Categories
Lighting

Swan-like Showcome lamp offers many methods of control

For those who find the words “on” and “off” to be boring and predictable, there is now a light that responds to the word “aladdin” instead. And yes, it is shaped like a lamp, sort of.

Probably more of a cross between a swan and a lamp. But Showcome also responds to other forms of communication. It also offers a Smartphone app, motion-sensor control for hands-free operation, and touch control that also allows the user to adjust how much light is being given off. The LED light source also offers potential room-to-room portability with a height of just over two feet and a width of just over seven inches.

The cord may be a bit short, though, at only 5.9 feet, depending on where and for what purpose one wants to use it. For $58, backers get one product with an expected delivery of January 2015.

Categories
Home

Kink Kure shows it knows how to fix your hose woes

Gardening can be one of the most satisfying and peaceful activities in which to engage. Until it’s time to water the plants. When the hose kinks it’s mandatory to go and straighten it before the water flows freely again. One day, the creator of Kink Kure got fed up with this unwelcome exercise and decided to find a solution to this annoying problem. It can seem frivolous to replace a hose when there’s only one problem spot. And while the life of a hose can be extended when it’s stored in a basement, shed, or garage, hoses will still eventually kink due to age and the general wear of usage. Kink Kure seems simple to attach and still allows the hose to bend while preventing kinking, even when pulling around corners and winding; a convenient solution to a not-s0-convenient problem. For $5, backers get one with expected delivery in January 2015.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories Imaging

DotLens microscopic lens lets your iPhone see it’s the little things that matter

With our noses inside our phones, we neglect to remember the existence of the wondrous, microscopic world that exists around us teeming with unfamiliar life.

Now Dotlens wants to create a bridge for us in the form of a 15x or 120x pebble-sized lens attachment for smartphone cameras. Its resolution of one micron gives any smartphone the ability to take laboratory quality photos of all manner of objects and specimen, from the rocks strewn outside your door to the house ant crawling on your kitchen floor. When you’re done, share them instantly using social media or attach the smartphone to a computer or projector for real-time collaboration or teaching.

Smartphone microscope attachments have been a thing for quite some time. Products like MicrobeScope and Skylight represent what most of these products are like, transforming smartphones into bulky, stationary microscopes. You even have the choice to create a DIY version for around $10 if you were so inclined, but what none of these have is the ability to be attached and removed simply from a smartphone, expanding the range of subjects because of the increased portability. The price is similarly light: $25 will get you the 120x version, a pledge that will go far towards their $12,o00 funding goal.

Categories
Lighting

Switch Port pioneers the write light

Here’s a rather clever idea for writing notes to self – or anyone else in the house for that matter. Switch Port is a light switch that functions like a small, dry-erase board. Users can write notes or reminders in a location that is easily seen and in full view every time the room is entered. The ink doesn’t get absorbed by the light switch because the surface is enameled in an epoxy. This product will be some easy installation using only a screwdriver. The screws are included with the product as well as the fine point dry erase type marker. It appears that the marker sits relatively securely on a small ledge at the top of Switch Port, but it might be a nice touch to add some Velcro or something that helps to keep the marker secure when not in use so that it doesn’t end up getting knocked to the floor or lost. The item comes in both single and double switch options, with the single being available for $12. Expected delivery is December 2014, and should arrive before the holidays.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories Chargers/Batteries Lighting Music Tech Accessories

Vox puts a pyramid of desk tools at your fingertips

In a world where humans are expected to multitask, it only seems fair that there are gadgets available that allow for gadgets to multitask as well.

Vox makes multitasking more effective in our fast paced world. Oh, let tech lovers count the ways! Six ways, to be exact. These include a rechargeable LED desk lamp, USB and laptop charger, Bluetooth speakers, video recording camera, classical clock, smartphone, and tablet dock. At the touch of a button, answer the phone while using a charging laptop, enjoying Bluetooth, and driving the caller crazy. It’s the ultimate multitasking experience with each side of the pyramid having its own unique multitask enhancing purpose!

The fun is available to those who own iPhone 6/6+, as well as owners of Apple, HP, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, Samsung, Sony, LG, Asus, Acer, and Fujitsu laptops. Early bird backers who want the six-feature premium version product can get theirs for $95 with an expected delivery of December 2014.

Categories
Luggage and Bags

Upcart lets you wheel your heavy stuff up the stairs with ease

Wheels and stairs are mortal enemies. Always have been, always will be. Many places conveniently come with ramps to accommodate those using wheelchairs or rolling suitcases, but there are still lots of stairs for rollers to contend with. While carting something upstairs, the constant jolting can damage your cargo. While going down, you run the risk of turning into stair-kill.

UpCart is, as its campaign says, up for anything! This cart is essentially, well, a cart, much like a delivery person would use. Stack up cargo for ease of transporting. However, instead of a pair of wheels, this fancy cart features six wheels. Each side has three in a tripod position. This way, the cart can glide up stairs easily. The campaign does a good job of showing the car in motion and how these wheels work together for a smoother ride. UpCart can hold up to 150 pounds and folds up for maximum portability. One will cost backers $75 or only $70 if they’re early enough. UpCart has a rather large Kickstarter campaign goal of $100,000.

UpCart is an innovative design, working towards fixing a common problem. While this is a great idea, it seems like it would be useful to those aforementioned delivery people, but not many others. The typical civilian doesn’t really use these types of carts much. The campaign also fails to mention how heavy the cart itself is, which definitely has an influence on its convenience. Also, it’s unclear how steady the cart is going downstairs and if these wheels do much if anything to steady a cargo-filled descent. All in all, UpCart is well-designed, but needs to market itself to businesses that deliver in order to find success.

Categories
Camping

Rapid Hut offers shelter nearly anywhere

Talk about having it made in the shade with cool lemonade! Here is a product that not only allows the user to make their own shade, but, if the weather turns wet, it also keeps the user relatively dry. Rapid Hut is a temporary shelter that is easily erected, doesn’t require any tools for set up, folds up for easy transport, and can be anchored to the ground when it’s windy outside. It also has a couple of windows on either side to help with air-flow on those hot sunny days, and the windows double as drink holders. This looks like a great item to have for picnicking, camping, and watching many outdoor events. One downside is that it only fits two averaged-sized adults, so friends and family will have to get their own. For $275, backers get one product with some free stuff. Expected delivery is November 2014.

Categories
Sensors/IoT Wearables

Tempi beats out your weatherman by giving you the exact temperature

Wearable devices come in all shapes and size, doing all kinds of interesting and novel things. The problem is that most of these functions are simply not that interesting. Introducing Tempi, the smart wearable thermostat. The product is similar to others like Thermodo and CliMate in that it tracks temperature, but that’s where the similarities end. CliMate offers more versatility in that it can be clipped onto clothing and left in predetermined places. It also offers more information such as sunscreen alerts, things Tempi does not.

The company is looking to beef up the app by adding multiple Tempi monitoring, social networking features, as well as map integration — but will you really want to share how hot or cold it is on your hike? Seems like although the product’s idea is usable in very certain scenarios, for the most part, it’s a novelty. With that said, if you’re as much of a temperature enthusiast as the product’s creators, then a Tempi can be had for just $25. However, without a more robust feature set, this product may face a few hurdles towards it $50,000 goal.

Categories
Home

Amazing Spider Fan won’t spin webs, will quickly convert ceiling lights to fans

Stuff that requires no tools to install and saves the user money. Now that is a winning combo! And Amazing Spider Fan seems to have come up with just such a blend. The creator claims that if a person knows how to screw a light bulb into its socket, then using these battery operated foam ceiling fans will be just as easy. Ceiling fans are a great way to cut down on energy bills, keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. While this particular product is apparently only able to be used in the summertime, every little bit of savings helps! The fan can be easily removed in order to change locations or store for the winter once the warmer months are over. The product is apparently not yet available for use, but backers can help it along with their contributions, including invites to product demonstration parties for $100, and hopefully, an opportunity for input at those parties to make this idea even better.

Categories
Food and Beverage Kids/Babies

Perfect Baby Bottle Maker brings the coffee pod concept to formula

For parents with newborn babies, quick and efficient bottle making is a must. Screaming babies are like a bomb that has gone off and a delicious, warm bottle is the only way to assuage them. However, making a formula bottle isn’t so easy to do quickly. Scooping, mixing and getting the temperature right can make for a lengthy preparation period while your baby screams and screams.

The Perfect Baby Bottle Maker aims to solve this very problem. Picture a Keurig machine, but for a younger crowd. Powdered formula is held in sealed cups. When ready, place these cups in the capsule and hit start. Perfect Baby Bottle Maker will mix the formula for you right into the bottle and will do so at a perfect 98.6°F temperature. This machine gives you several size options and features a filter for the water to pass through to ensure clean water. In addition, each capsule’s formula is first passed through a UV light to eliminate the possibility of bacteria. One will cost parents $85 on Kickstarter. This product has a campaign goal of $15,000.

When looking at this product, one thinks that it’s an amazing solution for moms and dads. Parents who have their hands full, literally, with their baby will rejoice at the convenience of the Perfect Baby Bottle Maker. However, this isn’t the first of its kind. The Baby Brezza operates in a similar manner, but has a large chamber for formula and doesn’t use the individual capsules. While this is certainly more convenient, this model goes for about twice the price of the Perfect Baby Bottle Maker. All in all, this product is innovative, easy to use and fairly cost-effective for new parents.