Not all gaming-related Kickstarters can be for reinvented classics. And that’s not a bad thing. Some are for neat peripherals, controllers and even open-source consoles. Then, you get products like the “Headflat” that, well, seem to have good intentions but in reality, are just too goofy to be compelling.
OK, I’m sure we’ve all found ourselves in a situation where we’ve ended up with the dreaded “numb neck” or similar ailment, brought on by playing a mobile phone game without adopting good posture. Until this stuff can be beamed directly into our eyeballs, or jacked into the brain via cybernetic wetware, physical devices will have to do.
So, how does one solve this ergonomic problem? With a hat, of course.
No, you haven’t turned two pages at once. The Headflat is that hat, except it comes with an attachment arm that can hold any number of mobile gadgets thanks to an adjustable gripper. Here’s how the creators pitch it on the Kickstarter page:
The problem? Your smartphone in your hand. Your fingers on the screen. So many restrictions. Our solution is based on a very simple idea but it has a huge effect! It’s the “NOT HAVING YOUR PHONE IN YOUR HAND EFFECT”. This little fact brings about a lot of new options!
Uh, sure. The image on the right (click for the full version) shows it in action.
One thing you’ll notice on the Kickstarter page is that no one seems to wear the Headflat beyond the confines of a house or apartment. That’s because it’d be completely impractical on a bus or train and you’d look beyond ridiculous with it affixed to your head. If I’m going to be uncomfortable using my phone, it’s going to be while I’m on public transport and not so much at home, where beds, pillows and other support items are in ample supply.
Does it have a niche? Sure, I can see why you might want one. If you fall into the “desperately need” category, I’m not going to stop you from parting with your money, though I’d be surprised if this Kickstarter reaches its target.
I’m being harsh, I know, but there’s something about the Headflat that rubs me the wrong way. Perhaps it’s the inclusion of merchandise (T-shirts, really?), or the far too elaborate description page, or the dude crouching on a table controlling an RC car (something I imagine the Headflat would impede by being a giant floating distraction). One of these, all of these, I just can’t get excited about this thing.
headflat — the smartphone “Hands-Free-Solution” [Kickstarter]
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