The greatest technological innovations do not come from “big tech” companies, but from smaller startups chasing their dreams. Thanks to crowdfunding sites, you will be the first to get access to the best new products. We pick four great gadgets: from a self-adjusting camera tripod to smart bike lights.

4 coolest gadgets

Not everyone is familiar with the principle of crowdfunding, and this is also normal. It’s still a relatively new concept, but it can help creative people make a difference. You first support a great idea for a product, and then you can keep moving forward until the package arrives at your door. These are the four coolest tools on crowdfunding sites.

1. Benro Theta – Smart Camera Tripod

for whom?

For the photographer who travels a lot

What is this?

Benro Theta launched on Kickstarter. This compact camera mount offers the same stability as a standard tripod, but comes with many extras to help photographers get the perfect shot quickly and easily. For example, the tripod can adjust itself thanks to a battery, built-in electric motor and gyroscope.

Theta can also be played via an app via your smartphone. You can also use the Live View functionality via this app. There is also WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity with which you can adjust settings such as ISO values, aperture, and shutter speed.

• Benro Theta: Modular Smart Travel Tripod – Kickstarter – 323 euros including shipping – Due in June 2023

2. Little Lochett – Strong Magnetic Suspension System

for whom?

For those who want to hang things up

What is this?

Lochett is a very strong, but also functional magnetic suspension system. There is now also a Litl Lochett, which is a smaller version of the Lochett. The Lochett can handle anything up to 4 kilograms and weighs just 71 grams. Little Lochett can handle products weighing 2 kg and weighs only 25 grams. Both products are adjustable in size

What can you use Litl Lochett for? For hanging pots and pans around the kitchen or grill. For attaching brushes and rollers. To hang keys, water bottle, backpack or phone. I continue.

• Little Locket – Kickstarter – 19.93 euros including shipping – Due in August 2023

3. Lumos Firefly – Smart Bike Lights

for whom?

For those who want extra safety on the road at night

What is this?

With Lumos Firefly you can upgrade your bike ride with real turn signals and brake lights. When the brake lights are activated, all tail lights operate in sync with the brake lights, making the warning more visible to other road users.

You can sync the lighting with other Lumos products such as a helmet. Then the LEDs light up at the same time. Do you bike in a group? Then all the lights on the different bikes are synchronized. In addition, you can easily mount the lighting to your bike.

• 1x Lumos Firefly – Indigogo – 54 euros including shipping – Due in July 2023

4. Moonside Crystal Cube – 3D Smart Bulb

for whom?

For those who want to become zen with dynamic light effects

What is this?

With a total of 172 individually controllable LEDs on both the front and back, the Neon Crystal Cube lights up to create some of the most beautiful gradients and patterns you’ve ever seen.

Thanks to the modular system, you can put together several Neon Crystal Cubes in different ways, just like playing Tetris. You can also group lights in the Moonside app to sync them up with the same dynamic lighting effects. You can also choose from different facets of the cube, and even have text or an image etched into it.

• 2x Moonside Crystal Cube – Indigogo – 144 euros including shipping – Due in April 2023

Think of this with crowdfunding

Keep in mind that crowdfunding is always basically supportive of the idea, with no real guarantee that the actual product will meet your expectations. So choose the projects and startups you really believe in and follow the regular development and shipping updates given by the startups. So supporting projects through crowdfunding is different from shopping.

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