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Flex-Card Writeup on ZDNeT
Flex-Card delivers universal backup, transfer and streaming between devices
The nirvana of a universal flash drive that backs up your data, transfers files, and streams music across all devices will shortly be a reality.
Franklin, Tennessee based design company, The Power Company has released its Indiegogo campaign for the Flex-Card and smashed its initial $3,000 target, raising over $26,000 with three weeks to go.
The Flex-Card is the fourth product created by The Power Company. The Flex-Card follows its successful launch of the Smart Card, in 2014. A previous campaign for the iPocket Drive raised over $180,000 via Indiegogo.
The card can share files between different operating systems without connecting to a cloud based system. The device has two flexible cables and connectors depending on the device used.
The main cables are 3.0 USB and micro connectors, whilst the attachments are a Lightning 8-pin connector for iPhone 5 and above.
There is also a 30-pin connector for older iPhone or iPads, and a USB-C.
The card enables you to copy or move files between Android, iOS devices, tablets, PCs, or Macs.
You can also charge Apple, Android, or Windows Mobile devices from your computer without the need for a charging cable.
A smartphone or a tablet aren't quite all you need to work on the go; these are some of the helpful gadgets and accessories we've been travelling with recently
Gene Aikens, Flex-Card Designer said: "With all the problems people have experienced with the Cloud and browser based storage, the Flex-Card should make technology users feel more secure by not utilizing an Internet connection."
The card runs at the fastest 3.0 speed, allowing users to transfer files fast and efficiently.
You can stream music and movies directly from the card to your mobile device.
With its flexible adapters, it can fit any case that is connected to your device to enable you to backup all of your photos, videos, and music from a Mac or PC.
You can copy, cut and paste, delete, rename and create folders on the card as well as adding a password for extra security.
The company wanted to raise $3,000 on IndieGoGo for tooling of moulds. Its stretch goal is to raise $50,000 to start its first manufacturing run.
There are other stretch goals to manufacture in different colors, clip-on attachments, and to develop a new app.
At 55mm by 60mm the card is smaller than your credit card and can live in your wallet for when you need it.
For a combined portable charger, multi-platform, music streaming, file management and backup device this little card certainly delivers much more than you think.
The nirvana of a universal flash drive that backs up your data, transfers files, and streams music across all devices will shortly be a reality.
Franklin, Tennessee based design company, The Power Company has released its Indiegogo campaign for the Flex-Card and smashed its initial $3,000 target, raising over $26,000 with three weeks to go.
The Flex-Card is the fourth product created by The Power Company. The Flex-Card follows its successful launch of the Smart Card, in 2014. A previous campaign for the iPocket Drive raised over $180,000 via Indiegogo.
The card can share files between different operating systems without connecting to a cloud based system. The device has two flexible cables and connectors depending on the device used.
The main cables are 3.0 USB and micro connectors, whilst the attachments are a Lightning 8-pin connector for iPhone 5 and above.
There is also a 30-pin connector for older iPhone or iPads, and a USB-C.
The card enables you to copy or move files between Android, iOS devices, tablets, PCs, or Macs.
You can also charge Apple, Android, or Windows Mobile devices from your computer without the need for a charging cable.
A smartphone or a tablet aren't quite all you need to work on the go; these are some of the helpful gadgets and accessories we've been travelling with recently
Gene Aikens, Flex-Card Designer said: "With all the problems people have experienced with the Cloud and browser based storage, the Flex-Card should make technology users feel more secure by not utilizing an Internet connection."
The card runs at the fastest 3.0 speed, allowing users to transfer files fast and efficiently.
You can stream music and movies directly from the card to your mobile device.
With its flexible adapters, it can fit any case that is connected to your device to enable you to backup all of your photos, videos, and music from a Mac or PC.
You can copy, cut and paste, delete, rename and create folders on the card as well as adding a password for extra security.
The company wanted to raise $3,000 on IndieGoGo for tooling of moulds. Its stretch goal is to raise $50,000 to start its first manufacturing run.
There are other stretch goals to manufacture in different colors, clip-on attachments, and to develop a new app.
At 55mm by 60mm the card is smaller than your credit card and can live in your wallet for when you need it.
For a combined portable charger, multi-platform, music streaming, file management and backup device this little card certainly delivers much more than you think.
Flex-Card Blog Post on EETimes
The Future of Personal Communications: A Holistic Approach to Keeping up With Consumer Demand
Gene Aikens, The Power Company
5/4/2015 04:50 PM EDT
The leaders in the digital race will be the ones who develop a holistic approach to digital communications and truly empower, engage, and satisfy the digital consumer.
In today's digital personal communications age, the average person goes through 35GB of data each day, from storing music, photos, and movies to uploading sales presentations. Products like Apple's iPhone and Google's Android have caused mass mobile appeal, leading to a requirement for new technologies that not only allow these personal "pocket" computers to help us effectively manage our daily lives, but also to provide ample security and storage. Contrary to what legions of cloud providers state, however, the cloud is not the universal solution for digital communications storage.
Some new technologies could completely revolutionize our mobile society while feeding the consumers' appetite for quick and easy on-the-go communications, storage, and access. In order to seamlessly integrate and connect all of these mobile devices, consumers will need a universal flash drive, for example, to share files between different operating systems without connecting to a cloud-based system. With all the problems consumers have experienced with the cloud and browser-based storage, we need devices that make technology users feel more secure by not utilizing an Internet connection.
Mobile phones should have been our personal computers two years ago. As an industry, we need to envision the future digital landscape and come up with novel technologies that allow consumers to access what they want when they want it.
Take the Flex-Card, for example. Most consumers and corporations use USB Flash drives to hold sensitive information. The problem is we automatically attribute USB Flash drives to the need for a computer to access the files they contain. But, now -- with smartphones in our pockets -- we can use a mobile USB. Whether you're a DJ who wants to hold all of your 20,000 songs to play directly off your iPhone, a salesman who wants to back up all of your presentations, or a parent who wants to store all your kids' movies to save space on your iPad, mobile USB could make your life much simpler.
As we move toward mobile devices becoming comprehensive personal computers, it will be crucial to solve the current glitches associated with transferring data, such as contacts, from one device to the other. A year from now, all major apps will also need offline storage as a space saver on mobile devices.
On the business side of mobile communications, it will also become more and more important to have a device that can store and push out content quickly, efficiently, and securely, as companies vie for consumer attention and traction.
While the industry has been pushing to make the mobile phone a personal computer in your pocket, we are not quite there yet. From popular mobile music apps like Musixmatch, to hot, wearable electronics like the Apple Watch, the market has had a plethora of new product launches, but not enough communication technologies to make these devices work in harmony. The leaders in this digital race will be the ones who develop a holistic approach to digital communications and truly empower, engage, and satisfy the digital consumer.
Gene Aikens is founder and CEO of Franklin, TN-based The Power Company, a product design company focusing on smart electronics.
Gene Aikens, The Power Company
5/4/2015 04:50 PM EDT
The leaders in the digital race will be the ones who develop a holistic approach to digital communications and truly empower, engage, and satisfy the digital consumer.
In today's digital personal communications age, the average person goes through 35GB of data each day, from storing music, photos, and movies to uploading sales presentations. Products like Apple's iPhone and Google's Android have caused mass mobile appeal, leading to a requirement for new technologies that not only allow these personal "pocket" computers to help us effectively manage our daily lives, but also to provide ample security and storage. Contrary to what legions of cloud providers state, however, the cloud is not the universal solution for digital communications storage.
Some new technologies could completely revolutionize our mobile society while feeding the consumers' appetite for quick and easy on-the-go communications, storage, and access. In order to seamlessly integrate and connect all of these mobile devices, consumers will need a universal flash drive, for example, to share files between different operating systems without connecting to a cloud-based system. With all the problems consumers have experienced with the cloud and browser-based storage, we need devices that make technology users feel more secure by not utilizing an Internet connection.
Mobile phones should have been our personal computers two years ago. As an industry, we need to envision the future digital landscape and come up with novel technologies that allow consumers to access what they want when they want it.
Take the Flex-Card, for example. Most consumers and corporations use USB Flash drives to hold sensitive information. The problem is we automatically attribute USB Flash drives to the need for a computer to access the files they contain. But, now -- with smartphones in our pockets -- we can use a mobile USB. Whether you're a DJ who wants to hold all of your 20,000 songs to play directly off your iPhone, a salesman who wants to back up all of your presentations, or a parent who wants to store all your kids' movies to save space on your iPad, mobile USB could make your life much simpler.
As we move toward mobile devices becoming comprehensive personal computers, it will be crucial to solve the current glitches associated with transferring data, such as contacts, from one device to the other. A year from now, all major apps will also need offline storage as a space saver on mobile devices.
On the business side of mobile communications, it will also become more and more important to have a device that can store and push out content quickly, efficiently, and securely, as companies vie for consumer attention and traction.
While the industry has been pushing to make the mobile phone a personal computer in your pocket, we are not quite there yet. From popular mobile music apps like Musixmatch, to hot, wearable electronics like the Apple Watch, the market has had a plethora of new product launches, but not enough communication technologies to make these devices work in harmony. The leaders in this digital race will be the ones who develop a holistic approach to digital communications and truly empower, engage, and satisfy the digital consumer.
Gene Aikens is founder and CEO of Franklin, TN-based The Power Company, a product design company focusing on smart electronics.
Flex-Card Writeup on Clapway
The First Physical Storage Device For Travelers
By Susan Xu | April 14, 2015
A recent campaign was released last week for the first physical storage device designed with the traveler in mind. Nicknamed, The Flex-Card, the nifty device brings together all your gadgets, including your mobile phone, tablet, and computer (iPhone, Android, iPad, PC, Mac, etc).
WHAT DOES THE FLEX CARD PHYSICAL STORAGE DEVICE OFFER?
The Flex-Card, the fourth product created by the Power Company, can share and store documents, pictures, videos, and other types of files between Android, iOS, tablets, and laptop/computers, without needing connection to the Internet or Cloud. It achieves this by utilizing its own app (free to download) that allows users to copy and move files, as well as backup all their contacts from their Smart Phones.
“With all the problems people have experienced with the Cloud and browser based storage, the Flex-Card should make technology users feel more secure by not utilizing an Internet connection,” states Gene Aikens, the president of The Power Company.
So how does the Flex-Card fit into your life? Imagine the scenario that you’re getting ready to go on your next trip. If you have the Flex-Card, you can store photocopies of your passport, rail pass, car rental voucher, travel itinerary and any and all other documents you could possibly need. The Flex-Card can be encrypted with a password for added protection, and since it’s so small, you can fit it in your wallet or pocket comfortably.
But let's be honest…we all know what we will really use it for: storing all of our movies and music for those long (and maybe short!) travels. The Flex-Card comes in sizes ranging from 8GB all the way up to 256GB, giving you the flexibility to store all your photos, videos, and documentation you need. By streaming directly from your Flex-Card, you won’t need a computer to back up all the photos; the Flex-Card allows you to copy and paste the photos from your phone or tablet right onto the device.
The Flex-Card contains two flexible cables as well as connectors that can attach depending on the device the user is using. This allows it to connect to any device with a case. The two main cables are a 3.0 USB connector and a micro connector, while the attachments are a Lightning 8-pin connector (iPhone 5 and newer), 30-pin (iPhone/iPad older generations), and the newly released USB-C.
The Flex-Card has hit its first goal of $3,000 and is reaching for its next goal of $50,000. You can pre-order the Flex-Card by going to the Campaign and supporting the project.
- Susan Xu
By Susan Xu | April 14, 2015
A recent campaign was released last week for the first physical storage device designed with the traveler in mind. Nicknamed, The Flex-Card, the nifty device brings together all your gadgets, including your mobile phone, tablet, and computer (iPhone, Android, iPad, PC, Mac, etc).
WHAT DOES THE FLEX CARD PHYSICAL STORAGE DEVICE OFFER?
The Flex-Card, the fourth product created by the Power Company, can share and store documents, pictures, videos, and other types of files between Android, iOS, tablets, and laptop/computers, without needing connection to the Internet or Cloud. It achieves this by utilizing its own app (free to download) that allows users to copy and move files, as well as backup all their contacts from their Smart Phones.
“With all the problems people have experienced with the Cloud and browser based storage, the Flex-Card should make technology users feel more secure by not utilizing an Internet connection,” states Gene Aikens, the president of The Power Company.
So how does the Flex-Card fit into your life? Imagine the scenario that you’re getting ready to go on your next trip. If you have the Flex-Card, you can store photocopies of your passport, rail pass, car rental voucher, travel itinerary and any and all other documents you could possibly need. The Flex-Card can be encrypted with a password for added protection, and since it’s so small, you can fit it in your wallet or pocket comfortably.
But let's be honest…we all know what we will really use it for: storing all of our movies and music for those long (and maybe short!) travels. The Flex-Card comes in sizes ranging from 8GB all the way up to 256GB, giving you the flexibility to store all your photos, videos, and documentation you need. By streaming directly from your Flex-Card, you won’t need a computer to back up all the photos; the Flex-Card allows you to copy and paste the photos from your phone or tablet right onto the device.
The Flex-Card contains two flexible cables as well as connectors that can attach depending on the device the user is using. This allows it to connect to any device with a case. The two main cables are a 3.0 USB connector and a micro connector, while the attachments are a Lightning 8-pin connector (iPhone 5 and newer), 30-pin (iPhone/iPad older generations), and the newly released USB-C.
The Flex-Card has hit its first goal of $3,000 and is reaching for its next goal of $50,000. You can pre-order the Flex-Card by going to the Campaign and supporting the project.
- Susan Xu
Flex-Card Writeup from Goos3d
THE FLEX-CARD: AN ALTERNATIVE TO CLOUD STORAGE
11TH APRIL 2015 by MARTIN
The Flex-Card has just launched on Indiegogo this week by the Power Company. This is the same company who developed the iPocket Drive for Apple products. We’ve had a look to see what the device offers.
Why do we need The Flex-Card?Need might be a strong word, but the Flex-Card certainly makes life a little easier. Whether you’re using Windows, Android or Apple, the Flex-Card will be able to provide an alternative to cloud storage platform (listen up Jennifer Lawrence). So if you are a bit iffy about the cloud, read on!
What is The Flex-Card?The Flex-Card is effectively a storage device with connections for all major devices, including Apple’s latest USB-c. If you’re impatient, there’s more good news. as it uses USB 3.0, the fastest on the market. The device itself comes in 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB and 256GB models.
What can The Flex-Card do?The big feature that jumped out at us here was the ability to stream to Apple mobile devices. So if for some reason you had movies in file format, acquired from somewhere, you can watch them from The Flex-Card directly to your iPhone or iPad.
If you have both platforms, perhaps due to a work phone being Android, or maybe you’re changing from Apple to Windows, The Flex-Card allows you to back up on one platform and restore on another using their app. This is a great and simple way to get contacts backed up and transferred cross platform.
Do I need The Flex-Card?
As we said, with tech, need is always a strong word. The Flex-Card does provide some really neat solutions and adds to your overall smartphone experience.
Where can I get The Flex-Card?The Flex-Card is currently going through the early stages of its Indiegogo campaign, but is already 147% funded with loads of time left to go. By backing the campaign, you can get your hands on an early model due for delivery in October this year, starting from around €70 with shipping.
11TH APRIL 2015 by MARTIN
The Flex-Card has just launched on Indiegogo this week by the Power Company. This is the same company who developed the iPocket Drive for Apple products. We’ve had a look to see what the device offers.
Why do we need The Flex-Card?Need might be a strong word, but the Flex-Card certainly makes life a little easier. Whether you’re using Windows, Android or Apple, the Flex-Card will be able to provide an alternative to cloud storage platform (listen up Jennifer Lawrence). So if you are a bit iffy about the cloud, read on!
What is The Flex-Card?The Flex-Card is effectively a storage device with connections for all major devices, including Apple’s latest USB-c. If you’re impatient, there’s more good news. as it uses USB 3.0, the fastest on the market. The device itself comes in 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB and 256GB models.
What can The Flex-Card do?The big feature that jumped out at us here was the ability to stream to Apple mobile devices. So if for some reason you had movies in file format, acquired from somewhere, you can watch them from The Flex-Card directly to your iPhone or iPad.
If you have both platforms, perhaps due to a work phone being Android, or maybe you’re changing from Apple to Windows, The Flex-Card allows you to back up on one platform and restore on another using their app. This is a great and simple way to get contacts backed up and transferred cross platform.
Do I need The Flex-Card?
As we said, with tech, need is always a strong word. The Flex-Card does provide some really neat solutions and adds to your overall smartphone experience.
Where can I get The Flex-Card?The Flex-Card is currently going through the early stages of its Indiegogo campaign, but is already 147% funded with loads of time left to go. By backing the campaign, you can get your hands on an early model due for delivery in October this year, starting from around €70 with shipping.
Flex-Card Writeup on TechAeris
MOBILE / TECH
Indiegogo: Move And Store All Your Files With Flex-Card Universal Data Storage
by Jason Bouwmeester April 10, 2015
Many of us use the cloud to transfer and store many of our files for numerous reasons. However, there are times when you may need quick access to a file and you don’t have an Internet connection, or want to share files with someone else on a different ecosystem. While there are many apps to do that, The Power Company has introduced the Flex-Card – a portable universal data storage device which lets you transfer pictures, videos, music, and other files between Windows, Android, and iOS devices.
Using a USB 3.0 connection, the Flex-Card fits in your wallet and allows you to copy, move, cut, paste, delete, and rename files, backup your photos, videos and music from your Mac or PC, stream music or movies directly from the Flex-Card to your phone, tablet, or computer, and even lets you charge your Windows, Android, or iOS device using your computer without the need for a charging cord. Slightly smaller than a credit card, this universal data storage device includes iPhone 30-pin and 8-pin Lightning connectors, microUSB, USB 3.0, and USB-C connectors to cover pretty much any device you can think of.
“With all the problems people have experienced with the Cloud and browser based storage, the Flex-Card should make technology users feel more secure by not utilizing an Internet connection.”
– Gene Aikens, Flex-Card Designer.
Major features include:
The Power Company is no stranger to Indiegogo campaigns and has successfully completed and delivered on three already, The Charge Card, The Smart Card, and The iPocket Drive, so you know that the Flex-Drive will happen if you choose to support it. They’ve already met their initial $3,000 goal after only two days and hope to reach their third stretch goal of $300,000 in the next 45 days with delivery to commence in October of this year.
Indiegogo: Move And Store All Your Files With Flex-Card Universal Data Storage
by Jason Bouwmeester April 10, 2015
Many of us use the cloud to transfer and store many of our files for numerous reasons. However, there are times when you may need quick access to a file and you don’t have an Internet connection, or want to share files with someone else on a different ecosystem. While there are many apps to do that, The Power Company has introduced the Flex-Card – a portable universal data storage device which lets you transfer pictures, videos, music, and other files between Windows, Android, and iOS devices.
Using a USB 3.0 connection, the Flex-Card fits in your wallet and allows you to copy, move, cut, paste, delete, and rename files, backup your photos, videos and music from your Mac or PC, stream music or movies directly from the Flex-Card to your phone, tablet, or computer, and even lets you charge your Windows, Android, or iOS device using your computer without the need for a charging cord. Slightly smaller than a credit card, this universal data storage device includes iPhone 30-pin and 8-pin Lightning connectors, microUSB, USB 3.0, and USB-C connectors to cover pretty much any device you can think of.
“With all the problems people have experienced with the Cloud and browser based storage, the Flex-Card should make technology users feel more secure by not utilizing an Internet connection.”
– Gene Aikens, Flex-Card Designer.
Major features include:
- Copy/Move files between Android, Apple/iOS Mobile Devices, Tablets, PC, and/or MAC into the Flex-Card.
- No Internet Needed: Open files directly from the Flex-Card w/o using a Cloud system or needing to be connected to the internet.
- Stream all your Music and Movies directly from the Flex-Card to your Mobile Device.
- Speed: The Flex-Card runs at the fastest 3.0 speed, allowing users to transfer files fast and efficiently.
- Charge any Apple, Android, or Windows Mobile device 100% directly from your computer without a charging cable.
- Case Friendly: With it’s flexible adapters, the Flex-Card can fit any case that’s connected to your device.
- Encryption: Add a password for added security when storing personal data.
- File Management: Copy/Cut/Paste/Delete/Rename & Create Folders.
- Backup: Backup all of your Photos, Videos, and Music from a MAC or PC.
The Power Company is no stranger to Indiegogo campaigns and has successfully completed and delivered on three already, The Charge Card, The Smart Card, and The iPocket Drive, so you know that the Flex-Drive will happen if you choose to support it. They’ve already met their initial $3,000 goal after only two days and hope to reach their third stretch goal of $300,000 in the next 45 days with delivery to commence in October of this year.
A 2 Part Interview with the Power Company's Founder
Indie Project Corner—Gene Aikens wants Data in Your Pocket (Part 1)
by Nate Adcock 3.21.15
This is the first Indie Project Corner post, a regular feature we will be undertaking to showcase noteworthy indie development efforts (mostly iPhone-related). It's not easy to get a crowdfunded product off the ground, as any who have done it will tell you, and iPhone Life wants to help by interviewing entrepreneurs and getting the skinny on what makes their products the best. In this first edition, we interview Gene Aikens of The Power Company, maker of the Smart Card, and theiPocket Drive. Gene sent us an early review sample of the iPocket Drive to check out. If you are looking for an alternative to network or cloud-connected storage, you will want an iPocket Drive! Gene shares some great insights in part one of this edition.
Gene Aikens discovered his passion for technology back in the coin-operated arcade era. A graduate of New Hampshire Technical college, he pioneered the idea of introducing early arcade games into café environments and other food-serving establishments in locations around New Hampsire. Gene is the succesful maker behind three more recent indie campaigns (The Charge Card, Smart Card, and iPocket Drive), and now starting a fourth product (not-yet named) soon to be released. He is the proud father of five children ranging from ages of 15–24 and currently resides in Nashville, TN. I asked Gene a few questions vial email and phone interview on his experiences at crowd-funding, and what it takes to get a product like the iPocket funded and available.
Gene made it clear that he is not a Kickstarter fan, and prefers Indiegogo as his means of crowd-funding, due mostly to the different policies of the services. Indiegogo allows more lattitude over the campaign, while Kickstarter is maybe more rigid with their rules (something to keep in mind), or at least in Gene's case rejected his campaign without specifically saying why. Gene also reported that Indiegogo was very helpful. Below are excerpts from our email and phone conversations:
iPhoneLife: Your first product to be successfully crowdfunded was the Smart Card. A credit-card-sized multi-tool that can universally charge (up to 1600 mAh), store data, has a flashlight, and includes built-in cables. The card hasn't yet been released (still only available for pre-order according to your site). When do you expect to start shipping and where can folks buy this does-it-all gadget?
Gene: Actually the Smart Card was the second. The Charge Card was the first. It was released last December 2013 as my first project and they shipped to everyone. The Smart Card prototype is currently working 100 percent. I just made a change to the adapters that go on it and the final prototype with the new adapters is on its way from China now. We will do a large run of the Smart Card soon. People can buy it at my main web site thepower.company.
At CES 2015, we saw a literal ton of great prototype ideas and clever gadgets in the Indiegogo zone at the Sands Tech Expo. Want to share any advice that helped in your campaigns?
Don’t think that you are just going to throw a campaign together online and the money is going to fly in. That’s not going to happen. IT IS WORK, WORK, WORK! Plus, be prepared to manufacture quickly, because it is near impossible with little money to protect your idea and there are a lot of shark type wealthy large corporations out there looking for ideas on these crowd-funding sites.
Is crowdfunding alone always enough to bring a successful product to market? What are some of the pitfalls someone not in the business (of design and large-scale production) can make?
If your product is good, many distributors from all over the world will contact you. I can't keep up with this side currently with the iPocket Drive. So the real money can come from the wholesale side. But you need the product in hand, because distributors will not tie up their money waiting for a product. Secondly, manufacturing is the biggest problem with companies that don't have experience producing a product. They can get in with companies that can take advantage of them, overcharge them, or just plain take their money.
The iPocket Drive Review
Gene sent us a 16 GB (8 GB–128 GB versions are available) review unit, and I thoroughly tested it. On one end, a lightning connector allows the tiny drive to connect to iPhone or iPad (tested on both iPhone 6 and older iPad mini). On the other end is a USB 2.0 interface to allow you to connect to a computer. The drive is detected as a storage device and mounted automatically on most desktop operating systems (Mac, Windows and Linux), but on the Apple device side, you need to download and install a free app (called i-FlashDrive HD--more on the app later). See the rest of this review in the Part Two follow-up post tomorrow.
Indie Project Corner - Gene Aikens wants Data in Your Pocket (Part 2)
Nate Adcock 3.22.15
This is the follow-up post to our first edition of the Indie Project corner, where we talk to indie product developers who are crowdfunding and implementing a new project related to iOS. In Part 1, we interviewed Gene Aikens of the Power Company on the early success involving his recent campaigns on Indiegogo. In this edition, we are following that up with a product review of his iPocket Drive.
I tested the iPocket Drive on my home PC running Windows 8.1 (64-bit), and even connected to a Debian Linux development board I have been working on recently (the CI20 from Imagination Technologies). Both allowed me to transfer, access, and edit files on the drive as with any typical storage medium. The drive specs tout a write speed of 7.5 Mb/s, and I registered around 6Mb/s under Windows 8.1 when copying over a large video file. All file formats supported by the iPocket Drive were accessible on my device (see specs below):
Technical Specs:
Capacity: 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB (depending on unit purchased)
Connectors: Standard USB 2.0 and Apple Lightning Connector
iPocket Drive-to-USB Speed: 12 MB/s (Read), 7.5 MB/s (Write)
iPocket Drive-to-iDevice Speed: 2.5 MB/s (Read), 1.9 MB/s (Write)
Construction: ABS Plastic
Dimensions: 30.6 mm x 51.8 mm x 9.8 mm
Weight: 8.5g
Compatibility: iPhone 6 Plus/6/5s/5c/5, iPad (4th Generation), iPad mini, iPad mini with Retina display, iPad Air, iPod touch (5th Generation)
Supported File Formats:
• Video: .mp4, .m4v, .mpv, .mov, .mpg, .mkv, .avi, .wmv, .rmvb, .flv, .3gp, .gif
• Audio: .wav, .aac, .aif, .aiff, .caf, .m4a, .mp3
• Images: jpg, tiff, gif
• Documents: .doc and .docx (Microsoft Word); .htm and .html (web pages); .key (Keynote); .numbers (Numbers); .pages (Pages); .pdf (Preview and Adobe Acrobat); .ppt and .pptx (Microsoft PowerPoint); .txt (text); .rtf (rich text format); .vcf (contact information); .xls and .xlsx (Microsoft Excel); .zip; .ics
Once you have uploaded your files (movies, music, pictures, contact backups, docs, etc.) to the drive from a computer or another iPhone, you can then connect and access them on your iDevice of choice. The free app (iFlashdrive HD) also allows you to backup your contacts for migration between devices, and includes basic Dropbox integration to move files to the cloud as well. Once inserted and recognized by the app, you can use the software to browse, copy, edit, and move files to Dropbox, the local storage on the iPhone, or access them in place on the iPocket Drive. You can also encrypt them using the app.
The experience wasn't all roses, however. There is at this time no auto-syncing or updating of files when connecting, and you cannot currently charge and connect the device at the same time. The iPocket is not very case friendly; I had to remove my devices from their cases to get it inserted. The app integration in this early version is a bit clunky (e.g. you can't simply open files from other apps directly), and the app did crash more than once on the older iPad mini. There is no searching, filtering, or indexing of the files, so you have to self index them into folders when you transfer them from another source. I was able to lock/encrypt files, but this markedly increased the size, and I could not get specs on the level of encryption employed. I have a query in to Gene to determine this info.
Gene reminded me this is really an early test unit example. During the review I discovered that the app was designed for a similar hardware product called the iFlashDrive from PhotoFast. Gene's company has worked out terms with the original manufacturer to license and use the app, and he informs me they are working on their own improved version.
Pros:Backup contacts and files from most any desktop source
Access external data on iPad/iPhone
Compact size and larger capacity selections
Cons:Anemic app integration
Slower USB 2.0 interface
Final VerdictThe iPocket Drive does what it was designed to do: Allow you to backup or transfer your files and contact data to external storage and access them on the go. I can see this as an easy way to add several gigabytes of extra storage for movies, and music to my already maxed out iPad mini. A few wrinkles should be ironed out first, but it is my opinion that it will be a viable product. I'll wrap up our first Corner edition with a paraphrased comment Gene made during our interview which I think sums up some of his best advice in crowd-funded efforts like the iPocket Drive: Develop the reliable contacts and experience to manufacture on a larger scale before jumping too soon into a campaign. Bottom line, the devil is in the details, and you need to be aggressive about making your product a success!
by Nate Adcock 3.21.15
This is the first Indie Project Corner post, a regular feature we will be undertaking to showcase noteworthy indie development efforts (mostly iPhone-related). It's not easy to get a crowdfunded product off the ground, as any who have done it will tell you, and iPhone Life wants to help by interviewing entrepreneurs and getting the skinny on what makes their products the best. In this first edition, we interview Gene Aikens of The Power Company, maker of the Smart Card, and theiPocket Drive. Gene sent us an early review sample of the iPocket Drive to check out. If you are looking for an alternative to network or cloud-connected storage, you will want an iPocket Drive! Gene shares some great insights in part one of this edition.
Gene Aikens discovered his passion for technology back in the coin-operated arcade era. A graduate of New Hampshire Technical college, he pioneered the idea of introducing early arcade games into café environments and other food-serving establishments in locations around New Hampsire. Gene is the succesful maker behind three more recent indie campaigns (The Charge Card, Smart Card, and iPocket Drive), and now starting a fourth product (not-yet named) soon to be released. He is the proud father of five children ranging from ages of 15–24 and currently resides in Nashville, TN. I asked Gene a few questions vial email and phone interview on his experiences at crowd-funding, and what it takes to get a product like the iPocket funded and available.
Gene made it clear that he is not a Kickstarter fan, and prefers Indiegogo as his means of crowd-funding, due mostly to the different policies of the services. Indiegogo allows more lattitude over the campaign, while Kickstarter is maybe more rigid with their rules (something to keep in mind), or at least in Gene's case rejected his campaign without specifically saying why. Gene also reported that Indiegogo was very helpful. Below are excerpts from our email and phone conversations:
iPhoneLife: Your first product to be successfully crowdfunded was the Smart Card. A credit-card-sized multi-tool that can universally charge (up to 1600 mAh), store data, has a flashlight, and includes built-in cables. The card hasn't yet been released (still only available for pre-order according to your site). When do you expect to start shipping and where can folks buy this does-it-all gadget?
Gene: Actually the Smart Card was the second. The Charge Card was the first. It was released last December 2013 as my first project and they shipped to everyone. The Smart Card prototype is currently working 100 percent. I just made a change to the adapters that go on it and the final prototype with the new adapters is on its way from China now. We will do a large run of the Smart Card soon. People can buy it at my main web site thepower.company.
At CES 2015, we saw a literal ton of great prototype ideas and clever gadgets in the Indiegogo zone at the Sands Tech Expo. Want to share any advice that helped in your campaigns?
Don’t think that you are just going to throw a campaign together online and the money is going to fly in. That’s not going to happen. IT IS WORK, WORK, WORK! Plus, be prepared to manufacture quickly, because it is near impossible with little money to protect your idea and there are a lot of shark type wealthy large corporations out there looking for ideas on these crowd-funding sites.
Is crowdfunding alone always enough to bring a successful product to market? What are some of the pitfalls someone not in the business (of design and large-scale production) can make?
If your product is good, many distributors from all over the world will contact you. I can't keep up with this side currently with the iPocket Drive. So the real money can come from the wholesale side. But you need the product in hand, because distributors will not tie up their money waiting for a product. Secondly, manufacturing is the biggest problem with companies that don't have experience producing a product. They can get in with companies that can take advantage of them, overcharge them, or just plain take their money.
The iPocket Drive Review
Gene sent us a 16 GB (8 GB–128 GB versions are available) review unit, and I thoroughly tested it. On one end, a lightning connector allows the tiny drive to connect to iPhone or iPad (tested on both iPhone 6 and older iPad mini). On the other end is a USB 2.0 interface to allow you to connect to a computer. The drive is detected as a storage device and mounted automatically on most desktop operating systems (Mac, Windows and Linux), but on the Apple device side, you need to download and install a free app (called i-FlashDrive HD--more on the app later). See the rest of this review in the Part Two follow-up post tomorrow.
Indie Project Corner - Gene Aikens wants Data in Your Pocket (Part 2)
Nate Adcock 3.22.15
This is the follow-up post to our first edition of the Indie Project corner, where we talk to indie product developers who are crowdfunding and implementing a new project related to iOS. In Part 1, we interviewed Gene Aikens of the Power Company on the early success involving his recent campaigns on Indiegogo. In this edition, we are following that up with a product review of his iPocket Drive.
I tested the iPocket Drive on my home PC running Windows 8.1 (64-bit), and even connected to a Debian Linux development board I have been working on recently (the CI20 from Imagination Technologies). Both allowed me to transfer, access, and edit files on the drive as with any typical storage medium. The drive specs tout a write speed of 7.5 Mb/s, and I registered around 6Mb/s under Windows 8.1 when copying over a large video file. All file formats supported by the iPocket Drive were accessible on my device (see specs below):
Technical Specs:
Capacity: 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB (depending on unit purchased)
Connectors: Standard USB 2.0 and Apple Lightning Connector
iPocket Drive-to-USB Speed: 12 MB/s (Read), 7.5 MB/s (Write)
iPocket Drive-to-iDevice Speed: 2.5 MB/s (Read), 1.9 MB/s (Write)
Construction: ABS Plastic
Dimensions: 30.6 mm x 51.8 mm x 9.8 mm
Weight: 8.5g
Compatibility: iPhone 6 Plus/6/5s/5c/5, iPad (4th Generation), iPad mini, iPad mini with Retina display, iPad Air, iPod touch (5th Generation)
Supported File Formats:
• Video: .mp4, .m4v, .mpv, .mov, .mpg, .mkv, .avi, .wmv, .rmvb, .flv, .3gp, .gif
• Audio: .wav, .aac, .aif, .aiff, .caf, .m4a, .mp3
• Images: jpg, tiff, gif
• Documents: .doc and .docx (Microsoft Word); .htm and .html (web pages); .key (Keynote); .numbers (Numbers); .pages (Pages); .pdf (Preview and Adobe Acrobat); .ppt and .pptx (Microsoft PowerPoint); .txt (text); .rtf (rich text format); .vcf (contact information); .xls and .xlsx (Microsoft Excel); .zip; .ics
Once you have uploaded your files (movies, music, pictures, contact backups, docs, etc.) to the drive from a computer or another iPhone, you can then connect and access them on your iDevice of choice. The free app (iFlashdrive HD) also allows you to backup your contacts for migration between devices, and includes basic Dropbox integration to move files to the cloud as well. Once inserted and recognized by the app, you can use the software to browse, copy, edit, and move files to Dropbox, the local storage on the iPhone, or access them in place on the iPocket Drive. You can also encrypt them using the app.
The experience wasn't all roses, however. There is at this time no auto-syncing or updating of files when connecting, and you cannot currently charge and connect the device at the same time. The iPocket is not very case friendly; I had to remove my devices from their cases to get it inserted. The app integration in this early version is a bit clunky (e.g. you can't simply open files from other apps directly), and the app did crash more than once on the older iPad mini. There is no searching, filtering, or indexing of the files, so you have to self index them into folders when you transfer them from another source. I was able to lock/encrypt files, but this markedly increased the size, and I could not get specs on the level of encryption employed. I have a query in to Gene to determine this info.
Gene reminded me this is really an early test unit example. During the review I discovered that the app was designed for a similar hardware product called the iFlashDrive from PhotoFast. Gene's company has worked out terms with the original manufacturer to license and use the app, and he informs me they are working on their own improved version.
Pros:Backup contacts and files from most any desktop source
Access external data on iPad/iPhone
Compact size and larger capacity selections
Cons:Anemic app integration
Slower USB 2.0 interface
Final VerdictThe iPocket Drive does what it was designed to do: Allow you to backup or transfer your files and contact data to external storage and access them on the go. I can see this as an easy way to add several gigabytes of extra storage for movies, and music to my already maxed out iPad mini. A few wrinkles should be ironed out first, but it is my opinion that it will be a viable product. I'll wrap up our first Corner edition with a paraphrased comment Gene made during our interview which I think sums up some of his best advice in crowd-funded efforts like the iPocket Drive: Develop the reliable contacts and experience to manufacture on a larger scale before jumping too soon into a campaign. Bottom line, the devil is in the details, and you need to be aggressive about making your product a success!
iPocket Drive Writeup From TrustedReviews.com
iPocket Drive is a USB flash drive for the iPhone
by Joe Svetlik 05 January 2015
No more running out of room
Want some extra storage for your iPhone? The iPocket Drive is a portable USB flash drive that connects to your iPhone's Lightning port to provide more room for movies, music, photos, games, apps and more.
Not only does it mean you can carry more stuff around with you, it also lets you easily transfer files from your iPhone to your computer without starting up iTunes or fiddling around with iCloud. (So your nude photos should also be safe.)
It basically adds the same features a microSD card would.
It's a little bigger than most memory cards, but that's a small price to pay for added convenience. It also works with the iPod Touch and iPad, as long as they have a Lightning port.
You can also stream films and music from it without having to sync to iTunes, which has to be a good thing. And it charges your device when it's plugged into a USB port.
As well as providing extra storage space, it's handy for backing up your data without relying on iCloud.
Read more: Best cloud storage apps
It comes in 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB sizes, with prices starting at $65 (£42).
Apple locks down its devices, but from the reaction it seems there's plenty of demand for expandable storage: at time of writing it had raised just shy of $120,000 with 11 days still remaining in the campaign. Apple is currently being sued over the amount of space iOS 8 takes up on its devices, so this could be a godsend for peeved users.
by Joe Svetlik 05 January 2015
No more running out of room
Want some extra storage for your iPhone? The iPocket Drive is a portable USB flash drive that connects to your iPhone's Lightning port to provide more room for movies, music, photos, games, apps and more.
Not only does it mean you can carry more stuff around with you, it also lets you easily transfer files from your iPhone to your computer without starting up iTunes or fiddling around with iCloud. (So your nude photos should also be safe.)
It basically adds the same features a microSD card would.
It's a little bigger than most memory cards, but that's a small price to pay for added convenience. It also works with the iPod Touch and iPad, as long as they have a Lightning port.
You can also stream films and music from it without having to sync to iTunes, which has to be a good thing. And it charges your device when it's plugged into a USB port.
As well as providing extra storage space, it's handy for backing up your data without relying on iCloud.
Read more: Best cloud storage apps
It comes in 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB sizes, with prices starting at $65 (£42).
Apple locks down its devices, but from the reaction it seems there's plenty of demand for expandable storage: at time of writing it had raised just shy of $120,000 with 11 days still remaining in the campaign. Apple is currently being sued over the amount of space iOS 8 takes up on its devices, so this could be a godsend for peeved users.