Editor’s note: This article was first published in December 2013; the product news, including prices such as an umbrella handle just under $20 and PIP at $18 a month, is from December 2013. The status of each company may have changed, and several products may no longer exist.
In their search for innovation and new technologies, some entrepreneurs are surprising us with their ideas once again.
1. An umbrella handle that lets you carry on “doing your thing”.
Since we can’t stop most people from walking down the street glued to their smartphones, the company Brolly has patented this umbrella handle shaped like a “knuckle-duster” so you can keep texting on your smartphone while staying safe from the rain. The umbrella sells for just under $20. A very simple idea that is making its way.
2. The keyless padlock.
Lock8 uses smart technology to unlock a padlock without a key and to track the location of your bike. You can unlock it with your smartphone. It is ideal for rental companies and individuals alike, since you always know where your bike is, the device sends you an alarm if someone tries to force it, and you can send the code to another user via WhatsApp or Facebook so they can unlock it. The idea managed to raise £60,000 on Kickstarter.
3. Video stamps.
Why send just a Christmas present when even the stamp on the envelope can be a video greeting? Using QR technology, Australia Post is offering a postal service that lets you use a stamp carrying a recorded video message.
4. Beyond QR codes.
The company Pounce has decided to go beyond QR code readers. With this app you can scan the picture of a product in a magazine with your smartphone and go straight to the product details, buying it on the spot. This business could be very profitable if companies end up setting up their catalogues and magazines to link to Pounce.
5. Facial recognition for pets.
The company PIP has taken facial recognition technology and applied it to pets. For a fee of $18 a month, owners can register their pet in the app and upload the relevant photos. If your dog goes missing, you press the alarm in the app, alerting the organisations in charge as well as the other users. If you find a lost animal, the app lets you notify its owner (as long as the animal is registered).
We keep seeing how, more and more, technology opens up new business opportunities if you are willing to let your imagination run free.
Further reading
Featured image: Japanexperterna.se, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr.
