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Nebia

Some of the biggest names in tech are investing in a $400 shower head

It’s just the thing for *ahem* rising water charges.

THE NEBIA SHOWER head isn’t internet-ready, nor does it have an app – but the $400 (€362) device counts some of the most-powerful people in technology among its supporters.

And it used a simple pitch to lure those investors: an invitation to take a shower.

The San Francisco-based design startup, which promises a “significantly superior shower experience in each and every sense”, has been backed by investors including Apple CEO Tim Cook and new Alphabet (aka Google) executive chairman Eric Schmidt through the Schmidt Family Foundation.

The device comes as a self-installable shower system that delivers millions of tiny droplets at high pressure over a much wider area than the average shower.

Nebia

That, Nebia claims, means more water coming into contact with people’s bodies and a better clean, all while using 70% less water – enough for the gadget to pay for itself within two years of use in the average US home.

The company yesterday launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for the product and early this afternoon it was already close to reaching its $100,000 target.

Nebia1

Better showers ‘in every way’

In his product pitch, Nebia co-founder Philip Winter said showers were “deeply personal” and were people’s “alone time to wake up, to think, to rejuvenate, to unwind”.

At Nebia, we set out to see if we can make this important part of our daily rituals better in every way,” he said.

Nebia2

Winter and two other co-founders started the company last year after one of the trio, Carlos Gomez Andonaegui, tried to design better showers for customers of the large Mexico City health club firm he ran.

Other investors include seed funder Y Combinator, which has previously backed Airbnb and Reddit, among hundreds of other startups.

Nebia1

In a statement to the New York Times, Schmidt foundation president Wendy Schmidt said Nebia’s technology had the “potential to be transformative”.

“It’s innovative and elegant, and can also have a significant impact on water use — not just in California, where we’re experiencing a severe drought — but around the world where fresh water resources are limited.”

The shower system retails for $399 (€362), although the company has been offering them from $249 (€225) as part of the current campaign. If you fancy getting your hands on one, shipping to Ireland costs $69 (€62) extra.

READ: Microsoft is teaching a robot to have a sense of humour >

READ: Some businesses to get discount on water charges >

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21 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute George Lee
    Favourite George Lee
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    Aug 11th 2015, 1:19 PM

    Great idea. But not if you have hard water. would only last a week in Clare.

    293
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Power
    Favourite Conor Power
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    Aug 11th 2015, 1:26 PM

    You need a Mira everclear shower head. I was having the same issue the ever clear has a spring loaded system when you push the centre down hard plastic pins are pushed through the nozzels breaking up the limescale.

    181
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    Mute John Curry
    Favourite John Curry
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    Aug 11th 2015, 2:36 PM

    two people in the shower at the same time saves a lot more water and is a lot more fun.

    108
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    Mute Rusty Balls
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    Aug 11th 2015, 2:55 PM

    I’d give it a lashing.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Murphman
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    Aug 11th 2015, 3:33 PM

    Not if your in Prison.

    87
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    Mute Garwig
    Favourite Garwig
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    Aug 11th 2015, 1:41 PM

    If you sign up with Irish water and pay your next Bill you will Get one FREE. Hurry while stocks last only 750,000 left.

    85
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    Mute C_O'S
    Favourite C_O'S
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    Aug 11th 2015, 3:27 PM

    No power in your shower cause we have a shower in power;-;)

    32
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    Mute Ros Aodha
    Favourite Ros Aodha
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    Aug 11th 2015, 1:20 PM

    give it a week with the limescale where I live!

    67
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    Mute Rothar Man
    Favourite Rothar Man
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    Aug 11th 2015, 1:24 PM

    “At nibia we” – it’s 3 fellas making shower heads. Not a tourist destination – marketing Bulls hit

    56
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    Mute zebadie
    Favourite zebadie
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    Aug 11th 2015, 1:22 PM

    Looks like you might need to run around to get wet. No water, all mist!

    52
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    Mute Garry Hayden
    Favourite Garry Hayden
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    Aug 11th 2015, 1:30 PM

    Looks like the kind of rain that wets ya!

    36
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    Mute Tweety McTweeter
    Favourite Tweety McTweeter
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    Aug 11th 2015, 1:23 PM

    Looks sweet but at €255 I wouldn’t be buying it as an investment when water is being charged at 0.5cent/litre

    25
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    Mute Alan White
    Favourite Alan White
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    Aug 11th 2015, 1:36 PM

    Yea water is too cheap.

    24
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    Mute Tweety McTweeter
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    Aug 11th 2015, 1:39 PM

    Any relation to Alex White?

    23
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    Mute johnr
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    Aug 11th 2015, 1:24 PM

    I only shower on wet days.

    25
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    Mute gavin
    Favourite gavin
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    Aug 15th 2015, 6:42 PM

    So every day this summer I take it.

    1
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    Mute Debora Commins
    Favourite Debora Commins
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    Aug 11th 2015, 1:32 PM

    A version for immersion shower might be required.

    16
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    Mute John
    Favourite John
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    Aug 11th 2015, 4:05 PM

    Always enjoy head in the shower.

    15
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    Mute Kane Abel
    Favourite Kane Abel
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    Aug 11th 2015, 11:12 PM

    Yes – There’s nothing as nice as shower head…… I’m planning on making my own 24 carat version and marketing it as “The Golden Shower”

    7
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    Mute Anto Mahon
    Favourite Anto Mahon
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    Aug 11th 2015, 1:39 PM

    Good money down the drain.

    7
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    Mute John Moylan
    Favourite John Moylan
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    Aug 11th 2015, 2:32 PM

    @Anto: which – the shower head or the water. ?? :)

    7
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