Every year, we inevitably get pitches for some truly weird gadgets. Sometimes, they also fall into the clever, why-didn't-I-think-of-that category. With the rise in crowdfunding, we've seen a marked increase in such gadgetry. Here's our selections for 10 of the most interesting ones to cross our desks this year.
1. The Brewie
Want a brewskie? Check out the Brewie that lets you brew beer at home using predefined recipes, or your own creations, all controlled from your smartphone. The campaign launched this December on Indiegogo, and with 40 days still remaining, it has already surpassed the $100K funding goal. The Brewie allows budding beer aficionados to make their own creations using ingredients from the online store, then scanning the RFID tag that comes with them. There's even a social aspect that lets you share favourite recipes and tips, and organize local tasting events. The best part of the machine? It cleans up after itself, so there's no messy cleaning process.
2. Stelle Audio Mini Clutch Speaker
The melding of the fashion and technology worlds is clear. But this particular device really takes it to a new level. It's a fashionable clutch purse that has a built-in Bluetooth speaker. Pair it with your phone or tablet, then use the controls on the front to turn it on and adjust volume when you want to listen to some tunes. Inside, there's a slot to hold a small amount of items, like a smartphone, lipstick, credit card and some cash, and a built-in compact mirror. Oh, and you can also use the purse as an emergency charger to give your phone an extra battery boost - just plug the USB cable into the slot on the bottom.
3. Victoria Secret Heart Rate Monitor Bra
Victoria may have finally revealed her secret - a heart rate monitor-compatible sports bra that can keep track of a woman's vitals during high impact workouts. While building the technology into the bra is a great idea, you still need to buy an actual heart rate monitor separately. The bra itself is made from a Body Wick fabric that helps keeps the woman cool and dry during workouts. The materials and sensor technology are made by Finnish company Clothing . It'll sell for $75.
4. Synek Single Cup Beer Brewer
Making beer at home is clearly on the minds of many this year, as this technology from Synek is the second to make our list in terms of beer-making gadgetry. This time, it's a single cup machine that lets you dispense beer from cartridges similar to coffee K cups. The cartridges, which can hold about 11 12-ounce beers, can be filled using an adapter, and the dispenser is pressurized and self-refrigerated, thus offering extended shelf life. The founder, a former stock market analyst, launched a Kickstarter campaign in hopes of raising the quarter-million bucks necessary to make this happen. They ended up getting close to $650,000 in backing. Are you surprised?
5. E-Njoint
Move over e-cigarette. Dutch company E-Njoint developed an electronic way of smoking marijuana, which is, by the way, fully legal in the Netherlands, along with several U.S. states. Fear not, Canadians, as there's a version that doesn't contain any THC, tobacco, or nicotine, and thus can be puffed anywhere as you enjoy one of six fruity flavours. When you take a haul, the image of a green cannabis leaf lights up on the end. For those who reside (or are visiting) locations where marijuana consumption is legal and wish to indulge, the E-Njoint Rechargeable can be filled with your own cannabis liquid content, and the E-Njoint Vaporizer can be used to smoke dry herbs.
6. myTask URBAN for iPhone
We've seen plenty of cool smartphone cases over the years, but none like the myTask URBAN for the iPhone 5/5S, which has hidden inside all of the essentials mini tools one could possibly need. For a woman, there's a mirror, tweezers, nail file, and scissors; plus a pen, stylus, USB drive and mini-LED light. Want something a little more rugged? Try the TASKONE, which has 22 different tools housed within it, Swiss Army-style. Need a bottle opener, knife, or wire cutters? This one has you covered. $80-$100 Thetasklab.com
7. Mipow Playbulb
So you're sick of seeing app-controlled lighting products, right? Probably not. The Playbulb from Mipow (distributed by Cesium takes it to a new level. It's a Bluetooth smart LED speaker light (yes, speaker) that screws into any standard E26/E27 lamp socket. Then, control it from the iOS or Android app. You can dim the light using a finger-controlled dial or by shaking the device, and manipulate music playback from your phone's library, or streaming radio. Use it as a wakeup alarm by setting it to turn on and play music at a specified time. As an alarm or background tunes, and for sheer cool factor, it shines bright. Sure, today the speaker bulb concept is all over. But when we first saw this device, it was a relatively new concept. $60 Playbulbs.com
8. The Selfie Brush
If you think you've seen it all when it comes to selfie gadgets, think again. A company actually managed to simplify the act of taking a selfie in front of the mirror (a favourite pastime of teens and tweens) by integrating an iPhone holder into the back of a hairbrush. As you untangle those locks, just turn the brush around to face you, initiate duckface, use the tiny mirror to find the best angle, then snap your mug. It comes in pink, purple, or black with a standard paddle brush on its front. $20 Selfiebrush.com
9. Beep! Time for a Diaper Change
Only in Japan might a team of researchers develop an organic sensor that can be placed inside of a diaper, and send an alert automatically to a caregiver when it needs to be changed. The device is disposable, printed on plastic film, and transmits information and receives power wirelessly. The concept can be used with babies, but as Japan's population continues to age, it will likely find far greater use with adult diapers, so caregivers don't need to undress them to verify. The sensor can detect wetness, pressure, and temperature. U-tokyo.ac.jp/en/
10. Hammacher Pillow
When you get nudged by this device in the middle of the night, there won't be any "wink, wink" hanky panky going on. This Hammacher pillow automatically detects when the sleeper is snoring, and nudges him to shift positions. This means the spouse doesn't have to do the dirty work, nor get blamed for it in the morning. How does it work? An integrated mic picks up the vibrations and inflates about 3" (up to 7") to encourage the culprit to move on his side. Sensitivity can be adjusted if the spouse is okay with heavy breathing, but lies awake during loud snoring sessions. The cover, made of polyester, can be easily removed for washing. The pillow needs to stay plugged in, but has a 68" adapter for lots of slack. Come on, I'll bet you kno someone who would be willing to fork over the dough for this! $150 Hammacher.com
11. Sony W Series Walkman in a Bottle
What better way to demonstrate that your product is waterproof than to package it in a bottle of water, and shove it in a vending machine! That's exactly what Sony has done with its new W Series Walkman, which sells in New Zealand at gyms and indoor pools. Cool factor aside, there's one important concern that needs to be addressed: can we actually drink the water? Or would anyone want to gulp down a bottle of aqua that's had an electronic device swimming in it for God-knows-how-long? Do you get another free bottle of water to quench your thirst after forking over the dough for this? Sony.co.nz
12. First Sign Hair Clip
Just when you think we've run out of ideas for wearable devices, we haven't. The First Sign Hair Clip keeps your ponytail in tact, but doubles as a crime-fighting tool. Connecting with an app via Bluetooth, it will automatically call professional security for help when the built-in accelerometer and gyroscope detect distress, like a kick, punch, or aggressive shake, and will record audio evidence. It will also use the phone's camera, GPS, and cell signal to find your location. There's a 15-second window in case of a false alarm. If that thief thinks he's going to get away with your purse or wallet, he'll have to think again! The Clip was accepting contributions through and Indiegogo campaign at the beginning of this year, and managed to just surpass its asking goal of $50,000.
13. Supersmoker Blue
You're familiar with the ecigarette, an electronic device used in place of real nicotine cigarettes to satisfy the oral fixation. The Supersmoker Blue from the Netherlands hopes to stand out from the rest. Along with functioning as an ecigarette, it also has a built-in mic and speaker. It connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone, then use the controls to answer a call, and chat through the mic. It can also function as a Bluetooth speaker, playing back music. It has volume controls, and a button for scrolling through tracks. Expect lots of questions from passers-by as you take a drag and blow rings while relaxing to some smooth jazz tunes. $120 Supersmokerclub.com
14. Adrianian Canadian Fleecer GEN1 and LOOP
Millions of Canadians take public transportation to the office. Adrianian Canadian, founded by Toronto, ON-based clothing designer Adrian Wu, has created a scarf that can reportedly help repel bacteria often rampant in such settings. The Fleecer GEN 1 and Fleecer LOOP use a special anti-microbial wicking agent that was developed by a professor at the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials. The scarf is made of 50% cotton and 50% synthetic-based fabric that's processed with said wicking agent, and pre-shrunk. The GEN 1 adds an industrial zipper at both ends. No more catching a cold from that dude coughing in the seat next to you! Each scarf sells for just under $100, and comes in a biodegradable backpack. Adrianian.ca
15. ecoD Works Hanaga Tap
There are USB drives shaped like thumbs, and telephones shaped like lips. The Hanaga Tap from ecoD Works takes the look of another human body part, the nose, and has devised a way to make your standard AC power outlet a conversation piece. The nose plug (pun intended) comes in white, black, or pink, and can be fitted to any two-pronged outlet. When you're ready to power up a device (under 1,500 watts), just plug the gadget right into the Tap's nostrils. No worries. A fuse won't, er, blow. $35 Ecodworks.com
16. Ducere Technologies Lechal Shoes
You don't click the heels of these shoes together to be teleported back home. But the Lechal (it means "take me there" in Hindi) shoes from Ducere Technologies come close, integrating interactive haptic technology that can guide you to your destination. Load the app on your smartphone (Android, iOS, or Windows), and it pairs with the footwear via Bluetooth. Select your destination, and the shoe will dictate the directions via vibrations. Using simple gestures with your foot, you can tag locations, set destinations, and start, stop, or pause the navigation. The shoes also count your steps and track calories burned, and users can also create custom workouts. Each pair of shoes or insoles comes with a charger. Lechal.com
17. ChineseCUBES
Forget Rosetta Stone. Using Augmented Reality (AR) technology, ChineseCUBES are physical cube toys that work with classic and original storybooks that can be downloaded on iOS devices. Students learn phrases, and the relationships between characters as units, then how to use them to form phrases. AR technology superimposes computer-generated content onto the real world environment, and the user interacts with the cubes in front of a Webcam. A starter pack that includes 40 Chinese character cubes for producing more than 2,500 common phrases and sentences, plus five tutor cubes, a Webcam, software, learning pad, and writing pad and pen, is $150. Chinesecubes.com
18. Grush Inc. Grush Brush
Kids hate to brush their teeth. But what if the act could be turned into a video game? Grush, Inc.'s Grush Brush uses advanced motion sensing technology that detects movement, and transmits the information wirelessly to a smartphone that's simultaneously running an interactive brushing game. In Monster Chase, kids have to brush away monsters hiding in their teeth, while the brush becomes a conductor's wand for controlling a symphony in Toothy Orchestra. Data is stored in the app so parents can monitor and reward kids for proper brushing. Detailed brushing information can even be stored in the Cloud to proudly show the dentist at your next visit. The Indiegogo campaign closed in May, and the Grush Brush successfully met its $50K funding goal. Grushgamer.com
19. ThinkGeek Travel Boy
Never worry about someone accidentally grabbing your luggage again, and attract looks of admiration while you're at it with the $70 Travel Boy carry-on luggage that's designed to look like the old GameBoy. On the inside, your clothing, toiletries, and shoes are all packed neatly like a game of Tetris. Outside, passers-by will feel a wave of nostalgia as they recall using that drab grey device, four-way navigation pad, and green screen to immerse themselves in an intense game. The bag fits into most overhead bins, has a telescoping handle, three-digit TSA combination lock, and four 360-degree wheels that allow for rolling it upright in multiple directions. Show up for a flight in your Nirvana-inspired plaid button up, Beavis & Butthead T-shirt, and a copy of Friends on DVD, and you'll be ready to roll for a long, retro-filled flight. Boo-ya! Thinkgeek.com
20. Hiku
Use Hiku (not haiku) to scan the barcode on items that need restocking in your ‘fridge, and it will generate a categorized shopping list on your iPhone. As a magnet, it can stay right on the refrigerator, recharges via USB, and connects to your phone via Wi-Fi. Running low on oranges, or another item without a barcoded package? Just say the item name and Hiku will recognize your voice and convert the request to text. Soon, it'll also be able to find the desired items for sale online, along with the price, and let buy them right from the smartphone. Poetry to my ears. $79 Hiku.us $79
21. Air Umbrella
It looks like a simple stick. But the Air Umbrella is supposed to work just like a traditional one by using air to essentially repel the rain away from you, keeping you nice and dry without worry of knocking passers-by over with a wide-brim. There are three models, ranging from 30 cm long to one that's 50 cm but can extend up to 80 cm. They last for 15-30 minutes per charge, and can recharge in 1-2 hours; enough time for you to meet a friend for coffee at Starbucks and still remain protected on the way home. The Air Umbrella far surpassed its $10K funding goal on Kickstarter. It's scheduled for availability at the end of 2015. Until then, stay dry.
22. Parrot Flower Power
Have a friend or family member that just can't seem to keep a plant alive at home? Or someone with an aspiring green thumb? Parrot's Flower Power combines the worlds of gardening, or at least plant owning, and technology. It's a device that you place in the soil nearby a plant (or in the same pot) that communicates with a partner iOS app to analyze the soil moisture, fertilizer, ambient temperature, and light intensity to determine the proper maintenance needs. It will even alert you if immediate action is required, like the need to water the plant, or adjust its location due to high temperatures or insufficient light. It's essentially taking care of plants for dummies. $70
23. Smarty Ring
Wearable devices go on your wrist, around your neck, clip to your shoe, even fit over your eyes. But have you heard of the Smarty Ring? Similar to a smart watch, it connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth, but instead of fitting around the wrist, it wraps around your finger. Get alerts like incoming caller information, messages, and the current time. Just recharge the stainless steel bling every night to fuel its 24-hour battery life. Far-sighted, skinny-fingered folks may have to squint to read what's on the miniscule display. But for those looking for the ultimate in super-small, inconspicuous tech, this one takes the cake. Smartyring.com
24. Innovega iOptik
Forget Google Glass! Innovega iOptik has managed to not only develop physical glasses that let you view all kinds of media while also still being able to clearly see what's around you, but even a set of contact lenses that does the same. The lenses use modern fabrication methods, and are worn just like any other pair of contact lenses, either with or without the Innovega eyewear technology. The company claims that the "benefit of simultaneously offering vision correction is particularly important to Asian consumer segments where the prevalence of nearsightedness is near twice that of their non-Asian counterparts." Welcome to the future. Innovega-inc.com
25. The 3Doodler 3D Printing Pen
This pen, which we first saw almost a year ago at the 2014 CES this past January, lets you draw in three dimensions. It extrudes heated plastic, which quickly hardens into the shape created by the artist. Plastic strands are available in a wide-range of colours, singly or in mixed packs. 3Doodler offers petroleum-based ABS refills for drawing upward from a surface and creating bendable structures, and plant-based PLA refills for doodling on windows, metal and other flat surfaces. US$99 plus shipping; price includes 50 refills. The3Doodler.com
Top photo by pakorn; freedigitalphotos.net