Categories
Chargers/Batteries Tech Accessories Technology

MOTA gives GoPro cameras a wireless charge

The GoPro camera is the go to device for anyone wanting to document their various adventures. However, when the battery runs out, it means extreme feats may not be documented.

San Jose, California-based company MOTA has developed a wireless charger that features technology specially optimized for the GoPro camera. The MOTA Wireless Charger for GoPro is compatible with GoPro Hero 3 and Hero 4 models, and can charge the cameras from 0 to 100% in 3.5-4 hours. The company, however, is working on shortening that time to 2-2.5 hours. The charger is best used during camera downtime and when the GoPro is not in the wireless charger, the user can charge an extra battery. Charging multiple devices doesn’t affect the charging times. Backers for the device’s Kickstarter campaign will get a charger for $55 when it ships in May as part of an early bird special. The charger will retail at more than $100. MOTA is looking to raise $15,000.

MOTA will likely come in handy for many GoPro users. Its campaign goal also seems much more achievable than the similar Jolt charger that recently failed to meet its goal. A shorter charging time will certainly spell success for MOTA.

Categories
Smartwatches/Bands

SafeBand connected bracelet keeps notifications close, valuables closer

As much as people love their stuff, it’s strange to note just how easily people lose smartphones and other valuables. With everything so close to us all the time, one would think it difficult to do so, but the statistics show it happens more often than not. As a result, more and more products have entered the market promising peace of mind when it comes to valuables.

The SafeBand smart band should satiate those who demand more utility out of the devices they own. The product works in tandem with small, connected pendants called MiniTags that attach to any object. Bluetooth 4.1 allows the SafeBand to always keep users up-to-date with the location of anything they choose with notifications or a loud buzzer if something is seriously out of range—all without a smartphone.

When a user isn’t trying to protect their things, the SafeBand can operate as a two-factor authentication method for smartphones, tablets, and computers, a notification center for smart devices that receives email and call updates, a sleep tracker to help users rest deeply and wake easily, and a fitness tracker that covers all the essentials like heart rate and distance traveled. All of this functionality is packed in a waterproof stainless steel casing that comes with a variety of leather or silicone strap colors. A set of one SafeBand and three MiniTags goes for $149, and is expected to ship March 2015 should the campaign reach its $100,000 goal.

SafeBand is sleek and extremely functional. They advertise and million and one different uses for the MiniTags, so anyone should be able to find many uses for it. Bands like the Hicon have offered notification trays directly on your wrist, but there isn’t band out there quite like the SafeBand.

Categories
Health and Wellness Wearables

ECHO H2 smart patch accurately monitors body with Bluetooth

It’s now a well-known fact that the wrist isn’t the best place for fitness tracking. Between most devices unable to know the difference between walking and typing and the inaccurate relationship between steps taken and calories burned most rely on, this isn’t entirely surprising.

Instead of relying on the limited information supplied by the wrist, Kenzen’s ECHO H2 uses a person’s own sweat to more accurately glean all sorts of information from the body, from heart rate to calorie intake and burn. Since the measurements are based on biochemical processes, the results are way more accurate; it’s like having a lab nearby at all times.

The ECHO H2 is notable because it takes the form of a wireless smart patch that uses medical grade adhesive to comfortably stick to a person’s calf or abdomen for up to a week straight. Over this time, it continuously monitors aspects of the body’s functions, alerting users with buzzes and sounds when they should ease up to avoid overtraining.

Although it uses Bluetooth LE to connect with a smartphone, it fortunately isn’t necessary to bring one along, a death knell to a lot of other fitness trackers. The ECHO H2 itself stores data that later can be synced with the robust mobile app, which offers capabilities like custom notifications, reporting, and team tracking. For $89, backers will receive 20 reusable and disposable patches along with a fully unlocked mobile app, expected to ship on July 2015. The campaign is looking for $75,000.

The ECHO H2 is extremely similar to the LEO in that they both keep an eye on user’s activity through sweat, but the LEO is a lot bigger than the tiny ECHO H2. With the LEO being reusable, though, it bodes much better for the environment when compared to the ECHO H2’s disposable nature. Both are technologically impressive, and gym rats and fitness freaks will be interested.

Categories
Technology

Sonim XP7 Android smartphone takes punishment in stride

The newest smartphones are absolutely gorgeous, but unashamedly weak. No matter what kind of materials smartphone makers claim will last, cracked screens continue being prevalent and yet conveniently ignored by flimsy warranties. After plunking down so much money on one of these beauties, isn’t it only right it outlasts a New Year’s resolution?

There’s a segment of the population that needs a phone stronger than a bad nail job. The Sonim XP7 LTE Android smartphone boasts an Otter Box-like appearance with an anti-glare screen, a 103dB loudspeaker, and drop/impact resistance to up to six feet. Its three year warranty protects against accidental damage, a difficult thing to imagine given it is 100% waterproof and able to withstand one ton of pressure. The Sonim XP7 does all of this while still being a fully unlocked world phone offering 40 hours of talk time or 1,000 hours of standby. The device is currently $579 and expected in March 2015 with a campaign goal of $150,000.

The Sonim XP7 is in good company with the Kyocera Bridgadier, but the latter’s build quality seems to falter compared to the former’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures and even oils and chemicals. Despite its cost, the Sonim XP7 is a solid choice for more intrepid users, especially considering the support and benefits of not being tied to a single carrier.

Categories
Camping Relaxation

Nomasoak portable hottub provides a relaxing soak wherever

There’s nothing quite like the relaxation offered by a hot tub. To own one is a luxury. Oftentimes, staying in a hotel is made even more desirable by the presence of a hot tub.

With the Nomasoak, one never has to be without a hot tub again. This product is, quite simply, a portable hot tub. Weighing 45 pounds, it’s possible to lug this thing around pretty much anywhere. All one would need is a 100 gallon water source. Nomasoak is made from 100% poly plastic and runs via a rechargeable battery. The tub is appropriate for two people to use.

Nomasoak would be like a kitty pool without some kind of heat source. Using a propane-fueled water heater attached to the tub, the water heats up by entering the heat exchanger. The heated water then rises to the top, meaning that no kind of heavy pump is needed. The heater will go for three hours on one gallon of propane.

Nomasoak is such a luxury item that it’s hard to scoff at. Sure, it’s decadent and hugely inconvenient to actually carry hot tub around. However, on a camping trip where a car is used, it may be just the way to relax with friends, or just one friend. One concern would be the quality of the water. There’s no filtration system and the campaign suggests simply using clean lake water or saltwater is fine, though that seems a little far-fetched, especially for the saltwater. One can be had by backers for $400 with an estimated delivery date of October 2015. Nomasoak is looking to raise an ambitious $350,000.

Categories
Health and Wellness

Cirkul Bottle filters water, mixes drinks to personalized taste

It’s true that variety is the spice of life. Especially where water bottles and beverages are concerned. Cirkul caters to both with its filter and flavor bottle system, as well as a water and filter reservoir for those times with just some fresh water is preferred. Flavor cartridges allow users to choose nearly any desired flavor and get the perfect mix according to personal taste each time. It’s also possible to start off with one flavor and finish with a completely different flavor.

There is not a clear indication as to how frequently the filter needs to be replaced in order for water to remain pure. It is hardly the first of its kind, though. Interested backers might want to check out the Square water bottle, which has a mechanism allowing for fresh fruit to be used for a natural fruit drink, in addition to filtering water. Other interesting water bottle campaigns include Aqualight and Trimr. This campaign seeks to raise $50,000. Early bird backers get one product for $23 with an expected delivery of May 2015.

Categories
Wearables

Fineck Bluetooth wearable strangles stubborn neck pain

One take away from the wearable craze is that people are willing to put some sort of sensor or module pretty much anywhere on their body, provided it relays important information. There’s a wearable for almost every part of the body: earrings, bracelets, ankle bracelets and rings are some of the most popular options that track a variety of vitals like heart rate and sleep. One part of the body hasn’t gotten any love, and that’s the neck: the source of some of the most common, persistent occupational pain most experience day in and day out.

In this modern age, the team behind the Fineck doesn’t believe anyone has to go through their day suffering at all. Their titanium wearable is one of the first neck-focused devices, and comes in the form of a sleek rubber band outfitted with a Bluetooth LE sensor that recognizes neck posture over time. The companion app then relays the analyzed data back to an iOS device to gently remind users of their posture, suggest mini-exercises, or prompt users to play interactive games with the neck as the controller, all in the name of alleviating stubborn neck pain. Early birds can grab a Fineck necklace for $69 before it shoots up to $89, with an expected ship date of April 2015. The campaign is looking for $20,000 in funding.

The Fineck’s choice of placement is certainly novel, but the rest of it isn’t. The neck doesn’t require as much special attention as the product will lead most to believe. Maintaining proper posture is key, and giving it a nice stretch or two over the span of the day will be more than enough. A completely separate device isn’t necessary, and replicates features the more subdued Lumo Lift already boast. Should the Fineck evolve in its capabilities, it may merit a second look.

Categories
Technology

Ubotia PiPanther moddable tank seeks and destroys

Nowadays, our fellow aerial-based drones are busy getting all the limelight. This leaves all the land-based devices like the Ubotia PiPanther out in the cold. Many aerial drones focus on videography and trying to look cool as possible, but after the video is done, where’s the fun?

The PiPanther is essentially a Raspberry Pi on tracks, and comes equipped with Wi-Fi functionality along with an HD camera to facilitate shooting games with its companion Ubotia app and other PiPanthers. The device is also moddable as well, so additions like LEDs can be added if a night game is preferred. Both iOS and Android users can both remotely control the PiPanther, and an open API will ensure users won’t get bored too easily. Pair it with something like Droidles to create interesting scenarios. The €99 (~$120) product and is expected to ship in April 2015 with a successful campaign of €5,000 (~$6,069).

Categories
Cycling

iPump Twist pumps up tires; keeps cyclists rolling

There’s little that’s more disappointing for cyclists than to arrive at their favorite spot for biking and then finding that their tires are low and really need more air.

iPump Twist is a portable carbon fiber air pump designed to keep cycling enthusiasts rolling. To use, start by pulling out the flexible hose, then grasp the handle, twist, and pump air into the tire using the palm of the hand. It can pump up to 120 psi and is durable and shock resistant. The product also offers a convenient storage case to add to the ease of having it available during riding.

While the iPump Twist seems very similar to other tire pumps, it weighs only 25 grams, making it highly portable and a good tool to have on long trips. Other useful tools that cyclists might appreciate knowing about include My Task, 8rlicht and Funnell. Those who’d like to try their hand at building their own bike might find the Bamboobee campaign interesting. This product seeks to raise $10,000. Early bird backers get one iPump Twist for $80 with an expected delivery of February 2015.

Categories
Connected Objects

Give your plants a voice with the Daisy app and sensor

It’s said that talking to plants will help them grow both faster and stronger, but what most gardeners would actually enjoy more than talking to their plants is having their plants talk to them. Unless someone is an expert, the process of caring for all types of different plants would be made so much easier if each said exactly what they needed at all times.

Although the Daisy sensor and app doesn’t actually give your plants a voice per se, it does the next best thing. By sticking the sensor into the plant’s soil, the combination temperature, light, and water sensor uses Bluetooth LE to send pertinent alerts to a user’s smartphone whenever a plant needs water or is generally stressed.

The app also catalogs all of the greenery in a user’s collection, providing technical information through easily accessibly wiki pages and allowing personalization with customizable names and pictures. The Daisy PRO is available for those with larger plants and trees in their care, and retails for $69. For everyone else, two standard Daisy sensors goes for $34 with an expected delivery in June 2015. The campaign is looking for $50,000.

The Daisy is an engaging way to interact with the responsibilities placed on gardeners or just average people taking care of some green in their home or apartment. While other products like the Daisy.si actually waters the plants itself, the Daisy app actually provides users with valuable information which may prove to be more beneficial in the long run.