17 smart crowdfunding campaigns you may want to back this week

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Every Friday, we’re taking a look at some of the smartest, most innovative projects that have caught our attention on Kickstarter and Indiegogo over the last seven days. 

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Piccolino

This open-source, Arduino-like board packs both Wi-Fi connectivity and a bright OLED display, all in a tiny package. Piccolino is currently seeking $5,000 on Kickstarter.

Bluz

This cloud-connected, Bluetooth LE devlopment kit enables Makers to create their very own connected projects right out of the box. Bluz is currently seeking $20,000 on Kickstarter.

Domino.IO

This low-cost, modular Wi-Fi hardware platform provides designers with unlimited extension capabilities and Arduino compatibility. Domino.IO is currently seeking $30,000 on Kickstarter.

Moscase

This vibrant case not only protects your iPhone 6, but tracks your health and offers a number of other interchangeable features as well. Moscase is currently seeking $150,000 on Kickstarter.

SmartQsine

This smart inventory system is comprised of several small pads and an accompanying app that lets you know when you’re about to run out of food. SmartQsine is currently seeking $80,000 on Indiegogo.

Droplet

This smart button will remind you of your important daily activities, from feeding the dog to taking meds. The Droplet Life team is currently seeking $80,000 on Kickstarter.

Nextion

This seamless HMI solution provides users with a control and visualization interface between them and a process, machine, application or appliance. Nextion is currently seeking $20,000 on Indiegogo.

Chrona

This sleep optimization system can turn any pillow into a smart pillow. Ultradia is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

EmoFix

This Bluetooth-enabled device lets you snap photos and videos without using a smartphone. EmoFix is currently seeking $15,000 on Indiegogo.

Smart Tracker

This real-time GPS tracker is equipped with a wide-range of functions and built-in features to help protect anything anywhere at anytime. Smart Tracker is currently seeking $10,000 on Indiegogo.

Endless Computers

This $169 product is tailored specifically to the 4.4 billion people without access to computers worldwide. The Endless Team is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

Where’s Nellie

This dog-locating system uses a BLE beacon that attaches to your pup’s collar, a base station that plugs in at home or your car, and a mobile app. Where’s Nellie is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

Endura Drone

This drone is capable of reaching speeds up to 40 MPH, while offering up to 40 minutes of flight time — even when loaded with a GoPro camera. UAV enthusiast Todd Urban is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

NodeUSB

This tiny, Wi-Fi ready development platform allows you to code in Lua and bring your IoT ideas to life. Maker Mike Wen is currently seeking $1,000 on Kickstarter.

Elka Synthex

This iconic synthesizer, which was produced from 1981 to 1985, is making a comeback. ELKA Synthex is currently seeking $414,000 on Indiegogo.

iMassageo

This easy-to-use, portable device gives you massages on-the-go, all through a series of discreet electrode pads and an accompanying mobile app. iMassageo is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Did you happen to miss last week’s notable campaigns? If so, you can check them out here. Also, if your project is powered by Atmel MCUs and you’ve been featured on our blog, be sure to download the respective badges here for use in your ongoing marketing efforts. 

Droplet is a wireless button that helps you remember important things

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Recently launched on Kickstarter, Droplet is a smart reminder that tracks activities you don’t want to forget.

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By now, most of us have all heard about Amazon Dash. We know it works: You push a branded button, an order for that particular product is ordered and delivered to your front door moments later. As to whether or not it will be successfully adopted, only time will tell. However, one thing is for certain: Companies will continue to find new ways to bridge the gap between our digital and physical worlds through the use of innovative interfaces.

Unlike constant reminders on a smartphone that can easily be dismissed with the swipe of a finger to ignore or the press of a button to snooze, Droplet is a bit harder to disregard. Instead, the Bluetooth-enabled button requires a user to physically tap the object to dismiss.

Whether it’s remembering to take medicine, feed a pet or take out the trash, the wireless, teardrop-shaped button can be attached to anything that requires a mental note. Simply affix the quarter-sized Droplet (26 mm x 21 mm x 7mm) to an object and tap it when you finish its coinciding task. Once completed, the device will record the action through its accompanying app, allowing you to track your activities and goals.

The mobile app also enables you to customize a Droplet to better fit your personal needs. For instance, you can use the app to configure new buttons and set email push notifications, as well as phone call reminders. What’s more, Droplet can be set to only remind you if you’ve forgotten a to-do and won’t bombard you with unnecessary alerts.

Beyond that, Droplet can be employed to initiate online actions, such as sending texts or ordering products. Stick one in the laundry room next to where you stock the detergent and tap it when you’ve poured the last of it out. Same goes for paper towel. Place one inside the closet and after taking out the last roll, hit it.

Aside from the button and app, the system consists of a physical hub, which plugs directly into your home’s Wi-Fi, and pings information stored on the cloud to the Droplet. One hub can manage multiple units.

What’s nice is that Droplet can be configured to share with friends and family, too. For example, you can alert someone if a chore is forgotten or simply notify a workout buddy to help you stay on track with your fitness goals. Designed with the older crowd in mind, the Droplet can also be used to help a family member track their medication or to send you reminders when they need refills. Since a majority of elders may not own a cell phone, let alone a smartphone, Droplets can send data to the smart hub so no smartphone is necessary.

Need a smart reminder in your life? Head over to Droplet’s official Kickstarter page, where the team is currently seeking $80,000. Shipment is slated for January 2016.