Functionality, storage and bulet stoppage is a tall order for a nightstand. But one product is out to deliver. The Taichiman Bulletproof Bedside Table is a nightstand in ordinary circumstances, but becomes a shield and weapon storage unit during times of trouble. The tabletop design is customizable for visual appeal, but is made of the same type of material as police anti-riot shields, It’s also IIIA bulletproof, and is nearly 6 millimeters thick. If a higher bulletproof level is desired, customization is available. The product appears to be easy to assemble, and is available to early bird backers for $185, or $245 includes a torch light and door / window alarm system. Expected delivery is October 2014.
Author: Ross Rubin
Premise. They say “home is where the heart is” but in most cases it’s usually where all of your stuff is. And while that gooey mixture of chili cheese fries proves you’re not interested in preserving your heart, maybe you’re more interested in safeguarding your stuff. But all that alarm and security talk gets real expensive real quick.
Product. Korner is a way to add a layer of security to your home, and was specifically engineered to be cheap and easy – a product combination we all need in our home security, our car insurance, and many many other outlets. Korner consists of a fob which plugs into your wireless router, stick-on door/window sensor(s), and an Android/iOS app. A combination of sensors in the “Tag” allow for the industry’s first one-piece door/window sensor. Up to 15 Tags can communicate via wireless protocol with the Fob and you can control the entire system using your computer or the app. Once an intrusion is detected, Korner sends you a message via the app so you know exactly which area of your home is being accessed; simultaneously a loud alarm emits from the Fob, to ward off potential intruders.
Pitch. Korner’s campaign video features CEO Steve Hollis speaking about creating an inexpensive home security system that everyone can easily use. He explains that Korner differs from similar products because the sensor is one piece, cutting down on complication, and is also better at honing in on the difference between vibrations and actual entry. Reading the campaign website you will find that the founders have a partnership with DAWN – Domestic Abuse Women’s Network – and encourage potential backers to support the organization by funding a donation of Korner to help provide security for those most in need. Other information provided on the campaign’s site includes projected schedule with production slated for November and distribution in December of this year.
Perks. For $79 you can purchase Korner for a women’s shelter. For $99 you can purchase a Korner starter pack which consists of three Tags and one Fob. Depending on whether you have a medium, large, or “very large home” there are additional levels of perks to secure, stopping at a $5,000 contribution which also names you a “Korner Supporter.” Paradoxically, for the deepest level of commitment, perks are vague – assumingly you would receive at least the starter Korner kit, but as a supporter you would have “influence” over future design details, add-on products, and can meet the team in Seattle (it’s unclear who funds the travel-to-Seattle part, though).
Potential. There is large potential for a product like Korner to become successful in the market. Citing the campaign video, adoption of home security systems in middle-income and low-income homes is much lower, while reported intrusions are more prevalent than in high-income homes. LILA is a similar concept sensor which features two pieces that needs to be aligned – going against Korner’s vow of simplicity. Other products like WataSensor or the Canary seem to rival Korner’s simplicity but do not match its clear advantage in affordability. While both systems offer a few more features than standard with Korner, consumers will need to decide whether the tradeoff is favorable.
For those who like to accessorize when on the go, items such as jewelry, cufflinks, earbuds or USB cords can easily get misplaced right in a person’s luggage. And when that happens, it seems the only way to find those types of items is to dump everything out, only to find that they’ve somehow worked their way to the very bottom! PentaBox is a great soft, elastic silicone, storage solution for keepingthese items safe from becoming lost in luggage space – or in the case of some women, a large purse. Early bird backers can get theirs for $13, with an expected delivery of July 2014.
Perhaps there’s little that’s more annoying about fancy technology than the subquality USB cables that seem to break and kink with the least little bit of strain or stress. Finding a place to plug in and charge sometimes means a tight spot such as behind a desk, couch or nightstand. Snakable is a solution to the problem of USB cables breaking and kinking so quickly. The product’s ball joints allow it to move freely, giving it an ability to arch that keeps it from reaching its breaking point. It’s compatible with Apple and Android devices. For $15, backers get one product in their choice of multiple color options, which is 50 percent off of the expected retail price. Anticipated delivery is August 2014.
Late spring, summer time and picnics seem to go together like hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and apple pie. The frustration lies in those days when the wind is roaring like a lion rather than behaving like a lamb, and paper plates and plastic ware blow all over the place. SmartStrap offers a solution to those wildly windy meals whether it be a picnic or camping trip. The elastic band and Nexus ITW buckle with an adjustment device holds the tablecloth in place so wind or curious little hands can’t run away with forks, spoons and meals. For $18, backers get a SmartStrap in multiple color options and an expected delivery of June 2014.
A muddled cocktail may be one of the more messy things that a person can order from the bar. Either the juice splashes out of the glass as the bartender pounds away, or the bartender puts their hand over the glass during the pounding process, which means that any germs or bacteria that happen to be on the bartender’s hand are dripping into the drink (that is, if the bartender’s blender happens to be broken). Though alcohol kills germs and bacteria (which may mean the mixed drink is better sanitized than the burgers assembled by a teen at a favorite burger joint) Muddle Buddy may be appreciated by bartenders because of its splash shield mess reducing design. For $15, backers get their very own buddy to muddle, with an anticipated delivery of September 2014.
Premise. Calling somewhere “home” usually has its perks, but it’s not without drawbacks. For instance, once word gets out that you’re living somewhere all types of people will show up at said place just to see you. This usually requires interrupting the glorious activities you choose to do in your spare time, just to answer the door. Sports can’t just watch itself you know.
Product. When people just won’t stay away, Chui solves your problems by allowing you to see and speak to the person at your front door. Not having to get up from your couch to decline a new religion is always a win. You can also leave personal messages for specific individuals you know will be coming by. This is especially handy for telling a trusted friend or even your parents where you have hidden the spare key in your absence. Chui uses facial recognition software to first identify your visitor and then play your pre-recorded message.
Pitch. Chui’s product page does a good job of making a new product technology easy and intuitive to understand. In the pitch video, founders explain that Chui aims to augment the connected movement by making our homes smarter and socially intelligent. You will also see that Chui was unveiled at this year’s CES and is being tested for consumer and commercial uses including employee clocking, member check-in, and admittance to restricted areas.
Perks. While Chui is already in production, for $199 you still have the opportunity to reserve one of the first units to be produced before retail availability, shipping in Fall of 2014.
Potential. Chui has already proven its mass market appeal, and there is already competition on the horizon from other players like Goji and Doorbot. Doorbot is a very similar product with a slightly more interesting design, which is also offered for $199. While Chui incorporates facial recognition software and is focused a little more on providing access or information to a customized group of people, Doorbot is intended for more general use as a smart doorbell for anyone at the door. For $235 Goji takes the idea one step further by integrating a remote locking/unlocking mechanism, while Doorbot and Chui rely on integration with a dedicated smart lock called Lockitron. A neat benefit of Goji is that it can send electronic keys to anyone at anytime and for any duration – and can even work via a key fob for members of the family who may not own a smartphone.
While there may be certain musicians that every musician respects and wants to sound like, the creative aspect of music means that each musician is most likely to take various elements of those favorites to create their own unique style and sound. Anima X offers a fresh opportunity for musicians who really enjoy tinkering with how their instrument is made to get a desired sound. The new bridge system includes features such as a bell brass baseplate, as well as saddle body assemblies that can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or brass to create enhanced sustain, resonance, sonic, and tonal characteristics for the instrument. For $100, backers get the items for their own saddle assembly, or $250 for the assembled, six string bridge unit. Anticipated delivery is July 2014.
This bat wing-style toting device for bikes seeks to make commuting less complex. Whether it’s a trip to the gym with a workout bag, a briefcase with work related items, a book bag with school items, a grocery bag, or perhaps multiple items, the Otis rear bike rack is ready to be of assistance. This cool device can expand up to 30 inches in width by 24 inches in length, holds up to 33 pounds of gear, and folds back down to nearly invisible when not in use. For $59, backers get one product with an anticipated delivery of August 2014.
When you’re away from home and working on an important business proposal, or thesis, that’s not the time to notice that your laptop battery is nearly dead. While battery life keeps getting better, AC adapters can still be a bulky mess to bring along. Dart scores a bullseye when it comes to this problem. The extraordinarily compact 65-watt near-universal adapter uses VHF technology developed at MIT to not only keeps your laptop powered, but can also charge USB devices. Alas, the MacBook requires Dart to take a novel and expensive approach that requires mating it with Apple’s MagSafe connector.. For others, $89 gets backers a Dart in their color choice with an expected delivery of November 2014.