Pins Collective, a Sweden company founded by Olof Sjöstedt in 2014, knows how to erase the barrier between the digital and real world. They create products that allow people to wear digital content as a part of their outfit. They have met GIFs enthusiasts expectations and they have invented Pin One, first fully customizable GIF Pin! 

Express Yourself

Unquestionably, Pin One combines technology and art. This pin allows users express their style in a vivid yet subtle way. It is a playful accessory with an understated and organic expression.

The goal of designing this gadget is emphasizing people’s creativity and diversity. This pin, thanks to its extreme versatility, gives your daily outfit la touche finale. You can wear it on a collar, pin to your bag, use as a necklace or a desktop reminder.

The Sweden startup, in late November 2017, delivered products to the customers that backed the Kickstarter campaign. Since then Pins Collective are producing and delivering their product continuously. Currently, clients can get a promotional price and order Pin One for $75 from Indiegogo.

How Does Pin One Work?

Pin Collectives place emphasis on quality and uniqueness of their products. That’s why they use a high technology during the manufacturing process. They equip each device with a circular 3.4-inch LCD screen covered by protective glass, along with a microprocessor, battery and power button.

Furthermore, the screen is a semi-reflective and semi-backlit, so its content should be visible either indoors or out. The Pin One is available in black, but the startup is always open to any suggestions.

There’s also a needle on the back, for attaching the thing to clothing. The company has added also magnets to One Pin. Users can choose if they want to attach the pin with a needle or a magnet.

The battery is charged via USB connection and should be sufficient for around 2.5 hours of an animated display. However, this gadget stays alive up to 74 hours while using a still image.

How to Create GIFs for Pin One?

Basically, the users don’t have to worry because using Pin One is extremely easy. The apps will convert GIFs to the right format for the pin when artworks are imported. However, since the format of the pin is quite limited it’s best to prepare the GIFs in a software like Photoshop or EZGIF Maker (free) before import.

The number of frames is limited to 35 so you should use delays on individual frames instead of copying them to get delaying effects. High contrasts are preferable as the screen has a somewhat bluish backlight that affects how one perceives the colors.

The screen can handle 256 colors but it rarely makes a difference for the end result other than making the gif very large. Try to minimize the number of colors you use as it has a huge impact on the file size.

An Easy Setup

The setup of One Pin is a piece of cake and it only requires three easy steps. First of all, download and install the app from App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android).

Second, turn the pin on. Hold the power button on the pin for 3s to turn the pin on. Right away you’ll see a message that the pin is in pairing mode for 5 sec. Then you’ll see a default artwork. You can also toggle the backlight in three levels by quickly clicking the power button.

Third, add the pin in the app. Open the app, click the “Add pin” button under the “My Pins” tab and follow the instructions to pair with the pin. Voila! Upload your first artwork.

Customers select either gifs or still images from a library of images created by other users. You can create your own graphics, text, photos, and videos, as well.

When you find something you like simply upload it to the pin via Bluetooth. Note that you can switch artwork as often as you like via the Android or iOS app.

Becoming a Designer

The possibilities of using One Pin are endless. It’s really easy to make your own designs with an in-app creator, regardless of your artistic skills.

You can write any text, use background patterns and colors based on your current state of mind.  Moreover, if you prefer you can take a picture and upload to your pin or combine it all with a sweet gif you’ve created!

This untypical gadget doesn’t measure your heartbeat, track your position or count any calories! Certainly, the pin does one thing. It enhances your personality.

In addition, it’s an accessory that lets you wear any of your favorite artists or illustrator on your clothes, bags or anywhere. Based on the mood you are currently in. Sounds like a fun, isn’t it?