10 Cool Tech Products Seeking Kickstarter Funding

Fighting For Funding

For tech products on the rise, crowdfunding has considerably helped creative ideas become realities for many. From a techie sketchpad to a beer-brewing robot, check out 10 of the coolest tech products that are currently waiting to catch their break on Kickstarter.

Baboomi: Customizable Alarm

The harsh and sudden blaring of an alarm clock is no way to start the day. Designed to be comfortable and customizable, Baboomi is one alarm clock that won't be slapped into snooze mode. Created by a trio -- a Georgia Tech student, graphic artist, and electronic and software engineer -- Baboomi wakes users they way they want. Users can tailor the alarm clock to their preference, customizing the strength, pattern and frequency of vibration -- that means no beeping or earsplitting noises.

Baboomi is a small square device that can be controlled via smartphone. Baboomi's free app is available for Android and iOS devices; Linux, Mac and Windows software will be downloadable on Baboomi's site. Once downloaded, the alarm can be customized and simply placed under the pillow. The wireless alarm clock uses Bluetooth 4.0 and recharges by placing it on its charging base.

So far, 138 backers have pledged $11,135 of the $20,000 goal with 26 more days to go. The funding period ends Oct. 27.

iSketchnote: From Pen And Paper To iPad

Save the doodles, sketches and ideas for this "smart" sketchbook. The iSketchnote combines the versatility of an iPad and sketchbook in one. Designed by ISKN Team, a company that combines household tools with the power of technology, this "smart" iPad cover uses sensors that track the swift movement of a pen. The pen is not an electrical or battery-powered pen, instead it is a "real" pen that has a magnet ring embedded in it to interact with the sensor on the screen. Pens come in various colors that iSketchnote recognizes when in use. So when drawing in orange, for example, the app will recognize the color and apply accordingly. Sketches and notes can then be synced and saved and be replayed and shared on social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus.

To date, 1,8111 backers have pledged $255,980, surpassing the $35,000 goal with nine more days to go. The funding period ends Oct. 10.

Zendure: Crush-Proof External Batteries For Everyday Life

When on the go, the beeping of a dying smartphone can fill a user with anxiety. Designed by two longtime friends, Zendure charges most smartphones devices via USB. This energy-efficient battery can charge at 3.7 volts, whereas other devices require 5 volts. The front and back covers are also shock-resistant. Currently there are three models with three different capacities. The latest external battery, the A5, is equipped with a 17,000-mAh capacity and a glow-in-the-dark rubber belt.

So far, 1,020 backers have pledged $85,440 of the $30,000 goal with eight more days to go. The funding period ends Oct. 9.

Brewbot: The Smart Brewing Appliance

Home brewing has been gaining in popularity, and with Brewbot, brewers will be able to brew beers to perfection. Designed by a U.K.-based team of designers and developers, Brewbot helps guide the brewing process from start to finish.

After buying ingredients from a local brew shop or online, the brewer begins by putting the recipe into the app and connecting an iPhone to Brewbot. Tapping "Start Brew" will add the amount of water needed and heat it. Once heated, the water is released into the mashtun, where the grain is. As the wort cools, it is then ready to ferment in the stainless steel vessels, or fermentation tanks. Afterward, 5.2 gallons of crafted beer is brewed and ready for consumption. With an integrated recipe system, brewers can enhance and modify recipes right from the app.

To date, 163 backers have pledged $91.020.42 of the $161,530 goal with 21 days more days to go. The funding period ends Oct. 22.

Batthead: A Battery In Charge

Don't let its tiny size fool you. Designed by a computer scientist and electrical engineer, this standard-size AA battery isn't the normal AA battery. Batthead is a small but mighty rechargeable battery that allows the handler to control various tasks. Batthead works by first being placed in a device with other AA batteries. A user then connects Batthead to his/her smartphone, where Batthead can then control battery-powered gear. Through the app, Batthead can turn on and off devices based on orientation, movement or proximity. Other tasks include silencing items and sending autonomic notifications. This Bluetooth-connected device is only compatible with iOS devices.

So far, 71 backers have pledged $4,269 of the $137,000 goal with 22 more days to go. The funding period ends Oct. 22.

FlameStower: Charge Your Gear With Fire

When camping in the great outdoors underneath the stars, fire is essential for cooking, heat and light. With FlameStower, fire can do more than just that. Designed by a duo with a desire to create new energy, Andy and Adam ended up with a product that converts fire into electricity. FlameStower is a portable device that can charge cellular devices without an outlet. By unfolding the lightweight device's legs, putting water into the reservoir and then placing the device's blade in a flame, it can easily charge a phone. So whether a smartphone is needed for GPS navigation on a camping trip or there is a power outage, FlameStower is the perfect device for keeping a phone charged.

To date, 307 backers have pledged $21,535, surpassing the $15,000 goal with 24 more days to go. The funding period ends Oct. 24.

Spike: Laser Accurate Measurement, Modeling On Smartphones

Be ready to measure, map or model the outdoor territories with Spike. Designed by a young engineer, this app brings an accurate laser to snap, measure, map and 3-D model any object that is up to 200 yards away. By simply taking a snapshot, Spike can analyze laser accurate measurements and create the model of an object or building. Spike measures the distance to an object using the laser range finder, measures the volume and area of objects and then models it in 3-D. The data can then be shared. This app is great for architects, engineers, interior designers and film set locators.

So far, 169 backers have pledged $46,209 of the $100,000 goal with 30 more days to go. The funding period ends Oct. 29.

Shadow: A Community Of Dreamers

Dreams often feel so real, as if they are a distorted reality, but once awoken from slumber, individuals realize it was just a dream. Usually within five minutes of waking, 95 percent of dreams are usually forgotten. To help with that is Shadow. This app helps users wake up, record and remember their dreams. Designed by an innovation strategist, Shadow was built to connect the space between the dreams and what it all means. After waking up from a set alarm, users type, speak or answer questions to record what occurred in the dream, and that information then stored in Shadow's dreaming community repository. After a period of time, patterns begin to surface. As the app is used more frequently, Shadow promises a more exact and fulfilling experience. Different dream schemes and context can be explored from a shared community.

To date, 2,582 backers have pledged $57,660, surpassing the $50,000 goal with 33 more days to go. The funding period ends Nov. 2.

Tuit: An NFC-Powered Mobile Security Ring

This piece of jewelry is more than a metal band. Designed by a marketing and media professional, systems engineer and lawyer/entrepreneur, Tuit is a mobile security ring that secures Android-based mobile devices. By slipping the ring onto a finger, the ring interacts with a mobile device using the Tuit mobile app. After identifying the rightful user, the phone unlocks instantly. While mobile devices are secured with PINs and passwords, Tuit will allow only the person with the ring to access the device.

So far, 165 backers have pledged $4,947 of the $100,000 goal with 31 more days to go. The funding period ends Oct. 31.

Rideye: The Black Box Camera For Bikes

In addition to wearing a safety helmet and being cautious of vehicles, cyclists can use Rideye. Developed by a mechanical engineer, Rideye is essentially a black box that, similar to the electronic device on planes, records what occurred before a crash. By attaching the little black box between the handlebars of a bike, a single press of the button turns the device on to begin recording and off to stop. It can also be charged through a USB plug. Once in use, Rideye records HD 1,280 x 720 video into its memory, which can hold 2.5 hours (8 GB) of video. It also has a 120-degree optic cover with a wide field of view. With Rideye, users can capture and identify license plates in the event of an incident. Once memory is full, the oldest video is automatically deleted. When the Rideye's BlackBox sensor detects a crash, it keeps recording.

To date, 411 backers have pledged $59,508, surpassing the $32,000 goal with 14 more days to go. The funding period ends Oct. 15.