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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SensorWake

This olfactory alarm clock will use your favorite scents to stir you from your slumbers. Maker Guillaume Rolland is currently seeking $54,751 on Kickstarter.

HidnSeek

This tiny GPS tracker will locate just about anything with the help of the SIGFOX IoT network and an accompanying mobile app. French entrepreneurs Stéphane Driussi and Xavier Torres-Tuset are currently seeking $13,688 on Kickstarter.

Sensorian Shield

This plug-in module extends your Raspberry Pi and eliminates the need for breadboard prototyping. Sensorian is currently seeking $6,092 on Kickstarter.

Cogito Fit

This fashion-conscious connected watch not only monitors fitness activities, but features intuitive digital notifications, interchangeable plug-ins and does not require recharging. CONNECTEDEVICE is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

Mixfader

This device wirelessly connects to your smartphone or tablet to let you scratch like a professional DJ. The DJIT crew is currently seeking $54,930 on Kickstarter.

Fogo

This gadget packs a walkie-talkie, a flashlight, GPS, Bluetooth and a USB backup battery all into one must-have adventure instrument. Fogo is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Creation Workstation

This multi-function machine brings an entire Makerspace to your desktop with 3D printing, drag-knife cutting, engraving, CNC milling and laser etching. XpertFab is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

Pi PoE Switch HAT

This HAT enables you to power your Raspberry Pi and provide an Ethernet connection in any location with just a single cable. Pi Supply is currently seeking $15,476 on Kickstarter.

Presence Security Pack

This security set transforms your spare phones and tablets into powerful Wi-Fi and cellular video cameras, and integrates a variety of home sensors including entry, motion, water, temperature and touch. Presence Security is currently seeking $20,000 on Indiegogo.

StoryHome

This smart device is looking to bring back the magic of bedtime stories through an innovative audio sharing system. Campfire UG is currently seeking $153,804 on Kickstarter.

The Contros

This Wi-Fi timer gives you the ability to set timers and automate your home appliances right from your phone. The Contros is currently seeking $10,000 on Indiegogo.

OpenEars

This pair of 3D audio Bluetooth earphones can record and play back sound exactly as your ears do. Binauric SE is currently seeking $137,325 on Kickstarter.

CulCharge

This keychain unit includes a 1000mAh power bank, a built-in charge cord and a data cable to ensure your phone never runs out of juice again. CulCharge is currently seeking $60,000 on Indiegogo.

Saver

This personal life-saving tool is designed to prevent smoke inhalation and mobilize an individual in the event of a fire. Saver is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Yeair!

This quadcopter offers pilots considerably more flight time and payload capacity through the use of internal combustion engines. The airstier team is currently seeking $76,902 on Kickstarter.

Moky

This combination of akeyboard and an invisible touchpad allows you to conveniently type your on your mobile devices and acts as a touch-enabled mouse as well. Moky is currently seeking $30,000 on Indiegogo.

SkyBot

This intelligent and affordable kit provides Makers with all of the necessary parts to create their own 3D-printed drone. Maker Austin Kelly is currently seeking $6,400 on Kickstarter.

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. 

HidnSeek is a tiny GPS tracker that’ll help you locate just about anything

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HidnSeek uses the SIGFOX network to provide users with accurate geo-localisation updates every five minutes.

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Developed by French entrepreneurs Stéphane Driussi and Xavier Torres-Tuset, HidnSeek is a smart GPS tracking device that connects to the low-cost SIGFOX network and provides users with accurate geo-localization updates.

The solution is comprised of a palm-sized, open source unit that attaches to any object in need of being monitored and a smartphone application. Based on an ATmega328P MCU, the lightweight tracker packs an accelerometer, a battery and a micro-USB port for recharging. Whereas most gadgets use GSM networks which tend to consume quite a bit of energy and heavily limit tracking capabilities, HidnSeek employs the ultra low-power SIGFOX network instead. Meanwhile, its accompanying app (available for IOS, Android and Windows) lets users easily manage the number of HidnSeek devices being logged, customize geo-fences and configure alert messages.

The system works by determining its position through GPS and transmitting up to 140 geo-localization updates per 24 hour period to its servers via the network. SIGFOX permits two-way communications with HidnSeek, giving users the ability to change their settings up to four times per day and to facilitate geo-localisation updates every five minutes, if necessary.

To get started, a user simply drops HidnSeek inside a suitcase, a child’s backpack or even a car’s door panel, then keeps tabs through its mobile app. Thanks to an embedded accelerometer, the tiny gadget boasts a range of additional features including a “Body Guard” mode that sends an alert if a device remains stationary for an extended period of time and a “Motion Sensor” security system that can inform a user if an doorway has been opened.

“Perhaps you can’t check on an elderly relative as often as you would like or you want to ensure your loved ones are safe during their sporting expeditions. By sharing your tracker ID and with ‘Body Guard’ mode activated, anyone you trust can be alerted directly and notified of the exact location should there be no movement observed for a period of time from 1-15 minutes,” its creators explain.

HidnSeek goes beyond just revealing the whereabouts of one’s belongings. With its built-in geo-fencing technology, users can predefine a set of boundaries, such as a school, neighborhood or workplace, and if a HidnSeek gadget enters or exits the area, a notification will be immediately sent to their phone. This function will be come in handy should a drone go out of reach as it will be able to assist the flier in retrieving their UAV when it goes down.

“HidnSeek determines its location accurately with GPS technology and broadcasts your data using SIGFOX network connectivity, meaning its range extends as far as the SIGFOX network coverage. SIGFOX have committed to rolling out their connectivity across the globe; Europe is nearly fully covered and America is on the way,” the team writes.

“This makes HidnSeek so versatile you can find just about anything, anywhere! Other tracking devices use Bluetooth or cellular tower technology to locate their devices, both of which have limitations. Bluetooth has a limited detection span of 40 meters maximum, and cellular tower technology has limited geo-localization accuracy, which may be greater than 500 meters.”

Whether you’re a worrywart or actually prone to losing things, your car or even grandma, head over to HidnSeek’s Kickstarter campaign to get a tracker of your own. Stéphane Driussi & Xavier Torres-Tuset are currently seeking $13,688. Shipment is expected to begin in October 2015.