Here’s an idea that gives a whole new meaning to floating on a breeze. Air Hammock takes the idea of an air mattress and ties it between two trees. It offers single and double wide options, but perhaps the coolest selection is the tent hammock. This item includes a removable rain cover and insect netting for those who like to take their hammock camping. All of the hammocks are light weight, tear proof, nylon cotton blends that breathe, are easy to clean and water resistant. This seems like a great improvement on a popular classic, especially in regard to the tent hammock. $30 gets a backer the single person option with an expected delivery of August 2014.
Author: Ross Rubin
Staying connected to work and home while on-the-go is something that is becoming easier and easier with each new generation of gadgets that hit the market. Laptop adapters, however, would be one exception — until recently. Laptop Mate reduces laptop adapter bulk, and at 100-240V is compatible with 90 percent of name brand models. While this might make for a bit more room in the laptop case, keep in mind that the length of 180 centimeters is significantly shorter than what one might be used to with their original laptop adapter. Upon additional investigation, one might also notice that it’s an obvious knockoff of the Dart adapter. Nevertheless, for $59, early-bird backers get one product with an expected delivery of November 2014.
While nighttime is usually the best time for family travel excursions with kids, there are still those occasions when the kids just won’t go to sleep in the car. The Sidekick eliminates dome light glare for the driver through the use of a durable PVC plastic shield that can be installed in a matter of a few seconds to any vehicle dome light or map light. It seems like a great idea as long as there is someone old enough to install it while on the road, particularly since it doesn’t require mounting an extra reading light. Otherwise, the driver will need to pull off somewhere since it appears to require two hands and some of the driver’s attention to install. For $10, backers get one product and an expected delivery of September 2014.
The Premise. There are SO many video-worthy moments these days. Smartphones have made all types of videos possible with the touch of a button—action, adventure, slow motion, fast motion, even vertical. (Never take vertical video. Don’t be that guy.)
The Product. Hando is a robotic gyroscopic stabilizer that will significantly improve the quality of your home movies by smoothing unnecessary movements. With a bracket for either your smartphone or GoPro camera, you can vastly improve your movie-making credibility while an accelerometer and two motors get to work counteracting undesired movements.
The Pitch. The product video does a good job of showing the simplicity of Hando and the quality of the videos you can make when using the product. There are several examples of videos shot using Hando, and co-inventor Chi Hoang is featured asking Kickstarters for support. The campaign page is a host of information about Hando including several sample videos, parts information, sourcing and manufacturing information, and product timeline. If all goes according to plan, Hando will begin shipping to backers in December of this year. The campaign is looking to raise $90,000 over 45 days.
The Perks. For a limited number of early birds, a contribution of $275 scores one Hando stabilizer with both GoPro and iPhone brackets. Interestingly, there are only three tiers of reward perks with a static ‘perk’ increasing in funding requirement as the early bird brackets sell out. The late-comers will pay a $50 premium over the first group, netting the same Hando and two brackets for $325.
The Potential. Gyroscopic stabilizers have been popping up more and more as of late. We’ve even featured a similar product which received partial funding via Indiegogo earlier this year, called Servostab. Another current project on Kickstarter called Camvertible is looking to raise $50,000 CAD over 52 days. While Hando’s mantra seems to be a respectable “keep it simple” from product concept all the way to backer perks, it is clear that Camvertible did not take that route and is designed to use with more professional level cameras – mostly DSLRs. Luckily for Hando, there are plenty of iPhone users to market the product to, and if it’s one thing they like, it’s simplicity.
Taking outdoor photos with a smartphone on a sunny day can mean it’s nearly impossible to see what’s being shot in the viewer. the spyglass-like SSim works to create a space over the smartphone photo window that blocks out sunlight glare that washes out the image one is trying to view on the flat smartphone screen. While a bit awkward-looking, it actually seems to be a great solution to a longtime problem for those who are smartphone photography enthusiasts. For $28, backers get one product with an expected delivery of October 2014.
Premise. Long distance relationships are tough. Whether friend, family member or significant other, it’s hard to connect with someone via phone or video chat when SO many opportunities for distraction abound. Hell, it’s hard to command someone’s attention when they are sitting two feet in front of you – and what happens out of view of the webcam, stays out of view of the webcam.
Product. While video chat has vastly propelled the relevancy of long-distance relationships, Frebble now complements the experience of simultaneous seeing and hearing with feeling. Frebble is a handheld device that works in pairs and uses tactile feedback to mimic the sensation of hand-holding through the internet. Once the Frebbles are connected to each other, one user can squeeze the device and the other will feel the sensation of his hand being held. Frebble is compatible with Skype, Facetime as well as the Frebble app.
Pitch. The incredibly adorable campaign video explains the human need for touch and how much more it can mean to us than just words alone. CEO and founder Frederic Petrignani explains that today we have technology to talk to and see each other in real time and at a distance, but there exists no way to hold hands with someone at a distance in real time, and that was the problem he wanted to tackle. Campaign funds will be used in the initial production of Frebble which will be subsequently distributed all over the world as early as October 2014.
Perks. For $89, early birds can back Frebble and receive two Frebbles (one for you and one for your loved one) in a choice of green or blue. Additional reward tiers include Frebble Philanthropist, Frebble Developers and the most pricey reward level: Frebble Champion. One Frebble Champion will receive two custom Frebbles in any color, engraved with a name or message, an invitation to Yes!Delft offices in Holland, and a dinner with the board of directors for a pledge of $10,000 or more.
Potential. Frebble is an interesting and unique concept that has potential at least as a novelty gift among those who find themselves with loved ones afar. A similar concept, Taion Heart, was revealed years ago by Japanese company, DoCoMo however the concept was not brought to production. While endearing and adorable, users may find it easier to video chat “hands free” even at the cost of a virtual touch.
The challenge of trying to rip one or two paper towels off of a roll when both hands are dirty or wet means one of two things: either the top of the roll gets soiled, or there is going to be waste because of getting too many towels. Scutum is a device that works with vertical dispensers to hold the roll in place so the user can more easily rip off one towel at a time. It works with either a dispenser that has an ornament on top or one that does not. For $12, backers get one product with an expected delivery of January 2015.
It seems that potato chips make for one of the perfect casual party hors d’oeuvres. And for those who find putting them it a bowl to be too boring, Stack Up offers a unique way to present them that will likely even make for a good icebreaking conversation piece. Though there is likely only one brand of chip that is going to work with this interesting potato chip holder, it does come in several color choices for bringing additional flair and stack status to the table. Of course, if leftovers are going to be kept, they’ll have to be put back in the can in order to stay fresh. For €19, backers get two stackers with an expected delivery of November 2014.
In this high tech world that often leaves people wondering how to mount their gadgets and other stuff, the whole focus of Octopush seems to be rediscovering the power of simple suction. When its multiple suction cups come together, they can offer a person such options as wall mounts for gadgets, liquid soap, and toothpaste; or a car mount for a GPS or a temporary gadget mount to attach to a guitar. And that, apparently, is only the beginning. Starting at £7, backers can come up with their own additional ideas come September 2014.
For those who understand that overnight success generally takes several years and have the bank account to prove it, BAT D-1 offers a distortion peddle built to compete with the big names in every way – except price. Through the use of two double triode valves, the makers of the distortion pedal boast of not only 100 percent valve distortion, but also harmonics that have an unusually rich quality combined with high gain for a great rock sound. For wireless control and fourth wall freedom, Soul Pedal may be another option that holds appeal with rockers. As for BAT D-1, backers get one pedal for £150 with an expected delivery of September 2014.