In a world where technology often dominates our lives, two childhood friends decided to take a different approach. Andreas Kofoed Sørensen and Hans Høite Augustenborg, with their backgrounds in advertising and visual communication, have created Birdie Fresh Air Monitor, a revolutionary device that brings a touch of art and storytelling to the realm of air quality monitoring.
Unlike typical air monitors that bombard users with lights, sounds, and digital displays, Birdie offers a refreshing change. The founders like to call it a “tech product that doesn’t look like a tech product.” Inspired by the northern European tradition of regularly opening windows to ventilate living spaces, Birdie aims to be more than just a monitoring tool; it’s a piece of communication that engages users in a unique way.
The design of Birdie draws inspiration from the age-old practice of using canaries in coal mines to detect dangerous gases. In the same vein, Birdie reacts to indoor air quality changes by “playing dead” when CO2 levels exceed 1,000 ppm for over ten minutes. As soon as the levels drop below 800 ppm, Birdie miraculously comes back to life, prompting users to take action and ventilate their spaces.
Augustenborg explains that Birdie’s appeal lies in its simplicity and visual cues, making it more effective than regular monitors. The absence of noise or complicated interfaces lets users easily understand and engage with the device, encouraging them to ventilate more frequently. Birdie comes with an internal battery that lasts for eight months and can be recharged via USB-C. The product gained immense popularity through a successful crowdfunding campaign, fulfilling the orders of every backer. It is now available as a standalone product on their website and select retailers.
Moreover, Birdie has piqued the interest of tech giants Microsoft and Google for its playful interface and potential impact on future hardware design. For those seeking a stylish and effective air quality monitor that blends seamlessly into their living spaces, Birdie® offers a compelling solution. At $189, it promises to be a breath of fresh air in the world of air monitoring technology.
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