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The overall wearable product market globally is expected to reach $31.27 Bn, by 2020 growing at a CAGR of 17.8%. The level of opportunity available is immense and the possible innovations in this space are beyond expectations.
Lately, startups have launched products like fitness bands, smart watches, and even clothes. However, with most linked to fitness and wellness, the idea of wearing them just casually has not yet reached consumers. Hyderabad-based Broadcast Wear is one startup that is trying to blend style, emotions and technology in daily wear segment.
Ideated by Ayyappa Nagubandi and Mahalakshmi Nagubandi in November 2015, the startup aims to disrupt the apparel and wearable market with its products. It has recently launched the world’s first touch-enabled, programmable, LED T-shirt that can display any slogan a user want using his/her smartphone, be it a text or animation.
Earlier this month, the founders started a campaign to raise a seed investment of $25K via crowdfunding on Indiegogo. Till the time of publishing this article, it has already raised $50K and still has 10 days left. Those who become part of funding can pre-order T-shirts with final delivery to start by November this year.
The team was also the winner of best gadget award at HYSEA Design Summit.
Why It Is Unique?
The Broadcast T-shirt consists of 960 tiny surface mounted device LEDs (SMD-LEDs) with flexible printed circuit board. It connects with the accompanying app to give users complete control over what they wish to say. The app is available for iOS and Android phones. Here’s how it works:
The designs can be changed multiple times, and users can tap on the LED panel to switch it on and tap again to switch it off. A swipe across the panel will change the design from the gallery on the phone. The T-shirt is 100% waterproof, foldable and washable (only handwash). It is made from cotton material and is comfortable as LEDs do not touch the body.
It comes with a rechargeable battery having a life of 4 hours and one can charge the same using a USB cable that will be given along with the T-shirt. It is available in multiple colours and size with options like Round neck or a collar and LED panel either on the front or the back.
On business front, it can be used by companies to have their people wear a T-shirt with moving slogan for advertising purposes. With its API integration, companies can ensure that all the T-shirts of their employees display the same related content simultaneously. They can also be used to display company’s live Twitter feeds and generate awareness.
Further Goals, Risks And Challenges
The ultimate aim is to make the product available commercially at the lowest cost possible. The team plans to raise a maximum of $55,000 through crowd funding platform to make available Twitter (at $35,000) and API (at $45,000) integration along with launching an ad platform (at $55,000), where users can give access to the T-shirt and use it to display ads.
Unforeseen delays at any point of time is a risk they are working with. At the same time getting manufacturers deliver it on deadline is a considerable challenge. As said by Ayyappa,
“That is why, in order to ensure Broadcast T-shirt reaches you on time, we will have a team stationed with our manufacturing partners. Our competent app development team, which works in-house, is constantly looking for ways to make the app work better with the T-shirt, till it’s time for shipping. This means that you will have a T-shirt that is more refined and that works in the best possible way!”
This post is powered by Broadcast Wear.
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