It is common practice for people to leave a key or garage door opener hidden somewhere near their house. Maybe this just happens while on a trip so someone can feed the pets and water the plants, or maybe there is always one hidden. Either situation brings plenty of security issues. Whether the keys are under the door mat or hidden under a rock, someone could get access to the keys and burglarize or vandalize your home; I refuse to hide keys at my house for that very reason. A recent Crowd Supply project strives to solve this issue with their Stor-More Key Safe. No more keys under the door mat!

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The background behind the hopes and aspirations of WebOS, HP’s acquisition of the Palm portfolio, the dreadful August 2011 cancellation and subsequent fire sales of the HP WebOS Touchpad tablet are well-known in the tech world. There were a lot of unhappy folk who truly enjoyed the WebOS experience, but one of the critical factors contributing to the lukewarm reception of the Touchpad was the scarcity of familiar apps that Apple and Android boasted. Tech-savvy users could unlock the system to enable developer mode and install add-ons like Preware, or more impressively, configure the Touchpad to dual-boot to Android. This latter aspect has helped breathe life into those Touchpads in circulation, but wouldn’t it be even more convenient to be able to integrate Android (and its huge retinue of apps) into WebOS? For those wishing just that, there is a Kickstarter project in the works by Phoenix International Communications, Inc. or PIC for short, to do just that:

Project Title: Run Android Apps in webOS on the HP Touchpad

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: 05/23/2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1957339277/run-android-apps-in-webos-on-the-hp-touchpad

Product Overview: Rather than tediously dual-booting between WebOS and Android, a simpler solution for Touchpad owners would be to take advantage of Application Compatibility Layer produced by OpenMobile, an environment permitting Android applications to run natively on WebOS. A project had been started by OpenMobile for the HP Touchpad, but the turmoil of HP cancelling WebOS put OpenMobile’s project on hiatus. Phoenix International Communications however jumped into partner with OpenMobile and rescue the project, using Kickstarter as a means of crowd-funding to help realize ACL on the Touchpad.

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The Lumi Wine Wall

I’ve got a fairly decent size wine collection, but I wouldn’t call what I do with my bottles “cellaring.” That implies that I’m intentionally saving it for a future date when the wine has matured or perhaps become more valuable. The hundred or so bottles of good juice that are in various racks and shelves around my house are merely bottles I haven’t drunk yet. I’ll get to you soon enough, my pretties!

So I’ve never invested in a full cellar system or a large wine fridge, since I like to keep my favorite bottles within arms reach. But there’s nothing wrong with displaying your collection in an attractive manner, and that’s where the Lumi Wine Wall comes in. The designers behind Lumi have come up with a great idea to recycle the staves from used French and American oak wine barrels and use them as an attractive way to store and display your bottles. Thanks to the curve of the barrels, the ends of the staves sit flat and stable against the wall, but the middle of each plank protrudes a few inches from the mounting bracket to allow for a specific angle for each hole cut to hold the neck of seven bottles in each rack. The holes are cut to store the wine at the proper angle to keep the cork wet while holding the bottle firmly in place.

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I have an iPad 1, and it does not have a camera.  I have never really minded this, because it always seemed weird to me to want to heft up this 9″ tablet and try to take a picture with it.  Heck, as a long-time shutterbug, I think it’s weird to use a phone to take a picture, honestly; I’m old enough to be from the old tripod-lens kit-shutter-chemical film era, and using this juttery device doesn’t seem like a good way to take shots.  But with an iPad?  Not only is the durn thing huge, but it also is hard to point.

Other folks have noticed this, of course, but they are smarter than me because they point out that in an era when people are using their tablet computers in meetings and such, it’s sometimes a good idea to, say, take shots of what’s on the white board, or the power-point slides being presented, or whatever.  Which is hard when you’re taking notes on the device you want to take photos with, right?  So they are working on the MirrorCase, which acts as a case, stand, and points your camera in the right direction.

Project Title: MirrorCase for iPad

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: 5/30/2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rhpmm/mirrorcase-for-ipad?ref=live

Product Overview: The MirrorCase for iPad is a multifunctional ergonomic case that gives you the ability to use the rear camera while the iPad is in a horizontal position. (MirrorCase is specifically designed for 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation iPads, so I’m out of luck with my iPad 1).  The case has a kickstand that allows you to adjust the height and angle for easier use, and the mirror gizmo itself also lets you adjust the angle so that you can point it where you need to.  It has a thumb wheel to tilt the mirror, and is made of Gorilla Glass.

BBQ Dragon – The Barbecue & Fire Supercharger!

Though it is May here in Texas, the temperatures have (miraculously) yet to regularly pop up above 90 degrees.  But still:  it’s May.  And in Texas in the Spring and Summer (and Fall, for that matter), that means a whole lotta folks cooking outdoors on their hand grills.  And unless you have a gas-powered grill — and believe me, plenty of folks here absolutely do — that means getting your grill started somehow.  Firing up the charcoal, oak, mesquite, or whatever, and getting them into that nice glowing-coal look that makes you your best top-quality Bar-B-Que food.  There are plenty of ways to do it, of course:  Self-lighting coals; bucket o’ lighter fluid; those weird can things that my Santa Cruz friends swear by.  But it’s always a problem.  And the folks with the new Kickstarter BBQ Dragon project have a way they think will work.

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LIT:First Gadget Made for Action Sports Tracking now funding at IndieGoGo

These days, it seems like there’s all kinds of ways of tracking your exercising if you’re doing such relatively straight-forward activities as running or walking (viz. the FitBit).  Heck, even in the days before electronic gizmos achieved today’s absurd levels of market penetration–back in the days of cars that had carburetors, say–there were devices that tracked your walking steps (though much less accurately, I’m sure).  But that begs the question:  What if your sport is Ultimate Frisbee, say?  Or snowboarding?  Or motocross?  It’s not like you’re not sweating in those sports, after all; do you want to get some credit for doing that stuff if you’re trying to get your weight down or whatever?

The IndieGoGo project LIT was created for folks who do a lot of sports.  With LIT, you can track your simpler activities like steps in running, but it can also track movements unique to Action Sports like airtime, G-Force, speed, jumps, and rotations, as well as a bunch of other metrics specific to surf, snow, moto, and whatnot. You can access your stats through a downloadable app, as you might expect.

Been looking for something to track your more extreme sports activities?  Maybe this is the gadget for you.  Surf on over to the IndieGoGo site and check it out, and if you fund it (and get yourself one), be sure to let us know what you think below!  Funding concludes May 17.

Guns of Icarus Online—Adventure Mode

The lengths that some developers will go to to see their vision realized amazes me, and with Guns of Icarus Online that was certainly true. They were almost bankrupted putting out the initial game, and have had a previous Kickstarter campaign to complete that effort. But they envisioned much more, including a Skirmish mode and a full Adventure. Skirmish was released as a separate game, but get ready as Guns of Icarus Launches Kickstarter Campaign for Adventure Mode!

Project Title: Guns of Icarus Online—Adventure Mode (PC/Mac/Linux)

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: May 21, 2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/musegames/guns-of-icarus-onlineadventure-mode

From the developer:
So what is Guns of Icarus Online Adventure Mode all about?

* A persistent online post-apocalyptic steam & dieselpunk world
* Crew or captain your own ship and experience airship combat taken to new levels
* Explore towns and take on missions to help them develop and grow…or bring them to ruin
* Politics and intrigue with six player-run factions, each vying to stake its claim in the world
* Robust and accessible economic and political systems that drive the action

Why I think you should back this effort:

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Divinity Dragon Commander

I have written extensively about my love of the Divinity games from Larian studios, including the recent Kickstarter of the turn-based Divinity Original Sin. The company is simultaneously working on another game, a real-time strategy game called Divinity Dragon Commander. Now Divinity Dragon Commander is Available for Pre-Order or as an Original Sin Perk.

This week Larian and GoG.com announced they were teaming up to offer a discounted pre-order for Divinity Dragon Commander, knocking 11% off the price and asking only $39.99 for this massive game that offers single and multiplayer campaigns, as well as real-time and turn-based campaigns.

There is a ton more about the game at GoG, but here are a few features:

• Real-time Strategy: Command your sea, land, and air forces in real-time. Combined operations and determining the perfect locations and times to strike are crucial to every victory.
• Dragon Combat: During real-time strategy mode, transform into a dragon to support your troops in combat and obliterate the enemy using powerful dragon abilities.
• Turn-based Campaign: Direct your conquest on the turn-based world map; plan several moves ahead, build formidable armies and invest in the right upgrades for technology and magic.

As you might have noted, similar to what happens in Divinity II you get the chance to transform into a Dragon in Dragon Commander! I am sure this will have amazing gameplay implications, and cannot wait to check them out!

As I noted, I jumped on the Divinity Original Sin Kickstarter as soon as it launched, with my only concern that I get a digital copy of the game.

What I did NOT notice was that by pledging more than $65 I could get a copy of Dragon Commander as well – that’s right, two amazing games from one of my favorite developers set in the Divinity universe for just pledging a minimum of $65! That is the price of a single crappy EA annual roster update game! Here is what they say:

Divinity Dragon Commander Digital Copy

Two games, two times the fun! You’ll recieve a code for Dragon Commander as soon as it is released (ETA July 2013). You won’t have to wait for your Divinity Fix with this package! Dragon Commander Digital Edition will be DRM-free, and will be localized in English, French, German, Polish and Russian. Additional languages may be added. The game will initially be available for PC. If Mac and Linux versions, and other languages, become available they will be free to owners of PC copies (digitally). Digital copies will have to be downloaded via your preferred digital retailer such as Steam or GOG.com if available. This low price is only available to those who help fund.

This also includes: Kickstarter Potion + Divinity Original Sin Digital Copy + Soundtrack Digital Download + Developer’s Cut Digital (Documents and Videos)

So naturally I increased my backing amount enough to get both games – I still have to decide whether to get my copies through GoG or Steam, as I love both services. But it is great to have the options – choose how to pre-order, choose delivery method. It is amazing how much these things have opened up just as so many other areas of the game world seem to be closing down.

Here is the trailer for Divinity Dragon Commander:

Check it out, and let us know how you decide to grab the game!

Kickstarter proposal for a new Android Family Mini PC with a companion mobile Android app

The vast majority of attention when it comes to Android devices is in the tablet and smartphone arenas.  After all, Android was developed specifically with mobile devices in mind; it’s not surprising that that’s where the action is.  But the folks running this Kickstarter project are setting their sites on a slightly different target:  A “family” PC with an associated Android app that gives you some measure of control over what goes on with the PC desktop device.  Read on for more info!

Project Title: MiiPC – Power to the Parents!

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: 5/9/2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2102024857/miipc-power-to-the-parents

Product Overview: The MiiPC™ is a PC that will be running the Android OS, specifically the Jelly Bean 4.2 revision.  The idea is that you connect your MiiPC to your monitor or TV, and get yourself an Android-style system running on a large screen, with the keyboard-and-mouse advantages that you get from a desktop experience.  The idea is that you’ll be able to (of course) run Android apps, watch videos, play games, web surf, edit documents, and do whatever else it is you need.

The device will come with a companion app that will give you parental control over the MiiPC.  You can perform real-time monitoring and do whatever other kind of oversight you need for your kids computer time.  The bottom line is a “family-style” computer with built-in oversight and easy connectivity to your portable Android devices.  Surf on over to the Kickstarter page for more info!

Gaming Foot Controller for PC Launches Kickstarter Campaign

When you think about gaming controllers there is the keyboard & mouse and traditional console controller that immediately spring to mind. Then you might think about the Wii and Kinect motion controllers, or perhaps driving controllers or flight sticks for specialized games. Everything based on hands – but what about your feet? That is exactly what the folks at StinkyBoard were thinking and now their gaming foot controller for PC launches Kickstarter campaign!

Project Title: Stinky Board foot controller for PC

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: May 2, 2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/289858283/stinky-the-gaming-footboard-step-up-your-game

From the developer:

The Stinky Footboard features four programmable buttons, adjustable tension boxes (TBOX) and a unique “cross” shape that allows for unparalleled customization. Forwards, backwards, one foot or two, this bad boy demands to be used every which way, and it’s not simply about adding more buttons to click. It’s about evolving the way you play – giving you that crucial split second advantage against players still using just a mouse and keyboard. It’s simply a better gaming experience.

Why I think you should back this effort:

The thought of a foot controller for anything but a driving game seemed odd to me at first, but playing a game like Bioshock Infinite and thinking about the possibility of using the foot controller to handle your vigors and remap your weapons and other things that would allow you to maintain primary focus of your keyboard & mouse on looking and shooting seems like an amazingly efficient way to game. Since the developers built in compatibility from the start, you will not be worried about specific games adding features to utilize the Stinky Board. This definitely deserves a chance to make it in the market!

Compatibility

It’s compatible with any game that supports keyboard inputs. The hardware is USB HID (USB Human Interface Device) compatible, so no proprietary drivers required. Currently our configuration software supports the Windows Platform. Just plug in the USB Cable to the computer, fire up our configuration software and map your keyboard inputs to the Stinky Footboard.

Here is a video highlighting the features:

For more info and to keep up-to-date on Telepath Tactics progress:
‘Stinky Board’ main site
‘Stinky Board’ Facebook Page
‘Stinky Board’ Twitter Page

And of course head to the Kickstarter page to get more information about how you can support the effort!

Divinity Original Sin Launches Kickstarter Campaign

Increasingly developers are not just looking to Kickstarter for full funding of a project, but also to help get specific features into a game, deliver multiplayer or extended art or something else. Developer Larian Studios looked at what they could do themselves, and decided that with a successful Kickstarter project they could realize all of their goals for the game. Personally this was an ‘insta-back’ for me, as Divinity Original Sin Launches Kickstarter Campaign!

Project Title: Divinity Original Sin game for PC (potentially also Mac/Linux)

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: April 26, 2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/larianstudios/divinity-original-sin

From the developer: Here are some key features:

•Divinity:Original Sin is an Isometric cRPG.
•You can play in single player mode but also in cooperative multiplayer mode
•It’s a real epic CRPG so even in multiplayer, you’re engaging in much more than just combat and item fever. A nifty cooperative dialog system, a highly reactive world, a deep character development system and plenty of choice and consequence situations see to that.
•You can create your own RPG adventures with our powerful RPG editor and share or play them with friends
•Combat is very tactical. It is turn-based and features things like skill and spell combos, attacks of opportunity, action points and much more.
•Exploration is greatly rewarded.
•You can develop your character(s) to fit your playstyle using our classless skill and stats system.
•There are countless item interactions and item combinations waiting to be discovered.
•No Divinity game is complete without music composed by the brilliant Kirill Pokrovsky.

Why I think you should back this effort:

Larian Studios has created one of my all-time top 10 games with Divine Divinity, a deep and massive RPG with exciting combat, great storytelling, humor, complex characters and great music. Divinity II wasn’t quite as good but remains one of the better RPGs of the last half decade. Now they are working on a new game, an isometric turn-based RPG featuring single and co-op gaming with a two-player hero system. The game looks to bring all of the promise of the earlier games and even more fun possibilities.

Setting & Gameplay

Divinity: Original Sin is a turn-based isometric RPG set in the Divinity universe which was introduced in Divine Divinity and expanded upon with its sequels Beyond Divinity and Divinity II.

In the game, you control a party of heroes and guide them on a quest to learn a forbidden magic called The Source. This powerful magic was outlawed many centuries ago by the Council of Seven, the rulers of Rivellon, for it is written that from Source the lord of Chaos will spawn. Today, Source magic has been used to overthrow the Council. It’s up to our heroes to save the Council and to do this, they’ll need to uncover the mysteries of the Source and of those responsible for cursing the Council.

Now as to how you do this, that’s entirely up to you: this game is extremely non-linear and rewards exploration. There are many different ways in which you can complete the game successfully.

Here is an updated look at the game:

For more info and to keep up-to-date on Telepath Tactics progress:
‘Divinity Original Sin’ main site
‘Divinity Original Sin’ Facebook Page
‘Divinity Original Sin’ Twitter Page

And of course head to the Kickstarter page to get more information about how you can support the game!

Devotec Fuel charger: Kickstarter project to create world’s smallest cellphone charger

One of the big PITAs with modern smartphones that I’m sure you’ve noticed just as much as I have is:  They suck power like a toddler sucks down a juice box on a hot day at the park.  The iPhone that I keep with me at all times has more computing power, more functionality, and more memory by a couple of orders of magnitude than the high-powered Silicon Graphics workstation that I used back in the late 90s (the ones that were also used to create the first “Toy Story” movie).  And that level of processing power and speed requires a lot of power.  Which means my batteries get sucked dry pretty rapidly.  Which has caused me–and you too, probably–to use several different strategies to cover potential power loss, especially when I’m moving. On trips, I always have at least one Mophie case with me, a plug and charger cable, and a charging brick.  And even when I go out for the day I bring my charging brick along.

But I don’t call my favorite charging device — which I love, by the way — a “brick” for nothing.  It’s big, and kinda heavy.  Which is why someone like me might find this here Kickstarter project attractive.  I mean, having charging capability in a teeny, tiny package sounds pretty good, nu?

Project Title: Fuel: The world’s smallest cell phone charger

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: 4/18/2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/devotecindustries/fuel-the-worlds-smallest-cell-phone-charger

Product Overview: The Devotec Fuel Micro Charger is a small emergency phone charger.  It’s specs:  a 220 mAmp hour battery, designed to provide about 20 to 30 minutes of extra talk time, or a few more hours of standby time, depending on you use your smartphone.

iKazoo is on IndieGoGo

Back in December I wrote about an intriguing new controller called the iKazoo, which I described as an ‘everything controller’, since it has dual breath controllers, multiple touch sensors, accelerometers, and so on. With the iKazoo you can make music, control music, play games, and pretty much do anything else you want. At the time Ogaco Gadgets had made the prototype for iKazoo, now they are ready to get started making the devices for real, and as a result I am thrilled that iKazoo is on IndieGoGo!

Project Title: iKazoo

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: May 20, 2013

URL of the Project: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ikazoo

iKazoo is basically a gadget compatible with any electronic device with a camera that lets anyone, from beginner to professional make and play music and a lot more. Music, games, art, sports and fitness are just some of the applications you can use iKazoo for.

The complete surface of the device is touch and shock sensitive so you can tap on different positions with different intensity to get a super drum computer of beat box.

If you just hold the iKazoo in your hand, the built-in microphone can record and alter your voice, while the tunes you have created before are automatically looped. You could be a singing superstar anywhere!

The bi-directional Bluetooth transceiver connects you wirelessly with your smartphone or tablet.

Why I think you should back this effort:

For anyone who plays music, the utility of iKazoo is apparent – you have multiple ways to express the music naturally using the breath controller and touchpads. Any instrument is at your fingertips, and by using the accelerometer and other control pads you can add an endless variety of expressions to your sounds.

Want to play a game?
iKazoo has a built-in Arduino platform equipped with optical-and motion sensors. Just move it around and play your favorite games as it follows the motion of your real-time movement.

iKazoo can act as a joy stick, a finger balance board, a handlebar, and a spin wheel. The two multi color LEDs allow you to connect to your phone/tablet/pc via its camera, just point the iKazoo and our driver app will search and sync so you will never have to use a touch screen again.

Connect your device to your TV and you have a game console, a presenter or a chat assistant to bring fun into your video calls. iKazoo sensors monitor all your movements, so you can use it as a step counter or check the impact on your joints when you workout or compose music while jogging in the park!

iKazoo is built for multitasking!
Our OGACO interface connects your iKazoo wirelessly to any device to run your favorite apps!

The best thing about iKazoo is that it is open source. Join the iKazoo community and share apps with people around the world. Joining the community also allows you to keep track of updates, new apps, learning how to write apps for iKazoo, and upgrades and a few secrets drawers that we’ll be revealing as iKazoo continues to evolve.

Here is an updated look at the iKazoo:

For more info and to keep up-to-date on Telepath Tactics progress:
iKazoo official site
iKazoo Facebook Page
iKazoo Twitter Page

And of course head to the IndieGoGo page to get more information about how you can support the game!

The John-E-Reader in action

Sarah and I are getting settled into our new home and are quite pleased. It’s really great…there’s just one minor issue. See, the first floor has a bathroom (which is great) but the sink doesn’t have much of a lip to rest items like reading material. So the John-E-Reader at Kickstarter caught my eye!

The John-E-Reader was invented to address the exact issue we have in our house: how do you bring an expensive device into a water and tile filled trap safely? Their solution was to create a small pouch that hangs on your toilet paper holder, leaving your ebook reader safely protected from bathtubs, sinks, and screen smashing floors.

I have a few practical questions about this concept. One, is it machine washable? That’s a big one. Two, is there really demand for a permanent storage solution in your bathroom? Sure, we can all admit we’ve taken an eReader or tablet into the bathroom, but most people don’t keep theirs located permanently in the commode. So is it really a big enough issue that you need a pouch hooked on your TP holder?

I think that’s a personal question only the buyers of the John-E-Reader can answer. I do think this is an interesting concept, and would be curious if they chose to expand it to other rooms as well-a similar pouch that hung off the side of a couch arm would be really useful!

So, are you lining up with cash in hand for a potty pouch? Backing starts at $3 for an “occupied” door hanger, $23 gets you a small pouch, $27 gets you an iPad sized one, and for $155, if you live in the NYC area the creator will personally install yours.

Happy reading!

Mage’s Initiation

There are various reasons to back a Kickstarter project: you might directly want to experience the product, or perhaps like the idea and want it to happen, or maybe the project is in an area you feel is underserved, or maybe the project is funded and you see benefits to the ‘stretch goals’. Whatever the reason, it is important to keep up with new projects as they come along … because there is some great stuff happening and you don’t want something to go unfunded because you forgot to check in for a month! I had heard about this when it launched but forgot to back it, but have finally gotten on-board as Mage’s Initiation brings a classic Sierra-style adventure game to Kickstarter! Better still … you can play a demo!

Project Title: Mage’s Initiation game for PC (potentially also Mac/Linux/iOS/Android)

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: March 23, 2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2112639455/mages-initiation-a-classic-sierra-style-adventure/posts/428693

From the developer: We’re all very big fans of the adventure genre here at Himalaya Studios, and we feel that Sierra’s games really hit their peak in the early 90s. We’re working hard to provide a nostalgic experience, reminiscent of that golden era of 2D Sierra adventures circa 1993-1994.

Mage’s Initiation has a medieval / fantasy setting and it features multiple playable character classes, spell-casting, and an open-field magical combat system, complete with equippable items and monster loot drops!

Why I think you should back this effort:

Himalaya Studios was responsible for the excellent AGD Interactive remakes of the King’s Quest and Quest for Glory classic adventures. They are proven both as developers in general and as caretakers of the classic adventure game genre. The video trailer below got me totally psyched for the game, and the demo shows incredible promise of what we will see in 2014!

Setting

In the quiet, provincial realm of Iginor, evil is stirring. Dangers abound on all sides: the forest, wastelands, and even the once-protective mountains look to the tiny town with glaring eyes. Into this, a young, would-be Mage sets forth to prove himself worthy of joining the ranks of his brethren. This is his journey. A Mage’s Initiation.

You assume the role of D’arc, a sixteen-year-old Initiate who must complete a trio of tasks set by his Mage Masters. Journey through the medieval-styled realm of Iginor. Brave a goblin-infested forest. Navigate a vast lake to encounter an evil so pure, not even beauty can disguise it. Ascend to the peaks of Flyteria, a valley of winged warriors once dedicated to protection of the human town.

Gameplay

Mage’s Initiation is a Role-Playing / Adventure Game hybrid, very similar in style and execution to Sierra On-Line’s classic Point-&-Click Quest for Glory and King’s Quest series. It maintains all the charm of classic and timeless adventure games of yesteryear while adding 21st century innovation to the mix – like multiple game interfaces, and a free-range magical combat system!

Here is the link to the demo for the game!

Here is an updated look at the game:

For more info and to keep up-to-date on Telepath Tactics progress:
Himalaya Studios’ main site
Himalaya Studios’ Facebook Page
Himalaya Studios’ Twitter Page

And of course head to the Kickstarter page to get more information about how you can support the game!

Sinister Design Re-Launches Telepath Tactics Kickstarter

Last fall Sinister Design, creators of the excellent ‘Telepath RPG: Servants of God’, launched a Kickstarter for its ever-expanding game Telepath Tactics that would allow Craig Stern to properly complete the game with all of the desired features. That effort failed to gain proper support, but Stern he had learned from the attempt and knew what to do going forward. Now he is back as Sinister Design Re-Launches Telepath Tactics Kickstarter!

For a while now developer Craig Stern has been talking up the progress on his turn-based game Telepath Tactics – and now he has launched a Kickstarter effort in order to deliver a game with a robust single-player experience and more graphics content than the original simple turn-based multiplayer game he planned.

Project Title: Telepath Tactics game for PC/Mac/Linux

Status: Active *UPDATE*: after 3 days the campaign was successfully funded, so now it is on to stretch goals!

Closing Date for Funding: 4/16/2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1426761469/telepath-tactics-a-strategy-rpg?ref=category

From the developer Craig Stern: Telepath Tactics is a turn-based tactical RPG in the tradition of Fire Emblem and Disgaea. It features a single player campaign with well-written characters embroiled in a tale of war and political intrigue, as well as 2-to-6 player multiplayer with support for hotseat play (i.e. you and your friends playing together in the same room, Super Smash Brothers style). Telepath Tactics is being developed for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Why I think you should back this effort: Telepath Tactics derives from the Telepath RPG and classic ‘tactics’ style games. Craig Stern has already shown an aptitude for developing games that are polished, interesting, and offer something unique. He is incredibly responsive to fan feedback without pandering. I am impressed with what Telepath Tactics offers already and can’t wait to check out the full version!

Setting

Telepath Tactics takes place in a fantasy-steampunk universe that averts most of the tropes you’re used to from these sorts of games. Magic doesn’t exist: instead, there is psionics and steam-powered technology reliant on a volatile, crystalline substance called vibra. Cavaliers don’t ride horses: they ride giant, armored praying mantises. There are no elves, no dwarves, no goblins, no dragons: it’s just humans and a few other, entirely original sentient races (such as the shadowlings, disembodied floating heads that quite literally feed on human suffering).

Gameplay

Telepath Tactics takes a highly deterministic approach to combat mechanics. Attack damage is 100% predictable, and attacks always hit unless there is some intervening factor (such as the attacker having been blinded, or the target having some special defensive status effect). In this regard, it is very much a game of skill akin to chess—chance will seldom determine the outcome of a battle.

Telepath Tactics borrows liberally from the best tactics games around to provide a wide variety of available strategies. Throw enemies off of cliffs; push enemies into water or lava; fling friends across gaps; set your enemies on fire; freeze them; blind them; cripple them; stun them; use hit-and-run tactics with cavalry and bowmen; teleport; grab item drops; stick your ranged units on the high ground to boost their effectiveness; the list goes on and on.

Here is an updated look at the game:

For more info and to keep up-to-date on Telepath Tactics progress:
Sinister Design’s main site
Sinister Design’s Facebook Page
Sinister Design’s Twitter Page

And of course head to the Kickstarter page to get more information about how you can support the game!

Some of Dan’s live photos:

Nifty MiniDrive is simply packaged

Judie and I were on the phone together while ordering our 15″ MacBook pro with Retina display laptops, so we could discuss the specific specs we wanted. At the end of the day we both went for the fastest processor (Core i7) and most RAM (16GB) we could get. Judie had just about convinced me to go for the largest amount of storage (768GB) despite the huge up-charge to move from 512GB, when we realized that the storage upgrade would delay the laptops for weeks.

We both settled for 512GB laptops, and we have been quite happy with the machines. We have, however, found the storage to be a bit limiting; more than once we have had to strategically remove files from both laptops. That’s why we were quick to back the Nifty MiniDrive project on Kickstarter. The Nifty MiniDrive is a microSD adapter that slips into the SD port on MacBooks that include such a port. Because it has a shallower depth than is standard on most SD card adapters, the Nifty MiniDrive is designed to sit flush with the laptop’s side. It is intended to permanently stay in the laptop and as such it quickly and easily increases you computer’s storage. The Nifty MiniDrive is a great idea that was delayed over and over again. The Nifty MiniDrive finally shipped and, thanks to the MiniDrive and a 64GB microSD, Judie and I have both seen a sudden 64GB jump in capacity on our MacBook pros.

Let’s take a look.

The Nifty MiniDrive ships in simple, recyclable packaging. The Nifty MiniDrive is at the top, while the Nifty tool (used to remove the drive from your computer) is below it. Both were glued to the backing paper, and it took a bit of force to remove them. I was careful, but I can see how someone who is moving too fast might rip the Nifty MiniDrive off — damaging the drive before they even get to try them out.

The Nifty MiniDrives were available in a number of colors. Why you wouldn’t get the silver one that disappears into the laptop is beyond me, but there is something for everyone, I suppose, and since each MacBook model has a slightly different shape it was important to purchase the one designed for your particular model.

*I got the green one because it’s my favorite color ~Judie =P

The only way to remove the Nifty MiniDrive from the computer is to hook the small area in the middle and gently pull it out. That is accomplished using the special Nifty tool included with each Nifty MiniDrive. The Nifty tool is kinda cool, but I hate having to rely on something so small (read “easily lost”) and delicate (“read “be careful you don’t snap it in two”).

Thanks to SanDisk, Judie and I both have SanDisk Ultra 64GB microSD cards in hand. They slip right into the Nifty MiniDrive. From there it is as simple as popping the Nifty MiniDrive into the laptop’s SD slot. The result was an immediate 64GB boost in storage. YEAH!

I love the Nifty MiniDrive, but it is not without its issues.

Mine isn’t flush

First, so long as you order the version specific to your model of MacBook, the Nifty MiniDrive promises to sit completely flush with the computer. As you can see it is a close fit, but I would not call this position “completely flush”. I really don’t care, but it is worth noting.

Theirs is.

The picture above is what it is supposed to look like; the picture below is what mine looks like.

Kiss your SD slot goodbye.

Second, because you are using the Nifty MiniDrive in the SD slot, you lose the ability to pull an SD card out of your camera and plug it directly into your camera. In other words, so long as we are using the Nifty MiniDrive, Judie and I are back to using a USB SD adapter. Is it a deal breaker? Of course not. After all, I used an 11″ MacBook air for a year and a half, and it doesn’t even have an SD slot. Still, it is an annoyance and something potential Nifty MiniDrive buyers need to note.

The Nifty MiniDrive is a great idea that is not without its issues. Mine doesn’t sit flush, and using it results in losing the SD card slot; that’s an inconvenience. Then again, not having enough storage on my computer is too. Life is a tradeoff, and I choose to trade-off the SD slot for an extra 64GB of storage.

The Nifty MiniDrive is currently sold out, but you can learn more and sign up to be notified when it is available here on the product page. You can also check out the project on Kickstarter.

MSRP: $30 for backers. Retail will likely be slightly higher.

What I Like: Lets you quickly and easily add storage to your MacBook; Comes with the nifty Nifty tool

What Needs Improvement: MacBook needs to have an SD slot; BYOSD (bring your own SD card); Mine is not flush with the computer; Using it blocks the SD slot

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

JuiceCan Portable Power Recharger

There are a couple of things about the JuiceCan Portable Power Recharger I want to mention to y’all.  First is the most obvious one:  It’s a device that’s more eye-catching than your typical flat-black brick o’ power.  Now, I prefer the “form over function” design strategy, and my portable power brick is pretty dull looking, but lots of people like a little style.  That’s where the JuiceCan scores higher; it’s interesting looking.I’ve mentioned it before but I think that it bears repeating: In an era where we are vastly increasing the number of rechargeable batteries we deal with every day–primarily from having them installed in our various mobile devices–having quick and easy ways to recharge them on the go is really important.  Which is why I am always happy to give you folks news on a new option in the area of portable, rechargeable devices like this here Indiegogo project, the JuiceCan.

The other thing to note is that while the JuiceCan itself has a power supply of 7800 mAh, you can hook these suckers together to give you more available recharge power:

JuiceCan Portable Power Recharger

So if you’re planning on going on a longer trip, hey, you can hook those babies all together and you’re set, instead of having to do what I am usually stuck doing:  Draining one power brick, and then moving on to another power brick.

The “JuiceCan: Colorful, Scalable, Rechargeable Mobile Power Can” is being crowdfunded on Indiegogo until 2/28/2013.  Surf on over and check it out, and if you fund it (or just have opinions), be sure to let us know what you think below!

Sonar Linux: Making Linux Accessible to All!

Over the years that I have worked in an IT support role, I have often had the experience of talking to people who didn’t have perfect eyesight or who might have other disabilities.   What might be easy for you or me to do on a computer might be extremely difficult for someone who doesn’t have perfect vision, hearing, motor control, or other disabilities.  I have had friends who were completely thrown for a loop when their  interface changed — not just because it looked different, but because their screen reader would no longer work or because the interface looked fuzzy because they had to run their desktop at a lower resolution than the LCD.

For example, in the Windows world, there is JAWS which is the standard in screen reading for Windows users.   Unfortunately, this $260 dollar program is something a sighted person must install for the blind user after Windows is installed.  Blind users who want to upgrade their Windows-based computer to Windows 8 will also have difficulty since the installer is not accessible   Even when they buy a new computer, it’s difficult for blind users to get started without some help.

While there’s not much that we can do regarding Windows, there are lots of things we can do to help this be less of an issue with Linux thanks to its open code.  My friend, Jonathan Nadeau, is undertaking a project to make using a Linux-based computer less of an issue for those who are disabled with the Sonar Project.

Jonathan also has an ulterior motive.  You see Jonathan is blind; he lost his sight in a car accident in 1992.  Jonathan cares a lot about this, because he is one of a billion people in this world with some sort of disability.  As the march of technology continues, many can get left behind.  Jonathan wants to make Linux accessible to all users, whether they are blind, hard of hearing, or lacking fine motor control skills.  But that’s’ not all; Jonathan is also making the install program accessible as well.  Sonar aims to make easy for a disabled person to use and install, so they won’t have to have the extra help that disabled Windows user might need setting up their system.

Unfortunately, while this distribution will be free and open source, spending the time to make it accessible isn’t free.  Jonathan expends considerable effort to advocate accessibility of Linux.  He isn’t just working on Sonar Linux either; he also works on many other projects surrounding his advocacy and the Linux community in general with the work he has done on the Northeast Linuxfest.  He’s also a husband and father, so he has lots to take care of in addition to his advocacy.  It’s because of this that Jonathan started an Indiegogo project with a goal of raising money to support the Sonar project.

Jonathan has a goal of raising $20,000 dollars to support the Sonar Linux project.  You can donate as little as $5 dollars.  Jonathan is now, as of this writing, sitting at $3,675 raised.  There are only 10 days left in his campaign, and any money raised under his goal will still go to make Sonar better.

I supported Jonathan, and I will try to donate some more before the campaign ends. You never know when you or a loved one might need something like Sonar.  Jonathan likely never thought about being blind until that fateful day in 1992 when he lost his sight.  I hope that even if you don’t donate, that you at least think about accessibility for the disabled in more of the things you do.  Be it building a house or starting a web site, there are lots of things that can impede your progress when you are disabled.

We waste so much time and money on things that don’t really matter; please think about supporting the Sonar Linux project to make life easier for someone who really needs it.

When it comes to protecting your gear with cases, unless you’re like my kids and only want a case that’s going to serve as decoration (and a lot of teens seem to be in that category), you have to perform a dance between convenience and durability.  Take Otterbox as an example; the cases are solid and protect your gear really well, but they also add plenty of bulk.  But that’s the choice you make.  And with regard to the Vivax, you are talking about going for extreme sturdiness, not lightness or decoration.

Project Title: ViVAX: The best portable laptop protection system available

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: 2/13/2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mattiaventura/vivax-the-best-portable-laptop-protection-system-a

The case is made to fit all laptops with screen sizes between 12″ to 18″.  They are also offering this velcro backed central strap thingee to make it more probably that your laptop will be held in place. I should also point out that the case is Italian made (and hey, how often can you get yourself something Italian-made, eh?  Unless you bought one of those new little Fiats, and even that’s questionable because that’s a combined Chrysler/Fiat deal.  But I digress.)  Plus it’s waterproof, sandproof , dustproof, and (to whatever degree you can make this actually possible) shockproof.  Surf on over to the Kickstarter site to see the full story.  And of course if you decide to fund it, be sure to let us know what you think and how it went for you below!

A couple of years ago on Christmas, I got the kids iPhones as their “big gift”.  They were teens now, they had already spent several years “practicing” with less expensive (usually “free with contract”) phones, the iPhone had been on the market a while, and they really really really really (repeat several hundred times) wanted them.  ”We promise to be careful, Papa!  We promise to not lose them!”  Etc.

And actually they both have been very good; I’m pretty pleased.  But I’m not an idiot, so I made sure to get them decent cases to reduce the chances of them having an accident and it being deadly to the phone.  And of course when it comes to cases, you have to balance the need for safety against the desire to not increase the size and weight of your phone.  I mean, we don’t want to go back to the era of 2 pound phones, right?

So anyway, for my son Joseph, what we’ve done lately is get him a case and a belt clip that allows him to carry his phone multiple ways.  He can have quick access to his phone, and when he does, the case offer some protection.  Or in the clip, it’s facing inward, to protect against accidental bumpage.  And the folks working on the mentalCase Kickstarter project are thinking in the same direction.

Project Title: iPhone cases with a material advantage – foam!

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: 2/28/2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1506549411/iphone-cases-with-a-material-advantage

Product Overview: You can use their cases in three different configurations:

1. Case only - Where you use just the case, which is a pretty solid case all on its own.
2. Case in base, face out - Giving you quick access.
3. Case in base, face in - The maximum level of protection, albeit with some inconvenience.

If that sounds interesting, surf on over and check it out and if you fund, let us know what you think below.

I live in Austin, which we like to think of as “The Live Musical Capital of the World” (and honestly it probably is), but which is also a huge biking mecca.  He-who-must-not-be-named is from here, and the number of teams and individual cyclists who are out on the road regularly is simply staggering.  And just like anywhere, cyclists and motorists have conflicting needs and speeds, and when they’re sharing the same road, you can have some serious issues.  Angry drivers, angry cyclists, people getting side-swiped, obscene finger gestures; it can be bad.

Which is what Orp is trying to solve.  The folks at Orp are cyclists themselves, and well aware of the issues, so they’ve developed this gadget that is a combination two-tone horn and beacon light.  Now why a two-tone horn, you might ask yourself.  If you’re a car person, you may have noticed that a lot of European cars (and American cars) have horns that sound, well, louder, whereas Japanese cars have an almost shy-sounding horn.  Part of that is two-tone vs. single-tone; when your horn is two-tone, it sounds louder and more distinct.  More of a “I’m here!” than a “Pardon me, please”, if you see what I mean.  In any event, surf on over and check it it, and if you decide to fund, be sure to let us know about it below!

Project Title: Orp Smart Horn {Smorn}

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: 2/11/2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2008278958/orp-smart-horn-smorn

Have you ever looked at the Playstation Vita or Nintendo 3DS and thought that they look great, but you would rather have a handheld gaming system that ran inexpensive open-source games but had physical control buttons? That is the concept behind the GCW-Zero: Open Source Gaming Handheld.

Project Title: GCW-Zero: Open Source Gaming Handheld

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: 1/28/2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gcw/gcw-zero-open-source-gaming-handheld

Project Title: tabMount – Tripod Adapter for iPad, iPad mini, & All Tablets

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: January 27, 2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ndrasheta/tabmount-tripod-adapter-for-ipad-ipad-mini-and-all

From the Creatives: “Imagine being able to mount your iPad, iPad mini, or whatever tablet you are currently using to a standard tripod. That’s exactly what you’ll be able to do with the tabMount.”

Why I Backed It: I backed this project because I have used and/or reviewed every other product this company has offered and I have been consistently impressed. I reviewed the iStabilizer Dolly. (Read the review.) I bought my father-in-law the iStabilizer Glass right after he got his iPhone 5. And Carly used the iStabilizer Monopod during CES. (Read her post.) In each case the products exceeded expectations. For me that is reason enough to back a new project from them. In addition, the iPad mini has an excellent camera for both pictures and video. The idea of having a convenient and secure way to hold and handle it while shooting appeals to me. This looks to be a great solution.

I’m happy to be a backer and encourage you to click here and take a closer look.

Since I got my iPhone 5, I have been using it a lot, way more often than my iPad.  I use it for pretty much everything from watching TV to taking notes to reading books to playing games.  Which is great, except when I want to prop it up and read while I’m eating, or use it to take notes when I’m using the Bluetooth keyboard, or something.  Which is why this particular crowdfunding item caught my eye: The CrystalCore TiltDock. There are three versions planned to take care of all smartphone users — a 30 pin version, one with a lightning connector (pending Apple’s MFI program approval), and a version with a MicroUSB.

The TiltDock has 3 pretty cool-looking features:

1. Tilting backrest.
2. Fit’s your phone with 99% of any cover, bumper or case.
3. Look Mom, One Hand!

I liked the look of these things so much that when they become available for testing, I’m going to give one a good workout and report back to you all on what I think.  But in the meantime, if you’re thinking it looks good to you, why not surf on over to their web site and check it out, or contribute to their Indigogo funding project.  And if you do, be sure to let us know what you think below!

A few months back, I reviewed the TabletTail: Whale Kit, an interesting and innovative iPad holder and stand combo with a flexible “tail” that allowed you to use it as a grip and not just a stand.  Now the same folks are back on Kickstarter with their next project:  A flexible tablet position gizmo.  Now personally, one of the things I am always looking for with my iPad is a way to prop it up that is both stable, portable, functional, flexible, and attractive.  And to put it mildly, it is almost impossible to find all those things in one gizmo.  But in my constant search for a solution–okay, it’s not constant, but you know what I mean, right?–this looked like a fairly interesting innovation.  And since I was pretty impressed with these folks’ last effort, I wanted to let you all know about it. Check it out:

Project Title: Monkey Kit: Flexible Tablet Positioning System

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: 2/21/2113

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/octaproducts/monkey-kit-flexible-tablet-positioning-system

The Monkey Kit is available at http://kck.st/TXZy1O.  The retail MSRP will be $99.99, but Octa is offering a Kickstarter-only early bird special of $80.00.  If it looks interesting to you, I really want to encourage you to surf on over and check it out.

This Kickstarter campaign is to fund the development of a cross between a Tycoon game, MMORPG, and a gambling game.  This game really intrigues me because I’ve always been interested in a Mass Multiplayer Online-type environment where you can keep building an empire and the game continues ever after you log off.  In games like Minecraft, you can craft some really cool things, but unless you’re on a large public server, you aren’t really sharing that with anyone.  But in CasinoRPG, you get to grow your fortune from the ground up and then other real-live players can interact with your creations.  Also, why have a fortune when you can’t throw it all away on one throw of the dice?  GoldFire wants to give you that opportunity.  You can use your (play-money) fortune to gamble in any of the other players’ casinos to further expand, or destroy, your bank account.  Another great thing about this game is that it will run on HTML 5 via your browser.  This means that you’ll be able to play it on any newer mobile phone or tablet as well as your PC or Mac.  This means you can take your game with you anywhere and have the same experience no matter what device your playing on.  If you’re at all interested in Tycoon-type games, this is something you’ll have to try.  This project absolutely needs to get more exposure.

Project Title:  CasinoRPG

Status:  Funding – 35% with 18 days to go at the time of this posting

Closing Date for Funding:  2/5/2013

URL of the Project:  CasinoRPG

Who at Gear Diary Backed It: Perry, so far.

At What Level Did We Back:  $25.  If you act fast, you can get in on the $25 level for just $20!

Why We Backed It:  I am very interested in the Tycoon and MMO genre.  Plus, a little gambling never hurt anybody!  Play-money gambling, that is.

How’s Communication From the Creatives Been?:  There have been two updates so far.  I also received a personal message from the CEO after backing the project.

What Has the Experience Been:  Just backed this morning, but very excited to start beta testing this game to see what can truly be done with this cross-genre venture.

Would You Recommend this Kickstarter Project?:  Absolutely.  I have a few friends who have been looking forward to new Roller Coaster Tycoon type games, and I will definitely recommend this to them.

Are you one of the people who backed the Pebble watch on Kickstarter?

Dan and I were, but unlike every other smartwatch that we have personally backed on the crowd funding site Kickstarter since the phenomenally successful Pebble was successfully funded, the Pebble still hasn’t shipped. We’ve been curious about the holdup; not alarmed, just curious. (Note: after the press conference we got an update with more info, scroll to the bottom to read!)

So when I found out that they would be hosting a press conference at CES, I was completely interested — not only as a tech journalist interested in connected smart watches, but also as someone who was an early “invester” (if you will) in the company.

Eric, CEO of Pebble, seemed a little nervous as he mentioned, “this is the first time I’ve ever given a press conference, and this is the first press conference I’ve ever been to.”

Today they announced that Pebble is in mass production, and Kickstarter backers watches will start shipping January 23rd. 6 to 8 weeks is what he estimates it will take to ship them all.

One of the core components of the watch is its display, a black and white ePaper display, which is an LCD variant that is easy to see in the sun and gets excellent battery life. The watch is 38.2 grams, so it is very light, and it has a strong polycarbonate body. The strap is a standard 22mm band, so it is easily swappable. The watch is 5ATM water resistant, so it can handle everything except diving.

It has a magnetic charging cable that snaps onto the side to maintain water resistance.

Colors are red, white, black, orange, and gray. They spent a lot of time with the colors to get the exact shades they wanted.

The watch is future-proof. It has a BT 4 module in the watch, even though it only uses 2.1 right now, they will be able to push updates in the future. It has an ambient light sensor, an accelerometer, and a magnetometer.

They opted to build a FreeRTOS core, and created a new Pebble OS. The watch will support iOS 5+ devices and Android 2.3.3+ and up. They have also created the Pebble account system, which will allow updates to be pushed to users through the cloud.

Eric admitted that they have been light with details about how the Pebble will run, but they are now working with developers to write applications for the watch.

He said that even though the watch has a black and white screen, they have worked a lot of animations into the watch to keep it current.

The watch shows fluid animations.

Binary …

And the watch will control your iPod touch, or smartphone’s music. It will also notify you and display email and text messages.

Pebble will vibrate when a call comes in, and the email/SMS feature allows you to decide whether or not you need to reply now. Pebble will also push Facebook notifications.

Using the website If This, Then That, you can set up notifications based on various triggers to push to your Pebble watch.

Being able to install different on the Pebble when the watch is paired to a smartphone running the watch app is one cool feature.

Software updates will be pushed to pebble every couple weeks until all of the promised features are there; if you are an early backer, then you will be able to watch Pebble evolve.

During Q&A — where Eric took questions from press in the audience as well as from Tweets and Facebook massages he was receiving in real time on his Pebble watch– assured us that SMS works “great” with iOS.

Eric thinks being able to control music in the shower is a pretty cool feature, but changing watch faces based on time zones is one of his favorites.

The delays Pebble has experienced have been mainly due to them trying to refine the watch to make it a better consumer experience versus a hacked together watch.

Here’s the packing box, designed to be “frustration free” and get the Pebble to you safely.

I’m even more excited about Pebble now than I was! How about you?

The creators at Pebble have released a new CES Update video for everyone to check out at their official site!

In addition to previously mentioned features, the Pebble will include the following sensors that we’ll enable with future updates:

· Magnetometer – we’ve added this in so you’ll have compass-like functionality
· Ambient light sensors – your Pebble watch will be able to understand how much light is available in its current environment

Some great news!

The search for the perfect iPad or tablet stand can sometimes feel a bit Sisyphean.  There are plenty of options out there, but they all have their trade-offs.  For example, I loved my Compass stand — it’s beautiful, portable, and easy to use.  But it’s not the sturdiest of stands (not to mention it gives TSA folks the willies).  So I’m always looking.  And maybe the XFLEX stand on Kickstarter will be a good option.

Instead of going with one of those multi-part arm component solutions, the XFlex folks have decided to have one single arm holding the tablet clamp.  I haven’t held it my hand or anything, but this arm is clearly made out of some flexible-but-strong material that allows you to bend it into multiple positions.  Combined with the heavy-duty base to provide solid support, it looks like a decent solution to the “I’m tired of holding up my tablet, dammit!” problem.  (Well, it’s a problem for me, but I have chronic neck pain issues, so I admit that I’m not in the mainstream here.)  It reminds me a lot of an industrial-strength version of those posable Gumby figures from when I was a wee one.  (Do they still have those?)

Anyway, here it is:

Project Title: XFLEX Tablet and iPad Stand: The Single Stand Solution

Status: Active

Closing Date for Funding: 1/10/2013

URL of the Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/774823150/xflex-tablet-stand-the-single-stand-solution

From the Creatives:  The XFLEX Features

• Hands Free Design
• Single Stand Solution
• Universal Applications
• Multiple Connection Points
• Ideal Viewing Angle
• Portability