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