PIXCAP

Most caps do one job: they block the sun. PIXCAP, presented as a Kickstarter project, tries to add two more, cooling the wearer with a built-in fan and turning the front panel into a programmable display that can show text, emoji, animations or logos.

Cooling and power

The maker says the cooling system uses a brushless motor rated at 35dB, and that the fan sits on an adjustable, multi-position arm so airflow can be directed across the forehead, angled downward away from the eyes, or aimed at the cheeks and neck. Power comes from two sources: what the maker describes as high-efficiency solar cells, plus USB-C input. According to the maker, sunlight can top up the battery while the cap is worn outdoors, and a short USB-C charge before an evening out is meant to keep the fan and screen running through the night.

A display you can reprogram

The front display is described as high-brightness with strong color and contrast, intended to stay legible in direct sun and to glow in the dark. A companion smartphone app connects over Bluetooth, which the maker says offers near-zero latency. The app includes a library of static emoji, preset scrolling text and animations, and lets users edit existing assets or draw pixel art from a blank canvas. The maker pitches this for personal expression at festivals and on night runs, and as a walking digital sign for creators, small shops or event staff.

Build

• Weight: 171g, according to the maker
• Body: impact-resistant ABS
• Sealed construction intended to keep dust and sand away from the display, fan and electronics
• Not fully waterproof; the maker says it handles mist, light rain and humidity but should not be used for long periods in heavy rain

Taken together, PIXCAP aims to be a sun visor and fan by day and an illuminated, customizable sign after dark. Battery capacity, runtime figures, display resolution and charging times have not been specified by the maker in the material available.