This 'smart tape measure' claims it can measure anything you want
What the Bagel’s really doing is stuffing three forms of measuring into one device. Although it looks somewhat like a typical tape measure, it doesn’t have the traditional metal strip. Instead, it uses a string, for more standard measurements...
...a wheel, for angled objects or when you only have one hand free...
...and a laser pointer and ultrasonic sensor, for areas that might be harder to reach.
In any case, your measurements are shown on a small, built-in LCD display.
Bagel Labs, the five-man startup behind the device, says it’ll work in feet, meters, inches, and centimeters.
There’s a button on the side of the device that lets you record voice notes.
So if you just took the dimensions of a door frame, you could name those measurements as such, and keep them logged on the device itself. There’s 32MB of storage space built in.
Naturally, there’s also a companion app. That’ll translate your voice memos to text and keep your past measurements logged in one place. It’ll be available on iOS and Android.
You’ll have to get used to the idea of charging your tape measure, though. Bagel Labs says the device “averages 8 hours with constant use,” or 24 hours when used intermittently. It recharges over microUSB.
Like any device that claims to ‘innovate’ upon a normal household object, there are a few red flags here.
Beyond the battery annoyance, the built-in string is only 10 ft. long. The remote mode, meanwhile, stops a little after 16 ft.
Generally speaking, something like this seems better suited for more casual tasks than more involved products, as you won’t be able to easily note markings as you’re going along a wider surface.
The biggest issue, though, might be cost.
You can grab one Bagel for $69 now, but Bagel Labs plans to sell it for $89 by its intended release in November. That’s a fair amount when a standard tape measure, rolling tape, and laser measure go for nearly half of that combined.
Still, if you can see the convenience here, there are still 30 days left in the Bagel’s campaign.
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