Vinli is a $99 device that will drive your older car into the IoT

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Making your car ‘smarter’ is now as easy as plugging a USB drive into your computer.

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While one in five vehicles are expected to be Internet-enabled by 2019, there are more than 253 million cars on the road in the U.S. that remain disconnected from the web. Not to mention, even as this technology continues to evolve, the average car is still about 11 years old. With this in mind, one Dallas-based startup has developed a device that simply plugs into an automobile’s computer system and transforms it into a smarter set of wheels. Since it’s designed to work via the OBD II port, it should be compatible with any vehicle made after 1996. (Good news for that late ‘90s Civic sitting the garage!)

Nearly nine months after its initial debut, the company has garnered over $6.5 million in a Series A financing round led by Samsung Venture Investment Corporation along with Cox Automotive, Continental and The Westly Group. Beyond that, the team has revealed several significant product updates, partnerships, and of course, the launch of an Indiegogo campaign.

Vinli works by plugging into an OBD II port, which allows the dongle to connect to a driver’s smartphone over Bluetooth and open up a plethora of apps. These include SmartThings to control devices upon arriving home, Dash to optimize a car’s performance, Beagle to keep teenage drivers safe, as well as Otto to identify and diagnose any mechanical issues before they become a problem. In its entirety, the startup hopes to have about 150 apps in its app store in the coming months, and even encourages developers to explore their creativity and build an app based on one of nine comprehensive sets of services, ranging from analytics to infotainment.

The Wi-Fi connection, which is provided through an exclusive deal with T-Mobile and its national 4G LTE network, will cost $15/GB of data, or $40 for 3GB. However, drivers can still access Vinli using their smartphone by way of Bluetooth. Under the hood, Vinli boasts a three-axis accelerometer for collision detection, a Bluetooth 4.0 module for connectivity, GPS and GLONASS for location tracking, SMS for emergencies, and runs on Linux.

What’s more, Vinli offers services such as roadside assistance, automatic accident alerts, routine maintenance, real-time traffic reports and even helps locate a car should someone forget where it was parked.

Ready to turn your old 1998 whip into a futuristic ride? Head over to Vinli’s Indiegogo page, where its team has already surpassed its initial $75,000 goal. Delivery is expected to get underway in August 2015.

Instamic is the smallest and smartest microphone

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What the GoPro did for cameras, this clip-on device wants to do for microphones.

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Currently being billed on Indiegogo as the “GoPro of microphones,” Instamic is looking to become a household name when it comes to capturing high-quality sound from anywhere on anything.

Instamic is a tiny, standalone recorder that has its sights set on replacing conventional handheld and lavaliere microphones. With a variety of mounting options (magnet, velcro and tape) and a quick release clip, the super portable gadget can register hours of 48khz/24-bit sound in mono and dual mono mode, as well as in stereo quality with its Pro variant. A built-in, rechargeable battery allows for roughly four hours of uncompressed audio recording, with duration varying slightly depending on charge time, temperature and storage conditions. Instamic has a frequency response of 50 to 18,000 Hz.

Given its compact design and minimal setup, Instamic is the perfect accessory for filmmakers, journalists and musicians as they will no longer need to lug around all that bulky, obtrusive equipment. Eliminating the need for cables, the wearable unit connects to its accompanying app over Bluetooth and enables users to control it remotely within a 30-foot radius, as well as simultaneously record with up to seven Instamics. What’s more, the mic features an Atmel | SMART SAM3U MCU and internal memory ranging from 2GB to 8GB.

Turning on the pocket-sized device requires a single tap of its logo, while another touch will begin the recording. From there, Instamic will automatically adjust the gain on its own in the first 10 seconds and will ensure that it remains at the optimal level. Tap and hold again for a second and it will stop. If paired with a smartphone, Instamic can also be controlled through its app. When a user needs to transfer a recording to their desktop, its microUSB charging port doubles as the file transfer system.

Instamic comes in two models: Pro and Go. The Pro version’s waterproof, black shell makes it a suitable instrument for indoor filming sets, darker environments and even in five feet of water. Meanwhile, the splash-resistant, white Instamic exterior of the Go can remain inconspicuous in most bright, day-lit settings.

Intrigued? Head over to its Indiegogo page, where the Bay Area startup is currently seeking $50,000.

Aistin is an Arduino-compatible modular IoT sensor platform

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This family of 20+ wireless sensors enables Makers to devise their own connected solutions. 

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Recently launched on Indiegogo, Aistin is a small, lightweight and modular sensor platform for the Internet of Things. The brainchild of former Nokia R&D team members who together make up iProtoXi, these low power, wireless devices are helping Makers bring their ideas to life by focusing on three main elements: compactness, expandability and mobility.

“Instead of functionally limited ready-made IoT sets, or flexible but unpractical self-wired desktop hassles, we wanted to inspire people to create new mobile products by providing the best that can be achieved with current technology,” the Finnish startup shares.

Aistin is comprised of various sensor heads including environmental, motion and passive IR modules, as well as programmable LEDs, switches and other dev boards suitable for a wide range of IoT projects. Makers can choose from Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, wireless LAN and IQRR radios for connectivity, while example firmware, a web-based interface and a mobile app are provided to accelerate development.

“You can setup the logic how your Aistin sensor node works, what is the sensor reading interval and what is the trigger to start the sensor readings. You can also read the stored sensor data from the sensor node internal memory, if you have left your sensor node alone and connect it afterwards. Mobile application visualizes the sensor data. Sensor data can be stored in the application and then forwarded for further use,” its creators explain.

What’s nice is that the sensors can be used either as a standalone, a smartphone accessory or attached to anything to become part of a complex IoT solution. The fully expandable Aistin family currently has about 20 members and comes housed inside a variety of 3D-printed covers. At the core of every unit is an open source Bus24 interface, which is a combination of standard I/O buses (like I2C, SPI and UART), along with intelligent power management signals to enable long battery life. Development kits with the Bus24 provide a low-cost, easy-to-deploy series of sensors for developing IoT nodes and corresponding applications.

“Aistin wireless sensor nodes are connected to a gateway. GW provides connection to Internet/intranet. Typically WLAN or USB is used. Sensor GW/nodes makes TCP connection to an Aistin server that is located in laptop, Raspberry Pi or other computer which has Linux, Windows or MAC operating system. Aistin server (SW) provides a web socket interface for web client. Web socket is used to carry sensor data from the server to the visualization page,” the team writes.

To really make use of the revolutionary Bus24 connector, Makers have the option of selecting from a comprehensive set of add-on MCUs. Among those already compatible is the popular ATmega32U4. Meanwhile, iProtoXi hopes that the number of available expansion boards will continue to grow exponentially in the future.

As for the sensors — each of which are named after the owl, an extremely intelligent and intuitively knowledgable animal — are compact enough to fit on just about anything, from a milk cap and a sink faucet to a power outlet and inside the refrigerator door. One device in particular, the Owl Brain, measures 36mm x 18mm in size and is based on the ATmega32U4, allowing it to be easily programmed using the Arduino IDE.

Depending on the version, Owl Brains are equipped with several Bus24 connectors, a microUSB port, controllable RGB LEDs, a Li-ion battery charger, current and battery measurement circuitry, a real-time clock and a multi-functional button. The board also packs an accelerometer, a barometer, a humidity sensor and 256KB of EEPROM. Beyond that, two of its models (the CPU242 and 252) include an integrated Wi-Fi module, making it what the iProtoXi team calls “probably most feature-rich Arduino conformant board ever created.”

Those wishing to explore Aistin’s entire lineup can head over to its official Indiegogo page, where the team is currently seeking $56,000. Delivery is expected to begin later this year.

15 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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OWOW

This new breed of MIDI controllers empowers you to make digital music in a more fun and intuitive manner. OWOW is currently seeking $55,568 on Kickstarter.

Holus

This tabletop holographic platform converts digital content from any computer, tablet or smartphone into a 3D hologram. hplustech is currently seeking $40,296 on Kickstarter.

AUMEO

This pocket-sized device provides a personalized listening experience by mapping your sensitivity to different sounds and then adjusting accordingly. AUMEO is currently seeking $40,000 on Indiegogo.

Vinli

This small gadget plugs into your vehicle’s OBD II port, enabling you to access a suite of apps from your mobile device. Vinli is currently seeking $75,000 on Indiegogo.

MOVEMENT

This $30 wearable band offers the same tracking functions as the major industry heavyweights — at a fraction of the cost. TRASENCE is currently seeking $12,000 on Kickstarter.

AllBe1

This all-in-one personal security companion combines a variety of features including an infrared alarm, a tracker, a smartphone lock, a motion detector, a UV monitor and more. AllBe1 is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Ola Fingerprint Smart Lock

This smart lock incorporates both Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and capacitive fingerprint technology, making it not only keyless but phoneless as well. Ola is currently seeking $125,000 on Kickstarter.

Strips

This uber thin, practically invisible magnetic sensor can be placed on windows and doors, then notify you by smartphone if anything is left open or in the event of an intruder. Sensative is currently seeking $25,000 on Indiegogo.

Nikola Phone Case

This sleek, protective phone case extends your battery life by harvesting wasted RF energy. Nikola Labs is currently seeking $125,000 on Kickstarter.

Aistin 

This Internet of Things sensor platform is comprised of super lightweight, low-power modules with Arduino conformance. iProtoXi is currently seeking $56,000 on Indiegogo.

LoveLinkU

This colorful pod, which comes complete with a motherboard, an infrared controller, a speaker and microphone, is capable of controlling your smart home appliances through voice commands. LoveLinkU is currently seeking $10,000 on Kickstarter.

eNote

This e-ink display works like an electronic Post-it note by wirelessly connecting to any mobile or gateway device. Bill Saltzstein is currently seeking $75,000 on Indiegogo.

Yecup

This smartphone-controlled mug lets you monitor the temperature of your drink, charge your handheld gizmos and gadgets, as well as take selfies with the mere press of a button. Yecup Technologies is currently seeking $40,000 on Indiegogo.

SmartCap

This intelligent, Arduino-based cap tracks liquid consumption and reminds you when to take a sip by syncing with your Fitbit dashboard. SmartCap is currently seeking $45,000 on Kickstarter.

BlueberryE

This Arduino-compatible board comes with a 3.3V levelshifter for I2C, SIP and Serial SRAM, as well as a variety of sensors, Wi-Fi connectivity and a switchable power plug. BlueBerryE is currently seeking $1,693 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. 

15 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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Oval

This MIDI-compatible instrument lets you learn, play and create music through a series of multi-sensing pads and LEDs. Oval Sound is currently seeking $109,492 on Kickstarter.

Here Active Listening

This pair of earbuds don’t stream or play recorded music, but instead provide you with a volume knob, equalizer and effects to transform real world audio. Doppler Labs is currently seeking $250,000 on Kickstarter.

Eedu

This easy-to-use, do-it-yourself kit provides Makers with everything they need to develop their own drone. Skyworks Aerial Systems is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

Hidrate Me

This smart bottle syncs to your phone to track your water intake and glows to remind you to stay hydrated. Hidrate is currently seeking $35,000 on Kickstarter.

Trago

This connected bottle accurately measures your water consumption by connecting to your mobile and wearable devices. Jac and Davis Saltzgiver are currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Gloveone

These gloves enable you to feel and touch any virtual object that you can see on the screen or in your VR headsets. NeuroDigital Technologies is currently seeking $150,000 on Kickstarter.

COOPY

These three buttons can be configured to your liking, triggering different day-to-day functions with just the click of a button. PentaSens is currently seeking $60,000 on Kickstarter.

Grüt

This combination of sensors and an accompanying mobile app monitors the condition of plants, providing feedback to kids in the form a virtual buddy. Grüt is currently seeking $10,925 on Kickstarter.

My Driving Pal

This multi-purpose solution allows you to keep tabs on a variety everyday things, whether that’s a child, a bike or a vehicle. Shahram Rezaei is currently seeking $35,000 on Kickstarter.

uGALE

These app-controlled insoles can keep your feet cool, ventilated and odor-free, as well as heat them during winter. Vay Technologies is currently seeking $40,582 on Kickstarter.

AguaDrone

This waterproof drone is equipped with SONAR to spot fish and uses its own Wi-Fi signal to transmit its findings to your smartphone up to 320 feet away. Daniel Marion is currently seeking $150,000 on Kickstarter.

Pet Tutor Blu

This universal, Bluetooth-enabled system for pets combines training and gaming into one. Smart Animal Training Systems is currently seeking $30,000 on Kickstarter.

CreatorKit

These pre-printed conductive ink stickers can turn any object into an interactive surface with touch, sound and graphics. Novalia is currently seeking $18,425 on Kickstarter.

Seek N’ Sneak

This Arduino-powered, self-controlled robot is capable of autonomously finding, grabbing and relocating objects. Konstantin Stolpovsky is currently seeking $11,161 on Kickstarter.

SunRaiden

This innovative inverter-charger is designed to make solar more accessible and power off-grid applications in challenging environments. Michael Sewanaku is currently seeking $25,000 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. 

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. 

Musio is an AI robot designed to learn, adapt and grow with you

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Meet the Musio, an Arduino-compatible, artificially intelligent robot that evolves with you and makes your home smarter.

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If it’s up to one California-based startup, the next member of your family won’t be a baby brother or sister, nor will it be a furry four-legged animal. Instead, the AKAStudy crew believes it may very well be an artificially intelligent robot that can engage and evolve with its users. In what would appear to be a mix between Joaquin Phoenix’s digital companion Samantha from Her and the iPhone’s knowledge navigator Siri, Musio is an AI personal assistant that is capable of holding natural conversations, sharing emotions, growing wiser with age and communicating with connected objects in its environment.

Musio is comprised of three different brains — simple, smart and genius — that vary in terms of complexity, memory, battery and speed. For instance, simple merely features a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 16GB of memory, a 1800mAh battery, all while lacking any wireless functionality. Genius, on the other hand, boasts a 2.5GHz quad-core CPU, 64GB of memory, a 3000 mAh battery, an on-board AVR chip, as well as Wi-Fi, Buetooth Low Energy and ZigBee compatibility to control smart home gadgets.

The system itself is based on Android 5.0 Lollipop OS and built around the versatile ATmega328 MCU. Meaning, the Arduino-friendy device can be programmed to the liking of its owner through its accompanying Arduino and Android controller libraries. What’s more, Musio also comes with a developer kit add-on that includes an accelerometer, a trio of Arduino Mini boards, ZigBee modules and Arduino ZigBee shields.

Unlike other virtual personal assistants before its time, Musio can actually converse with its user — whether that’s offering up an appointment reminder, gossiping about a colleague at work, lending a helping hand during a homework assignment or asking a question to satisfy its curiosity. AKA’s mission was to devise a robot that not only thinks on its own, but ultimately creates an interactive learning environment for people. Moving ahead, the team hopes to further improve its built-in textual and vision intelligence, and integrate motion, in order to make it a truly holistic AI machine.

“AKA is using Musio to create an ecosystem which consists of Musio Friends, which also have built-in AI and sensor-technologies. Your artificially intelligent friend Musio wants to develop with you. This ecosystem will become possible not only with our developers’ efforts but yours as well.”

Ready for a robotic sibling or sidekick to help you out with your daily tasks? Then head over to its official Indiegogo page, where the AKAStudy is currently seeking $50,000. As if it were actually a baby brother or sister, it looks like you’ll have to wait a year before it arrives. Shipment is expected to begin in June 2016.

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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ReVault

This smartwatch doubles as a wireless storage device that allows you to securely access and sync all your files without an Internet connection. ReVault is currently seeking $65,000 on Indiegogo.

Musio

This artificially intelligent robot will learn, adapt and grow with you and your environment. Musio is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

SmartMatrix

This shield is an easy way to connect the popular Teensy microcontroller to RGB matrix display panels and create stunning LED visuals with just a few lines of code. Pixelmatrix is currently seeking $30,000 on Kickstarter.

Roby

This 3D-printed, Arduino-based robot kit can be modded, driven and even given a personality, all while teaching young Makers about programming and 3D design. Socially Shaped is currently seeking $25,000 on Kickstarter.

The BUTLER

This GSM and Wi-Fi-enabled video peephole/doorbell allows you to see, hear and speak to visitors directly from your smartphone. The BUTLER is currently seeking $40,000 on Kickstarter.

YotaPhone 2

This dual-screen, always-on smartphone features a fully-customizable display, hands-free messaging and e-reading for up to 100 hours on a single charge. YotaPhone is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Focus 3D Printer

This new 3D printer folds up like a briefcase and prints dozens of different materials. 3D By Flow is currently seeking $56,475 on Kickstarter.

LUMOPACK

This portable battery pack charges in 30 minutes and packs 6,000mAh of juice. Lyte Systems is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Ecoisme

This system will monitor your home’s electricity consumption and help you save money on your electric bill. Ecoisme is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

UNplug

This Arduino-driven device employs solar energy and electronics to reduce power usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Maker Markus Löffler is currently seeking $55,000 on Kickstarter.

TZOA

This wearable enviro-tracker monitors air pollution and UV exposure to help you stay healthy and explore your environment. TZOA is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Switcheroo

This board gives you the ability to connect and control just about anything, from your toys to your lights, right from your your smartphone. Dangerous Things is currently seeking $18,000 on Kickstarter.

ResisTrack

This gadget serves as an automatic muscle tracker, personal trainer and social motivator. Maker Marco Zoltan Daroczi is currently seeking $78,213 on Kickstarter.

Netonos Note

This amplifier integrates with your Sonos system to extend its capabilities to include surround sound receivers, group presets, doorbell chimes and playback of short announcements through its speakers. Netonos is currently seeking $80,000 on Kickstarter.

MODR

This modular system lets you personalize and add functionalities to your smartphone. MODR is currently seeking $70,000 on Indiegogo.

Geek Out V2

This device plugs directly into your computer’s USB port and replaces its mediocre sounds with high-def quality. Geek Out is currently seeking $28,888 on Indiegogo.

mimoodz

This multi-color LED smart bulb for your home can be controlled from anywhere via its accompanying smartphone app. Smart  Gator Labs is currently seeking $33,333 on Kickstarter.

Moodmetric

This piece of smart jewelry looks to enhance your overall well-being by measuring skin conductance and tracking emotional levels. Moodmetric 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. 

This donut-like device analyzes your skin and gives you real-time advice

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Well, this is one WAY to bring the Internet of Things to your face!

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While a vast majority of our blog posts tend to trend on the masculine side of the spectrum, this recent Indiegogo project is ideal for female engineers. Created by one Seoul, South Korea-based startup, WAY is a pocket-sized, personal skincare companion that collects real-time data from your skin and delivers beauty tips directly to your smartphone via its accompanying mobile app.

“Busy professional women and mothers lack time for themselves. Maintaining healthy, youthful skin takes time and dedication,” its creators write. “With WAY, you can easily analyze your skin condition in just three seconds and receive tips about your skincare routine, that save you time and help you to look your best.”

The donut-like gadget — which measures just only 2″ x 2” x 0.5” in size — not only easily slips inside any handbag or knapsack, but is embedded with a UV index and humidity sensors, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and up to seven days of battery life thanks to its ultra low-power ARM Cortex-M0 MCU. In addition, WAY also packs a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor that is tasked with detecting moisture and oil content in the layer beneath the surface of the user’s skin.

Aside from the dermis, WAY also collects data from a user’s immediate surroundings that is then aggregated and combined with other sorts of real-time information like weather to send useful advice to your smartphone via its app (iOS and Android). What’s nice is that the app will alert a user with notifications throughout the day, making recommendations such as applying applying moisturizer when humidity is low or putting on sunscreen if the UV index is on the rise.

“Most of know that dry conditions are not good for our skin, but it’s tough to qualify dryness levels and take appropriate action. WAY was designed to help you track both the moisture content of your skin and environment. By constantly monitoring conditions and providing qualified skincare tips, WAY takes the mystery out of skincare,” the team adds.

Want one for yourself? Head over to its official Indiegogo campaign, where the WAY team has already surpassed its $50,000 pledge goal. Delivery is expected to kick off in November 2015.

WellBe will let you know certain people and situations stress you out

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Feeling stressed at work? The WellBe bracelet will tell you to calm down.

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Whether it’s competing with deadlines at work or cramming for an upcoming test, stress can take a toll on the body. Rather than wait for the disrupted sleeping habits, neck pain, upset stomach issues and dizziness to kick in, a New York City startup has devised a wearable solution that seeks to monitor and manage anxiety levels before reaching those dangerous levels.

Dubbed WellBe, the bracelet is designed to track a user’s heart rate, and in combination with a patent-pending algorithm, determine stress and calmness levels based on time, location and people that the wearer encounters throughout your day, like a boss, an in-law or a colleague that just won’t leave you alone.

Crafted from cork, the device is extremely lightweight yet durable enough to withstand everyday use. It works by pairing with an accompanying app to provide a detailed breakdown of an individual’s triggers along with some personalized stress reducing programs — ranging from meditation to guided imagination — to retain a calm state of being.

The app collects the data from the wristband on an hourly basis, and allows users to configure it to send an alert when a certain threshold is exceeded. Beyond that, WellBe visualizes a ‘before and after’ effect of each practiced relaxation mechanism.

What’s nice is that WellBe can be used anywhere and anytime someone may need it, whether that’s an intense meeting in the office, a first date or awaiting test results at doctor’s office. The bracelet can even be employed as a personal life coach as the app includes mental workouts for a variation of seven, 14 and 21 days from professionals in the team’s Mentors Channel.

Sure, wearable heart rate monitors are nothing new. What sets this gadget apart is that it can serve as a well-being coach to help pave the way to a healthier, more relaxed life, not to mention prevent reaching those boiling points. Intrigued? Head over to its Indiegogo campaign, where the WellBe team is currently seeking $100,000. To start, the bracelet will be available in black, dark brown and natural colors, and will ship in December 2015.