10 Cool Tech Products Seeking Funding On Kickstarter

In Need Of A Kick

Founded in 2009, Kickstarter has been helping individuals and groups jump-start their creative projects and ideas through its crowd-funding site. This funding platform hosts a variety of endeavors including films, art, design and technology.

Here's a list of the 10 coolest tech products that are currently on Kickstarter. From controlling appliances with a smartphone to an extremely thin phone charger, here are some innovative tech projects seeking funding.

ivee Sleek: Wi-Fi Voice-Activated Assistant

Say hello to ivee Sleek. She'll listen, answer any question, heed commands and also control devices that utilize the Internet. With the latest in voice-command technology, ivee can set reminders, alarms and text reminders and tell the time, weather and stocks. Ivee Sleek also can connect to third-party Internet-connected devices, such as smart thermostats, locks, lights, blinds, health monitors and scales. As the developers of ivee Sleek will continue to add more features, ivee will continue to learning its user's habits the more she is spoken to, getting smarter over time. It is possible for ivee to hear commands from up to 10-15 feet away using a beam-forming microphone array to cancel ambient noises. Ivee Sleek uses natural language understanding, machine learning and Wolfram-Alpha's computational engine to grasp commands and respond to them. And, ivee is equipped with light and temperature sensors to detect its surroundings.

So far 227 backers have pledged $32,558 of the $40,000 goal with 31 more days to go. The funding period ends July 21, 2013.

iController: Cloud Sensor Network

Always within reach, iController will monitor any sensor-equipped process, appliance, equipment or device. This hardware platform uses a cloud-based software system, called RSVP (Remote Sensor Viewing Platform), which allows users to remotely control and access sensor data. Created by electrical engineer and marketing manager Steve Clary, iController gathers and uploads the sensor data to a secure Web server where it can be viewed from any browser, 24/7. With RSVP, users can define sensors, establish how frequently they are read, select the format of the data display, determine data limits and figure out what to do when limits are breached. Sensor data is sent using Ethernet, Wi-Fi, cellular modem or satellite link. iController can be used with devices such as medical, pressure and weather sensor-enabled devices. iController is easy to install and use and can be accessed on tablets, smartphones or PCs on the Web.

The funding period for iController started as of June 18, 2013 and, currently, $2,000 of the $35,000 goal has been pledged. The funding period ends July 18, 2013.

Ember And Torch: Apps Meet Arduino

For building apps to remotely control electronic objects using Arduino, an open-source electronic hardware platform that allows the creation of interactive electronics, Ember and Torch is a perfect fit to help turn nearly any device into a "remote control to your world," according startup developer Lava. These Bluetooth low-energy Arduino-compatible boards will talk directly to any smartphone, tablet or computer. The low-energy Bluetooth enables out-of-the-box connectivity for devices and Lava's software library, called Bonfire, which substitutes as a bridge between an app and the hardware project. Bonfire can run on Arduino, Android, iOS and OS X. Some sample apps include Joysticks, for remote-controlled cars; Color, an RGB light strip controller; Outlet, for electrical outlets. Currently, Bonfire isn't compatible with Android. But, it works with iPhone 4S and above, iPad 3 and above, iPad mini, iPod 5th gen, MacBook Air mid-2011 and above, Mac Mini mid-2011 and above, MacBook Pro 2012 and above and iMac 2012 and above. To date, there are 155 backers that have pledged $8,668 of the $80,000 goal. The funding period ends July 11, 2013.

STABiLGO: Ready. Steady. Go

Cinematography requires a good eye, talent and taking good shots. To help the filmmaking process, STABiLGO is a motorized stabilizer for GoPro cameras. Created by a duo team, a producer/video editor and a photography director, this solution is affordable, lightweight and perfect for filming activities. This motorized film stabilizer is a portable and handheld device that can film action sports such as skateboarding while keeping footage stable -- no shaky videos here. STABiLGO has a high-speed processor and gyroscopic sensor that works for both horizontal and vertical angles. It permits 180 degrees of pitch movement and 270 degrees of roll movement. It can run for 90-plus minutes when fully charged and fits the GoPro Hero 2 and Hero 3 cameras.

Currently, 31 backers have pledged $11,510 of the $100,000 goal. The funding period ends July 16, 2013.

Benki: Connected Devices Done Right

Benki has got three devices to launch, all of which let users control devices no matter where they are through one app for Android and iPhone. Socket, Benki's smart outlet that plugs into an existing outlet, comes equipped with a light, temperature sensor and microphone. Each outlet can be turned on/off individually and controlled automatically on customized settings. View, Benki's small battery-powered device that has a camera, light and temperature sensor, allows a user to literally view an area where it is left behind. So if on vacation and there is a drastic temperature change, View will allow the user to see if the basement has flooded or not. The third and final product is the Break, which is an open/close sensor that can be placed on doors, cabinets and windows. One part of the device is placed on one side of a door, for example, while the other is placed on opposite side, and Break lets the user know when the two halves are disconnected. Its temperature sensor tells whether energy is being wasted when cooling and heating.

Currently, 314 backers have pledged $52,161 of the $220,000 goal. The funding period ends July 4, 2013.

Valta: Energy Usage Simplified

Valta remote energy management system lets you cut costs and energy in one simple and easy-to-use system. This cost-effective solution is designed to save energy by automatically detecting unused devices and sending alerts. The Valta system consists of a v-Hub, socket, app, Web app and cloud servers.

By plugging in Valta sockets and using an app that can be installed on an iPhone, Valta manages plugged in devices including an iron, TVs, coffee makers, various lamps and more. The sockets are equipped with a high-resolution chipset along with a patented energy detection/measurement system to measure and recognize idle power. The information on energy usage can be sent via push notifications and accessed through the app. The data gleaned from Valta allows for energy consumption awareness by showing users their energy-usage patterns, which can ultimately save money and energy.

Currently 17 backers have pledged $1,745 of the $100,000 goal. The funding period ends July 23, 2013.

Jackery Air: The World's Thinnest Portable Mobile Charger

A smartphone's battery at 10 percent or less can send anybody into panic. However, Jackery Air is a great, portable and extremely thin solution for smartphone and tablet users when they are on the go. This strong external battery features up to five days of additional operational time, in which it can charge a smartphone two to four times. It is also made up of an ultra-light aluminum case, the same aluminum molding process utilized by Apple. By simply plugging in a smartphone's USB cable into the battery and pressing the button, it will immediately start charging. The slim, light design means it's ideal to carry, making it the perfect solution in any battery-drained emergency.

Currently 404 backers have pledged $38,416, exceeding its $30,000 goal. The funding period ends July 13, 2013.

The Buccaneer: 3-D Printer That Everyone Can Use!

3-D printing is an innovative and revolutionary concept, and now everyone can use it. Created by Pirate3D, the Buccaneer is an affordable 3-D printing solution that is perfect for home use. Fully set up and ready to go, this 3-D printer uses the cloud to let a PC or mobile device print almost anything. Creating a 3-D object is easy: plug in the printer to a power outlet, connect it to a PC or Mac and the Buccaneer Wi-Fi, log in and load the cartridge with the filament, or material, and it's ready to go. Whatever the design is, the Buccaneer will print it. While creating basic objects is difficult with design software, it is extremely easy with Pirate3D's Smart Objects. This program works on many platforms including Macs and PCs, iOS, Android and Web browsers. Whatever you want Pirate3D says the Buccaneer will print it.

Currently there are 2,624 backers that have pledged $1,036,551, surpassing its $100,000 goal. The funding period ends June 29, 2013.

Fermostat: A Home Brewing Solution

This isn't just any plain thermostat; it's the Fermostat, a solution that oversees the fermentation process of home brewing beer. When it comes to the fine crafting of microbrews, the temperature must be just right, and it differs for different types of beers. The temperature of the fermenting process must be altered at a gradual pace, and the Fermostat does exactly so. This programmable thermostat will continually oversee the stages throughout the process of fermenting. Each stage has a start temperature, stop temperature and a duration period allowing users to set the number of fermenting days. Fermostat can predict how a heating and cooling system affects the temperature and uses that to maintain temperature, preventing it from temperature fluctuations. A fridge, freezer or homemade cooling device can be used as a cooling system, and a heat-bulb, space heater or heating blanket can be used for a heating system.

Currently there are 85 backers that have pledged $13,040, beating the $10,000 goal. The funding period ends July 6, 2013.

Ecorithmic: Automatic EcoDriving System

The rising costs of fuel can be tough on your wallet. Fortunately, Ecorithmic can measure exactly how much money and fuel is being spent. While driving, the smartphone's sensors measure stored mechanical energy in the vehicle. By first selecting a pre-recorded route, such as driving to work, and then beginning to drive, Ecorithmic will measure the mechanical energy and use stored pre-recorded route information to calculate when to start rolling the car, rather than stepping on the gas, which allows a user to take advantage of a vehicle's stored mechanical energy. The app records the route's latitude, longitude, altitude, and the turns and slopes in roads. Any Android smartphone or tablet can be used with the app. To use, simply place it onto the provided sticky pad that will hold it in place and install the app onto the phone, and its ready to start helping users save fuel, money and the environment.

Currently, there are 7 backers that have pledged $148.92 of the $215,418 goal. The funding period ends July 9, 2013.