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. 

Moscase wants to make your smartphone even smarter

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Moscase enables users to customize their smartphones with modular backplates, adding new and exciting functions.

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When it comes to iPhones, there are really only a couple of additional accessories users are interested in: decorative cases and companion health gadgets. And yes, you can shell out a hundred or so dollars for a standalone fitness tracker, but one South Florida-based startup is hoping for consumers to realize that they’re already schlepping around an even more powerful one, their phone case.

Not only can the aptly named Moscase protect your device from impending drops, but can track your health as well. This is accomplished through various integrated components, ranging from an optical sensor for heart rate and oxygen saturation to a heat sensor for temperature. Beyond that, there are also impedance sensors that can measure stress levels, body-fat percentage and bioresonance by sending electromagnetic currents through your body. This data is then collected and displayed by an accompanying mobile app along with some helpful tips.

“It is the most intuitive and comfortable way of tracking your health. By seamlessly becoming one with your phone, you never have to think about it,” the team writes.

Aside from its embedded sensors, the product packs a lightning connector port, a charger outlet, as well as an Atmel based MCU (still awaiting word as to which one). Moscase connects to the iPhone via the lightning connector for speed, reliability and energy efficiency. It doesn’t use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for transferring data.

Its creators also designed interchangeable active backplates, which could provide iPhone 6 users with additional features like a breathalyzer, hi-fi speakers, a solar cell charger, extra battery and storage, as well as an e-paper reader.

“Every Moscase comes with a free passive backplate, which is an optional add-on that offers a bit of extra protection, or just completes the look for those of you who prefer to cover the back of your smartphones,” the team adds. “Each active backplate has its own distinct purpose that completely reimagines what smartphones are capable of.”

Ready to add a little oomph to your iPhone 6? Moscase is currently seeking $150,000 on Kickstarter and will be available in four colors for initial production. The final choices will be narrowed down from eight colors, including lack, silver, gold, blue, yellow, red, green and white. Shipment is set for October 2015.