March ALREADY? Wow. Things are moving fast on multiple fronts as we are speaking at big events, liaising with key partners and working through the vigorous validation process. So here’s the lowdown since the last update.
BLOCKS Backer Survey
This week we released the first BLOCKS Backer Survey. This is where you get to choose your modules and colours of your smartwatch. If you haven’t filled it in already, please follow this link - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2106691934/blocks-the-worlds-first-modular-smartwatch/posts/1505184.
Please read the Survey Update thoroughly before proceeding with the Survey Form. Here are some other common questions we wanted to address:
If I change my mind on my modules selection, can I change my order?
There will be another Survey released closer to September shipment date, where we will facilitate all adjustments. However, it is important that you fill the current Survey to help us understand your immediate requirements.
I pledged / am entitled to extra modules outside the standard package of 4 modules. How do I select them?
We have a record of all backers who have additional module credits and will ask you to log your request over the next few months. Please keep a look out for our monthly updates and we'll make the announcement (regular updates are posted every first Thursday of each month).
Why could I only vote for 3 'future' modules?
Our definite plan is to rollout modules in phases and knowing everyone’s top 3 modules would allow our team to assess which functionality is most important to you, our backers. Based on this information we will start planning the next Phase release.
Live Q&A - starting this Saturday (5th of March!)
Here at BLOCKS we felt that a live Questions & Answers session with our founders and engineers was long overdue! For those of you that haven’t been involved before, this is your chance to ask those itching questions and maybe even squeeze a few secrets from our team! Moreover, we realized that it would be great to give each session a theme! Here is our proposed schedule:
Week 1: Production timeline
Get an overview of every single step that our engineering team has to make to deliver BLOCKS to your door.
Date: Sat 5th March
Week 2. Design secrets
Hear our thinking behind the smallest details of the modular design and how it all comes together
Date: Sat 19th March
Week 3. Digital interface and apps
Get introduced to our user interface & experience philosophy and BLOCKS apps on release
Date: Sat 2 April
Week 4. Watchfaces
Vote on the most customizable and innovative ideas for telling the time on your future smartwatch
Date: Sat 16 April
Week 5. Advanced sensors
Behind the scenes on BLOCKS efforts in bringing the best technology to your wrist with our industry partners
Date: Sat 30 April
Week 6. BLOCKS SDK and MDK
Learn the basics for BLOCKS apps and module development
Date: Sat 14 May
If you wish to attend - please sign up here - http://goo.gl/forms/75glJmxbcb
We will send you a reminder for each session and/or notify if there have been any changes to the dates.
New modules in the pipeline
In the Survey we also introduced two new modules that may be possible to manufacture ahead of schedule so we wanted to see if this affected your module choice.
Programmable Button
The module can be assigned to anything, whether it be a function on your watch, phone, or other connected devices. One touch, and you are good to go! To start, we are designing our API to be usable with services like IFTTT, which is an existing platform for controlling your smart devices and their apps. With the right setup, you could:
A white LED Light that you can turn on and off. We are looking into adding strength control where you can dim the light or vice versa. It will have a small opening and will sit on top of the shell. After test results we will add beam angle, dispersion and range metrics for those who require more information.
Phase 1 modules are our top priority but we couldn’t resist notifying our backers of any new choices that could be available.
Have you visited our online forum?
During the month of February we have finally opened public access to a previously private BLOCKS online forum - https://www.chooseblocks.xyz/community/
There is so much discussion happening there that we implore you to get involved. Going forward we will be using the feedback we receive from our BLOCKS community to influence the BLOCKS journey. So do not be shy and have your say! For example we are already compiling a list of potential partnerships based on this thread. Yes, we are listening!
Software Update
With things kicking off in the apps department, we wanted to show you the direction we will be taking with BLOCKS user interface and experience being finalized. However, please note that our engineers, being perfectionists, have not yet allowed to disclose all of the incredible work that we have seen here internally. Their words were - ‘just give us one month’ - so we must wait at least until then to tell you how excited we are! Here are just a few sneaky screenshots that we took from the design document (after much fighting):
If you would like to learn more about BLOCKS user interface design, sign up to Week 3 live Q&A on Saturday the 2nd of April (see Q&A link above).
Mobile World Congress
21-25 February. Barcelona, Spain.
Mobile World Congress is the world’s largest exhibition for mobile industry, which attracts consumer electronics and telecom companies alike to showcase their latest technology. Over the last two years it has also been the hot seat for showcasing the latest smartwatches and smartbands. The best part yet, this year we have seen the rise of MODULARITY as LG has hit the mainstream with its new modular smartphone - LG G5. The trend is definitely catching on and BLOCKS is still ahead of the curve.
Our newly redesigned prototypes received an amazing reception at the Congress. BLOCKS created a lot of connections with key industry heads and learned a lot while spreading the word. There may well be a few more partner deals coming our way and a handful of invitations to other events with yet more opportunities (although we must stay focussed on delivery for now!)
Truly speaking, there’s nothing more exciting than being on the verge of the new technological shift in the entire industry. Things are looking up for BLOCKS and we’re happy to have you guys with us on this journey! Expect more amazing things to be announced.
Working hard on building your future smartwatch,
The BLOCKS Team
BLOCKS Backer Survey
This week we released the first BLOCKS Backer Survey. This is where you get to choose your modules and colours of your smartwatch. If you haven’t filled it in already, please follow this link - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2106691934/blocks-the-worlds-first-modular-smartwatch/posts/1505184.
Please read the Survey Update thoroughly before proceeding with the Survey Form. Here are some other common questions we wanted to address:
If I change my mind on my modules selection, can I change my order?
There will be another Survey released closer to September shipment date, where we will facilitate all adjustments. However, it is important that you fill the current Survey to help us understand your immediate requirements.
I pledged / am entitled to extra modules outside the standard package of 4 modules. How do I select them?
We have a record of all backers who have additional module credits and will ask you to log your request over the next few months. Please keep a look out for our monthly updates and we'll make the announcement (regular updates are posted every first Thursday of each month).
Why could I only vote for 3 'future' modules?
Our definite plan is to rollout modules in phases and knowing everyone’s top 3 modules would allow our team to assess which functionality is most important to you, our backers. Based on this information we will start planning the next Phase release.
Live Q&A - starting this Saturday (5th of March!)
Here at BLOCKS we felt that a live Questions & Answers session with our founders and engineers was long overdue! For those of you that haven’t been involved before, this is your chance to ask those itching questions and maybe even squeeze a few secrets from our team! Moreover, we realized that it would be great to give each session a theme! Here is our proposed schedule:
Week 1: Production timeline
Get an overview of every single step that our engineering team has to make to deliver BLOCKS to your door.
Date: Sat 5th March
Week 2. Design secrets
Hear our thinking behind the smallest details of the modular design and how it all comes together
Date: Sat 19th March
Week 3. Digital interface and apps
Get introduced to our user interface & experience philosophy and BLOCKS apps on release
Date: Sat 2 April
Week 4. Watchfaces
Vote on the most customizable and innovative ideas for telling the time on your future smartwatch
Date: Sat 16 April
Week 5. Advanced sensors
Behind the scenes on BLOCKS efforts in bringing the best technology to your wrist with our industry partners
Date: Sat 30 April
Week 6. BLOCKS SDK and MDK
Learn the basics for BLOCKS apps and module development
Date: Sat 14 May
If you wish to attend - please sign up here - http://goo.gl/forms/75glJmxbcb
We will send you a reminder for each session and/or notify if there have been any changes to the dates.
New modules in the pipeline
In the Survey we also introduced two new modules that may be possible to manufacture ahead of schedule so we wanted to see if this affected your module choice.
Programmable Button
The module can be assigned to anything, whether it be a function on your watch, phone, or other connected devices. One touch, and you are good to go! To start, we are designing our API to be usable with services like IFTTT, which is an existing platform for controlling your smart devices and their apps. With the right setup, you could:
- Take a photo on your phone (high quality selfies!)
- Turn on smart lights and devices in your home
- Send out a SOS signal in emergencies
- Turn on apps with a touch of a button
A white LED Light that you can turn on and off. We are looking into adding strength control where you can dim the light or vice versa. It will have a small opening and will sit on top of the shell. After test results we will add beam angle, dispersion and range metrics for those who require more information.
Phase 1 modules are our top priority but we couldn’t resist notifying our backers of any new choices that could be available.
Have you visited our online forum?
During the month of February we have finally opened public access to a previously private BLOCKS online forum - https://www.chooseblocks.xyz/community/
There is so much discussion happening there that we implore you to get involved. Going forward we will be using the feedback we receive from our BLOCKS community to influence the BLOCKS journey. So do not be shy and have your say! For example we are already compiling a list of potential partnerships based on this thread. Yes, we are listening!
Software Update
With things kicking off in the apps department, we wanted to show you the direction we will be taking with BLOCKS user interface and experience being finalized. However, please note that our engineers, being perfectionists, have not yet allowed to disclose all of the incredible work that we have seen here internally. Their words were - ‘just give us one month’ - so we must wait at least until then to tell you how excited we are! Here are just a few sneaky screenshots that we took from the design document (after much fighting):
With a highly sensitive touch panel and a specially designed bezel, BLOCKS is perfectly suitable for circular movements for interface navigation. Above is one of the provisional proposals put forward by our team.
Here you can see one of the three proposals for UX interactions for entering/exiting apps.
We are thinking of novel ways for making simple, yet highly functional and customizable watchfaces. These are some of the rules we may introduce to developers when designing app icons.
If you would like to learn more about BLOCKS user interface design, sign up to Week 3 live Q&A on Saturday the 2nd of April (see Q&A link above).
Mobile World Congress
21-25 February. Barcelona, Spain.
Mobile World Congress is the world’s largest exhibition for mobile industry, which attracts consumer electronics and telecom companies alike to showcase their latest technology. Over the last two years it has also been the hot seat for showcasing the latest smartwatches and smartbands. The best part yet, this year we have seen the rise of MODULARITY as LG has hit the mainstream with its new modular smartphone - LG G5. The trend is definitely catching on and BLOCKS is still ahead of the curve.
Our newly redesigned prototypes received an amazing reception at the Congress. BLOCKS created a lot of connections with key industry heads and learned a lot while spreading the word. There may well be a few more partner deals coming our way and a handful of invitations to other events with yet more opportunities (although we must stay focussed on delivery for now!)
Truly speaking, there’s nothing more exciting than being on the verge of the new technological shift in the entire industry. Things are looking up for BLOCKS and we’re happy to have you guys with us on this journey! Expect more amazing things to be announced.
Working hard on building your future smartwatch,
The BLOCKS Team
