Crowdfunding proves to be a blessing in various creative fields right from arts to technology to developing products. This is a better way of collecting funding than the daunting prospect of applying for a bank loan or seeking private investors. There are many platforms for crowdfunding especially, ‘Kickstarter’ that have become a precious platform for innovators and designers looking to launch their genius product.
For the uninitiated, Kickstarter is the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects. It helps a variety of creators find the resources and support they need to make their ideas a reality. To date, tens of thousands of creative projects, big and small, have come to life with the support of the Kickstarter community.
Below are some of the awesome Kickstarter projects that we found to be very impressive from the European startups. Let’s take a look!
#1 Dubler Studio Kit — voice-based MIDI controller (UK)
Dubler Studio Kit is a real-time vocal recognition MIDI controller. The Dubler Studio Kit allows artists to release the stems of musical ideas in their heads and get them straight into their production software [DAW], by simply using their voice.
Notably, the kit comes as two parts. First is the Dubler software, a virtual MIDI instrument for Mac and PC that’s compatible with any music production software [DAW]. Second, is the Dubler microphone— a custom low-latency USB mic, tuned for the Dubler software. Training your voice to the kit takes less than 60 seconds, allowing users to start making music almost immediately.
#2 Travel Sax — portable electronic saxophone (Barcelona, Spain)
Odisei Music, a young company based out of Barcelona have developed a smallest and lightest electronic saxophone in the world. It allows users to connect Travel Sax with smartphones or tablet and play record and learn new skills using different music Apps. The app is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones.
The Travel Sax is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery through USB. As per the company claims it can be used up to 6 hours of playing non-stop on a single charge. Notably, it is the first electronic saxophone with standard saxophone key position and key pressure. On top users can connect it to PC or MAC and can use it as a midi controller to perform live or record in the studio.
#3 MetaFly (France)
Edwin Van Ruymbeke of Marseille, France has developed a flying robot called the MetaFly. Carrying a look of little insect, this mini-drone is flexible and extremely durable. It’s worth mentioning that the MetaFly can be used both outdoors as well as indoors, is crash-proof, has its own dedicated controller and can fly up to 100 meters (320 feet) in wireless range. The product has been tested to last over hundreds of flight cycles and can be charged with 1500mAh battery without having to connect to the drone.
#4 PYXA | DIY Game Console (UK)
Pyxa is a DIY game console. To be more specific, Pyxa comes as an all-inclusive do-it-yourself kit allowing users to build their game console and create their own video games whilst learning about coding. No need to fret over the DIY, since the assembly according to the company is fairly simple and does not require any tools or special skills.
Moving on, Pyxa is based on ATmega328P processor, and it accommodates a micro SD card socket for displaying bitmap images and a buzzer to add sound to your video games. It is powered by a 600 mAh storage, which will provide at least 4 hours of non-stop gaming.
After the assembly, users can start coding with Arduino Software (IDE) with the help of an educational guide. Alternatively, users can download the video games already created, upload them to your Pyxa and start playing!
According to the company, Pyxa is a great way for everyone to learn about programming algorithms and game development. With Pyxa, you can create your own video games from scratch, replicate any retro video games you like or make storytelling games by using actual images.
#5 Norrland Parka (Sweden)
Norrland Parka is the first winter coat with 20+ built-in smart features: Wi-Fi, Powerbank, Gloves and much more. Available in 4 styles, this coat comes employed with built-in Wifi Hotspot giving users and their friends/family instant internet access up to five devices through the jacket. Secondly, it has 5500mAh power bank lets users charge their phone or tablet anywhere while it’s in their pocket.
In addition to it, there is Built-in Gloves, Built-in Scarf, Tablet Pocket, Built-in Pen + Stylus, Noise-reducing earplugs, RFID proof Wallet pocket, Tracker tag pocket and much more. For the uninitiated, Norrland is located in the northern region of Sweden, above the arctic circle, which translated from Swedish fittingly means “North Land”.
#6 ZANO – Nano drone (UK)
ZANO is an ultra-portable, personal aerial photography and HD video capture platform, which is intelligent enough to fly all by itself. This nano-drone connects directly to the user’s smart device (iOS or Android) through onboard WiFi and allows users to instantly capture and share moments.
ZANO can also be utilised in “Free Flight” mode, using on-screen joysticks. Notably, on-screen slide bars control rotation and altitude. In case of low battery, the mini-drone will automatically return to your smart device.
While the drone is tethered, users can enable “Follow me”. Meaning, once you set ZANO’s hold position, it will register the distance it is from your smart device. You can choose for ZANO to hold this position or enable a “Follow me” feature, which will instruct ZANO to constantly maintain that distance from your smart device and follow you whilst avoiding any obstacles that may get it in the way during flight.
#7 Kokoon EEG headphones (UK)
In an attempt to improve the sleeping efficiency, Tim has created Kokoon, a headphone that is smart enough to know how and when to adjust your music as you fall asleep and wake. To be specific, Kokoon’s EEG sensors and app give clinical levels of insight and the intelligence to help you improve your sleep.
It has miniaturised dry EEG sensors which require no setup and discreetly sit within the headphones. Through the app, the algorithms are able to give clinical levels of insight into your sleep and relaxation.
In ties with Onkyo Corporation, the company has patented FlexMould Comfort system inspired by high-tech pillows and sport shoe technology. Moreover, there is an air circulation to keep headphones from getting hot and sweaty
To keep the Kokoon headphones from getting hot and sweaty. Also, Kokoon adjusts the audio volume and equalisation as the user fall asleep so that it doesn’t disturb once asleep. The app also comes with a selection of audio sleep techniques developed with sleep scientists to help you relax when you are really struggling.
#8 Beeline Moto (UK)
Back in 2015, Beeline launched a stripped back navigation device for bicycles. This time, the company has come up with something called Beeline Moto to improve motorcycle navigation. Beeline Moto is all about clean navigation interface, faster setup with smartphones, super long battery life and the award-winning rugged design.
It has only the essential information you need at the moment. Available as an app on both Android and iOS, it comes with options like quick location search; save favourite places; drag and drop pins to create your perfect route; save routes and share with friends. Beeline maps have global coverage from day 1 and always stay up to date. Once you’ve set up your route, no data connection is required meaning you can ride off the grid.
Beeline Moto is powered by a 350mAh battery that lasts for 30 hours of use between charges. Moreover, it is fully waterproof, and shockproof as well. The transflective memory-in-pixel display is visible in the brightest sunlight and a built-in backlight automatically turns on at dusk.
#9 Joto (UK)
Joto is the first robotic whiteboard that draws with a pen and erases on command. It is designed to be hung on your wall like a picture frame. It uses a robotic arm that travels across the entire whiteboard surface to draw literally anything from complex illustrations to simple to-do lists.
It comes with a refillable pen, attached to Joto’s mechanical arm which enables it to draw and write. This robotic whiteboard makes use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity after which the drawing robot is controlled by an accompanying app which directs it to draw whatever the user wants.
This feature allows users to leave messages on the board as well. Joto can also connect to existing devices and various apps such as Amazon’s Alexa, Twitter or Slack – to draw social media notifications, calendars or headlines.
Stay tuned to Silicon Canals for more updates in the tech startup world.
https://siliconcanals.com/accelerators/5-advantages-of-joining-a-world-class-accelerator-to-boost-your-startups-growth/
01
Job board for modern workforce: How Remote Talent helps jobseekers find truly remote, distributed work