There has been some brilliant
projects appear on Kickstarter, but here are ten that every Android user should
get behind
Crowdfunding is becoming a prominent way
for every wannabe inventor to get their project noticed and funded, with
Kickstarter being at the forefront of it. For Android users, this opens up a
whole new way of finding the most innovative and ground-breaking ideas that will
be compatible with their phones and tablets and hopefully make their way on to
the market. There’s been a number of Android-based projects that have shown off
what the operating system is capable of, with the now released OUYA games
console securing just over $8.5 million in the space of a month. It proves that
with the right project, and the right Kickstarter, ideas can be funded and
brought to life.
But OUYA aside, there’s also been a number
of other Kickstarter projects that Android users should really check out.
Whether you’re into the latest games consoles, wearable technology or even
open-source robots, we’ve put together ten of the most amazing Kickstarter
projects that every Android user should seriously check out. We’ve even added
in some expert tips for anyone who gets inspired and wants to create their very
own project.
Create a video game
Use
the sketch kit to bring your idea to life
Game design is made easy with Pixel Press.
Use the free sketch kit to draw out your own platformer game, while making sure
to follow the design guide when applying any details, including spikes, jumps
and obstacles. You can then take your Android phone or tablet and bring your
game to life by scanning the sketch paper with the specifically designed Pixel
Press game. After the game has been added to the app, you can then apply the
last details to it and get playing. Pixel Press certainly takes what is
essentially a difficult project in designing your own video game, and makes it
accessible to everyone who owns both a tablet and a creative mind.
Voice command watch
With voice command technology being greatly
improved recently, it’s no wonder that Martian Watches managed to get funding.
Their unique high-end watches blend in smart Bluetooth and voice capabilities
to provide a truly interactive, and wearable, piece of technology. By
connecting one of the watches to your Android smartphone, you can subsequently
answer incoming calls, manage SMS messages and see any recent notifications on
the face of the watch without ever needing to remove the phone from your
pocket.
Interactive solar charger
ReadySet
Solar Kit
Solar chargers tend to be a very mixed bag,
but the ReadySet looks to change this. The unit can charge up to ten devices at
the same time, including any smartphones or tablets you may own. What makes
ReadySet a remarkable unit, however, is how it deals with renewable energy. The
unit adapts its charge based on what sources you have available to you can you
can charge your devices via solar panels, micro-wind turbines and more. If
helping the environment and staying green is important to you, then ReadySet
will be perfect for you.
The next generation of Android PC
MiiPC
As well as being a compact Android computer
that turns any monitor or TV into an education and entertainment station, MiiPC
enables parents to stay in complete control over the things their children get
up to online. Running Android 4.2 means that users can download apps, surf the
web, watch videos and even chat with friends.
Electrical thermometer for smartphones
Thermodo
Thermodo is a small thermometer that fits
into the audio jack in your Android smartphone. The unit itself uses the audio
jack to send a signal through to the temperature sensor, where it can then
measure the exact climate conditions and distribute it to the corresponding
app. It doesn’t need any extra tools to get working and instead takes its power
directly from the device it’s connected to.
Tackle zombie hordes in this apocalyptic
game
After a successful launch online, the Organ
Trail Kickstarter was aimed at creating a mobile version of the gaming hit. Organ
Trail sees you traverse America in a zombie-infested world, following on from
the recent apocalypse that has left all but a handful of survivors. With an
impressive 10,000 downloads so far, Organ Trail is certainly a zombie game
worth checking out.
Make any TV a Smart TV
The
Pocket TV
Smart TVs are becoming a prominent feature
in many living rooms, so the Pocket TV aims to bring the full Android
experience to any HDMI-compatible TV you may own. The USB pen-sized unit slots
into the HDMI port on your TV and starts up a full Android Ice Cream Sandwich
4.0 experience and bring your TV to life.
Bluetooth-controlled open source robot
Be
The Robot (BERO)
As far as Android robots go, BERO is by far
one of the best we’ve seen. BERO is controlled by Bluetooth on any Android
smartphone, enabling users to get BERO to perform a wide variety of tasks and
functions. As well as being able to do some silly things like dance and talk,
BERO can also be used to update your social media feeds and act as a Bluetooth
speaker. It can even be hacked for more functionality!
Anti-loss accessory for your wallet
SmartWallit
Losing your wallet is one of the most
infuriating things ever, but with the SmartWallit accessory you’ll never
misplace it again. The small SmartWallit unit attaches to the inner casing of
your wallet and connects via Bluetooth to your Android smartphone. Through the
accompanying app, your phone will vibrate if you’ve left your wallet behind.
You can even attach it to other objects and keep track of them too.
Vacuum Tube amplifier with Bluetooth
With a finished BlueTube unit fetching close
to a $1,000, BlueTube Audio is an example that even high-end products can also
get the necessary crowdfunding required via a successful Kickstarter page.
Working as a vacuum tube amplifier means that true audio fans can enjoy silky
smooth tunes, and when you take a look at the speakers that accompany it, you
know you’re investing in a premium product. There’s a steampunk design
throughout that makes it stand out from the competition.