Unconventional yet Practical Gadgets for Smartphones on Crowdfunding Platforms Kickstarter and Indiegogo
In the ever-evolving world of technology, crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo are becoming hubs for creative and practical phone accessories. These gadgets, designed to serve multiple purposes, are redefining the boundaries of what a phone accessory can be.
One such innovation is the Hestia Smartphone Telescope, a device that transforms your smartphone into a powerful telescope. With 25x magnification and 5x sharper resolution, it allows users to explore the cosmos from their backyard without the need for bulky equipment. The Hestia works solely with your phone's camera and an app, requires no charging, and is waterproof and temperature resistant, making it a practical and innovative way to combine phone technology with astronomy on a budget. The Hestia was successfully funded on Kickstarter and Indiegogo, demonstrating the demand for such unique gadgets [1].
Another intriguing example is the Spectrum-Themed Bluetooth Keyboard, a gadget that recreates the classic ZX Spectrum computer keyboard for smartphones. Aimed at retro gaming enthusiasts, it connects to mobile devices to play classic Spectrum games, blending nostalgia with modern mobile usability. Although this project faced some logistical and legal challenges, it serves as an example of the weird yet interesting phone peripherals that can be found on crowdfunding platforms [2].
Multifunctional Phone Clips are another popular category of these innovative gadgets. These clips help reduce desk clutter, make selfie-taking easier, and improve phone handling without compromising portability. They often have unconventional designs with flexible arms or twistable joints, allowing users to adjust the phone's angle or wrap cables neatly. Some also provide extra grip to prevent accidental drops, without the bulkiness of traditional cases or pop sockets [3].
Smart Wallets That Attach to Phones are another trend, combining wallet and tech security functions such as RFID-blocking and Bluetooth tracking. These phone wallets have a bulky profile compared to smartphones but consolidate essential everyday items into a single gadget, reducing the number of things you need to carry. Some smart wallets feature hidden compartments or quick-access slots designed for transit cards or emergency cash [4].
Modular Phone Lenses offer wide-angle, macro, telephoto, and fisheye options for smartphone photography. They often have bulky designs with rings and clips, sometimes featuring built-in lights or filters that enhance low-light photography [5]. Many UV sanitizers have extra features such as wireless charging, aromatherapy dispensers, or Bluetooth speakers, making them more than just a phone cleaner [6].
Phone sanitizers use UV-C light to disinfect phones, promising a chemical-free, effective way to kill 99.9% of harmful microbes without harming the device. As hygiene becomes increasingly important, these gadgets are proving their worth in everyday routines [7].
Embracing the weirdness of these gadgets means embracing the future of mobile tech, where the strangest ideas often lead to the most useful solutions. Supporting these crowdfunding projects means gaining early access to groundbreaking technology that pushes the boundaries of what a phone accessory can be. The rise of these gadgets reflects a broader trend toward integrating wellness and technology, making our lives more convenient and healthier.
[1] Hestia Smartphone Telescope: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1760444539/hestia-smartphone-telescope [2] Spectrum-Themed Bluetooth Keyboard: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/spectrum-keyboard-the-zx-spectrum-bluetooth-keyboard#/ [3] Multifunctional Phone Clips: https://www.kickstarter.com/discover/categories/phone-accessories [4] Smart Wallets That Attach to Phones: https://www.indiegogo.com/discover/categories/wallets [5] Modular Phone Lenses: https://www.kickstarter.com/discover/categories/phone-accessories [6] UV Sanitizers: https://www.indiegogo.com/discover/categories/health-and-wellness [7] Phone sanitizers: https://www.kickstarter.com/discover/categories/health-and-wellness
The Hestia Smartphone Telescope, with its 25x magnification and 5x sharper resolution, is a testament to how technology can blur the lines between smartphone accessories and powerful astronomy tools. With the Spectrum-Themed Bluetooth Keyboard, retro gaming enthusiasts can relive their nostalgia while merging it with modern mobile usability, showcasing the creativity and potential of these tech gadgets.
