Frenzy

05/20/2013

1 Comment

 
There was a belt a lot like this on Shark Tank a couple weeks ago, so it's interesting to see this project now on Kickstarter, but with a different project creator. With the project currently trending toward $288,759, the guy on Shark Tank should be kicking himself for not getting to Kickstarter quicker. Instead of the classic buckle and holes system, these belts ($59) have a uniquely designed track on the back side that allow them to be adjustable every 1/4" for great fit.
No more holes. Instead a clever, more effective trak system that creates the perfect fit, every time. See why GUYS LOVE THEM.
 
 
This project is incredible! Two professors of art have resurrected the Lucida, which is a device used by artists centuries ago to help them essentially trace real objects onto paper by reflecting images through a prism into one of the artist's eyes, leaving the other to see and draw on his paper. The project has already sold out of almost every reward offered, pulling in $405,109, and we're surprised that they're not making more available because the project still has 26 days to go and could probably do a couple million, buy hey - they're artists, and artists hate having money, so we guess it makes sense.
The NeoLucida is a 19th-century optical drawing tool updated for the 21st century.
 
 
The Kline notebook layers three different types of paper into the same sketchbook so you don't have to carry five books all over Rome with you when you visit. Grab one for $25, trending toward $54,648.
KLINE is a sketchbook that features vellum, stock, and/or watercolor paper co-layered into a single hardbound cotton cover.
 
 
This survival band has an integrated fish hook, fishing line, flint and steel, and para-cord all in one. With that kind of line-up you could probably survive on Mars for at least a few minutes. YOu can still get one for $25 and the project is currently trending toward $299,915.
The KODIAK: Integrated fire starting buckle, fire starting tinder, braided fishing line and fishing hook. Live to Talk About it!
 
 
Unfortunately, this project isn't going to make it unless some kind of miracle occurs. Which does, happen, so it's possible. But unlikely. It's a BBQ starter that blows air on your coals, wood, etc. so you don't have to, which dramatically shortens the lighting time required (10 minutes for a charcoal grill).

The really terrible thing about this impending failure is that these guys have obviously spent tons of time (3+ years) and money developing this product. It's painful to watch this kind of thing happen. They're convinced that this is a phenomenal product and that the target market is big enough to make this into a company doing millions of dollars per year, but it seems that the reality is people just don't want it. They should have figured that out years ago. Trending toward $86,043, which is great, but it's more likely to end with far less than that, and their goal is $100,000. You can pick one up through their campaign for $42.
The USB rechargeable fire starter that accelerates and controls the heat of all kinds of fires. Starts charcoal faster than a chimney.
 
 
We're not technically inclined enough to know what exactly this means for the open hardware community, but it sure seems like a big deal, especially considering the momentum this project has right now, currently trending toward $1,451,017.
A tiny Wi-Fi development board. Arduino + Wi-Fi + ARM Cortex M3 + wireless programming + REST API = awesome.
 

Science

05/02/2013

0 Comments

 
This. Is a glowing plant. Some scientists have figured out how to splice bioluminescent DNA into plants, producing real live plants that literally glow, and you can get your own through their Kickstarter campaign for $150. Trending toward $907,493.
Create GLOWING PLANTS using synthetic biology and Genome Compiler's software - the first step in creating sustainable natural lighting
 
 
The jet pack. Rocket fuel not included. Also comes in a completely reflective silver. $40.
Let your imagination take flight.
 
 
These are some fantastic looking shoes made of wool felt and a thin strip of leather for the sole. They're designed to be light, comfortable alternatives to typical shoes and are completely biodegradable. You can literally plant them when you're done. Pick up a pair for $25.
Light weight, affordable, 90 day footwear created with a "return to sender" design philosophy. Strengthen feet, earth, and conscience.
 
 
Awesome tables, chairs, benches, end tables, coffee tables, etc., hand crafted in San Diego by a long time maker who's passionate about his work. Furniture starts at $350 and the project is currently trending toward $19,346.
Help Helvey Design Studio bring its simplistic and creative designs to your home. Every piece is handcrafted in San Diego, California.