Tag: party

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Connected Objects Music

Auris Zwing implants an Android tablet into a bassy boombox

Once upon a time, the mighty boombox was a staple of audio on the go, a pulsating package of portable partying. When the iPod became a huge hit, a number of battery-powered docking speakers arrived to amplify its extensive music libraries. And more recently, Bluetooth-based products accept streams from smartphones. But the reliance on iPods and smartphones took something away from the mostly self-contained boombox experience.

Those are the days that Auris is trying to recapture and modernize with ithe Zwing, a high-powered (110 dB), bass-tuned portable audio system that features a 7” Android touchscreen between its stereo speakers. Tapping Google Play, the Zwing can access virtually any mainstream music streaming service from a Wi-Fi connection. It can also access video streaming services that it can accompany with powerful audio. At least for music playback, the Auris is rated at 20 hours of battery life, so it should be able to provide the soundtrack through even Charlie Sheen-class blowouts.

The Zwing also has an HDMI connector for easy connection to a TV. And for those who would rather store their music and movies than stream them, it’s offered with up to 32 GB of flash memory plus room for 64 more via microSD. There’s also Bluetooth support for the opportunistic use of a smartphone’s screen versus the Zwing’s. Auris seeks $75,000 in its Flexible Funding campaign (which means it will deliver rewards even if it fails in its goal) due to end June 3rd.

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Food and Beverage

Tailmo keeps party cups in place even as the world starts to spin

Whether it’s coffee, soda or otherwise, being able to take one’s choice of beverage on the road is comforting for any long trip.  While there are multiple cup holders out there, Tailmo was created with party-goers in. The special feature here is that everyone’s favorite little red cup fits nicely in something that’s magnetized. So whether it’s a tailgate party or outdoor sporting event on those really uncomfortable metal bleachers, the beer has a better chance of staying put until drinking it commences. And oh yeah, it’s insulated so that it stays cold, too – or the coffee stays hot when it’s time to sober up.

While this is a nice idea, perhaps some sort of lid reminiscent of a travel mug’s should also have been included so as to further minimize spills when walking or staggering from place to place. This campaign seeks to raise $75,000 by December 24, 2014. Early bird backers get one product for $8, with an expected delivery of February 2015.

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Camping

Kickoff Kaddy keeps your beer attached to your Bronco

Football is a fall favorite for many. People not only enjoy the games, but love tailgating as well. The Kickoff Kaddy can make the experience easier and more enjoyable. This magnetic drink holder takes your beer, coffee, soda, or whatever and holds it for you so that you can enjoy a game of catch or a plate of barbecue. The holder uses a magnet and attaches to any nearby metal surface, such as a car, pole or grill. Kickoff Kaddy is designed to hold drinks of many different sizes.

One will cost tailgating backers $12 with estimated delivery in February 2015. Kickoff Kaddy hopes to raise $15,000 on Kickstarter. While this product may prove to be useful for tailgaters, its convenience may stretch beyond this one type of event. However, some may opt to just put their drink on the roof of their cars instead of sticking it to the side.

Categories
Food and Beverage

Stack Up holds party chips without the bowl

Stack UpIt seems that potato chips make for one of the perfect casual party hors d’oeuvres. And for those who find putting them it a bowl to be too boring, Stack Up offers a unique way to present them that will likely even make for a good icebreaking conversation piece. Though there is likely only one brand of chip that is going to work with this interesting potato chip holder,  it does come in several color choices for bringing additional flair and stack status to the table. Of course, if leftovers are going to be kept, they’ll have to be put back in the can in order to stay fresh. For €19, backers get two stackers with an expected delivery of November 2014.

Categories
Food and Beverage Technology

Barobot mixes drinks from up to 12 bottles at once, won’t hear your sob story

The Premise. Getting home from a hard day at the office or throwing a party for friends would be better if nobody had to play bartender the whole night. One can always pour their own cocktails, but getting the ratios right can be difficult and what should be refreshing can turn out overpowering.

The Product. The Barobot is a shelf-top device for top-shelf liquor that can hold up to 12 bottles and pour perfect shots into a cup as it moves it back and forth down the alcoholic assembly line. With an open source, open platform design, the Barobot is completely customizable — from the LED lighting displays to the touch-screen interface that makes ordering any drink a snap. New cocktails can be added to the menu easily, and for those that want to have a drink waiting for them, a tablet can be used to place a drink order so that by the time the walk to the Barobot is completed, so is the beverage.

The Pitch. The Barobot pitch is just like its design: colorful, playful, and inviting. The idea alone of a robot that makes drinks for an entire party is something to smile about. The Barobot team is wise not to get too involved in the technical side of things, going so far as to compare assembling the device to playing with LEGO. Barobot is looking to raise £90,000 to handle production of the device.

The Perks. The Barobot is available to supporters for £774, complete with all of the necessary hardware in choice of color, and the app. For those that doubt their construction skills, the fully assembled version is available for £1,479, and those that want a one-of-a-kind personal touch can have their Barobot customized for £3,499. The first batch will ship in August, with more in September of 2014.

The Potential. Between the high-class image that comes with owning a bartending robot, the quality parts, and the open source design, the Barobot is a very tempting item to consider owning. The price point is a little high for a device that moves cups and pours shots, however, no matter how trendy it looks. It’s a shame to be turned off by the price alone when the rest of the machine is extremely likeable, but it will probably prove to be a price point too high for all but the most affluent of home technology show-offs.

Categories
Food and Beverage

SnacDaddy lets your hot wings put their fire in the hole

SnacDaddyRibs, chicken wings, shrimp cocktail, and olives are all great foods to serve at parties. The only problem is that all leave behind inedible waste. SnacDaddy is a food platter perfect for these types of foods. It has slots to separate foods such as ribs, but that also won’t get in the way for other goods. A hole in the middle can hold sauce and also accesses the bottom layer that holds waste. Simply drop your bones, shrimp tails and pits into the hole so that they’re out of sight until clean up time. SnacDaddy costs backers $20 for delivery in July 2014. This platter hopes to gather $9,000 on Indiegogo.

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Food and Beverage

Off Piste Shot Ski Holders brings ski parties to dizzying new levels

Off Piste Shot Ski HoldersCongratulations! You didn’t bust your leg out on the slopes today. Time to celebrate with a friends by imbibing from shot glasses resting on a ski. The Off Piste Shot Ski Holders is here with that task. Rubber grommets will keep your glass from tumbling, and the blocks will keep it level on the ski while you pour. The double sided tape on the bottom makes for simple mounting. If you want to make it a double on party tools, Bong Along offers a “new and improved” beer bong. For $55, backers get all the pieces to the product for their assembly pleasure. Expected delivery is July 2014.

Categories
Food and Beverage

Bong Along funnels party imbibing into a collapsible Frisbee of a drinking aid

Bong Along c3703da5cdc1bcbc0d5590195ef40476_large[1]What’s a college party in a frat house without a beer bong? And leave it to the party crowd to find a way to make it, um, more effective – hence—Bong Along. Armed with the slightly off-balance argument that your standard beer bong ought to be collapsible, dishwasher-ready and more easily storable (perhaps so it can be better hidden from those in authority) a mind-boggling six years went into “improving” on a college tradition of quaffing and staggering to create a product with those exact additions, plus better control of beer flow. For $30 backers get a complete product with an expected delivery of June 2014. What a unique gift this would make.