Categories
Imaging

LensPacks help photographers change lenses in a flash

Changing between lenses when using an interchangeable-lens camera can be a time-consuming process, especially when making multiple changes within the span of a few minutes. In part, that’s because camera users must be sure to close their cases each time to make sure the lenses still in the bag don’t fall out and break.

patent-claimedLensPacks is a patent-pending, quick-change camera lens storage system that eliminates the need to change rear lens caps. The storage system uses Velcro to keep lens caps securely fastened to the insides of nearly any camera cases, so that the user can quickly attach a lens to each cap in the bag. Then, even if the bag is left open and turned upside down, the lenses won’t fall out. For about $25, consumers can get two LensPacks Velcro lens holders, and they ship in December. Its maker set a Kickstarter goal of raising $9,869 by May 28.

The product holds great promise, although its market is limited for now because the initial LensPacks only support Nikon F-Mount, Canon EF, Sony E Mount, and Micro Four Thirds interchangeable-lens systems. But compatibility for more lens systems is planned for the future.

 

Categories
Connected Objects Sports

Smart Golf analyzes your swing to steer you to the green

Many golfers would love to hit the green more often than they do, but can’t due to busy schedules at work and home. That can make it especially difficult for a beginner golfer to learn the game.

Smart Golf is a connected golf club that can be used anywhere to improve one’s swing. It analyze golfers’ swings after connection via Wi-Fi to an Android, iOS or Windows Phone app. One of the light signals on the head of the club will indicate when the angle of the user’s stance is correct before swinging.

The application then records the users’ swings, helping them progress and discouraging bad habits. After swinging, an audio alert will indicate contact with a virtual ball. Owners can then instantly review all the information regarding the swing, including rhythm, tempo, speed and angle. Smart Golf costs $180 and ships in October. Its maker is looking to raise $20,000 by June 14.

There have been other products designed to improve one’s golf swing, including the Flex Putter Trainer. But Smart Golf holds promise because of its portability, the realistic club design, and that it can also function as a multiplayer interactive golf game.

 

Categories
Connected Objects Sleep

Sonno BT sleep mask focuses getting to sleep, leaves you alone after that

Sleep masks are a dime a dozen, all promising assistance with sleep, lucid dreaming, or even improvements in learning with transcranial stimulation — dubious claims in their own right depending on the method used.

The Sonno BT tries to one up the competition with its use of SBTT, or simulated biological tone technology. This stuffy name is essentially just a recording of the body’s naturally occurring, internal sounds the inventor claims is better than white noise.

What the Sonno BT really wants is to be considered a sort of sleep assistant, but only if the product’s ridiculous stretch goals are met. Using Bluetooth in conjunction with an iOS/Android app, the product can loop messages to aid subliminal learning, sound alarms and reminders, facilitate power naps, place 911 calls in response to the sound of a carbon monoxide or fire alarm, and even function as a smart baby monitor.

Categories
Announcements

But enough about us: The first Backerjack reader poll

Hey, Backerjack readers! We’ve been covering the best — and some of the less-than-best — in crowdfunded and preorder gadgets since the beginning of last year. Now, we’d like to ask for a bit of feedback to understand you a bit better. We’ve got four quick questions following the break. We’re not asking for a dime, but the only reward tier we’re offering is a better experience, so please help build a better Backerjack by clicking through to the post. Thanks!

Categories
Technology

Voxbox makes holographic technology more accessible

Holographic technology has been around for a while, but only recently has professional-grade holography made its way to the consumer market. In the past, many people likely only experienced holograms in their homes as part of cheap CD or DVD packaging.

Voxbox is a new video device that was designed to make pro holographic technology more accessible to consumers. The Voxbox viewer has a smaller, 8-inch screen than Holographic Optical Technologies’ prior device that was targeted at the pro market, and the new version can be used on a desk or hung on a wall. A starter pack including Voxbox and one of the company’s Voxgram holograms costs $200 via Kickstarter and will ship in September. It wasn’t immediately clear what the company will charge after the campaign. It is hoping to raise $200,000 by May 22.

The Voxbox produced true holograms, that is, images that float in front of the screen. The quality of its imagery, though, is not entirely clear from the campaign video. That can be a tough thing to capture in two dimensions. And while they are really more augmented reality products that true holography products, there is sure to be much competition from the Microsoft HoloLens and a secretive project by startup Magic Leap.

 

Categories
Automotive Connected Objects

Fuel Book piles on the features to make your car a smarter ride

One of the biggest fears of drivers is running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere and not having any idea where the nearest gas station is.

patent-claimedFuel Book is a small, white plug-and-play on-board diagnostics device that alerts users when they are low on fuel and tells them where the nearest gas stations are. In conjunction with an Android, iOS and Windows Phone app, Fuel Book creates a smart environment through the diagnostic port of a car. The device costs $169 and will ship in November. Its maker is trying to raise $50,000 by June 21 to use towards production tooling, Bluetooth certification and large-scale production,

The device faces competition from several OBD-II devices, including Automatic. But Fuel Book has a few features that help it stand out from the pack, including park tracking that will enable users to find their car if they forgot where they left it in a huge parking lot.

Categories
Connected Objects Pets

Uknekt lets you give remote pets food, video chat tips

Pets make a great addition to any home, but can be a pain when owners want to travel. There always needs to be someone around to make sure the pets get fed.

Uknekt offers a way for pet owners to not only feed their pets while they’re gone, but also interact with them. The feeder comes equipped with a compartment for food, water, and treats. Controlled by an Android and iOS compatible app, owners can control the flow of sustenance for their pets. Uknekt also has a microphone, speaker, camera, and motion sensor so that footage and sounds from the pets are transmitted to the app. Uknekt also comes equipped with a backup battery and waterproof cable.

Uknekt joins similar products such as the PetPal and Romeow, but is more versatile. Not only does it allow for interaction, but it also serves up food, water, and treats. For their own, backers can donate $259 to the campaign. This product is looking to raise $87,500 on Indiegogo.

Categories
Connected Objects Kids/Babies Toys

Roominate rPower lets kids build app-powered toy structures

Building toys are classic playtime tools for children. Not only are they entertaining, but they also help children develop important spatial skills. Now with phones, however, children are more interested in using apps to play.

With the Roominate rPower, kids can build all kinds of things with the blocks that Roominate offers including all kinds of rooms and buildings. Some of the blocks come equipped with wires embedded into them. An accompanying app hooks up with those wired blocks and lets kids control certain elements of each room, including lights, elevators, windmills, and fans.

The Roominate rPower, featured on the hit show Shark Tank, has managed to marry the kinetic fun of building toys and the innovation of apps. Not only can they get a feel for the basics of building a house, but they also experience the joy of seeing it run. For a complete set, backers can donate $95 with estimated delivery in November 2015. Roominate is looking for a funding goal of $45,000 on Kickstarter.