The Backed Pack: A universal remote control, a wearable stress detector, and a DSLR triggering system

Each week, our friends at Backerjack bring us updates on some of the most successful gadget crowdfunding campaigns.

NEEO

Neeo (shown above) combines some of the best features of a mobile app-based smart home automation system with those of a universal remote control. It also adds a few features that rival devices just don’t have, such as four antennas that integrate Bluetooth 4.0, Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and Z-Wave protocol functionality. There are two main parts of the Neeo system: the “Brain,” which will command all of the user’s devices, including TVs and Blu-ray players; and the remote, which provides instant control of all those devices. If the user can’t find the remote, an SOS alarm function activated via an iOS or Android smartphone will help track it down. Neeo has a database of more than 30,000 devices that it can connect to and control, and it is compatible with all major AV products made in the past 10 years.

NEEO is looking for $50,000 on Kickstarter, but has raised over $930,000. It will be interesting to see if NEEO can reach $1,000,000 in the time it still has left.

V1bes

V1bes was created to help people to become more conscious of their stress levels so that they can take appropriate steps to alleviate their anxiety. The biosensor ring is worn on the index finger and measures stress-influencing factors such as brainwaves, heart rate, and electromagnetic pollution. That information then gets translated to useful advice and training programs. The product is a smart device that learns about the user through consistent use and works in conjunction with their smartphone and personal cloud. Various apps include the thrill of competition through the biceps app, vibe “compatibility” between a couple, or how music changes one’s mood.

V1bes has exceeded its modest $500 goal on Indiegogo. So many wearables focus only on fitness, but few actually explore mood, something unique to V1bes.

CamsFormer

The CamsFormer triggering system attaches to a DSLR’s USB and cable release port and provides a combination camera remote, high-speed trigger, and motorized tilt and zoom. All this alongside CamsFormer’s variety of sensors allows photographers to set sound, light, or infrared triggers that set off up to two cameras and flashes from anywhere between microseconds to 32 seconds. A companion iOS app allows for wireless camera control, photo curation, and upload. It even enables things like Infinity Mode, where a camera can shoot infinitely despite whatever memory limitations it might have. This product offers options available anywhere since it generates its own Wi-Fi network as well.

The CamsFormer is extremely impressive in that radically expands any digital camera’s capabilities, adding a dizzying array of customizable settings any amateur or serious photographer would love. Backers agree and have helped this product raise 10 times its original Kickstarter goal.