6 Seriously Cool Kickstarter Gadgets (and Alternatives You Can Buy Today)
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These days, crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter are some of the best places to spot new tech and accessories you’ll want to get your hands on. We’ve already mentioned some of them, but more innovations are coming all the time, so it pays to stay updated! Here are the latest, incredibly sweet tech products being crowdfunded that we hope can pull through (as well as alternatives that you can pick up today).
Solgaard HomeBase Ecosystem
Solgaard’s setup is one of the best solutions we’ve seen to managing mobile devices and we can’t wait to see if it actually ships. The core of the system is a beautiful shelf that you can hang along the wall or on a nightstand, etc. (with access to an outlet).
There’s room to hang your keys or lanyard, and the shelf itself is a wireless charger that can charge a couple of smartphones, your AirPods, and other various compatible devices when you get home. There’s a USB-C PD port for even faster charging as well.
There are also two additional items you can get to complement the shelf if you prefer. The first is Boombox, a Bluetooth speaker with a battery that can also be charged on the shelf, and is promised to offer up to 96 hours of music (with enhanced acoustics when played directly from the shelf).
It can also charge via solar energy, or be used as a portable wireless charging block for your phone. The second is a Juicepack, or a battery pack with similar features but without the speaker.
Fortunately, the design here looks nearly complete and shipping seems likely, so we really hope this becomes a reality!
Available Alternative: Brightech Maxwell Shelf Floor Lamp with Wireless Charging Station
SuperCalla Cable
SuperCalla has a new style of cable with a simple, ingenious trick: Its rolled-up cable has a series of magnetic connectors so it will always snap back together, like a magnetized Slinky.
That automatically keeps your cable neatly grouped out without you needing to do anything at all, and multiple arrangements are possible for different setups.
SuperCalla also smartly offers a variety of connection options for you to choose from. You can get USB-C to USB-C, iPhone to USB-A, iPhone to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A, and more. That makes these cables an excellent choice for adapters and similar situations.
Available Alternative: Magic Cable Magnetic Charging Cable
Just Mobile ShutterGrip 2
This smartphone grip isn’t like the others you may have seen on the market. It’s a simple camera grip that’s hiding a lot of different options. It can expand to hold your phone lengthwise or width-wise, or on the side for a DSLR grip that makes it easier to set options and film video. It also comes with a telescoping stick for selfies and a Bluetooth remote for easier photo capture. Plus, it’s small enough to handily fit in your pocket when not in use.
Available Alternative: The Original ShutterGrip
PowMe All-in-One USB-C/Wireless Charger
A USB-C hub is a nifty accessory that allows you to coordinate, connect, and charge all your devices with the latest connections and pass-through charging. This hub includes USB-C, USB-QC, USB-A 3.1, and a 4K HDMI port.
On the other side, you also have microSD and SD for moving pics or video. Finally, the top of the device is a Qi wireless charger and an Apple Watch wireless charger.
It really does do everything, and will hopefully be one of the best companions for your desktop (shipping has begun according to reports, but 2020 is making that tricky for everyone).
Available Alternative: 15-in-1 USB-C Docking Station, Wireless Charger
Tau Power Bank
You can find power banks for charging your devices anywhere, sure. But Tau’s version is unique in how it’s made to function. First, it’s designed to charge via a quick snap mount that can be attached to a wall. Second, it’s made to be a key fob that rests on your keychain and fits in your pocket. That makes it easier to carry around wherever you and quickly attach if you need a little extra power or have to save a dying iPhone.
Available Alternative: T-CORE Ultra-Compact Powerbank
Nubia Watch
The Nubia Watch is a bold smartwatch that’s made with flexible, foldable material that also functions as a display (a bit like the high-tech version of those snap-on bracelets kids had years ago).
It can connect to your phone and lay flat so it functions as a touchscreen with rapid scrolling, but that’s just the start.
The watch is also designed to have sensors that allow it to function as a fitness tracker, heart rate monitor, sleep tracker, and presumably much more.
This project has a long way to go to reach a shipping stage, but we’re excited thinking about it!
Available Alternative: Nubia Alpha
