Author: Ross Rubin

Categories
Pets

Leash Tamer won’t tangle, tames several dogs at once

Finding just the right leash for that furry best friend can be a challenge. And retractable leashes are not always as convenient or safe as they need to be.

Leash Tamer is a retractable leash that can be set for three, six, or ten feet but is non-mechanical. Leash Tamer is touted as being multi-functional, which includes being able to tether more than one dog to the leash along with non-mechanical tangle resistance. Basically, it’s made of elastic, which is why it is claimed as being retractable without being mechanical. It also appears that a set of keys can be attached to it so that they don’t have to be carried in a pocket or purse.

It’s not entirely clear how Leash Tamer is any more lightweight, durable or tangle-resistant than other leashes on the market. The notion that there hasn’t been much improvement on leashes is lacking market observations. A few new leash options that backers may want to check out include All Ready Leash, Leash Mate, and The Watchdog. This campaign seeks to raise $40,000. Early bird backers get one Leash Tamer for $19 donation with an expected delivery of April 2015.

Categories
Home

Egloo uses candlelight to warm up those cold winter nights

With the rising costs of heating oil, gas and electric in the winter, many people look for alternatives for heating their homes. Egloo offers warmth by candlelight for up to five hours. The mini heater uses four votive candles that sit on the base of the gadget. Then the grill and chambers are placed on top of that. Egloo’s campaign claims that it can heat a room for only $0.10 per day, an enticing prospect indeed.

As a heating device, Egloo is not the best option since it only raises the room temperature about 2-3 degrees in a room that is 20 sqm. However, if one is looking for a gadget that works as a hand warmer or potpourri pot, then Egloo could potentially add a touch of elegance and ambiance to a small room with its Italian terracotta style pottery. This campaign seeks to raise $30,000 by late January. Backers get one product for $60.

Categories
Pets

Catzmat adds artistic flair to your kitty’s feeding time

Keeping the floor clean around the area where kitty feeds can be a challenge. Many of the mats on the market are, well, boring. So Catzmat aims to add some interest to the whole process. Using an attachment clip to the wall, the mat comes in tons of different designs ranging from flowers, to Renaissance art to a photo of pet owner and kitty. The mat even works in a corner area if preferred. It appears to be easy enough to clean with just soap and water and a dishcloth or paper towel.

In terms of aesthetics and artistic appeal, Catzmat may have a bit of an advantage over other products on the market. Honestly, though, a cat mat is a cat mat. Other products in which cat lovers may have an interest are Mousr, Automatic Kitty Groomer, and WindowKitty. This campaign seeks to raise $8,400 NZD (~$6,500 USD) on Kickstarter. For $18 NZD (~$14 USD) backers get one Catzmat with an expected delivery of March 2015.

Categories
Furniture

Stance Desk rises to challenge of the war on sitting

The war on sitting in is full swing as the new year has begun. Stance Desk is here to add some additional artillery to the armory. This particular standing desk works with a toggle and weight system. Release the toggle to adjust the desk up and down, and the weight on the back of the desk balances with the weight on the front of the desk. The idea is that when those tedious tasks that come with every desk job begin to make one’s eyelids feel heavy, there is the option to stand up rather than remain seated and risk falling asleep in front of the computer.

While Stance appears to be a quality product, it doesn’t really seem any better than other standing desks trying to make their way into the marketplace. Interested backers might also want to check out the BU Desk, and ReadyDesk, not to be confused with the RediDesk campaigns. Those who think laterally may also be interested in Wrap. This campaign seeks to raise £6,500 (~$10,000) on Kickstarter. For £200 (~$300), backers get one Stance Desk with an expected delivery of April 2015.

Categories
Podcasts

The Backerjack Podcast, Episode 3, with Ross Rubin and Steve Sande

Steve and Ross, your two favorite crowdfunding connoisseurs, check out three innovative products in this leaner Episode 3 of The Backerjack Podcast:

  • The promising Neeo thinking remote that turns an Android app into a true universal remote.
  • The ambitious, Immersis entertainment projection system that turns your liing room into a half-sphere of video entertainment.
  • The potentially useful Vikaura e-paper displays that turn a pricey Kindle-like screen into a home for helpful messages or other information.

All the campaigns are still active so check them out our thoughts before signing up to back them.

Not an iTunes user? You can download the podcast by saving this link, subscribe via RSS, or listen to it with the player below:.

 

Categories
Apparel

BulletSafe Bulletproof Baseball Cap offers protection without provocation

Working in law enforcement or professions that require the transport of money or jewels can mean that one’s life is consistently on the line. While professions such as these often offer a bulletproof vest, protective head gear for daily, non-emergency activities often isn’t offered.

BulletSafe Bulletproof Baseball Cap offers people in dangerous vocations the benefit of protective headgear without the drawbacks of a ballistic helmet. The cap is made of the same material as the repurposed military helmets, but it is more lightweight and easier to wear. The six-panel twill product offers a flexible fit in small, medium and large. Though a ballistic helmet seems to offer better protection for the side and back of the head, the baseball cap looks less intimidating or hostile to the average person.

As a safety option for daily wear, this may be an ideal product, but a baseball cap hardly looks professional in a law enforcement setting. While protective headgear may be in demand, something styled like a deputy’s hat may have a more professional appearance. This campaign seeks to raise $3,500. Backers get one BulletSafe Bulletproof Baseball Cap for $99, with an expected delivery of December 2015.

Categories
Home

Powerguard Greenhouse keeps rodents away so gardeners can play

During the warmer months, gardening can be a great form of relaxation and enjoying the sun and fresh air. It’s an added benefit that a vegetable garden not only offers fresh food, but allows the gardener complete control of how those veggies were grown and treated.

Powerguard Greenhouse offers a safe way to keep rodents, deer and other animals from damaging young plants. It’s not entirely clear what the containers are made of, but they are fairly see-through for allowing the user to track the growth of the plant. It is also touted as extending the growing season of plants, but does not detail in exactly what way. The size of the products makes them ideal for those living in urban areas, as well as apartments, condos and homes in suburban areas. They also stack easily for winter storage in a shed or garage.

Any way to keep animals away from plants without hurting them is certainly a welcome addition to the gardening market. Urban backers may also be interested in Garden@Home, and commuters may appreciate GroUrban. This campaign seeks to raise $25,000 CAD (~$21,600 USD). For $40 CAD (~$35 USD) backers get three products with an expected delivery of March 2015.

Categories
Music

Ukelation adds a bit of built-in amplification, effects to traditional ukuleles

When most people think of a ukulele, they think of relaxing on a Hawaiian island with a tropical drink, sunshine, and maybe a cool ocean breeze. As for the instrument itself, it’s generally thought of as acoustic in nature–until now.

Ukelation is a modernized ukulele that adds some amplification and effects without the amps or even an external effects processor. It’s all built in to the instrument, which runs on two AA batteries. The user just switches on the built-in speaker and  chooses the desired effects to enhance the mood of whatever song is being played. There are five effect choices available. The body is still made of natural wood, and there is an automatic shutoff that kicks in if the instrument has not been played for at least three minutes.

There is no clear indication as to whether or not that time can be adjusted so that it wouldn’t interfere with a live concert situation. Still, this a fun product great for the growing number of hipster ukelele players. This campaign seeks to raise $85,000 on Kickstarter. For $1,999 backers get one product with an expected delivery of August 2015.

Categories
Health and Wellness

Tissue Tablet offers germaphobes more sanitized bathroom experience

Germaphobes, take heart! There is a new product attempting to make its way into the marketplace that may be just the thing to make for a bathroom experience that seems more sanitized and safe.

Tissue Tablet protects toilet paper from those nasty airborne germs that can float up the commode. And for those concerned about the conservation of toilet paper, the motorized dispenser works via the wave of a hand. It’s not entirely clear what the product will be made of, but a protective casing over the toilet paper is touted as being the mechanism that will keep germs away.

For those really concerned about this, Tissue Tablet may be just the thing for them. How dirty the product itself will get, however, is another matter entirely. Backers that are this concerned about germs and air quality might also like to check out the uHoo, Loodini, and Fresh Air Plus campaigns.  This product seeks to raise $5,500 CAD (~$4,800 USD). For $150 CAD (~$131 USD) backers get one product with an expected delivery of January 2016.

Categories
Tech Accessories

Flight Entertainer tablet, smartphone holder keeps you distracted from charley horses

Ahhh, yes. Flying in economy class and being cramped up like a sardine in a can is always a good time (not!). But when one has the benefit of a good movie or two on their tablet or smartphone, it helps take one’s mind off of the charley horses that develop in one’s legs. And Flight Entertainer can even possibly prevent any from developing in arms because of having to hold a smartphone or tablet.

Flight Entertainer attaches to the back of the seat or table on the chair in front of the user, and then the smartphone or tablet hangs from the holder. It’s also compatible with some road vehicles. The product allows for either portrait or landscape positioning, and can offer a place to stash earbuds when not in use.

While it seems to be a quality product, it doesn’t seem any better than anything else already pushing its way out there. Backers might also be interested to check out Clamp Hero, Dutchman, and Must. This campaign seeks to raise $1,500. For $39, backers get their choice of a tablet or smartphone holder with an expected delivery of May 2015.