A sound amplifier without a gram of electronics, a musical instrument that can replace an entire orchestra, an open source programmable robot, stress-measuring smart watches, a projection computer mouse and other innovations.
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Contents
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Foreword
Such an unimaginable mixture of crazy, useful, beautiful, and sometimes downright funny ideas, except on Kickstarter, is not found anywhere else. There are enough unrecognized geniuses and highly qualified specialists, as well as empty dreamers and outright fraudsters. And among the proposed projects, you can easily find both absolutely fantastic inventions, as if descended from the pages of a fantasy novel, and undeservedly forgotten things that, thanks to this crowdfunding service, will receive a second life. This is a real factory of ideas, where you can not only find anything you want, but also help a curious idea to come true.
Any project that gets on Kickstarter must first prove its right to life. It makes no sense to argue about how interesting this or that idea will be to people – all this is clearly visible by how many people voted for it in rubles. Their final implementation is another matter. Some projects will bring one disappointment to their investors and in a month or two will be completely forgotten, while others will gain worldwide fame and will be sold many years later. Sometimes it also happens that the developers simply did not have enough experience and strength to implement an interesting idea at the proper level, but their more experienced colleagues from all over the world will pick up the banner that has fallen out of their hands and will not let a promising idea disappear.
Trobla: A wooden amplifier for iPhone and other smartphones
Kickstarter often forces you to look at familiar things from a new angle. For example, all kinds of portable speakers, which are often used as a sound amplifier for a low-power external speaker of a smartphone.
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TOK TOK developers suggest using a simpler and more elegant solution – a wooden Trobla sound amplifier, in which there is not a single gram of electronics. The accessory is suitable for any smartphones with a speaker located at the bottom of the case. Since the design of the device provides for several replaceable parts, if necessary, fastening will be easy finish with a file replace with suitable sizes for the new smartphone.
According to the developers, the special shape of Trobla allows not only to preserve the tonality and clarity of the sound, but also to enhance the low frequencies and even create a kind of stereo effect.
In my opinion, the idea is interesting, the only pity is that the price 'bites'. Alas, this is the main disadvantage of most of these startups – the lower the production volume, the higher its cost.
At the moment, the minimum contribution to receive an amplifier and an additional adapter for the selected smartphone is $ 65. At the same time, there is no need to worry about the fate of the project itself – the developers managed to collect $ 20,092 instead of the requested $ 10,700, there are still 34 days left until the end of fundraising.
Project page on Kickstarter
ODiN – World's first projection mouse
Another example of a non-standard approach to developing familiar things is the project of a projection computer mouse called ODiN Aurora.
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However, in essence it is more of a touchpad than a mouse. But, apparently, the phrase “projection touchpad”, according to the developers, does not sound cool enough.
The main advantages of such a 'mouse' are its miniature size, minimal hand stress during operation and the ability to operate on any flat surface. And, of course, stylish appearance – the device resembles a robot head rather than a standard computer accessory.
ODiN Aurora supports a wide variety of gestures and also has one programmable 'button'. There are three body colors: black, white and green.
At the moment, collected $ 71,738 instead of the minimum required $ 50,000, until the end of the fundraising there are still 25 days. The minimum deposit to get the device is $ 49.
Project page on Kickstarter
InfiniteUSB – one usb port, unlimited devices
The next project is also directly related to computers. It may not look so impressive, but it can be many times more useful.
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Its developers had a very specific task – to solve the problem of the lack of free USB ports, which the owners of many laptops face. This is especially true for owners of some Apple devices, who often have only one single USB port.
InfiniteUSB will allow you to connect an almost unlimited number of devices to one single USB connector, because adapters can be inserted into each other, like Lego pieces. Moreover, in addition to standard Micro USB / USB adapters, the kit will also include other options, such as Micro USB / Lightning and others. All adapters will be in different colors, which makes it easy to track which cable is connected to which device. USB-C support is declared.
The minimum fee to receive a set of two adapters is $ 14. In total, the project has already raised $ 153,061 with the required $ 10,000, the fundraising will continue for another 9 days.
Project page on Kickstarter
jamstik + The SmartGuitar
All kinds of electronic musical instruments have been especially popular lately … if you can call them that. In fact, it is something like a synthesizer, only made in the form of a string instrument. Jamstik + is one example of such devices. It looks like a guitar neck with a few additional elements.
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They tried to make the device as light and compact as possible, unlike a full-fledged guitar, it will not be difficult to carry it with you everywhere. With the battery life, everything is also very good – according to the developers, such a 'guitar' will be able to work on a single charge for at least 8 hours.
The main disadvantage of the device is the lack of its own speakers. In order to enjoy the sounds of your playing, you will have to connect your 'guitar' to iPhone, iPad or your computer OS X. But besides its native application, 'guitar' can work with a number of other popular music programs.
According to the authors of the project, Jamstik + will be the ideal solution for those who want to try learning how to play the guitar on their own. The proprietary application supports a special training mode that will explain in detail to a beginner how and where to click.
To be honest, I can't imagine who and why might need such a thing. In any case, if you do not use it as a toy for children. If you really want to learn how to play a musical instrument, then you cannot do without this very instrument. No modern toys can replace it. If you don't have such a goal and you are not going to buy a normal guitar in any case, then Jamstik + becomes completely useless – no one will appreciate your playing without an Apple device with normal speakers.
It was all the more surprising to me to learn that the project had already raised $ 406,155 with the required $ 50,000, and almost a whole month (23 days) remains before the end of the fundraising. The official cost of the device will be $ 299, but depositors have the opportunity to get it for $ 229.
Project page on Kickstarter
Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1
Another example of such a musical instrument is Artiphon Instrument 1, which, according to the developers, can replace a whole orchestra for you.
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Like the Jamstik +, this device also resembles a guitar neck in some way. But the similarity here is very superficial, because Artiphon Instrument 1 does not even have strings. Instead, it has six keys and a set of special sensors that are sensitive to pressure.
The device can not only act as a guitar, but also replace the violin, piano, cello, sitar and many other musical instruments. Artiphon Instrument 1 can act as a MIDI controller by simply connecting it to a computer, smartphone or tablet using USB or Lightning.
According to the authors of the project, music is, first of all, a way of self-expression, and not just the ability to play some musical instrument. And Artiphon Instrument 1 will be appreciated by both professional musicians and people who have never tried to play.
In general, the device looks more interesting than Jamstik +, and the possibilities of fine tuning are wider. But the cost is also higher, which can scare off many.
At the moment, the project has already raised $ 1,260,229 with the required $ 75,000, the fundraising will last another 14 days. The minimum deposit to get the device is $ 349.
Project page on Kickstarter
PLEN2, the world’s first printable open-source humanoid
As you can see, sometimes the practical benefit is not the only incentive to buy this or that device. Emotions, the possibility of self-expression and trivial curiosity are often much more important. PLEN2, a miniature programmable robot from Japan, is one example of such bright, interesting, but not very practical projects.
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Already out of the box, the robot can carry small objects, dance, play football with its comrades and do other things. But this is nothing more than the tip of the iceberg, because one of the main features of PLEN2 is open source. This is not just a toy capable of performing a couple of actions, but a full-fledged robot that can be taught anything. And then share the created program with other people.
The same goes for the way the robot is controlled. Computers, smartphones, tablets, voice commands, gestures and even 'mind reading' (measuring brain activity), if you design or buy the appropriate accessory. And it is far from a fact that the matter will be limited to this list.
All the main parts of the robot are 3D printed, which will allow the owners of such devices to change and improve the appearance of the robot on their own. The PLEN2 can be assembled and disassembled using a conventional screwdriver.
The minimum donation for a complete kit is $ 799, but if you wish, you can save a lot by purchasing only the basic components, and printing the rest yourself.
The project has already raised $ 55,958 instead of the required $ 40,000, with 22 more days left.
Project page on Kickstarter
Tiko – The Unibody 3D Printer
Speaking of 3D printers. The developers at Tiko 3D got tired of the fact that it sometimes takes longer to set up and calibrate such printers than printing itself, and went to Kickstarter with the Tiko project. We are talking about a printer that is as close as possible to their ideals – functional, convenient, compact, in a beautiful one-piece body.
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The printer differs in many ways from its siblings, many of the design details were developed by Tiko 3D engineers from scratch. Among the features of the printer can be noted a transparent print compartment that protects the created product from the environment, a passive cooling system, a complete absence of wires and a compact size.
However, the main thing here is the price of the device, which for depositors will be $ 179. This price includes both the printer itself and 1 kg of consumables.
At the moment, the project has already raised $ 1,633,159 instead of the required $ 100,000, there are still 17 days left until the end of fundraising.
Project page on Kickstarter
mDrawBot: 4-in-1 Drawing Robot
I don't even know which category mDrawBot belongs to. Robot? A printer? DIY construction set?
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This is a 4-in-1 set from which you can assemble four different types of 'artist robots'. In total, the kit includes 60 different parts, plus special software, with which you can change the robot's program.
Each version of the robot is designed for its own purposes. The mScara robot works on the SCARA system, which, if memory does not change, is used in many industrial plants. He is able to draw on any flat surface, both with a pen or pencil, and with a laser engraving tool.
mSpider can draw on vertical surfaces such as walls or white plastic boards. The drawing head is suspended on special cables, the dimensions of which can be changed. So, purely theoretically, a robot can paint even a wall of an entire house.
Particularly relevant these days was a version called mEggBot – this version of the robot can paint eggs and other round objects.
In the latest 'transformation', called mCar, the robot transforms into a miniature car that can draw with crayons directly on the asphalt.
Honestly, I don’t know why it’s all needed, but it looks extremely funny. Those who were fond of all kinds of designers in childhood will probably understand me.
Project page on Kickstarter
Emvio: The First Watch to Measure and Manage Your Stress
It would seem that nowadays you won't surprise anyone with a 'smart' watch. They are now just an unimaginable number, there are thousands of colors and sizes to choose from, hundreds of options for technical characteristics and dozens of operating systems. Nevertheless, the Emvio project managed to stand out even from this motley crowd. After all, watches that measure your stress levels don't come across every day.
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At first glance, the idea may seem strange – what's the point of determining the stress level by the hour, when it is perfectly felt without any measuring instruments? On the other hand, sometimes it is helpful to be reminded in time to take a deep breath and try to calm down. I think everyone sometimes had such a state when every little thing annoys and wants to scream over every little thing. And it is very easy to do a bunch of stupid things at first, and then think that the problem was not in the people around you, but in yourself.
One problem is that, apparently, this very 'stress level measurement' is carried out simply by heart rate. And no matter how it turns out that during your morning run, the clock will think that you will soon go crazy with anger.
But the most controversial point is the design of the watch, which turned out to be very peculiar. With all due respect to the developers, who are our compatriots, I would hardly wear such a device on my hand.
However, this project has almost no chance of turning from a curious concept into a finished product. So far, the developers have managed to raise only $ 24,586 out of $ 250,000.
Project page on Kickstarter
kSafe: Stay motivated. Achieve your goals
If the Emvio watch allows you to deal with stress, then kSafe will help those who have problems with willpower. Each person seeks to start leading a healthy lifestyle, running in the morning, going on a diet, giving up bad habits and much, much more. The only problem is that most of us are going to start doing these things from tomorrow. And tomorrow is the kind of thing that never comes.
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The kSafe device could be called a common motivator like fitness bracelets and other similar things, if not for one 'but'. Instead of drawing beautiful graphics and giving users all sorts of virtual bonuses and 'achievements', this device works much more efficiently. Want to get to the coveted chocolate / pack of cigarettes / game console joystick? Follow the plan outlined yesterday.
All that is required of the user is to place the 'reward' in a special container in advance and select a condition for unlocking it. For example, walk a certain distance or go to the doctor. Or, alternatively, just block the container until the specified time. You can then complicate the task for yourself, but there is no way to lower the complexity. So either run 10 kilometers, or be left without sweets and cigarettes.
The developers say this method is very motivating. And it's easy to agree with them.
At the moment, the project has already raised $ 82,345 instead of $ 50,000, 24 days are left in stock.
Project page on Kickstarter
