ODDIO1

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  • Insert Coin: A look back at ten top projects from 2011

    by 
    Zach Honig
    Zach Honig
    12.31.2011

    #editors-choice #editors-header { padding: 0; margin: 10px 0; } #editors-choice .section { border: 5px solid #EEE; margin: 10px 0; position: relative; } #editors-choice .section:hover { border-color: #00BDF6; } #editors-choice .section a:hover { text-decoration: none; } #editors-choice .section .winner { display: block; } #editors-choice .section .winner img { display: block; float: left; margin: 0; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details { float: left; width: 410px; margin: 0 0 0 15px; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details h2 { color: #444; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: -1px; padding: 10px 0 0; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details h3 { font-size: 26px; letter-spacing: -1px; padding: 7px 0 11px; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details p { color: #222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; } #editors-choice .section .runner-up { display: block; position: absolute; bottom: 0; right: 0; background-color: #333; padding: 3px 10px; } #editors-choice .section .runner-up strong { font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-right: 3px; color: #BBB; } 2011 has been a tremendous year for tech -- Amazon launched a $200 Android tablet, AT&T and Verizon continued their LTE expansion, Apple killed off the Mac mini's SuperDrive and Samsung introduced a well-received killer 5.3-inch smartphone. But tiny tech startups made their mark as well, proving that you don't need an enormous R&D budget to spur innovation. Still, development isn't free, and unless your social circle includes eager investors, seed money has been traditionally hard to come by. For many of this year's indie devs, crowdfunding sites have been the answer, with Kickstarter leading the pack. We've seen an enormous variety of projects -- including a deluge of duds and plenty more semi-redundant iPhone accessories -- but a few treasures soared above the swill to be featured in our Insert Coin series, with many of those meeting their funding goals and even making their way into the hands of consumers. Now, as 2011 draws to a close, we've gone through this past year's projects to single out our top ten, and they're waiting for your consideration just past the break.

  • Insert Coin: ODDIO1 straps an iPod shuffle to your head, makes you inexplicably cooler

    by 
    Daniel Cooper
    Daniel Cooper
    12.01.2011

    In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. Micro music players like the iPod shuffle are great when you're shredding the powder, but long cords can be a health hazard, even in the office -- if one wraps itself 'round your coffee mug, you risk having twelve ounces of hot liquid landing in your lap. Designers Jeremy Saxton & Jacob Hall have developed the ODDIO1, a pair of headphones that do away with all that unnecessary cabling -- holstering the shuffle on the right earpiece. If you're interested in getting your hands on a pair of these infuriatingly simple yet elegant cans, ride on past the break to find out more.