Kickstarter

Hi Backers

So, we ran a trial production to shake down the manufacturing processes and unleashed a handful of units in the real world for some usage. From this we have:

• made some adjustments to the 'feel' of the zoom in firmware (i.e. the rate at which the buttons send messages to the app)

• added some weight to the controller. The feel and balance now is beautiful

At the bottom of this update are photos of a production-ready controller with iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 cases.

We have also been working on the packaging. snappgrip will have a retail launch at CTIA in Las Vegas in May and if any backers are visiting the show, please make contact through Kickstarter and we will be delighted to show you the product.

The packaging is a simple retail box with a hang tag. What's pictured here is not final artwork or copy but it's close albeit too 'Chinglish'… Final artwork has been approved. Also pictured is the inner tray that carries the case, controller and USB charger.

Also uploaded is a very poor quality video (the delightful Sony NEX we use for video went walkabout so this was quickly done on an old Canon PowerShot G9 that is really unhappy interacting with Macs :( ). The video gives a quick walkthrough of the mode control, zoom functions and shutter in conjunction with the revised app that will be bundled with snappgrip. We are also actively working to support several 3rd party developers of high end photography apps such that they can embed support for snappgrip into their apps.

Finally, production schedule. We plan to produce c.1,000 units during May from which Kickstarter rewards will be fulfilled. The running order is:

1. iPhone 4 S and iPhone 5

2. iPhone 4

3. Samsung Galaxy S3

Galaxy S3 has well documented BTLE incompatibilities and we are working hard with our BT chipset developer to find the best way to overcome these. It's been done before as there are a handful of Galaxy S3 BTLE accessories in the market.

So, we're nearly there :) Thanks to the vast majority of you who have supported this project with good wishes, patience and a lack of accusations and insults. We're excited to get this out into the world very shortly.

Regards

Lee.

We received our first pre-production units last week and are delighted! The minor changes since the CES-era prototype have been completed well and include:

• larger zoom in/out buttons
• a slightly smaller, relocated and relocated shutter button to facilitate the larger zoom
• weight added to the snappgrip controller which provides better balance and stability during operation

We've been experimenting with different finishes for the snappgrip case and have settled on a high gloss UV finish.

Over the next weeks the production line will be running a pilot run to shake down the factory processes and ensure that the line is robust. Once complete (and we will send photos of the shakedown pilots) we will turn on the first production batch of 1,000 units from which rewards will be fulfilled!

We've had a few emails looking for updates.

China is in the middle of new year celebrations and will start to get back to work next week. At that stage we will look to sign off the final plastics ahead of the first production run.

The Kickstarter funds landed with us a few days ago. We've intentionally not yet gone out to survey requirements/delivery addresses but this process will start in the next few days.

We've agreed integration with 3-4 photography apps.

We're lining up distribution and retailers in the UK and EU.

Lots of activity going on but much of it is behind the scenes. Next tangible output in 7-10 days will be photos of the (hopefully approved) plastics.