Categories
Lifestyle

Wrap turns desks into dry-erase surfaces for lateral thinking

Our workspaces are chock full of all kinds of clutter which doesn’t do much to help inspire us to be creative. This is most likely the case at home as much as it is at work as well, but no one is saying that it has to be like that. Inventor Brandon Saw is questioning our use of space, urging us to reconsider what it can do for us with his product Wrap.

The product is a removable flexible film with an adhesive backing that can attach to pretty much anything without damaging what’s underneath. When applied, it makes any surface dry-erasable, multiplying the space available to brainstorm, doodle, take notes, or do whatever else without wasting tons of paper in the form of scrap paper and sticky notes in the process. The product also features air channels that transforms the process of getting rid of air bubbles from a chore to a delight.

Wrap is an extremely simple idea that makes a lot of sense. With many large and successful companies instituting dry-erase boards as canvasses for creativity, it’s only right to reclaim the space we have so we can be similarly expressive. Custom cut Wrap can be purchased for $29, while a package of custom cut Wrap along with markers and erasers is going for $44. The campaign is looking for $40,000 for manufacturing.

Categories
Connected Objects Writing

Writeboard Wi-Fi whiteboard lets you share your meeting scribbles

It may have taken the shape of an app or a notification popping up on a phone or a tablet, but human communication still relies heavily on the taking and sharing of notes. From the classroom to the boardroom, the prevalence of notes touches so many parts of everyday life that it deserves a modern spin.

The WriteBoard is essentially a 27-inch, LCD whiteboard, not unlike the kind many have at home or at work. What makes WriteBoard special is that it’s Wi-Fi connected and can share notes between connected WriteBoards or through the WriteBoard app. With an aluminum stylus reminiscent of a classic pencil and a 1080p display, WriteBoard offers no drop-off or compromise when compared to using a marker-based classic whiteboard.

Every aspect of the WriteBoard is designed to make using the device feel familiar without being held back by technological limitations. A small ledge at the bottom of the WriteBoard can hold the stylus, and the inclusion of wall mounts or stands will make WriteBoard as flexible regarding placement as it is regarding usage. WriteBoard needs $100,000 to find investment partners and create a plan for mass production. Supporters can get set up with their own WriteBoard for $299, with no release date planned at this time.

The main issue with a specialist device like the WriteBoard is that it functions essentially like a large tablet or touch display, with none of the extra features besides note-taking. Add to that a poorly conceived geo-specific advertising function that pops advertising onto the WriteBoard based on location and you have something that is caught between not performing as well as other devices and getting in the way of its solitary function. WriteBoard’s heart is in the right place, but may need to go back to the drawing board.

 

Categories
Sensors/IoT

O2 can breathe easy as another sensor-filled tag

Wearable technology has been able to provide those living in the 21 century with some of the most amazing benefits on an individualized level. O2 is another one of those interesting creations. The device is coin-sized and will function for up to 90 days with Bluetooth 4.0. It appears that there are multiple O2 devices with the capability to function in various ways:  the product allows its user to gather information about the weather and environment, operates with reaching exercise and fitness goals, reports information about sleep patterns, or tracks personal belongings.

Currently, it is only compatible with iPhone 4s & later, iPad 2nd Generation & later, and Android devices with 4.3 or above. O2 has such a wide range of uses that users will rejoice in its versatility. However, the campaign could use a good proofreading as the spelling mistakes are quite distracting. This campaign seeks to raise $100,000 by December 23, 2014. For $49, backers get three products and may choose from black, white, sky blue, pomegranate red, or lemon yellow. Expected delivery is currently set for February 2015.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories Chargers/Batteries

Tinbot Designs seeks to charge your iPhone with your movements

When it comes to a phone battery, the mere thought of running out of power is almost unthinkable for millions of people. Because of that, inventors have searched for any way to keep our beloved devices turned on at all costs. TinBot Designs is an Afghanistan-based company that has a unique new idea in this field: use ambient noise and movement to keep an iPhone battery charged little by little. Using a pizeoelectric effect that takes this noise and motion to stretch small rods, an electrical charge is created that can keep a battery charged.

All of this is accomplished in a small case that fits snugly around the iPhone without bulking the product up or creating something extra that needs to be carried around with the phone. This product is still in such an early stage that it lacks a name, and TinBot Designs are still looking for a transducer to make this project work at their standards. Their campaign is raising $5,000 to continue product testing to make this wonder charger a reality. At this time, no reward tiers offer the product itself. It’s a really interesting and unique idea, but there isn’t enough hard progress to consider for the average consumer.

Categories
Personal Transportation

Impossible folding e-bike perfects the art of origami transportation

For the most part, electric bikes look like something out of Mad Max. In some cases, you’ll come across something that is a bit sleeker than others, but at the end of the day it’ll still weigh a ton. These characteristics don’t really make e-bikes the best solution for last mile transportation, especially because fitting a bike onto a train during rush hour simply can’t happen.

With their Impossible folding electric bike, Impossible Technology is offering an answer to those who truly want a portable solution to their transportation needs. The bike’s extreme minimalism allows it to fold up into its own 17 inch seat, allowing users to easily transport it in a duffel or book bag and making it the first bike to be so extremely portable. Don’t let its flexibility fool you: the bike can carry up to 180 pounds and since it’s electric, it can be charged anywhere there is an outlet. Its ten 2900mAh batteries can be charged in one and a half hours, and supports a top speed of 12.4mph for 45 minutes. Despite its name, it isn’t so hard to get one of your own. An Impossible bike is going for $530 CAD (~$467 USD) with an estimated delivery date of August 2015. The campaign’s funding goal is $55,000 CAD (~$44,060 USD).

The Impossible is a marvel. Its level of portability is unlike anything really done before, and marks a true shift in what is possible with transportation. This advance comes with a caveat in that there are no pedals to manually move around if the battery were to die, so be ready to tack on some more battery anxiety along with our other devices. Indeed, there are obvious trade-offs to an invention like this, but ultimately they’re necessary. If manufacturing goes as smoothly as Impossible Technology hopes, you’ll no doubt see a lot of these in many big cities.

Categories
Relaxation

Bungalow Beach Chair goes for that hammock feel, integrates towel and sun shade

Lounging at the beach is easily one of the most relaxing activities that summer has to offer. Unfortunately, lugging all the stuff you need to do so is one of the least relaxing activities. Muling this stuff to the beach also has the added perk of having to walk across sand to get to your spot.

The Bungalow Beach Chair hopes to make all of this easier by combining a few essential beach items in one. This takes a beach chair, towel, and shade and puts them all in an attached carrying bag for an easier time. The chair is designed with metal framing and the towel provides support for your body. According to the creators, sitting in the chair is much like sitting in a hammock, with your upper body suspended and your bottom and legs resting on the ground.

While the idea of an all-in-one beach chair is certainly useful, it’s a little annoying to have to either sit on your towel wet, or stand up while drying yourself off. Most beach goers will probably opt to take an extra towel with them if they plan to get wet. In addition, Bungalow could add some pockets to their product to store things like books, phones and sunscreen. Still, this is a convenient idea and the added perk of shade makes it stand apart from similar products. One will cost backers $60 for estimated delivery in March 2015. Bungalow Beach Chair hopes to raise $6,000 on Kickstarter.

Categories
Displays Video

Bleen promises to project 3-D images in midair

Plenty of science fiction novels, movies, and games have featured 3-D holographic imagery projected from a simple device. From Princess Leia’s plea for help in Star Wars to Cortana’s guidance throughout the Halo games, the transportable 3-D hologram projector is something humans have dreamed about for decades.

Bleen is almost identical to what many people would expect this technology to take form as. Appearing as a large egg or polyhedral rock, the Bleen projector opens up to display buttons and an upward-facing projector that can form a 3-D image over eight feet in the air above the device. With basic applications like movies and games, to interactive workouts and musical performances, Bleen is trying to give the hologram its place in the personal entertainment space.

Bleen has its own marketplace where developers and users can create their own content for download, recorded using the device’s hundreds of high resolution cameras and displayed with fast-pulse laser beams. Bleen is still in its concept phase and needs $225,000 to move forward. Donating $400 to the campaign ($225 now and $175 at the time of shipping) will get consumers a Bleen in the color and shape of their choice. The release date is not firm at this time, but is tentatively set for October 2015.

This is one of those science fiction-turned-reality kind of devices that is so exciting to imagine how it will work and become a part of daily life. As is usually the case, it may turn out to be pure novelty, but anyone wanting personal holograms will want to back Bleen. It may not be quite ready for the mass market, but holograms in the home and a background that dates to technology in the USSR should be enough for some.

Categories
Imaging Wearables

Get your GoPro extreme video on your wrist with the Removu P1

GoPro has established itself as the de-facto action camera brand on the market. As such, it is the first choice for many extreme sports enthusiasts. One of their most recent products, the GoPro LCD BacPac, gives users a touchscreen LCD that allows control and playback of photos and videos directly from the GoPro camera itself. The downside to this is that it isn’t happening on the fly, limiting how much control you have over the final product.

The Removu P1 addresses this problem by being a Wi-Fi mount for the GoPro BacPac, facilitating a live view from the GoPro to the device on your wrist. Since its display is also touch, it doubles as a remote control from the GoPro itself, giving you additional control over what your final video will look like. With a three hour video capacity, there’ll be a lot of decisions to make when it comes to editing, but luckily you can do so from the Removu P1 itself.

The product will no doubt be useful but those who would want something like this will probably be in the minority. The Removu P1 is currently $69 during their $30,000 campaign, with an estimated delivery date of January 2015.

Categories
Camping Food and Beverage

Rover remote control cooler delivers cold ones on your command

We’re all lazy. Most of us are only motivated to get up by the urge to use the bathroom or hunger. Rover caters to this type of attitude. This remote-controlled cooler has wheels that can travel on most types of terrain, including sand. Shaped like a little jeep, this cooler can hold up to 60 cans and has LED lights for use in the dark. It also has several cup holders making it useful as a table as well. Get the Rover with MLB or NFL sports decal, your favorite college’s logo or with no logo at all. A special offer letting you purchase Rover with your own logo is in the works.

Due to the unfortunate above-mentioned lazy nature of the human race, Rover makes a great addition to any camping party, picnic or beach outing. The remote is a little clunky, but that only makes it difficult to lose. If the remote does happen to get lost, Rover users will have to actually get up, tragically. In terms of convenience, Rover ups the ante from the Kreweser Cooler that lets you ride a cooler around. Rover is better for getting drinks around to lots of people, though it won’t tote you around too. One will cost backers $249 with estimated delivery in December 2014. Rover is looking to raise $45,000 on Kickstarter.

Categories
Lifestyle

Grocery Pal combines notepad, calculator and coupon holder for the smartphone-averse

The best way to avoid grocery store crowds, slow-moving elderly, the u-scan “impaired,” and people who seem to dawdle at the checkout with scads of coupons is to go between the hours of 1 am and 5 am. But when that’s just not practical, there’s Grocery Pal. This gadget puts the grocery list, coupons, and calculator all in one place for easy referencing, It also comes with a lanyard and magnet so as not to get lost while browsing the isles.

This might be a wonderful gadget for granny, but a smartphone works just as well for the majority of this. Some stores even offer electronic coupons that can be downloaded to a store loyalty card if customers will visit the store website, which eliminates the need for fidgeting with those paper coupons. This campaign seeks to raise $40,000 by December 8, 2014. For $20, backers get one product with an expected delivery of January 2015.