Category: Tech Accessories

Categories
Tech Accessories

PC Daddy converts your computer into a multiband radio receiver

There is still a contingent of traditional radio enthusiasts out there. No doubt some of them would love to get access to a much wider offering of traditional radio stations on their PCs than is currently possible now.

PC Daddy is a USB AM/FM/shortwave radio device that can transform a Windows-based computer into a multi-band radio receiver without spending a lot of money. Once connected to a computer, the small (3.5″x4.5″) box enables users to completely control all functions of the radio from a PC screen and hear the sound through the computer’s speakers. Backers who pledge $185 will get a PC Daddy when it ships in December.  This product is looking to raise $30,000 on Kickstarter.

The product has promise, albeit for a very niche audience. DXing enthusiasts who like to receive distant radio stations will probably like the fact that PC Daddy displays the location, city, and distance from the user of the possible stations tuned on AM and shortwave modes. That feature gives them the ability to have a good idea of what station they are listening to without relying on the station to announce its call letters, especially if the announcement is made in a foreign language. PC Daddy is comparable to Winradio products, but cheaper.

Categories
Furniture Tech Accessories

Curvilux hangs out in your bedroom to keep gadgets charged while you snooze

Where to store electronic gadgets at night has become its own 21st century conundrum. Smartphones and tablets and other devices need to be charged so that they are ready to go and last all the way through the following day.

Curvilux is a new type of bedside table that includes built in USB charging ports, or items can be charged wirelessly. It also has a built-in audio system that syncs with Bluetooth so a person can even awake to their favorite tunes, and includes an NFC connector. The built-in lighting unit allows for two options: a bright light for bedside reading, or a floor light if one finds that they need to get up at night. The nightstand includes attachable legs for a freestanding unit, or wall attachments if preferred.

This seems like a very quality product with a lot of great features that people can really use. Many desks focus on tech convenience, but few nightstands ever have. The design isn’t bad either. Backers might also like to check out Z-charge. This campaign seeks to raise $50,000 on Indiegogo. For $100, backers get one product with an expected delivery of December 2015.

Categories
Tech Accessories

Monkey Latch limits monkeying around when switching camera accessories

It is often inconvenient when switching tripods or other accessories on an interchangeable lens camera. That’s because the mounting plate is often different. Monkey Latch camera mounts solve that issue because the system uses a one-click design that allows photographers to make quick changeovers from one accessory to another.

The Monkey Latch system is universal, working with all cameras using a ¼-20 mounting point. The system includes four products: a base plate that fits perfectly under a single-lens reflex camera and can be used with many other variations of digital cameras; a tripod mount that works with all tripods having a ¼-20 mounting screw; a pack mount attachment that works with most backpack straps; and a sling mount attachment that works with any sling that has a ¼-20 mounting screw.

Backers who pledge $60 CAD (~$50 USD) will get one base plate with either a sling or tripod mount. Those who pledge $70 CAD (~$59 USD) will get a base plate and a tripod and pack mount. The company is looking to raise $25,000 CAD (~$20,900 USD) on Kickstarter.

The mounting system seems promising–as long as it indeed can be used interchangeably between Canon, Leica, Nikon, Pentax and Sony cameras, as its maker claims.

Categories
Tech Accessories

Expand your MacBook’s memory with the HyperDrive microSD adapater

For the most part, MacBooks have pretty stellar reputations. That is, of course, until users start to bump up against the storage limits of most of them. With eager consumers being charged crazy prices for more storage at the point of purchase, most opt for the least amount and face headaches down the road when needing more. Cloud storage is an answer, but lots of users like hard data easily accessible without the limits of internet connectivity.

The HyperDrive microSD adapter for the MacBook Pro and Air allow users to easily expand their storage by with any microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC card. With these cards costing considerably less than brand new hard drives, a product like this is an easy decision. It’s attractive, too, fully blending in with the help of an aluminum cap that sits flush with the laptop. No tools are required to install or take it out, either, so having a collection of cards won’t be an issue.

For the most part, though, similar products exist, so it may be tough for the HyperDrive to gain notice. The Pro and Air versions of the HyperDrive are either $25 or $29, with both expected to be delivered in December 2014. The campaign is looking for $10,000 in funding.

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.

Categories
Tech Accessories

Glare be gone with the Loplin Hood MacBook screen protector

There isn’t much more of a first world problem than trying to use a MacBook outdoors, or anywhere with lots of light for that matter. The screen’s sheer inability to cope with it turns what should be a portable device into a device that can only really be used indoors, unfortunately limiting its utility. The anti-glare option is available for the MacBook line, but its exorbitant price renders it optional for wanting to buy one.

WN Products Limited has figured out an effective, easy way to address the issue of extreme glare and created the Loplin Hood as a result. The product is a snap-on hood for the 13″ MacBook Air or the 13″ and 15″ MacBook Pro that uses the screen’s own magnets to stay connected. Weighing in at an airy 35 grams, the custom-made hood blocks aggressive light and prevents nosy types from getting a glance at the screen.

The £33 (~$52) Loplin Hood promises the possibility of outdoor usage for MacBook users while still being extremely portable, all the while not leaving any pesky air bubbles, an enticing prospect. Still, newer Mac models do offer Retina Display which really cuts down on glare anyway. Loplin Hood has an expected ship date of April 2015 should it reach its £30,000 (~$47,200) goal.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories Chargers/Batteries Connected Objects Tech Accessories Technology

PowerLite provides more powerful smartphone camera performance

The multi-functional PowerLite from Australia serves as a power charger, as well as a light accessory for iPhones and Android smartphones. As a charger, the PowerLite provides six extra hours of battery life, while the thinner PowerLite Slim version adds three hours of battery life. The device uses 14 light emitting diodes (LEDs) to generate up to 630 lumens of brightness, about equal to a typical 40-watt light bulb. The light is controlled through an app for iPhones and Android phones. Users can opt to keep the device in flash mode or have the LEDs stay on constantly to record a video or illuminate a shot. PowerLite also serves as a remote selfie camera shutter. The device can also be used to find a misplaced smartphone. Pressing a button on it sets off an alert for the phone to make a sound.

Backers who provide $19 for the Kickstarter campaign will get either SKU of the device when it ships in June. That’s 58% less than PowerLite’s maker expects it to cost at retail. Its maker is looking to raise $60,000 Kickstarter.

PowerLite’s multi-functionality and slim design gives it a clear advantage over rival devices including the Lume Cube. The relatively low pricing is also a plus.

Categories
Tech Accessories

Bite helps your Apple EarPod cords hold it together

It’s such a bummer that Apple EarPods seem to break almost as frequently as someone thinks they have come up with an idea for keeping earbuds tangle-free. Part of the reason for the broken earbud issue is that people tend to pull on the earbud cord rather than the plug. So the creators of Bite have come up with a grip in order to reduce incidences of said gripe.

The product is made of allergy-proof silicone, and is shaped to fit the human finger so that the cord is more easily grasped. Bite comes in nine different colors so that it can be used as a way to easily identify which cords go with what–or so that those who are simply anal about having their entire outfit match will be satisfied. Or both.

The earbud grip does seem like it may be useful to those who have trouble grasping the plugs on their devices. Interested backers may also want to check out Mous Musicase, Magclip, and Tiny Earin.  This campaign seeks to raise $4,000. Early bird backers get a three-pack of BITE with an expected delivery of February 2015.

Categories
Tech Accessories

FocalPoint makes sitting at computer less of a pain in the neck

Wearing bifocals and sitting in front of a computer is generally a frustrating and even painful combination. Once the proper position to actually see the screen is found, sitting in front of it for a while often causes a crick in the neck. That’s why FocalPoint was created. The monitor stand allows bifocal wearers to adjust and tilt their computer screen to an angle that is compatible with using the keyboard and seeing the monitor more easily.

The stand is compatible with screens that are 12-27 inches and comes with a hex wrench and all other items needed for easy assembly, which seems to be fairly minimal. Backers may choose from birch, bamboo or natural finishes.

This product seems like it may be a quality product, but it also seems that making the font larger on the screen may be an option that could resolve the issue. Interested backers may also want to check out The BU Desk, ReadyDesk, and StandStand campaigns. This campaign seeks to raise $2,500. For $25, backers get one FocalPoint with an expected delivery of January 2015.

Categories
Imaging Tech Accessories

Foldio 2 mini photo studio gets great shots, even better than the original

The digital camera is slowly dying out as smartphone cameras become more and more powerful. Now, it’s possible to take great photographs with an Android or iPhone. However, nothing can replace the perfect photographing conditions of a professional studio.

The Foldio 2 is a portable set for taking photographs. When folded up, the Foldio 2 looks like a large flat folder with handle for ease of traveling. To set up, simply unfold and assemble using the accompanying magnets. Foldio 2 is made from lightweight white plastic. With bright LED lights, this little studio packs quite the punch and provides tons of light to make any subject pop.

The creators behind Foldio have found success on Kickstarter before with their original product, the Foldio. Now, they’ve improved upon the original design by making it twice the size. They’ve made up for portability by adding the above mentioned handle and have added an adapter for the lights so that they last twice as long.

The Foldio 2 is certainly an improvement on an already cool product. Amateur photographers have flooded social media sites, especially the popular Instagram, and this is a great product for just such a person. One will cost backers $65 by March 2015. Foldio 2 has already smashed its original $50,000 goal, raising over $350,000 on Kickstarter.