Build your own phone, make any game VR-ready and more [Crowdfund Roundup]

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Kite kit Crowdfund Roundup
Kite kit lets you build your own phone from scratch.
Photo: iSquare Mobility

Crowdfund Roundup bugIf you need an ultra-affordable smartphone that features everything you need, why not build it yourself? The Kite kit lets you create your own Android-powered smartphone from scratch, just as you want it — and it won’t break the bank.

It’s just one of the awesome ideas in this week’s Crowdfund Roundup. We’ve also got the world’s smartest wearable, an awesome mechanical gaming keyboard with a twist, and more!

Kite — build your own smartphone

The Kite kit allows anyone to build their own Android-powered smartphone from scratch. You don’t need an engineering degree or even a soldering iron — it takes just a screwdriver you likely already own and five minutes of your time.

Your homemade Kite phone will be powered an octa-core Snapdragon 450 processor clocked at 1.8GHz and 2GB of RAM. You’ll also get 16GB of storage, dual-band Wi-Fi, fast LTE, and two SIM cards slots. And because Kite is modular, you can add and remove components and additional features as you wish.

The Kite kit can be yours with a pledge of just $274. Pre-order through Kickstarter today to secure delivery in January 2019.

Xenxo S-Ring — the world’s smartest wearable

If bulky smartwatches aren’t your thing, check out the Xenxo S-Ring, one of the smallest and smartest wearables there is.

It provides silent alarms, Bluetooth keys, and access cards. It tracks your activity and health parameters, speaks the time, and sends out SOS alerts. It packs data storage and Siri and Google Assistant integration. It even lets you take calls.

It might be small, but the Xenxo S-Ring is packing big technology. Everything it does can be controlled with simple gestures, and you get up to five days of battery life in between charges. It’s also more affordable than other smart rings, starting at $199.

Pre-order your Xenxo S-Ring today through Kickstarter before it begins shipping this December.

BladeMaster — the mechanical keyboard with a programmable dial

Gaming keyboards don’t have to be big and ugly. The Drevo BladeMaster is a compact mechanical keyboard available in wired and wireless configurations, with the finest Cherry MX RGB switches.

The BladeMaster boasts the best components and is completely customize via software, with cloud storage and on-board memory for your favorite configurations. The wireless model can be connected to three devices and quickly switch between them, with ultra-low latency that ensures the best possible performance.

The BladeMaster’s best feature is its programmable dial, which gives you quick and easy access to your favorite controls, or the functions you use most inside your favorite games.

The wireless BladeMaster can be yours for $99, while the wired BladeMaster TE is priced at just $55. Pre-order yours through Kickstarter now for delivery this August.

EverCam — the wireless security camera

Everyone should have a security camera, but few of us want to drill holes into our walls to wire them up. EverCam is the wireless security camera that lets you avoid that. It lasts for up to a year on a single charge and records 1080p video straight to local storage.

EverCam boasts facial recognition, motion detection, and night vision. It’s weather-resistant, features bank-grade encryption, and doesn’t require a monthly subscription. EverCam is the simplest and most affordable way to secure your home.

Order your EverCam through Kickstarter today for just $219. Shipping is scheduled to begin this September.

Clovr — play any game in VR

Virtual reality has been taking off in a big way in recent years, but some of the biggest titles still don’t support it. Clovr is the hassle-free mobile app that makes any PC game VR-ready.

Clovr is aimed at casual gamers and “curious first-timers” who want to experience their favorite games in virtual reality. It needs no complicated hardware and it’s ready for anyone who owns a PC capable of playing games.

If you can run the game on your PC, you can play it in VR, Clovr’s creators say. Get access for as little as $10 for the first year by making a pledge through Kickstarter today.

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