iPod Nano Watchband Breaks Kickstarter Funding Records

An iPod nano watchband case design has broken records at community-funding site Kickstarter, earning more than $275,000 in one week. The design (or designs rather, since there are two slightly different models available), by Scott Wilson, transforms Apple's latest nano into a stylish wristwatch.

Kickstarter is a site that hosts projects by individuals seeking funding to help turn their concept into a reality. People provide details about what it is they're trying to do, how they'll do it, and what audience they hope to reach. Projects range from artistic installations and shows, to new restaurant concepts and new technology. Best of all, risk is greatly diminished for funders since Kickstarter uses an all-or-nothing model. People seeking funding set a target goal and must hit that goal before the funding period runs out or no money changes hands.

Scott Wilson, who helped design Microsoft's successful motion-sensing Kinect Xbox peripheral, sensed that there was strong demand for an iPod nano wristwatch band that actually looked good, and wasn't just a cheap piece of plastic you could clip your media player onto. That's why he created the TikTok and LunaTik watch straps. The TikTok features a rubberized snap-in holder for your iPod, and a rubber band, while the LunaTik features a much more elaborate aluminum casing mechanism. The aluminum holder provides access to all the iPod's buttons and ports.

Those who pledge $25 or more will receive a TikTok strap when it goes into production, and $50 will get you the LunaTik. $70 gets you both, and $150 will earn funders a serialized, special edition red-anodized version of the LunaTik, laser signed by Wilson himself. You'll also get a TikTok with donations of $150 or more.

Wilson's original funding target for the TikTok and LunaTik was $15,000. As of this writing, he has $279,549 from 3760 backers, with 24 days remaining in his funding period. $180,000 of that was secured in the first three days alone, according to Fast Company's Co.Design blog.

This isn't the first time Apple products have brought Kickstarter success. The Glif, created by Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost, raised $137,417 during its funding period, going far beyond its goal of $10,000. The lesson here? Combining Apple products, top-notch design know-how and ability and community funding seems to be a recipe for success.

Is this something you could get behind? If not, what sorts of Apple-related accessories would you back?

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http://gigaom.com/apple/ipod-nano-watchband-breaks-kickstarter-funding-records/

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