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Update #26: Questions…….
Good evening everyone,
My name is Rachel, as Steven pointed out yesterday, I’m filling in for him until his return tomorrow or Thursday. He asked me, while I briefly spoke with him on the phone this morning, to post an update.
This update has to do with our name.
This morning, we decided on the name we’ll use as we move forward.
We’ve selected HomeSync Technologies Systems. Our website, when it goes live, will be www.homesynctech.com. Right now, there’s only a place holder there, until we’ve finished the website.
Here are two whois lookups:
http://who.godaddy.com/whois.aspx?domain=homesynctech.com&prog_id=GoDaddy
http://whois.domaintools.com/homesynctech.com
While we’re getting other info together for you to review, Steven has informed us that he would like to do a conference call with some of our supporters on Thursday afternoon. This will allow you to ask direct questions that pertain to this project. This call will be open to a few supporters of our project, because we’re wanting to show you, our commitment to the project, and to you, our supporters.
He’s doing this during a difficult time in his personal life, because he intends to see this through to completion. An update will be posted tomorrow with details concerning the call, and how to take part in it.
We all thank you for your continued support,
Rachel
Update #25: Production Schedule, Beta Group, and other info…….
For backers only,
Posted on August 15, 2011
If you're a backer of this project, please
log in
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Update #24: Production and beta schedule coming Monday…...
When it comes to rewards and beta software, a first run production schedule with beta info update will be posted on Monday. In that update, we'll be posting info on when rewards will be shipped, when beta software will be shipped, along with other info regarding our project.
Thank you
Steven
Update #23: In response to the comments posted on our page:
To our supporters and others in the KickStarter community:
Our direct team is consists of 6 people, each from a field that would best compliment the development of this system.
Our team consists of the following backgrounds:
Graphic Design
Electrical Engineering
Systems Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Industrial Design
Architectural Design
We also have a great support team of programmers, and legal support that's worked hard to help us through the FCC, copyright, and patent process, and so many others that have offered their generous support of time and hard work to help bring our system to life.
Each member of our team has worked side by side for the last 2 years, spending thousands of hours of their own time outside of their regular work and family to help bring our project to where it is now.
The core group started this project 2 years ago, mostly being funded by ourselves. We've personally spent a lot of our own money, finding our own ways to fund our project because we believe in it so strongly. None of our team is what could be called independently wealthily, we are a group of men and women, that believe in this project, and this idea so much that we've put ourselves on the line to make it happen.
Only after we developed this system, and brought it to the point where it stands now, did we decide to use a service like KickStarter to develop interest, and indeed financial support to finish the project.
Over the years, many people have created products and hatched ideas, that many told them would fail or it was impossible to achieve a fool hearted concept etc. In the past two years, we've heard some of the same comments, but we pushed on because we believe. We know that, for some, it's difficult to imagine a group of people that would risk so much to make an idea a reality, but that is in fact, what we've done.
As many may, or may not know, in the technology industry and often in many others, the first to market with an idea, is the first to succeed. With the amount of personal time and personal finances invested, and with your support, we are committed to seeing this project through to the end. That is why we've worked so hard to protect our project, to protect something we spent 2 years creating.
We are not on KickStarter to make money, we're here because we wanted to share what we created, we're here to show something that hasn't been done before, at least, hasn't been done the way we are doing it. That is, in our minds, what a good idea is all about. In fact, in the past few weeks, we've had offers from people, and companies to buy our idea from us. We turned those offers down, mostly because we're not interested in the money, we're interested, and committed to following through with our promises. Our project is bigger than selling it to a company to make a profit. It's the product of our committed hard work, and close attention to detail.
Over the past few weeks here on KickStarter, we've gotten a tremendous number of emails, expressing interest, concern, excitement, and doubt. I've personally taken on the job of answering every email we get. I do this to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and respectfully, always doing my best to answer every question in a satisfactory manner.
In some cases, we haven't been able to answer every question, because we're trying to protect our idea. Protection is needed until the patents and copyright process has completed. We're excited and honored that so many of you in the KickStarter community are standing behind us, supporting us with your ideas, suggestions, comments, and financial help.
As time comes to a close here on KickStarter, we are working harder than ever to get ready to deliver our project to you. In the coming weeks, we'll be launching our website, posting new videos, photos, and demos for everyone to see and enjoy.
We humbly thank you for your patience and continued support while we're getting things ready. It's because of you that we're able to this now, and we are very grateful for that.
We ask that if you have questions, please feel free to send an email anytime, and we'll do our best to show our commitment to you, the KickStarter community, and to finishing our project and getting it to you soon.
We thank you for your time and support, and we'll see you all soon.
Steven and the Tech Sync Team.
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zenocon on August 12, 2011
Indeed, the idea has been done. X10 did it ~15 years ago.
http://www.mynetrc.com/ -- all these guys need is an ios/android app. notice they price it at $99. there's definitely some margin in there, but it is more realistically priced. when you add up the costs of the hardware, dev., licensing, etc...I'm not a hardware engineer, but I know several who have looked at this and said "impossible for $20". A colleague of mine built a similar device using Bluetooth, an industrial power outlet, and an Arduino.
Initially I thought that perhaps this project was real, they had a team of people that worked or was well connected in this industry, and they were just going for it at a loss to generate the buzz effect on Kickstarter.
Now, however, as I look back at what very little has been presented here, I'm fairly convinced this is vaporware. Case in point: "I got an unexpected call this morning, from the head of our apps team. He informed me that the apps for both iPhone, and Android are about 95% complete" -- well then, why aren't you showing a video of one in action, or at least a screen shot? Has anyone that pledged to be a beta-tester actually received any software yet?
To re-iterate, KickStarter is about transparency. The arguments that this needs to be secretive to protect the IP don't add up. You can "show" without showing the secret sauce. I'm just fascinated by this project because it presents a case study as one of the largest social engineering hacks I've seen lately ;)
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zenocon on August 12, 2011
here's another one: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/housecontrol/id346433698… -- works with this hardware (EU): http://www.hmb-tec.de/HMB-TEC/PowerWiFi.html and it is 195 EU
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Tom Parker on August 16, 2011
@zenocon "Impossible for $20?" If I read the $20 reward correctly, you get a wall outlet AND a wall switch. I can't see this being possible for $10, let alone profitable.
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Update #22: Update and Announcement tomorrow afternoon or Monday morning…..
Hello everyone,
We've had a busy week, lots of meetings, lot's of details to work out, lots of emails to answer, and we couldn't be happier about it. We're busy because of your support, and that means the world to us.
Tomorrow afternoon, or Monday morning we'll be posting another update, and also making an announcement that we think everyone is going to like. We're just working out the details of it, and then we'll get it out to all of you.
We're so excited about the wonderful progress we've made here in our office, and we're even more excited about the progress you've made possible here on KickStarter and we thank you!
So stay tuned, more to come soon…..
Steven and the Tech-Sync Team
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Jack Duffy on August 11, 2011
Hi Steven, pardon me up front for being a skeptic, you seem like a nice guy and don't take it personally -- but you ought to expect some skepticism considering what you are offering. That being said, I agree with what this guy is saying: http://goo.gl/SDJeF -- in a nutshell, it sounds to him like you're pulling the wool over our eyes here, and I have to agree. What you're talking about isn't all that difficult from an engineering standpoint -- but it is damn near impractical from a business standpoint, so either you are independently wealthy and could care less about your losses, or you're being bankrolled by someone else who doesn't care about their losses. The UL and FCC licensing alone for a product like this would kill you -- speaking of which, I noticed that you weren't really clear on that in any of the docs/faq. I'm assuming it'll be compliant -- otherwise, your product will be off the shelves quick. The lack of any kind of design documentation or details is almost a surefire giveaway that there is nothing here. The other red-flag is that whenever someone asks a question like, "can it do this, or will it have that", you nearly always reply in the positive -- "yes, we are working on that, and we will have it available when it ships..etc." -- sounds like snake oil to me. The money doesn't add up....sorry folks, this project doesn't look legit. More power to you if you can pull it off, but my money says you can't (although I did pledge a dollar so I could see all the updates...nothing but a pencil sketch of a power socket...really?)
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zenocon on August 11, 2011
Not to pile on, but it seems strange that there is no google footprint for your name. Do you have any online resources that you can point to that would give some credibility to yourself and the team's background? Can you post the list of people working on this, and even better, can you post a link to their LinkedIn profile? I didn't find you on LinkedIn. If you are on there, can you post the URL, or a link to an online resume? That might go a long way toward relieving any doubts.
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419
Backers
$27,637
pledged of $2,000 goal
Funding Canceled
Funding for this project was canceled by the project creator on August 16, 2011.
Pledge $1 or more Pledge $1 or more
THANK YOU!!! Every dollar is helping us get The Tech-Sync Power System ready for production. We’ll send you exclusive updates on our progress.
Pledge $20 or more Pledge $20 or more
CONGRATULATIONS!!! You’ve just pre-ordered 1 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Outlet and 1 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Switch in the color of your choice. The software will be included and we’ll send you exclusive updates on our progress.
Pledge $45 or more Pledge $45 or more
OHHHH!!! You’ve just pre-ordered 3 Tech-Sync Power System Outlets and 3 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Switches in the color of your choice. You’ll get a personalized thank you letter from Steven. The software will be included and we’ll send you exclusive updates on our progress.
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
THE BIG DROID BETA BACKER!!!!! Just like the $45 level, you’ve just pre-ordered 3 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Outlets and 3 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Switches in the color of your choice. You’ll get a personalized thank you letter from Steven. Your also a part of the Android beta group. You’ll be sent a copies of our Android app for testing. You’ll be asked to complete surveys once a week until the beta period ends. With you’re help, we’ll knock the bugs out (if any) and you’re helping us get the system ready to go out to the world. Plus there'll be one more surprise that comes at the end of the funding period. (If you’ve pledged at a higher level and wish to remain at that level but want to beta test, please send an email and we’ll add you to the Android beta list).
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
THE BIG BETA BACKER!!!!! Just like the $45 level, you’ve just pre-ordered 3 Aero-Light Wall Outlets and 3 Aero-Light Wall Switches in the color of your choice. You’ll get a personalized thank you letter from Steven. Your also a part of the iOS beta group. You’ll be sent a copies of our iPhone and iPad app for testing. You’ll be asked to complete surveys once a week until the beta period ends. With you’re help, we’ll knock the bugs out (if any) and you’re helping us get the system ready to go out to the world. Plus there'll be one more surprise that comes at the end of the funding period.
Pledge $80 or more Pledge $80 or more
YOUR GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT HOME AUTOMATION!!! You’ve just pre-ordered 5 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Outlets and 5 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Switches in the color of your choice. You’ll get a personalized thank you letter from Steven. The software will be included and we’ll send you exclusive updates on our progress.
Pledge $150 or more Pledge $150 or more
NEVER LEAVE THE COMFORT OF YOUR COUCH AGAIN!!! You’ve just pre-ordered 8 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Outlets and 8 Tech-Sync Power System Wall Switches in the color of your choice. You’ll get special instructions on how to make your Tech-Sync Power System do something special using the software or App. You’ll get a personalized thank you letter from Steven. The software will be included and we’ll send you exclusive updates on our progress.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
YOUR GETTING EVERYTHING PLUS THE KITCHEN SINK!!! You’ve just pre-ordered an entire home or office install of the Tech-Sync Power System. Steven, plus one member of the Tech-Sync team, will come to your location. Replace and install up to 25 wall outlets and wall switches. The great thing is, your Tech-Sync Power System will be in a custom color of your design. You’ll get special instructions on how to make your Tech-Sync Power System do something special using the software or App. Plus we’ll even cook dinner for you while your enjoying your new Tech-Sync Power System. Please just don’t turn the lights off while I’m cooking for you. You’ll get a personalized thank you letter from Steven. The software will be included and we’ll send you exclusive updates on our progress.
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Has not connected their Facebook account.
I agree, not cool
Mark, read the comments. This is a scam that almost got us all.
Conceptually, there was nothing impossible or impractical about this project. An MSP430 sells for $4 (retail!), although not the one with Zigbee or 802.11. A 120V solid state relay isn't that expensive. The BOM for such a device *could* be less than $20 in qty. The complexity that I see is finding someone that manufactures UL/CSA approved 120V outlets, that can be persuaded to build some custom units with space for the electronics.