Kickstarter

Apple ‘iRing’ concept brought to life by Kickstarter project

Cody Lee ∙ March 5, 2014

Around this time last year, Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White made headlines for a note he sent to investors regarding the 'iRing.' White said that Apple was working on a television set that could read motion gestures from a user who was wearing a ring-shaped device on their finger.

Well, we have yet to see the product materialize, but a company called Logbar is looking to change that with their new Kickstarter project. It's called 'Ring: shortcut to everything,' and once connected to your mobile device, it allows you to send texts, control your home appliances, and more...

Arq – the nested dock that keeps on docking

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 24, 2014

The Arq, a new Kickstarter project, seeks to solve the problem of charging multiple devices simultaneously. This cleverly engineered accessory lets you charge multiple form factor iOS and Android devices individually, via either Lightning or micro USB. And thanks to its modular design, devices can be charged in groups or closely nested together, because Arq docks can be conveniently nested together, all within a small footprint.

To give you the exact idea of the Arq's size, each measures 1.85 inches deep, 4.03 inches wide and 1.38 inches tall. There are also nano micro suction pads on the bottom that keep the Arq firmly anchored to smooth surfaces for easy undocking, as seen on the Slope iPad stand I recently reviewed...

‘Moment’ lenses launch on Kickstarter, promise pro iPhone photography experience

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 14, 2014

Moment, a new clip-on camera lens attachment for the iPhone, iPad and other mobile devices, has launched on Kickstarter, with a pair of lenses selling for $50 a pop each. Much like Olloclip, the Moment's multi-element lens design promises to take your iPhone photography to the next level.

How?

By allowing for low-distortion imaging and minimal chromatic aberration, with easily swappable lenses coming in handy when you need to quickly switch from shooting a wide scene to capturing detailed closeups. And they certainly look beautiful...

Give your iPhone the power of wireless charging with the iQi Mobile

Cody Lee ∙ Updated June 14, 2016

Despite a number of rumors and patent filings, Apple has yet to give any of its iOS devices the power of wireless charging. While many manufacturers have built the technology into their handsets, iPhones continue to use the plug-n-charge approach.

Luckily, for those looking for wireless charging, there are a handful of third party options available. And today, we're going to talk about a new one called iQi Mobile. It's a Qi standard wireless charging receiver, with a unique, ultra-thin flexible design...

Neurio vows to make all homes intelligent

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

Neurio is an electrical monitoring device developed by Energy Aware Technology. The small device sits in the home's breaker box and "monitors how much power homes are using, and figures out the cost of running individual appliances using smart algorithms that look for patterns and potential problems." Using a self-learning algorithm, the unit collects data about the electrical items in the home. Reports and information are provided to the user, who then determines which ways to better eliminate energy consumption.

Most importantly, the monitoring and cloud reporting does not require home owners to install sensors on any device. As the unit sits in the breaker box, connected to the central home electrical hub, it monitors information directly from the source. Using a companion app, cleverly titled "Wattson," a homeowners' smartphone becomes the simple monitoring tool needed to determine real time power consumption and usage...

Attach your iPad to your laptop screen with SideCar

Cody Lee ∙ October 9, 2013

Whether you're a professional graphics designer, or a self-proclaimed YouTube expert, running dual displays can make doing your thing on the computer much easier. It allows you to see more content at once, and multitask more efficiently.

Now with this in mind, what if I told you there was a product that would allow you to run this kind of setup while on the go, using nothing but your existing iPad and laptop? Well it just so happens that there is, and it's called the SideCar...

The eleMount is a premium surface mount for your iPhone and iPad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

I don't currently use an in-vehicle mount for my iPhone. I've tried a few before, but each time I was more than disappointed with their build quality. But if I was going to try one again, I'd probably look for something like the eleMount.

The eleMount is a CNC machined all-aluminum mount for smartphones and tablets that looks like it was crafted by Apple itself. The best part, though, is that it doesn't use suction cups or clamps for mounting; it uses polyurethane pads...

Hot Watch: an iOS-compatible smartwatch with some innovative features

Cody Lee ∙ August 5, 2013

If you're still searching for proof that there's a market for smartwatches, look no further than Kickstarter. We've seen a number of projects surface on the crowdsourced funding site—most of which went on to be successful—and today we have another one for you.

Meet the HOT Watch, by Dallas-based think tank PHTL. Now, don't let the cheesy name fool you, this watch is packing a ton of features. It has all of the standard smartwatch stuff, like push notifications, as well as innovative stuff like 'Hands on Talk' technology...

Strap-E iPhone case carries your cash, credit cards and more

Cody Lee ∙ July 14, 2013

I've long been in search of a proper wallet-iPhone case combo that would allow me to leave my conventional wallet at home. I've tried the BookBook, the HEX and several others, but have yet to find one that met my requirements for form and function.

This new Strap-E case looks interesting though. It's a slim (only adds 3mm to your iPhone) plastic, slide-on case that has durable, injection molded loops on the back that allow it to carry cash, credit cards and almost anything else you can fit in your pocket...

The iDockAll can hold and charge any iOS device, even with the case on

Cody Lee ∙ June 30, 2013

Folks in the market for a new dock for their collection of iOS devices may want to check out the new iDockAll from Wiplabs. The accessory can charge either your 30-pin or Lightning device, or both, depending on which model you get—it even works with cases.

And not only is it universal, but it looks great and is extremely functional. Made out of a single block of solid aluminum, the iDockAll would fit right in on a desk with other Apple hardware, and its unique design allows you to keep using your device as it charges...

The myType is a pocketable Bluetooth keyboard for your iPhone or iPad

Cody Lee ∙ June 29, 2013

When Apple introduced the first iPhone back in 2007, it sparked a revolution in the smartphone industry: no more physical keyboards. Think about it, outside of BlackBerry and a few scattered Android handsets, who is still making smartphones with physical keyboards? No one, really.

And I don't personally mind it. It took some getting used to, but I've gotten pretty quick at typing on the iPhone's touchscreen. But for those who haven't quite picked it up yet, there are plenty of accessories available to help you out— like this new myType Bluetooth keyboard...

Poppy turns your iPhone into Viewmaster style 3D camera

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 26, 2013

An interesting project is brewing up over at Kickstarter. An iPhone accessory called the Poppy wants to turn any iPhone into a kid's 3D camera capable of capturing, viewing and sharing 3D stereoscopic stills and videos. It has two eyepieces to look through, a slot where you insert your device and mirrors which capture two stereographic images using your iPhone's single camera.

Perhaps most surprising fact is that Poppy needs no electronics to turn 2D images into 3D because its mirrors do all the heavy lifting, resulting in a light accessory that needs no batteries to operate...