If you’re plagued by dropped calls and slow data, say hello to Firefly for iPhone. Thanks to “super antenna technology,” this case can boost cellular, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity while protecting your iPhone from scuffs and bumps.
It’s just one of the awesome ideas in this week’s Crowdfund Roundup. We also have smart screen protectors, levitating home security cameras, and more!
Intelli+ — an iPhone screen protector that adds buttons
If you recently swapped Android for iOS, you might be struggling to get used to life with just one button. Or maybe you just upgraded to a larger model and the screen’s too big. Intelli+ is a screen protector that can help by adding additional controls to your iPhone.
It looks just like a regular screen protector, but thanks to a near-invisible circuit embedded within its glass, it puts extra controls either side of the iPhone’s home button. The one of the left lets you access virtual buttons on the top left of the screen; the one on the right triggers virtual buttons on the top right. It’s that simple.
It’s perfect for those with a Plus-sized iPhone that’s difficult to use with one hand. And those who miss Android’s capacitive back button. Intelli+ is available for iPhone 6 to iPhone 8, as well as iPhone 6 Plus to iPhone 8 Plus.
Claim yours through Kickstarter with a pledge of CA$18 or more.
Firefly — super antenna iPhone case
Say farewell to dropped calls and slow data. The Firefly case for iPhone boasts patented “super antenna technology,” which promises to boost cellular, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s perfect for those who live in remote areas where a strong connection is hard to come by.
Firefly also protects your iPhone from drops and scratches without adding too much bulk. It has reinforced corners, a tough exterior shell, and a flexible inner lining for shock absorption. It even glows in the dark thanks to its luminescent frame.
Claim your Firefly case now and pay just $29 with early bird pricing. It’s scheduled to begin shipping next April.
Moon — the smart home security camera that defies gravity
Moon is the world’s first smart home security camera that levitates for 360-degree vision.
Without any blind spots, it can keep watch over an entire room, with automatic rotation when movement is detected. It also keeps track of temperature and humidity, charges wirelessly, and controls other home appliances.
Moon has already surpassed its funding goal on Indiegogo, and it’s scheduled to begin shipping next March. But there’s still a few days left to claim yours with a big discount. Prices start at $224 — 32 percent off the retail price.
Chocolate Hub 2 — the must-have MacBook accessory
Apple doesn’t think you need traditional USB ports and SD card readers anymore, but for the vast majority of MacBook users, that’s false. That’s why every model should ship with the excellent Chocolate Hub 2.
This pocket-sized device gives you back all the connections you frequently rely on, including USB and HDMI. It also has a built-in Qi charging pad for juicing up your iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone X on the move.
To get yours, pledge $89 or more through Indiegogo to support its development. The device has already far exceeded its funding goal, and it is scheduled to begin shipping in January.
Novel — more than just a backpack
Why bother with basic backpacks when you can buy one oozing with tech designed to make life a whole lot easier. Meet Novel, a new generation of bags that come packing everything you need on the road in the modern age.
Novel has a built-in battery for charging all your gadgets on the go, with quick charge technology and USB ports positioned both inside and on the straps for easy access. It even has a Qi charging pocket, which is perfect for topping up iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.
White LED lights on the straps illuminate your way when cycling, while reflectors and red LED lights on the back ensure you’re visible at all times. Both can be set to different modes, such as steady light or strobe flash.
Internal lights make it easy to find the items you need in dark environments. You can also add a key wallet, a chest pocket for your phone, a compression bag, and GPS tracking.
Novel comes in three sizes, each with different specifications. A pledge of €249 will get you the Novel 1.0 when it starts shipping in July 2018, while $269 will get you the Novel 2.0 You’ll need to cough up €389 for the Novel 3.0.
Fishball — the world’s first 360-degree lens for iPhone
Now that you can edit 360-degree video in Final Cut Pro, you might get the urge to shoot your very own immersive videos. The iPhone can’t do that all by itself (yet), but it can if you add the Fishball.
Fishball clips onto your iPhone and is good to go right away. It isn’t a standalone device; it’s an accessory for your iPhone’s camera. That means it never needs charging, or its own storage.
It also means that all the videos you shoot are saved on your iPhone, so you don’t need to transfer content from one device to another. And it makes Fishball significantly more affordable that dedicated 360-degree cameras.
Fishball has already surpassed its funding goal on Indiegogo and is scheduled to start shipping next June. But there’s still time to order your at early bird pricing. For just $59 — down from $127 — you’ll get Fishball itself, a carrying case, and a lens cloth.
