Switchmate makes any light smart in seconds

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Smart lighting with a snap!

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From startups to major brands, it seems like just about everyone has embarked on the smart lighting train. In fact, we’ve seen everything from lights that can set the mood, to lights that can sync up with TV shows, to lights that can give off the impression of a lived-in home. And while smart bulbs continue to proliferate, they all possess one of the same two options when it comes to installation. Homeowners could either use a plug-in module or remove and replace a ‘dumb’ light switch entirely.

That was until Switchmate came along. The Palo Alto-based startup — which recently launched on Indiegogo — is hoping to change the game with its solution that easily fits over an existing switch by magnetically securing to the screws. This means no wires, no tools, no headache! As you can imagine, not only for homes, the market for the Switchmate includes renters and those who lack handyman skills.

Once affixed to the wall, you can simply pair it with a mobile device over Bluetooth and automate your switch in a matter of seconds. This allows you to turn the lights on with a tap of your phone, a press of its button, or at scheduled pre-set times. In other words, you’ll never have to get out of bed or come home to a dark house again. What’s more, Switchmate can be used to control any appliance, as long as it features an on/off toggle.

As seen back at CES 2015, Switchmate is comprised of a plastic faceplate, a servo motor and a Bluetooth Low Energy module, along with a few magnets and a button. On its own, the solution can be operated from an iOS or Android phone via BLE. However, for those instances beyond its 200-foot range, the startup says it is currently working on developing its own hub and expanding its lineup of products. This will enable users to control their lights (or other in-home devices) anywhere that there is Internet access.

Recently launched on Indiegogo, the team has already doubled its initial goal in a matter of days. Want a Switchmate of your own? Hurry over to its official campaign page here.

LowoTec is zero config hardware VPN for everyone

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This pair of devices works like the world‘s longest network cable, but more secure.

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In today’s tech-savvy world, it appears that more people telecommute than ever before. For some, that refers to working from home; for others, that means a local Starbucks. Several reports estimate that “working remotely” has increased as much as 80% over the last decade, with that number expected to rise in the coming years. Yet despite technology’s advancements, complexities associated with ensuring a secure, real-time teleworking environment can often times deter small- to mid-sized businesses from addressing this pressing issue.

Cognizant of this trend, a group of Oldenburg, Germany entrepreneurs decided to make it their mission to create an easy-to-use, even easier-to-implement solution that would enable more folks to work away from the office. And so, LowoTec was born — a pair of devices granting employees the ability to plug into a network in a flexible and secure manner, while offering employers a peace of mind.

Based on the Atmel | SMART AT91SAM9CN11, LowoTec is a true zero-configuration solution for both management and their staff. The system consists of two devices, named Alice (with a red curb) and Bob (with blue edging). How it works is relatively simple. Alice remans inside the office connected to the company’s network via LAN cable, while Bob serves as the middleman between your router and computer at home. Together, both gadgets establish a private, direct data connection over the Internet. Guarded by state-of-the-art security standards, users can now tap into all of their employer’s network resources.

“You don’t need to be an IT specialist to get started. The only requirement is an Internet connection. LowoTec works like the world‘s longest network cable,” the team explains.

Ready to work remotely? Head over to LowoTec’s official Indiegogo page, where the team is currently seeking €120,000. Pending all goes to plan, initial shipments to early backers are expected to begin in September 2015, with worldwide delivery slated for October 2015.

16 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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Podo

This wireless, re-stickable camera can turn any surface into a photo booth. Podo is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Switchmate

This solution simply snaps over a standard switch, pairs with a mobile device and automates your lights in seconds. Switchmate is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

The Monolith

The first and only skateboard to be outfitted with motors in the wheels is also embedded with Bluetooth Low Energy. Inboard Action Sports is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

LowoTec

This pair of devices allows users to tailor their teleworking needs in both a flexible and secure manner through zero-configuration hardware VPN. LowoTec is currently seeking €120,000 on Indiegogo.

AmbyGear

The world’s first smartwatch for kids not only teaches life lessons, it keeps them safe. Ambit Networks is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Freiya

This smart can connects to your smartphone to help monitor your flowers and let you know when it’s time to water them. Freiya is currently seeking $48,000 on Kickstarter.

PancakeBot

This first-of-its-kind machine lets users design and print out custom pancakes. PancakeBot is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Stryd

This device enables runners to accurately measure power levels across any type of terrain using the sports watches and mobile devices they already wear. Stryd is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Keys

This keyboard that lets you learn, play and create music using LED lights and gestures. Opho is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

Artiphon

This touch-sensive digital fretboard can be played like a guitar, piano, violin, drum machine and lots of other instruments. Artiphon is currently seeking $75,000 on Kickstarter.

iSensor HD Patio

This weather-resistant, remote-controlled outdoor camera you monitor the outside of your home from anywhere in the world. Amaryllo is currently seeking $1,000 on Indiegogo.

Plugzee

This tiny device brings Bluetooth functionality and high-resolution audio to any speaker. Plugzee is currently seeking $10,000 on Indiegogo.

Splash Drone

This waterproof UAV features a live video feed, payload release mechanism, emergency flare system and camera stabilization gimbal. Splash Drone is currently seeking $17,500 on Kickstarter.

Quell

This wearable device attaches to your upper calf and stimulates your brain’s natural opiates to relieve chronic pain. Quell is currently seeking $100,000 on Indiegogo.

Baby Check

This wearable monitor can track a baby’s temperature, body position, sleep and medicine administration using a companion mobile app. DK Tek Innovations is currently seeking $35,000 on Kickstarter.

Yerka

This integrated system will make your bike “unstealable,” along with soon-to-be added Bluetooth connectivity that’ll give you the ability control its lock from your smartphone. Yerka 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.

Mini Metal Maker is an affordable metal clay 3D printer

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This machine will let you print your own jewelry, ornaments and clips. 

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Have you ever wanted to design your own custom jewelry, metal findings, sculptures, specialized machine parts and ornamental hardware? Well, you’re in luck. Thanks to David and Lindsay Hartkop’s latest Indiegogo project, we may be closer to a world of affordable, in-home metal 3D printing. The aptly-dubbed Mini Metal Maker is a self-contained device that is hoping to provide Makers, artisans and artists alike with the ability to inexpensively print items using a special blend of clay materials from manufacturer Metal Adventures.

The incredibly sleek, compact printer functions in a similar fashion as to countless other Cartesian-based FDM machines available today. However, the key difference is that the Mini Metal Maker constructs 3D objects from digital files directly in metal clay, rather than in thermoplastic. Its sturdy steel and aluminum frame is packed with an all-electromechanical extruder and provides over 300 PSI. Beyond that, the desktop gadget can automatically sense extrude nozzle height, thereby making nozzle changes easier than ever before, and is digitally-controlled enabling quick starts and stops.

The machine itself is based on an Arduino Due (SAM3X8E) running modified Sprinter-based open source firmware. The Mini Metal Maker can also be used with open-source host and slicing software such as Printrun and Slicer, and according to its Indiegogo campaign, the Hartkop’s are in the midst of developing a cross-platform work environment for loading objects into the printer. Its compact size — measuring in at 9” x 12” x 18” —  allows for the device to rest on any desktop or counter without taking up too much space.

What’s nice is that the machine is equipped with a removal magnetic bath, which will help prevent clay from dying inside the nozzle. In addition, it prints on removable magnetic vinyl sheet, which the metal clay clings to when wet and automatically releases when dry. This makes the process as easy as printing the object, trading the plate and beginning a new print.

Upon being printer, designers can work on and clean up their creation before firing it up in the kiln. Once heated up to 1550˚F(600˚C-900˚C), the clay piece becomes an entirely metal object that can be bent, filed, polished, drilled and even soldered.

• Printer size: 9” x 12” x 18’” (23cm x 30cm x 46cm)
• Build envelope: 8cm x 8cm x 8cm
• Printer weight: 10lbs
• Extrusion resolution: 250 microns
• XY resolution: 10 microns
• Z resolution: 2 microns
• Connectivity: USB
• Filament: Metal Clay

The Mini Metal Maker is the perfect tool for any jewelry artisan, artist or Maker. Whether you’re interested in devising some custom jewelry, ornaments, or even some gears and clips, you may want to hurry over to its official Indiegogo page. The duo is currently seeking $150,000 with shipment expected to begin in October 2015.

AmbyGear is the coolest and smartest watch for kids

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Ambit Networks launches the world’s first smartwatch for kids that teaches life lessons while keeping them safe. 

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If only there was a device that not only would children love to wear, but would provide parents with a peace of mind as well. That may soon change thanks to Bay Area startup Ambit Networks, who has just launched their own take on a wearable targeted at kids.

The aptly-named AmbyGear is more than just a smartwatch, it’s an entire ecosystem that enables children to be more independent, encourages them to be physically active, and helps them learn life lessons while creating a safe environment — something parents will surely appreciate. The new watch is equipped with built-in GPS and couples tracking, text messaging and mobile gaming all in a single package. Most importantly, the device informs parents of how far a child has strayed and their current whereabouts right from the convenience of their smartphone.

Specifically, AmbyGear’s watch is aimed at children, who may be a bit too young for a smartphone of their own yet are old enough to begin wandering off. What’s more, not only can parents monitor their children’s activity in real-time, the wearer can use a “finder” app to locate their parents in the event they become lost or find themselves in unsafe situation. Parents can also configure boundary alerts, which let them be notified if their child moves outside a specific geo-fenced area.

The watch itself comes in a variety of vibrant colors, including blue, red, green and white — in other words, colors that kids would love to adorn on their wrists. AmbyGear boasts a Sharp ultra low-power display, a long-range Bluetooth module and Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS with 33 tracking channels, a 3-axis accelerometer, a magnetometer, four colored LEDs, a Qi wireless charger and USB cord, and a 20dBm RF power amp. The display is easy to read in sunlight and boasts super low power consumption, enabling the watch’s battery to last nearly a week in between charges. Should a child go beyond a 250-yard radius, AmbyGear switches from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi automatically.

In addition, AmbyGear also comes with a calendar app (which reminds after-school activities or dinner) as well as a built-in reward system, letting parents to encourage good behavior and achievements. These points can be traded in for rewards set by parents, whether that’s extra allowance money or a new toy. Kids can enjoy the watch too, by accessing a range of educational games and using geo caching to explore the outdoors in a much safer, more engaging manner.

In the near future, Ambit Networks says it will be releasing an AmbyGear SDK and a kid’s SDK to allow third party developers and young Makers create their own apps and games. Sound like a wearable device that’s perfect for your three to 11 year old? Head over to its official Indiegogo page, where the team is currently seeking $50,000. Pending all goes to plan, shipment to early backers is expected to begin in August 2015 with full delivery set for September.

Quell is a wearable device that promises to relieve chronic pain

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Medicine? What medicine? You may want to try the world’s first pain-relieving wearable instead.

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As anticipated, wearables were all the rage back at CES 2015. However, one that truly captivated our attention was Quell, a device that promises to provide pain relief through wearable technology. The gadget works by attaching to a user’s calf and stimulating the body’s opiate production to relieve discomfort associated with various ailments.

When most people think of pain relief, they think of some sort of over-the-counter pill, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, and in some more severe instances, prescription medicines that available. However, Quell — which recently debuted on Indiegogo — is the only 100% drug free, FDA cleared device clinically proven to relieve chronic pain at the touch of a button.

How it works is relatively simple. Quell is placed in a breathable, comfortable sport band, and an electrode is snapped onto the back of the unit. The band itself, which its creators describe as a ‘virtual USB port,’ is then wrapped around a user’s upper calf with the electrode in direct contact with the skin. The sensory nerves it stimulates sends neural pulses to the brain that trigger the release of endogenous opioids, hence blocking pain signals throughout the body.

“Quell’s OptiTherapy calibrates to your optimal stimulation level ensuring you receive maximum relief. It knows what level of stimulation to deliver during the day and adjusts to the appropriate level at night. It senses when you are lying down and automatically switches to night therapy to ensure a restful sleep.”

As the team explains, pain relief isn’t an occasional need, it’s an all-the-time must-have. Subsequently, Quell was designed for 24-hour wear and is capable of lasting over 40 hours on a single charge. Beyond that, the wearable is packed with an accelerometer that automatically adjusts to sleep mode when at rest, thereby reducing its power to 80% during these hours. A built-in Bluetooth module also connects the device to an iOS app, enabling wearers to track therapy and sleep quality.

Do you suffer from chronic pain? Are you looking for a new solution? Then, you may want to head over to Quell’s official Indiegogo page, where the team is currently seeking $100,000.

Alligator Board is a next-gen, ATSAM3X8E-based 3D printer controller

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Could the Alligator be the most advanced 3D printing board ever developed? 

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Over the last couple of years, the DIY community has experienced a proliferation of RepRap 3D printers. As the possible number of machines continues to grow, as does the need for more open-source control boards — many of which built around Atmel | SMART and AVR microcontrollers.

Adding to the growing list of 3D printer electronics is a new Indiegogo project from a Perugia, Italy startup. First seen back at Maker Faire Rome 2014, the Alligator Board was designed to serve as a complete and reliable solution for those seeking RepRap 3D printer control modules. It is based on the Atmel | SMART ATSAM3X8EA, which represents a big step towards greater computing power, compared to existing solutions driven by 8-bit MCUs. This product is well-suited for any standard 3D printer, particularly Delta models requiring more complex data computation.

The Alligator features both the native USB interface of the ARM Cortex-M3 MCU as well as a USB to UART interface. Beyond that, the control board comes with a 10/100 Ethernet interface, capable of running a web server and any kind of Internet-based application. Alligator boasts the ability to adjust the current of its motors via firmware, thereby enabling three axes to work in perfect harmony.

What’s more, the combination of its adjustable microstep size up to 1/32 and the performance of the 32-bit ARM processor ensure high-resolution prints with any architecture. Pending all goes to plan, the board will come with several expansion pack options as well, such as the Piggy Module Lite (allows for one additional extruder), the Piggy Module Plus (allows for the addition of up to three more extruders), and the Thermocouple Module. The Alligator can also be connected directly to a Raspberry Pi unit.

Other notable features include:

• External 32Mbit Flash memory (in addition to the 64Kbit EEPROM)
• 12-24Vdc power supply input
• 4x stepper motor driver, running at 1/16 or 1/32 microcstep (up to 2.5A firmware configurable current and no trimmer)
• 6x end-stop input compatible with both mechanical and optical/magnetic solution
• High current hot-end heater driver output (high-current connector)
• High current bed heater driver output (high-current connector)
• 2x precision analog input for temperature measurement with RTD (compatible with external adapter for thermocouple)
• 2x external FAN output with PWM speed control
• USB to virtual COM port interface (microUSB connector)
• Native USB port (microUSB connector)
• microSD Slot
• 10/100 Ethernet port with unique MAC address pre-programmed chip
• Expansion connector with 3 UART or 6 GPIO with firmware selectable +3V3/+5V logic levels
• 26pin Raspberry Pi-compatible expansion connector
• 3x generic PWM open drain output for general porpouse application

Interested? Head over to its official Indiegogo page, where the team is currently seeking €10,000. Initial shipments are expected to begin in June 2015.

10 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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Qduino Mini

This Arduino-compatible board features a built-in battery charger and fuel gauge. Qtechknow is currently seeking $12,500 on Kickstarter.

Ringo

This palm-sized, Arduino-based digital pet robot is packed with an accelerometer, gyrosocope, 6x RGB LED lights, sound, and communication sensors. Plum Geek is currently seeking $12,000 on Kickstarter.

Sesame

This smart device will let you enter your home with a secret knock on either the door or phone, thereby replacing your keys in a matter of seconds. Sesame is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

FlexCharger

This all-in-one charging station allows simultaneous charging for multiple smart devices. FlexCharger is currently seeking $10,000 on Indiegogo.

Woolet

This next-generation, Bluetooth-enabled wallet keeps your cash and cards safe. Woolet is currently seeking $15,000 on Kickstarter.

Smart Rope

This LED-embedded jump rope connects to your smartphone and creates an “anywhere, anytime” fitness experience. Tangram Factory is currently seeking $60,000 on Kickstarter.

STACKER

This inexpensive, commercial-grade 3D printer offers high speed, a large build volume, and is specially-designed for composite filaments. STACKER is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

MIDIWidget

This widget makes it easy to control real-world things using MIDI messages from your computer or controller. MIDIWidget is currently seeking $6,000 on Kickstarter.

FOGO Adventure Gadget

This device boasts a flashlight, GPS, Bluetooth, a backup battery and a digital walkie-talkie, making for the ultimate adventure gadget. FOGO is currently seeking $125,000 on Kickstarter.

SPARK Electron

This tiny Arduino-like cellular development kit comes with a SIM card and an affordable data plan for low-bandwidth things. Spark.IO is currently seeking $30,000 on Kickstarter.

Did you happen to miss last week’s notable campaigns? If so, you can check them out here.

Neo is the world’s first smart jar

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Getting home to find out your shelves are bare will be a thing of the past. 

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As the Internet of Things continues to make its way into our homes, the idea of a connected kitchen is quickly becoming a reality. Just when you thought you may’ve seen it all, from cooktops and ovens to sous-vide devices and utensils, you’ll soon be adding a Bluetooth-enabled canister to your high-tech counter as well. That’s because SKE Labs has launched an Indiegogo campaign for the world’s first smart jar.

Neo — which we happened to stumble upon back at CES 2015 — is capable of keeping tabs on what and how much you’re eating, notifying you of when you’re running out of something, reminding you if an item is about to expire, as well as recommend recipes based on the ingredients on hand. The device also syncs with activity trackers and matches up food consumption with personal nutrition goals. This is all done through the device’s Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity and built-in sensors.

Along with its embedded sensors and BLE radio, Neo is packed with a wirelessly rechargeable battery and an LED light ring that changes color to indicate battery status, motion associated with filling or emptying, and communication with its mobile app. The jar is both dishwasher and refrigerator safe, and can be used for a variety of foods such as pasta, sweets and smoothies.

Each time an item is added to the jar, users can scan the food’s barcode or manually type its name. The container then recognizes the weight of the contents and uses its real-time database to measure the nutritional value of what’s inside. All the information is stored on its accompanying app so users can check what is in their pantry while shopping. The jar can even be configured to automatically add items to a shopping list when supply runs low.

Good news for those tired of getting home to find their shelves are bare! Currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo, if all goes to plan, Neo is expected to begin shipping in November 2015.

10 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 in the last seven days. 

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ISS Above HD+

This Raspberry Pi gadget lights up whenever the International Space Station is nearby with live HD video and wearable LEDs. ISS-Above is currently seeking $10,000 on Kickstarter.

Radium

This next-generation, pocket-sized geiger counter enables data to be wirelessly recorded on a mobile device. Radium is currently seeking €100,000 on Kickstarter.

Neo

The world’s first smart jar is equipped to provide users with real-time nutrition, healthy recipes and zero touch shopping. Neo is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

ZRRO

This system is comprised of a standalone Android-based console that connects to any TV to make it smart, along with a touchpad used to play games right from the couch. ZRRO is currently seeking $200,000 on Kickstarter.

UnaliWear Kanega Watch

The so-called “wearable OnStar for seniors,” this watch offers discreet support for falls, medication reminders and a safeguard against wandering. UnaliWear is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

iTraq

This geolocation device allows for tracking anywhere that there is cellular service, determining its position and location in the world using cell towers. iTraq is currently seeking $35,000 on Indiegogo.

Beam

This smart projector assists users in their daily activities, simply controlled by a smartphone or tablet. Beam Labs is currently seeking $200,000 on Kickstarter.

CogniToys

These Internet-connected toys are capable of listening, speaking and simultaneously evolving with children, bringing a new element of personalized, education to playtime. Elemental Path is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Where’s Wallet

These connected wallets are embedded with thin, unobtrusive sensors that let owners track their belongings using an accompanying app. Mijlo is currently seeking $30,000 on Kickstarter.

Pigeon

This Wi-Fi-enabled digital frame is designed to make it easier for parents to share kid photos and videos with loved ones. TimeWyse is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.