A wearable device for measuring exposure to ultraviolet light and a "smart" Kegel exercise aid recently created pages on Kickstarter requesting funders, highlighting the use of crowdfunding to back edgy new devices.
The Skea (or Smart Kegel Exercise Aid) boasts a smartphone game called Alice in Continent that involves causing the video game character to jump at the right time by squeezing the device with the pelvic floor muscles. The games give the product an edge over competitor kGoal, which is also being funded via Kickstarter.
So far Skea has 73 backers and about $6,000 toward its goal of raising $38,000 in 15 days. The product is being developed by Beijing's Linkcube Studio. Meanwhile, kGoal has exceeded its $90,000 goal easily and boasts $245,000 in funding with 5 days to go. Both devices treat urinary incontinence.
In addition, Portland's Ultra announced yesterday that its Violet wearable for measuring accumulated ultraviolet dosage and vitamin D generation is now available for order via Kickstarter. Violet boasts $12,000 in funding toward a goal of $100,000 with 21 days to go.
Will these startups kick-start others looking for funding to consider crowdfunding?
- read Ultra's release
- here's Engadget's take