ILLEGAL LASER AI MOUSE - Kickstarter in the Current Year

Summary

In this episode, the creator critiques a Kickstarter project called 'Cheer Dots 2,' an AI-powered mouse that combines features like recording and laser pointing. The creator argues the product is unnecessary, dangerous, and potentially illegal due to its use of green lasers. They highlight that this is part of a larger issue with companies using Kickstarter for advertising rather than true crowdfunding. The review also notes deceptive marketing practices and customer complaints being buried under promotions. Overall, the creator warns against wasting money on such products and encourages smarter consumer choices.

Takeaways

• 😬 The creator mentions that their videos are being affected by YouTube's algorithms and may not be showing up in people's feeds due to sensitive language.
• 🖱️ The video critiques a Kickstarter project called 'Cheer Dos 2,' an AI-powered mouse with various unnecessary and potentially dangerous features.
• 🔍 The product's marketing video shows random tech footage that is irrelevant to the product itself, raising questions about its authenticity.
• 💡 The mouse is described as impractical, combining features like a laser pointer, AI recording, and a Bluetooth connection, but doesn't perform well in any of these areas.
• 🚨 The green laser pointer in the product is deemed dangerous and possibly illegal in many countries due to its intensity and reflective nature.
• 📱 The host questions the product's usefulness, suggesting that a phone or regular recording device would be more practical and cheaper.
• 💸 The product has been heavily boosted through various platforms, indicating that it likely didn't need crowdfunding to begin with, but is using Kickstarter for promotion.
• 📝 Negative reviews of the product's first iteration have surfaced, with complaints about customer service and poor quality, which are being drowned out by comments incentivized through a giveaway.
• 🎁 The project offers a giveaway that seems to be used to suppress negative feedback by flooding the comments section with positive or neutral responses.
• 🤔 The host warns that even professional-looking projects on Kickstarter might not be worth supporting and encourages viewers to make smarter buying decisions.

Q & A

What issue did the YouTube algorithm seem to have with the previous video?

The previous video didn't do well and wasn't showing up in people's feeds or recommendations, likely because the title contained the letter 'p'.

What is the general theme of the video series 'Kickstarter in the current year'?

The series discusses various Kickstarter projects, often with a critical eye towards those that are poorly executed or misleading.

What is the main criticism of the 'Cheer dots 2' project?

The project is criticized for being unnecessary, potentially dangerous due to the inclusion of a green laser pointer, and for using questionable marketing practices to bury negative comments.

Why does the presenter believe the 'Cheer dots 2' is a bad investment?

The presenter thinks it's a bad investment because the product is of poor quality, the project uses unethical practices, and the functionality could be better served by separate, dedicated devices.

What is the significance of the green laser pointer included in the 'Cheer dots 2'?

The green laser pointer is criticized for being potentially dangerous and illegal in many countries, and unnecessary for the intended use of the device.

How does the presenter suggest the 'Cheer dots 2' project is abusing Kickstarter's system?

The presenter suggests that the project is abusing Kickstarter by using paid boosting, conducting a giveaway that functions like a raffle (which is against Kickstarter's rules), and ignoring customer complaints.

What is the presenter's view on the necessity of the AI integration in the 'Cheer dots 2'?

The presenter views the AI integration as unnecessary and believes that it does not justify the product's existence or its price.

What is the presenter's advice for potential backers of Kickstarter projects?

The presenter advises potential backers to be mindful of projects that may seem professional but are using the platform unethically, and to consider buying separate devices instead of a multi-functional one that may not deliver on its promises.

What is the presenter's opinion on the video quality and marketing of the 'Cheer dots 2' project?

The presenter acknowledges that the video and marketing are professional and well-executed, but criticizes the project for using these qualities to mask the product's flaws.

What is the nature of the 'giveaway raffle' mentioned in the project update?

The 'giveaway raffle' is a strategy where the project creators encourage backers to leave comments for a chance to win another product, which is seen as a way to flood and bury negative comments.

How does the presenter summarize the overall message of the video about Kickstarter projects?

The presenter summarizes that even well-presented Kickstarter projects can be scams or poor investments, and encourages viewers to be critical and do their research.