14 DAY TRIAL // When we write about coolers, we usually mean a fan, heatsink or combination of the two, for keeping the heat low on a CPU, GPU or whatever else. This time, though, a different kind of cooler has caught our attention.
Behold the Coolest Cooler, a fancy little crate that can keep your party drinks chilled even under the hottest summer sun, even if you live near the tropics or the equator.
Its creator, Ryan Grepper, described it as “a portable party disguised as a cooler, bringing blended drinks, music and fun to any outdoor occasion.”
He wanted a cooler that didn't look boring but also didn't break easily, or needed better than average arm strength to haul around. He also wanted an integrated ice crushing blender and, why not, the ability to play music.
He didn't find anything like that anywhere, so he set about making one himself. The Coolest Cooler was the result, a drink cooler that does, indeed, boast a built-in ice crushing blender and a waterproof bluetooth speaker (which can be removed).
Moreover, he included the ability to recharge phones, tablets and other electronics via USB. Other assets include a LED light (you won't be stumbling in the dark with it nearby), extra wide easy rolling tires, a bottle opener, integrated storage for plates and a knife, and a cooler divider/cutting board.
All in all, the product definitely looks like something that can gather enough followers to succeed being crowd-funded. The way it did it, though, is bound to leave quite a few people gaping in shock. Sputtering even.
You see, the $185 / €137 Coolest Cooler (early bird offers at $165 / €122 were snatched really fast) didn't make $50,000 / €37,000. It accumulated over $7 million / €5.2 million, and did it in a matter of days. What's more, there are 35 days to go, and the momentum does not seem to be letting up.
KickTraq stats say that, if it goes on like this, if the Coolest makes $410,020 / €304,450 every day for the rest of the time left, it could reach $21 million / €15.6 million by the time the campaign concludes, on August 29.
It will no doubt be some kind of record. Especially since the device that made most money on Kickstarter, so far, the Pebble smartwatch, accumulated $10.2 million / €7.57 million, and it was way back in May 2012.
Considering how fast the first 35,000 backers crowded around the Coolest Cooler versatile party tool, the new invention will surely outdo the Pebble, if nothing else. Especially with the extra rewards, like themed shirts and party cups. Shipments will only start in February 2015 though.
