iMpulse Report - January 2013
Hope the New Year finds you all in great health and spirits! We wish you all a lucky, happy, healthy and joy-filled 2013!
iMpulse Central has been a HIVE of activity through December and the holidays. We've been pressing hard in all directions, including finalizing every electronic component, circuit design, case shape, packaging, key chain and much more!
NEW - the iMpulse Software Development Kit:
Developers - we are excited to publicly release our first SDK! All platform developers can immediately make use of the key-command legend found here: www.impulsecontroller.com/SDK We are freely publishing the SDK, as an open source project, so that developer community can share and help it grow!
Android-specific libraries are coming soon, however, the key-command legend is all you require to add iMpulse Controller support today :)
The iOS library and sample test code are available NOW at https://github.com/iMpulseController. The sample test code will provide basic examples of how the controller interacts with your App.
We will soon be submitting a more comprehensive keystroke feedback App to Apple. Everything the iMpulse can do reports to this App! Devs can look there for pointers; the App's Xcode project will also be released to the public.
Progress:
Our final pre-production samples are in-house and being tested for potential issues. The Camera Remote, Media Control, Southpaw Mode, and 1Player/2Player Modes are all performing great! Despite having working prototypes before launching our Kickstarter, we've continually found ways to enhance the iMpulse Controller, thanks in large part to all your feedback, suggestions and requests through the development process!
The completion of our precision plastic injection molds are only 4 weeks away - our production cases should be rolling in by end-January! The Tool&Die team has been putting in 14-hour days to make you the best cases possible. Soon as the cases are in-house, we will perform final testing, then package and SHIP!
Reminder:
Please fill out your Survey4Now forms . We are still waiting to hear back from over 1600 of you! It's essential that we get the required information about your pledges, especially if you have ordered white/green controllers or T-shirts.
2,788
Backers
$139,072
pledged of $49,999 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Sep 20, 2012 -
Nov 4, 2012
(45 days)
- 2 created · 6 backed
- Art Currim 345 friends
- Website: impulsecontroller.com
Pledge $2 or more
16 backers
Support iMpulse! You'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you're helping casual gamers and key misplacers all over the WORLD!
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $10 or more
2 backers
A custom T-shirt with the iMpulse controller above the quote: "I've got iMpulse control". (International pledgers please add: Canada $10, Elsewhere $15 to cover shipping costs)
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $25 or more
100 backers All gone!
Make an iMpulse Buy!! The iMpulse Controller won't be available in stores for less than $40, due to the economics of the sales and distribution system. Here's your last chance to get a controller at the same low price we offered to our pre-order customers. We're also going to include a USB->Micro charging cable. Super Bonus madness. (International pledgers please add: Canada $10, Elsewhere $15 to cover shipping costs)
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $30 or more
1331 backers
One iMpulse Controller shipped to your pocket. (International pledgers please add: Canada $10, Elsewhere $15 to cover shipping costs)
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $37 or more
81 backers
One iMpulse WHITE Controller (see UPDATE #12) shipped to your pocket. (International pledgers please add: Canada $10, Elsewhere $15 to cover shipping costs)
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $40 or more
141 backers
One iMpulse Controller, a USB->Micro charging cable, plus the custom "I've got iMpulse control" T-shirt (please specify size). (International pledgers please add: Canada $10, Elsewhere $15 to cover shipping costs)
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $45 or more
330 backers All gone!
Hold on to your iMpulse! You qualify for a custom version of the iMpulse with a metal finish, a personalized owner's certificate with custom serial number. Includes one USB->Micro charging cable. (International pledgers please add: Canada $10, Elsewhere $15 to cover shipping costs)
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $50 or more
58 backers Limited (2 of 60 left)
iMpulse .50 Special. This Super Limited Brushed Gold iMpulse Controller is the coolest, badassest, goldest (note: gold-colored brass metal - no carrats!) Controller we could put out there. It's the fox among the hens. Comes with charging cable. (International pledgers please add: Canada $10, Elsewhere $15 to cover shipping costs)
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $55 or more
149 backers Limited (1 of 150 left)
You qualify for a custom version of the iMpulse with a metal finish, a personalized owner's certificate with custom serial number. Includes one USB->Micro charging cable AND the custom "I've got iMpulse control" T-shirt (please specify size). (International pledgers please add: Canada $10, Elsewhere $15 to cover shipping costs)
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $60 or more
277 backers
TwiMpulse Duel! The iMpulse Controller fully supports a 2-player mode, unique among this category of device (wait a minute, we are the ONLY product in our category… but you get the point :) You will receive a pair of iMpulse Controllers plus TWO USB->Micro charging cables. (International pledgers please add: Canada $10, Elsewhere $15 to cover shipping costs)
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $70 or more
33 backers
TwiMpulse Duel-lux package, You will receive a pair of iMpulse Controllers plus TWO USB->Micro charging cables, plus the custom "I've got iMpulse control" T-shirt (please specify size). AND 2 USB charging cables. (International pledgers please add: Canada $10, Elsewhere $15 to cover shipping costs)
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $72 or more
9 backers
TwiMpulse Duel WHITE! (see UPDATE #11) The iMpulse Controller fully supports a 2-player mode. You will receive a pair of iMpulse Controllers plus TWO USB->Micro charging cables. (International pledgers please add: Canada $10, Elsewhere $15 to cover shipping costs)
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $88 or more
190 backers All gone!
TwiMpulse Duel! BARE METAL. The iMpulse Controller fully supports a 2-player mode, unique among this category of device. What better way to clash than METAL on METAL? You will receive a pair of METAL PLATED iMpulse Controllers - one with WHITE LED illuminated buttons - the other with BLUE LED illuminated buttons. (no cables, no t-shirt) (International pledgers please add: Canada $10, Elsewhere $15 to cover shipping costs)
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $125 or more
41 backers
Dual TwiMpulse Duel-lux package (FOUR iMpulse controllers and FOUR USB->Micro charging cables total!), plus the custom "I've got iMpulse control" T-shirt (please specify size). (International pledgers please add: Canada $10, Elsewhere $15 to cover shipping costs)
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $600 or more
5 backers
iMpulsive re-gifter! Our gift to you is a discounted price on 25 iMpulse controllers. Comes with 25 new best friends when you start gifting these to others.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $1,500 or more
0 backers Limited (10 of 10 left)
iMpulse Insider: as an iMpulse insider, you will have the opportunity of some internal involvement with Team iMpulse, be granted an iMpass to visit our working environment (either online or in person, or both...!), and even the opportunity to make suggestions relating to our ongoing iMpulse II development. We'll also include the Dual TwiMpulse Duel-lux package listed above (the $125 pledge level for a total of 4 iMpulses), and a poster signed by Team iMpulse.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Pledge $2,500 or more
1 backer Limited (4 of 5 left)
The "Circle of iMpulse" membership is handed out only to 5 lucky individuals. You will receive one of our top-secret Next Products for free - it is a phenomenal product with a $500 value! circle members also qualify for everything that the iMpulse iNsiders get. We'll also include a Bi-Dual TwiMpulse Duel-lux package (two of the Dual TwiMpulse Duel-lux packages listed above @ the $125 pledge level for a total of 8 iMpulses), and a poster signed by Team iMpulse - with room left for your name.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013
Comments
Creator Black Powder Media on January 15
Sorry for the late reply all! Working feverishly on the iMpulse Controller!
@Sciurvilla - we have your s4now, dated 11/30. Thanks!
@Liberty - yours came in Dec. 7, thanks!
@Kat - we are still targeting February, yes! If there's any slippage, we're still looking at a matter of days. We can't wait, either :)
Creator Kat Meredith on January 12
So it sounds like we're on track for sometime February delivery? I can't wait to get mine, I've been bragging to my friends about this awesome thing I was going to have soon and they're almost as eager to see it as I am :) Oh, I'm pretty sure I've filled out the survey but my address might be different now so I'm doing it again... hope that's okay.
Creator Liberty Perucho on January 12
not sure if i did mine. cn u guys check ty.
Creator Sciurvilla on January 12
Watching the other post now I'm in doubt if I filled the survey or not? Could you check for me please? Thanks! :o)
Creator Black Powder Media on January 11
@David - the plating is really solid, no fear of fading.
@Poon - You have a chance to review your choices before submitting. if you feel you made a mistake, simply re-submit the form and we'll use the most recent one. The impulse Controller identifies itself as an HID keyboard. Sorry but we don't expect to ship them in time for receipt by Feb.10!
@Ammar - yes thanks, we have your survey4now dated Dec.2 :)
Creator Ammar Mirza on January 11
hey guys, thanks for the update :) Did I fill in the survey? i think i did lol
Creator Poon on January 11
Hi there, just filled in the survey4now!
Do we get any email on confirmation of filling in the forms correctly?
Oh just another question, how does iMpulse acts as bluetooth device? does it id and acts itself as Bluetooth HID controller? or HID Keyboard? or?
Once again, great thanks, really looking for iMpulse.
(We are located in Hong Kong, wonder any chance of enjoying it before the Chinese new year? XD)
Creator David Scarlett on January 10
Will we have to worry about the metal plating fading over time?
Creator Black Powder Media on January 10
@Stuart - sorry, no spares for sale! And we wouldn't support modding the iMpulse!
@Firezz - we received your survey4now on 11/30, thanks :)
@Joanna - we don't have your survey4now yet!
@Brett - thanks for your re-submission. We do have 2 from you, fyi.
Creator Brett Karpowicz on January 9
Wasn't sure if I had filled out the survey back in Nov even though it was in my browser history. Filled it out again. It would help if there were some sort of confirmation email sent acknowledging its completion.
It's looking great thought I still have one concern. It still seems like a simple loop for attaching it to a key ring, is this going to be the final design or will there be some sort of mechanism added to allow for easy removal from a set of keys?
Creator Joanna Chia on January 9
Ahhh... Did I fill in the survey? Sorry
Creator Francois Roy on January 9
About the AVMW buttons thing..
That is surprisingly ingenious indeed; and I would litterally applause IF you were engineer for Nintendo or Sega AND it wasnt a full 20 years too late to come up what that?!
As a lefty myself, I just dont see the point. Every single person on earth is used to have the cross/joystick on the left and (most) buttons on the right.
At this point of gaming history, given the very emulator-bonded nature of the device, its pretty obvious this will cause much more confusion than anything else when mapping the buttons.
Creator Firezz on January 9
Hi, where can i confirm / check if i have submitted the s4u previously ? )
thanks
Creator Stu Alsford on January 9
A bit of a random question... Anyway we could possibly buy additional buttons? Basically, I may do what I have done with my Xbox remote, which involves hollowing the button out and fitting in an LED.
Creator Black Powder Media on January 9
@Mark, thank you :)
Creator Black Powder Media on January 9
@Prince - The only reason the Android libraries are a step behind is because iOS devs have to jump through some extra hoops to add full support for HID Bluetooth devices. Things are much easier on Android/PC/Mac (what we're calling "Universal Mode") - all a Developer really requires in order to implement iMpulse support is our SDK image. When we release the User Apps, we'll have both Android and iOS versions, nobody will be left out :)
Creator Black Powder Media on January 9
@Matthew - the new "AVMW" button indicators are an ingenious solution to a novel situation that our controller has introduced. The iMpulse is the world's first TRULY flippable controller. It can be played with the D-Pad to the left, or in Flip/Southpaw Mode with the Trigger Keys on the left (easier for some left-handed players, but also great for playing games on your PC, where the cursor keys are to the right of the "awsd" keys).
The beauty about "AVMW" is that the buttons read exactly the same if you switch the iMpulse Controller to Flip/Southpaw Mode :)
Creator Black Powder Media on January 9
@Francois:
1. 2xblue LEDs - we can't promise any customization of the orders, as it becomes incredibly hard to manage production and packaging! We'll consider your request, though.
2. There is no Brass Metal Finish option on order - just Nickel and Copper. Copper does tend to patina if not sealed, but actually looks kinda cool and steam-punk. We're playing with some plating and coating options, more on this shortly.
3. Once you select "Yes" for the "did you pledge extra funds..?", then select "purchased upgrade". The options for White/Green controller and other Xtras will pop up, as well as a comments box.
4. We only require the Survey4Now for your Kickstarter pledge. If you want to purchase any upgrades or additional controllers, just follow the instructions in Updates 16,17, & 18 and use the Shipping Coupon as instructed. If you like, you can mention on your Survey4Now that you have placed a re-order and modified your pledge. It will help us but is not essential. We will be going through all the orders and verifying all information, and will contact you if we need any clarifications.
Creator Mark Magdamit on January 9
Thanks for the update! Kickstarter really needs to make it easier for the teams to obtain mailing addresses from pledgers. This sounds like it could be a logistical nightmare but looks like you're on top of it :)
Creator Prince Dela Cruz on January 8
So... I saw Apple, iOS, and an iphone.... Where's the Android love?
Creator Matthew Scott on January 8
Looking at the provided pic on the mock iPhone...were the button faces changed again? I rather enjoyed the ABXY layout. =(
Creator Black Powder Media on January 8
@Francois... we're off to inspect and pick up the first batch of t-shirts! Will reply in detail later this evening :)
Creator Francois Roy on January 8
Hi guys!
Thanks for all the updates.
It's guys like you that makes Kickstarter works.
..About the Survey4now..
I am a TwiMpulse "not that bare anymore" metal level pledger
I just started completing it, and I have a couple questions.
1- I saw the survey let me choose to have both of my metal controllers to have blue LEDs. Can I? Will you fullfill that?
Now THAT would make it up for the sudden price drop or the cable and extra sleeve I couldnt less care about; havin a bit of exclusivity.
Would be so nice if you let people choose to differenciate their units either with metal finish OR LEDs color.
(Havin one blue / one red LEDs controller for all TwiMpulse Metal pledges would have been INSANE.)
2- What happened to the brass metal finish? I only see nickel and copper.
Right now it looks gorgeous, but wont the copper turn all greenish (oxyde) after a while? That's why I was I was considering brass..
3- More important;
It asks me if I added money for shipping (which I did) and if I added any other money over my pledge level, (which I also did) but there is no place to specify WHY and what I want. (extra iMpulse white)
Am I supposed to say this in the comments section?!?
Also, I dont see options to add more units and take advantage of the free shipping offer.
Saved the form for now, will wait to hear from you..
Keep up the good work!
Creator Black Powder Media on January 8
Due to the confusion surrounding the purpose of the Survey4Now forms, here is a brief refresher:
In our Update #16 (Nov.29) we explained the purpose of the "Survey4Now" forms.
There are many who have ordered Metal Finish Controllers, additional White/Green Controllers, extra iMpulSleeves or T-shirts, and it's essential that we know the specifics so we can plan production and pack orders accordingly.
Again, neither Kickstarter nor Amazon inform us of the address of the pledger. We are supposed to get that information from you directly via survey - however we are limited to one Kickstarter-triggered survey only. KS also advise us to ask for address information only JUST BEFORE SHIPPING, in case you move. Which is good advice.
So - we need order-specific information ASAP, and address information just before we ship. The "Survey4Now" is our solution to this issue - it allows us to get order information NOW and plan our production and packing accurately.
We will send the Kickstarter Survey out JUST before we ship, and its ONLY purpose will be to verify your current shipping address.
Hope this clarifies!
Creator Black Powder Media on January 8
Thanks JJ :)
Creator Black Powder Media on January 8
@TheJJ - No it is NOT the final survey.
The final survey will only be sent out just prior to shipping, and the reason for that is we will want your most recent address.
The Survey4Now is so we can plan our production - plating choices, t-shirt orders, etc.
Hope this clarifies.
Creator The JJ on January 8
Yes! - way to be on top of things! Best response time ever!!!!!
Creator Black Powder Media on January 8
@Everyone
- we've added the link in the main text too - http://survey4now.impulsecontroller.com/
- If you remember doing it, DON'T worry. If we haven't received your S4Now, we WILL track you down and get it from you :)
Creator The JJ on January 8
Hmm - again - i have to question if this is the final survey - I remember reading that the 'final survey would be sent out' - and if this is the final survey - then how can we verify if its been filled out already?
im a tad confused.....
Creator Joseph Shivak on January 8
i redid the form with i think the same choices.. oh well either way i choose is fine.. i chose copper metal this time.
Creator David Scarlett on January 8
I remember doing this but it say I didn't also. It's been done twice now.
Creator v on January 8
Oops, I'd also seen the "Feb 2013" bit and skipped the rest of email #16. Well spotted Paul.
Creator Joseph Shivak on January 8
wow it says i never did it.. i know i did..
Creator Joseph Shivak on January 8
i'm pretty sure i filled out my form.. tough choice on metal finish but i made a choice
Creator EvanTheGamer on January 8
@Paul: Yep! I was started digging through my iMpulse e-mails, as well, and found that same link. I guess I missed it when I first got that e-mail back in Nov. Thanks for looking out though!
Creator Paul Ralph on January 8
@Evan: I found the survey link in Update #16 (Nov 29)
http://survey4now.impulsecontroller.com/
Creator ALOK CHAUBEY on January 8
SAME WITH ME............
Creator EvanTheGamer on January 8
Hello. When you speak of Survey4Now, which survey are you referring to? In a previous Update, you mentioned that surveys would be sent out in February 2013. Is that the survey that you speak of? If so, I have not received an e-mail pertaining to that survey. Please let me know. Thanks, and looking forward to the iMpulse controller!