create something personal with high-end specs, but with a laptop instead. High power, customized hardware gave the Jolla Smartphone a bit of mindshare, so their tablet should experience similar success.

Categories
Input Sensors/IoT

Backtrack monitors spinal movement with eye to those in rehab

As we age, we begin to slow down. For example, our backs give out and injuring them could mean immobility for weeks.

Backtrack is a sensor that tracks movements in real time in 3-D. Connecting to any smartphone, the image shows movements on the screen. With this data, advanced algorithms can be applied to analyze how to improve movements and really show what’s going on, especially in physical therapy situations. The product itself is a small blue piece of rubber (obviously with more stuff inside). The campaign does a good job of showing how moving the sensor tracks those motions on the phone.

While the idea of translating three-dimensional motions onto a phone is a novel one, it doesn’t really seem necessary. The technology is still too new to really do much with the data collected. The campaign mentions vague “advanced algorithms” but it’s confusing what these really are. Backtrack seems to have fallen into the trap of sensor without feedback. Other sensors, like the runScribe track motions and then provide useful tips about adjustment. For their very own, backers can donate $150 CAD (~$131 USD) for estimated delivery in July 2015. Backtrack is looking to raise $50,000 CAD (~$44,000) on Kickstarter.

Categories
Connected Objects

Fizzly is another Bluetooth mashup of smart tag, button and sensors

Why buy one device that does a single thing, or wait for apps to be created before you have the functionality you need? The tiny square Fizzly will put the power back in your hands with its multitude of arrays and sensors designed to track and react to all sorts of movement.

While impressive in and of itself, the real magic starts happening when Fizzly is attached to your body or other real-world objects to make them interactive. Attach it to your skateboard and make every trick and grind a part of a Fizzly-enabled game on your iOS or Android device. If everyday functionality is more your thing, place Fizzly in your mailbox and set an alert to trigger whenever it is opened so you can be in the know, for example. The company stresses the open nature of the platform, and encourages backers to try and find their own uses. In many ways, it’s $39 price tag is getting you a product that changes depending on who uses it, an exciting prospect for something so small. The campaign’s $49,000 goal aims to have Fizzly in backer’s hands, bags, shoes, or wherever else by April 2015.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories Imaging

MOS Kick is a tiny clip that can get your phone on a tripod

Does anyone actually use a camera that’s not built into their iPhone or smartphone anymore? The only problem with using a mobile device camera is that there usually isn’t a convenient way to make it stand up for videos, family pictures, and some of the more complicated photography such as time lapse photos and slomo videos. MOS Kick offers a tripod-type solution for mobile gadgets that is small enough to fit in a pocket or backpack. It is made of metal for durability, but is still lightweight. No measurements are offered, but it is compatible with all smartphones.

MOS Kick offers two things that similar products don’t: maximum portability and compatibility with all smartphones, giving it a definite edge. Interested backers may also want to check out the Stand-Pod campaign, and those who enjoy extreme close-up photography might be interested in C-Lens. This campaign seeks to raise $25,000 by December 17, 2014. Early bird backers get one product for $25, with an expected delivery of January 2015.

Categories
Kids/Babies Wearables

FTRAC promises cheap and easy tracking of kids, others

Tracking solutions come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing you can be sure of is a hefty price tag associated with keeping connected to the bells and whistles these devices give you. A lot of the time, though, the device supposed to help you worry less makes you worry more because it doesn’t work as properly as it should.

FTRAC is a versatile and thereby more functional tracking alternative. It takes advantage of its GPS, GSM, and Wi-Fi capabilities to ensure that whatever is being tracked, a child, an elderly family member, a pet is always detected. The device comes in three models: the Superior boasts all the bells and whistles such as a microSD slot, the EXP can be worn in a multitude of different ways, and the Pets version comes with a collar. The FTRAC iOS, Android, or Web companion app allows users to set geo-fences, facilitates alerts for wet pets, and provides a map UI for easy tracking.

That usually fearsome monthly fee? It’s $2.95 through FTRAC, or users can opt for their own data plan through another carrier. Their $18,000 Kickstarter campaign is offering a free six month subscription for an early bird backing of anywhere from $69 to $89, depending on the model. They could’ve done more, though, when compared to the subscription perk Pip is offering. Start tracking beginning February 2015.

Categories
Automotive Organization

The Bag Rack provides hooks for bags in your trunk, lets you hang ’em high

It seems that the car trunk is one in which disorganization tends to rule for most people. This can make grocery shopping for a family rather complicated. That’s why The Bag Rack was invented. The product is very easy to install and requires no tools. While this seems like an interesting idea that could bring much needed convenience on grocery day, it’s not clear what the width of the product is, or with which car trunks it would be most compatible.

For those who travel to the store a lot in their cars, especially those with a hatchback, know that groceries tend to slide around in the back willy nilly. So, having a holder that takes up no cargo room, but keeps things in place would be a welcome addition to any frequent grocery goer. Other grocery helps in which backers might be interested include the Super Bag Holder, and Grocery Pal campaigns. This campaign seeks to raise $25,000 by December 24, 2014. Early bird backers can get one product for $15 with an expected delivery of December 2014.

Categories
Connected Objects Pets

Pip pings pooches, passes on perpetuating perennial payments

One of our biggest worries concerning our four-legged friends is the possibility of them getting lost. Microchips work only 50% of the time, while Bluetooth trackers only function in a very limited range. Pip is combining a Bluetooth-capable receiver with a GPS and a CDMA radio in order to keep tabs on your pet’s paws no matter where they may wander off to.

Pip relieves the dread that comes along with a pet’s disappearance by simply being attached to a collar. It’s combination of utility interfaces with the PIP companion app to show a pet’s location with an accuracy of five feet. It also tracks activity as well, keeping you in the loop on the benefits of your pooch’s tail-chasing session. The device boasts a three month battery life because of its low-power mode when in safe areas, and with Kickstarter backers enjoying no fees for the lifetime of the product, Pip provides peace of mind outside of pet protection. International folk are out of luck though, due to its CDMA radio. In any case, Pip is going for a hefty $179 and is expected on doorsteps by June of 2015. The campaign is trying to raise $50,000 by mid-December 2014.

Categories
Sports

CaddyLok tubes secures clubs in the bag from knocking around

Diehard golfers know that their only option is buying clubs, renting them just doesn’t make sense. It’s a costly investment, but worth it in the end if golfing is a common weekend activity.

In order to protect those expensive golf clubs, try CaddyLok. This system works with any golf bag to keep clubs secure. This product consists of magnetic tubes that keeps clubs in place and locks them using magnets. As an added perk, it also keeps clubs from rattling around cutting down on noise. Using fabric hooks, the tubes affix to the bag itself.

It’s most likely that the golfer’s caddie more than the golfer will rejoice at seeing this product. For them, it means a bag that’s easier to carry and clubs that are more organized to choose from. The price isn’t bad either. A $100 donation will get any golfer a full set by February 2015. Considering what everything else golf costs, that’s a bargain. CaddyLok is looking to raise $20,000 on Kickstarter.

Categories
Food and Beverage

Vini wine topper measures PH, temperature to check if wine is fine

Corked and sealed wine lasts forever. However, as soon as it’s unsealed, it begins to go bad. The only way to tell if it’s bad is to taste it. While it’s not as bad as spoiled milk, that sour taste can still put one off of wine entirely for the night.

Vini never wants a bad bottle of wine to be tasted ever again. This digital monitor tests wine to figure out if it’s still good to drink. Looking like a meat thermometer, place Vini in the wine and push the button. First, it’ll display the wine’s temperature. With another tap of the button, it will show its pH level. To the layman, this information may not mean much, but Vini comes with a chart to help interpret the data. In addition, Vini is a bottle stopper, so it serves more than just to taste wine for you.

For wine enthusiasts, Vini is an extremely useful device. This product certainly has potential in the market because those who love wine, really love wine and will do anything for the perfect glass. Backers can have their own for $40 CAD (~$35 USD) for delivery in July 2015. Vini is looking to raise $40,000 CAD (~$35,000 USD)  on Kickstarter.

Categories
Sports Virtual Reality

Eon Sports uses virtual reality to teach real football

Breeding the next crop of NFL superstars takes a ton of hard work and dedication both on the field and off. The development of an athlete’s skills is a delicate balance between repetition and on-field immersion, both of which are in short supply for those who are absolutely serious about the game of football. The EON Sports virtual reality simulator offers players the opportunity to practice anywhere at all and still get the immersion necessary to effectively train their on-field intelligence.

The EON Sports virtual reality simulator is the type of advance both players and coaches were waiting for, erasing the limits regarding where and how training can be accomplished. The simulator utilizes a modified version of Shoogee’s DIVE handsfree VR headset with an iOS, Android, or Windows smartphone loaded in. When combined, the headset provides players an authentic viewpoint from which to sharpen their ability to pick apart defenses or make snap decisions. EON Sports has not only created the system itself, but partnered with legendary coaches like Mike Ditka and Terry Shea to offer training sessions exclusive to the platform so players will learn from the best when they strap themselves in. The headset will cost $99 during the $50,000 campaign, after which it will go up to $129. Backers can expect their own simulator in May of 2015.

The EON Sports virtual reality simulator is a fantastic idea, but instead of assisting in the mastery of physical movement like Virtual Knockout or the Shoot Natural Glove, it only focuses on IQ through the use of a gaming controller. Although football intelligence is a vital part of the game, the option to train physical movements just isn’t present, a huge missed opportunity for true innovation rather than settling for what Google could have done with cardboard. What EON Sports has really done is provide valuable strategy from coaching legends and make it widely available, but wouldn’t making such useful advice widely know degrade its quality?