Kickstarter

TextBlade physical multitouch keyboard collapses to just a third of iPhone size

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

If you're in the market for a physical keyboard for your iOS device but can't stand the size of existing offerings, a company called WayTools may just have the most curious answer to your needs.

Bringing a whole new typing experience, their new TextBlade keyboard has the same QWERTY layout you're accustomed to but collapses to a tiny rectangle just a third of the size of an iPhone 6, thank to built-in magnets that snap the individual pieces together.

The eyebrow raising design calls for a set of eight large touch-sensitive keys providing full access to the entire alphabet, and then some more.

Weighing just 1.5 ounces, or 43 grams, the device sports an ultra-low profile half as thick as an iPhone 6. And unlike standard rubber spring keyboards, the TextBlade does not suffer from drag, stretch or wear. Inside, it's immense technology based on six issued patents and more than a dozen patent filings.

‘Modbook Pro X’ turns your 15-inch Retina MacBook into a powerful tablet

Cody Lee ∙ July 30, 2014

Folks longing for a more powerful Apple tablet may want to checkout the new Pro X project from long-time MacBook-modifier Modbook. The company has taken to Kickstarter to market its latest creation—a 15.4" quad-core tablet with Retina display that runs Mac OS X.

The Modbook Pro X will be available in a number of configurations, based on the new Retina MacBook Pros Apple unveiled just this week. Packages can include a processor as fast as Intel's 2.8GHz Haswell chip, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 2 terabytes of flash storage...

‘Sense’ takes sleep tracking to a whole new level

Cody Lee ∙ July 29, 2014

Technology has really pushed its way into our lives these past few years, moving beyond smartphones to fitness, and even sleep-tracking accessories. FitBit's Flex, Jawbone's UP and several other wearables are able to record and analyze your sleep patterns.

But the new 'Sense,' from Hello promises to do much more than that. In addition to tracking your sleep behavior, that glowing ball you see in the photo above has the ability to monitor things like noise and temperature, and can even play ambient sounds...

LaMetric is a real-time smart ticker that pairs with iPhone to display useful information

Joe Rossignol ∙ June 18, 2014

Smart Atoms has launched a Kickstarter campaign for an interesting new product called LaMetric, a real-time smart ticker that displays notifications and other metrics and even lets you respond to them. The customizable smart ticker is ideal for life at home and in the office, with multipurpose functionality and a sleek, modern design. Check it out…

MBLOK is a wireless flash drive for iOS that fits in your pocket

Joe Rossignol ∙ May 20, 2014

May appears to be the month of Kickstarter campaigns featuring products that eliminate the need to use iTunes for transferring files between a Mac or PC and iPhone or iPad. Last week it was the iStick flash drive with a built-in Lightning connector, and this time around we're taking a look at the MBLOK wireless storage and flash drive by a team of students and entrepreneurs from Waterloo, Canada. Take a look…

The Augment offers a new take on the iPhone battery case

Cody Lee ∙ May 19, 2014

If you're in the market for an iPhone battery case, you really only have one option. Well, actually you have hundreds of options, but for the most part they all look the same. Don't believe me? Do a Google Image search for the term 'iPhone battery case.'

Enter the new Augment iPhone case, by Rubix. It features a square design, with a detachable battery pack, so that you can get extra power when you need, and none of the added bulk when you don't. This is definitely not your typical mophie juice pack...

This ‘iStick’ USB flash drive has a built-in Lightning connector

Cody Lee ∙ May 13, 2014

Folks looking for a way to move media and other data between their iOS devices and computers locally may want to check out the iStick. The newly-announced device may look like an ordinary USB flash drive, but it features a built-in Lightning connector.

The creators of the iStick, Hyper, say it's the first of its kind, and the whole purpose behind it is to provide users with a way to quickly and safely move data between their computers, iPhones, iPads and iPod touches without the need for iTunes or the Internet...

Quickdraw is a sturdy, magnetic Lightning cable alternative

Joe Rossignol ∙ Updated May 19, 2014

I recently went on a road trip to Montréal, only realizing upon arrival that I had forgotten my official Lightning cable back home. With my iPhone running out of battery and no Apple Store within a short distance, I reluctantly purchased a third-party knockoff cable from a local electronics shop. In hindsight, it was a terrible decision. The cable barely worked and my iPhone constantly prompted me with compatibility warnings. It was a waste of both $20 and my time.

For that reason, I am enthusiastic about a new Kickstarter campaign for an upcoming product called the Quickdraw Cable by Woodford Design. It is hard to get excited over a simple cable accessory, but the Quickdraw has several advantages over a traditional Lightning connector and most third-party knockoffs. For starters, the one-meter cable is crafted with anodized aluminum plugs that are high quality and sturdy. That includes both strong cable strain relief and a waterproof design…

Lunecase for iPhone uses electromagnetic energy to display LED alerts

Cody Lee ∙ April 30, 2014

An interesting new iPhone case is garnering some attention in the tech world right now. It's called the Lunecase, and it features a built-in LED alert system that can let you know when you are receiving a phone call or text message via a glowing icon.

That may not sound like a big deal, but the real trick is that it's able to do this completely wirelessly, without the need for any batteries or a connection to your iPhone. And it pulls this off by utilizing the electromagnetic energy emitted by the device...

This ‘TechDesk’ features built-in docks for your iPhone and iPad

Cody Lee ∙ March 10, 2014

Folks in the market for a new desk may want to check out this new bamboo-topped TechDesk. It looks a bit odd at first, but the holes, cup holders and other cutouts were designed to keep you, your laptop and all of your iOS devices organized and accessible.

The holes you see in the middle of the desk are actually air vents for keeping your MacBook (or other notebook) running cool. There's also a built-in mouse pad, slots for your coffee cup and magazines, and then multiple docks for your iPhones and iPads...

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...