Welcome to Awesome Tech You Can't Buy It, a weekly show where I bring you the five best things that have landed on outside a crowdfunding project. Today, we're kicking off with Tare, an inflatable roof rack system that's set to revolutionize the way we travel.
The idea behind this product is pretty straightforward. Instead of buying a hard-bodied roof rack set that's a pain in the ass to install and uninstall, you can actually just carry this thing around in the trunk of your car and then when you need a roof rack, you just inflate it with a bicycle pump, strap it to your roof, and put your gear on top. And the best part? It's also cheaper than traditional hard-bodied roof racks. You can get one on Kickstarter right now for about $65, with shipping expected to take place in June.
But what really sets Tare apart is its simplicity. Unlike hard-bodied roof racks, which are complex and require a lot of setup, this thing is a breeze to use. Just inflate it when you need it, strap it to your roof, and you're good to go. And with a price point of $65, it's an affordable option for anyone looking to upgrade their travel experience.
Next up, we have the Flector 360 CL, high-visibility omnidirectional bicycle reflector stickers that are sure to make you more visible on the road. Unlike regular reflector stickers, these things use advanced technology called metallized cube corner prisms, which reflect light in a much broader range of angles. This means that no matter where you're riding or how bright it is outside, cars will be able to see you from most angles.
But what really sets Flector 360 CL apart is its versatility. These stickers are designed to work on any bike, and they can be attached to your helmet, seatpost, or handlebars for maximum visibility. And with a price point of $16, it's an affordable way to upgrade your safety on the road.
Unfortunately, I have to admit that I'm kind of annoyed about Flector 360 CL being the third project from this company that has already been making these stickers in the past. But hey, more visibility is always better, right? You can get them in color now, and they're still as cheap as they were before.
Next up, we have The Sub, which is apparently the world's smallest flashlight. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be impressed or not - after all, there are already smaller flashlights out there. But this one takes the cake because it's also completely fireproof and waterproof. I mean, who needs a light that can withstand being dropped in a puddle? But hey, at least you'll never have to worry about your keys going dark.
The Sub is available on Kickstarter right now for about $19, with shipping expected to take place in May. And let me tell you, this thing is tiny. I mean, it's smaller than my keychain flashlight. But don't let its size fool you - it's still a fully functional flashlight that will get the job done.
But what really sets The Sub apart is its functionality. Not only does it work as a flashlight, but it also has other uses like a laser pointer and a whistle. And with a price point of $19, it's an affordable option for anyone looking for a versatile light source.
Next up, we have Pixel, a DIY game console that teaches you how to code and program video games. This is the latest take on an idea that we've seen tons of times before on Kickstarter and IndieGoGo - a game console that teaches you how to code. But what really sets Pixel apart is its focus on video games.
Pixel is designed specifically to teach you how to code and program video games, using Arduino as its programming language. And it's not just a pretty face - the console comes with a bunch of pre-made projects and tutorials to help you get started. You can even create your own games from scratch using the console's built-in software.
Pixel is available on Kickstarter right now for about $63, with shipping expected to take place in June. And let me tell you, this thing is pretty cool. I mean, who wouldn't want a DIY game console that teaches them how to code?
Last but not least, we have Qi, the wireless charging standard that works in most modern smartphones. This thing is actually based on something called "chi," which is pronounced as "chee" in Turkish. But don't worry if you didn't know that - it's still a pretty cool technology.
Qi is marketed as an "invisible" wireless charger because you can stick it under your desk and it has such a long range that you don't need to put it on top of your phone. And with a price point of $0 (since Qi is already built into most smartphones), it's basically free.
But what really sets Qi apart is its versatility. Not only does it work with most modern smartphones, but it also works with other devices like watches and earbuds. So whether you're on-the-go or stuck at your desk, Qi has got you covered.