Devices made by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) have triggered a fair number of Kickstarter projects over the years, including such successes as the dual-connection iStick flash drive by HYPER and the picture stabilizing Elephant Stabilizer from Japan. Now, the iPhone has inspired another crowd-funded project, this one aimed squarely at the “selfie” fad, in which people use their smartphones or cameras to take pictures of themselves, with or without friends.
CaseCam is the Kickstarter project which aims to revolutionize taking selfies, which has nearly achieved its funding goal. The item to be produced should the crowd-funded project prove to be successful is a case that fits the iPhone 5 in both of its variants. This case has a kickstand on the reverse side enabling the iPhone to be propped up. The kickstand is also the clever selfie taking core of the simple but effective invention.
The kickstand, when extended, opens like a hatch above the Apple (AAPL) iPhone’s built-in camera. The kickstand also bears a small, high quality mirror. When triggered by the app-based timer, the camera photographs whatever is reflected in the mirror, creating a crisp image without the need for a photographer. Since the image is taken in a mirror, the app automatically flips the image so that it displays correctly.
The kickstand can be placed in one of three different positions, each suitable for a different distance to the photographic subject. The app allows the user to view what the camera can see displayed on a second mobile device, so that any necessary positioning adjustments can be made. The device is useful both for solitary individuals photographing themselves, and for groups of friends, who can now include everyone in a single photograph.
The CaseCam, if it ever sees the light of day as an actual product, will come in at least four different colors, including Teal Gray, Navy Blue, Pink, and Deep Red. The retail price for the item will apparently be $40, though Kickstarter backers can obtain it for the special price of a $30 pledge. The CaseCam is injection molded polycarbonate, though high level backers will receive a machined aluminum version instead.
Testifying to the popularity of selfies among Apple (AAPL) iPhone users, the Kickstarter is hovering on the brink of success. With around 50 hours to go and 340 backers, the case has generated $22,042 out of its $25,000 goal. The CaseCam had a 31 day period starting on July 21st, 2014.
