Update: Transparent Speaker by People People

By Michael van Vliet | December 19, 2012

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Awhile ago we wrote about the Transparent Speaker by People People. Back then it was just an innovative concept. We were skeptical the production model would pan out to be viable (i.e. coordinating with local glass makers). However, it looks like they’ve gotten everything straightened out.

People People has now launched a Kickstarter campaign to get the first Transparent Speakers out the door. We’re excited to see such a great piece of design go from concept to execution.

If you are interested in getting your own Transparent Speaker, head over to Kickstarter and show them your support.

[ via Kickstarter]

AirTracks: Inflatable All-Terrain Camera Slider

By Michael van Vliet | October 19, 2012

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Kickstarter project, AirTracks, has recently debuted an inflatable all-terrain camera slider that allows photographers to capture beautiful cinematic video in even the most challenging of terrain.

For those smooth gliding dolly shots, photographers using DSLRs typically need to setup a metal slider track. However, these tracks can be cumbersome to travel with and can make shooting in a remote location a hassle.

AirTracks plans to change that by offering an inflatable slider that can fold down for easy storage. With just two deep breathes and a few squeezes on the included hand pump, the AirTrack is ready for use. It can be easily setup across any surface, including rocky gravel, mud, or sand.

You can check out a video of the AirTrack system in action here. If you can get past their uncomfortably enthusiastic pitchman “Squid”, the AirTrack system actually looks like a pretty solid concept. We hope this project gains some traction because we’d love to try one out on one of our next photo shoots.

[ via NotCot via Kick Starter]

Boliva Swings

By Michael van Vliet | July 17, 2012

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A while ago Jeff Waldman was awarded a grant from The Awesome Foundation to hang swings throughout the city of Los Angeles. The goal of the project was to bring the greatest feeling of joy to the most people for the least amount of money. However, the LA trip was really just a preparatory exercise for his future goal: bringing swings to developing nations.

After running a very successful Kickstarter campaign, he was able to raise the money to travel to Boliva and continuing spreading his swings of joy.  He plans to edit together a full documentary film about the trip, but for now he has released a trailer to show a little bit of the work he’s done.

QuickFix Mud Guard

By Michael van Vliet | March 16, 2012

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The QuickFix Mud Guard is a lightweight, collapsible mud guard that can be attached without the use of a single bolt. This smart little piece of design, made possible by the wonders of Polyethylene, comes to us from London-based start-up Full Windsor.

The unique folded design offers rugged durable and structural rigidity that will stand up to even the most severe conditions. Unlike any other fender on the market, the QuickFix is held in place using three heavy duty metal snaps that attach around the frame of the bike. Taking it on or off can be done in mere seconds, and when not it’s not in use it folds in half for easy storage.

The QuickFix has been available in Europe for a little while now, but the company is looking to bring them to the US as soon as this summer. They’ve created a Kickstarter to help with the logistics of international shipping, of which Aether is a proud backer. So if you’re interested in getting one from their initial release you can check them out here.

AeroDynamic: iPhone 4/4S Handlebar Mount

By Michael van Vliet | January 12, 2012

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There are a couple iPhone mounts out there already, but none as sleek and sturdy as the new AeroDynamic. Designed by a father and son team who share a passion for product development and cycling, their ultra-light aluminum mount is designed for motorcycles, bicycles, strollers, or anything else that has a handlebar. The device consists of an iPhone compatible aluminum case, which looks killer on its own, as well as the mounting deck and bracket.  To help cover the initial material and milling costs they’ve launched the idea on Kickstarter and it looks like they’re off to a great start.  If the project gets fully funded they are hoping to have the first run of AeroDynamics available by April 1st 2012.

In Focus | Revolights

By Michael van Vliet | September 20, 2011

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Cycling at night just got a lot more interesting. Revolights is a new synchronized LED light system that attaches directly to the wheel hub of your bike. It brings the light closer to the ground, increases your visibility from the side, and makes your bike look incredibly awesome.  Inventor Kent Frankovich initially designed the light system as a one-off modification for his own bike, but after seeing all the safety benefits he wanted to offer the product to the public. The Revolight has gone through four stages of development and will be going into full production soon. If you want to get in on the ground floor, check out the project’s Kickstarter here. Street legal models will be available with white lights for the front wheel and red for the back. The only issue now will be getting that Daft Punk song out of your head while you ride.

Random Swings of Joy

By Michael van Vliet | June 21, 2011

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Last weekend The Awesome Foundation, a non-profit devoted to “forwarding the interest of awesomeness in the universe”, filled a $1000 grant to hang swings all around Los Angeles. The goal is to bring the greatest feeling of joy to the most people for the least amount of money.  And judging for this video, it certainly looks like they achieved just that.

After the swings’ success in Los Angeles, the group Swing Setters is looking bring the project to developing nations all over the world. The next location is Bolivia and they’ve started a Kickstarter to get things off the ground.