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Blumoo: Remote Control and Streaming from mobile devices to existing systems

Enhance your home theater with Blumoo; stream music to your existing system and full remote control from your mobile devices.

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Blumoo: Remote Control and Streaming from mobile devices to existing systems

Blumoo: Remote Control and Streaming from mobile devices to existing systems

Blumoo: Remote Control and Streaming from mobile devices to existing systems

Blumoo: Remote Control and Streaming from mobile devices to existing systems

Blumoo: Remote Control and Streaming from mobile devices to existing systems

Enhance your home theater with Blumoo; stream music to your existing system and full remote control from your mobile devices.

Enhance your home theater with Blumoo; stream music to your existing system and full remote control from your mobile devices.

Enhance your home theater with Blumoo; stream music to your existing system and full remote control from your mobile devices.

Enhance your home theater with Blumoo; stream music to your existing system and full remote control from your mobile devices.

Jason Carman
Jason Carman
Jason Carman
Jason Carman
1 Campaign |
Lenexa, United States
$31,650 USD 315 backers
105% of $30,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

 

connect.control.stream.

Flyover Innovations LLC, a consumer electronics startup company, is finalizing the development of our first product - Blumoo - an open source hardware platform capable of controlling your home theater equipment and streaming music to your existing stereo equipment all from your favorite mobile device.

Blumoo Bob

 No need to waste your money buying inadequate Bluetooth speakers or high-end receivers to get the convenience of remote control and streaming from your mobile device.  Keep your existing system and add premium functionality with Blumoo.

 Typical Use Cases

How does Blumoo work?

Blumoo connects to your mobile device via Bluetooth technology to enable both universal remote control functionality and hi-fi audio streaming.

Blumoo ConnectionsThe Blumoo app (iOS and Android) that you download to your mobile device automatically loads the appropriate remote control database for your equipment.  The Blumoo app provides a simple, intuitive user interface on your mobile device for stereo controls as well as quick access to your media libraries and favorite streaming music apps.

The Blumoo "pod" integrates a powerful infrared (IR) transmitter that is universally compatible with standard home theater equipment.  Blumoo will be able to control all of your equipment from the primary "pod" IR transmitter for typical installations.  If it is desired to control several theater devices that are separated by closed cabinets, an additional IR emitter may be used to reach all devices.  Blumoo has an additional port on the cable that, if desired, can accept a readily-available, standard 3.5mm IR emitter cable.  Since the IR transmitter is located inside the stationary Blumoo "pod", your phone becomes the remote control to your standard equipment without the 'line-of-sight' limitations that are typical with most remote controls.  

Audio from your mobile device is transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth to Blumoo.  The audio is transmitted to the receiver from Blumoo via standard 3.5mm jack or RCA connections.  

 Protoype Blumoo

 What does the Blumoo app do?

The Blumoo app provides the remote control interface to your stereo equipment and quick access to your streaming and media app's.  To maintain an intuitive interface to the user, only relevant controls for the selected mode will be displayed.

If we can achieve our stretch goal, we will be able to create a full universal remote control app for iOS and Android to control all of your home entertainment equipment (TV, Blu-Ray, DVD Player, Receiver, Satellite, Cable Box, etc) - all from your single Blumoo hardware device!

Blumoo iOS/Andoid App

The standard main screen of the iOS/Android app includes quick access to power on the stereo receiver, volume control, and auxiliary selection.

If you are on your streaming auxiliary, you can access your media libraries or streaming app's by tapping the music icon.

If you are on CD or Tuner, you'll get quick access controls relevant for those functions.

 App main page when on streaming auxiliary

 Featured controls change based on selected aux

Expandability

Blumoo is a flexible hardware platform that can be used to control any device with an infrared remote control (TV, DVD & Blu Ray players, Satellite Box, Cable Box, Projectors, Soundbars, and much more) associated with it from your mobile device.  Following launch we will provide an open API with our comprehensive IR code database to enable developers at-large to modify, expand, and make new Blumoo app variants!  The database is extremely large so we won't be posting it on here, but feel free to contact us if you have any specific questions of what the database includes...if it has an IR interface and you want to control it, theres a good chance our database includes it.

How do you set up Blumoo?

We designed the Blumoo hardware and app entirely around simplicity.  The entire Blumoo experience - from set-up to daily use - revolves around ease of use for you.

Simple, Simple, Simple

Blumoo connections 

Just a few simple steps to get your Blumoo installed:

1) Connect Blumoo audio output to your receiver or speaker system's input with standard RCA or 3.5mm connection.

2) Connect the included power cable to Blumoo and plug into a wall outlet.

3) Install the iOS or Android App on your mobile phone or tablet.  The setup wizard will walk you through installation.

4) Press the button on top of Blumoo to pair with your mobile device.

5) Select Manufacturer from drop down list.

Setup Wizard

Blumoo Models and Rewards:

We are offering the following Blumoo colors for our Indiegogo campaign.  The Brushed Aluminum version will be our trademark product that will be taken into market.  If you want to stand out from the crowd, we are offering the Black Chrome and the Royal Blue versions as Indiegogo exclusives and will only be available through this campaign.  

Brushed Aluminum Model

Black Chrome Model

Royal Blue Model

Show your support for Flyover Innovations with this unique t-shirt. Blumoo Bob on the front, Flyover Innovations logo on the back.

Blumoo Bob T

OUR STRETCH GOAL

If we can reach $40,000...

We have concentrated on stereo control for the included app because this is a such a common use case and yet no device exists on the market to provide both full control and streaming capability to your existing equipment from your mobile device.  BUT...Blumoo can control all of your home theater equipment.  If we are able to exceed our goal and reach $40,000 we will be able to create a full universal remote control app for all of your home theater equipment (tv, blu-ray, dvd, projector, satellite, cable box, etc) and send it to all donors that purchased any Blumoo package!!!

Included in the Blumoo Product Package:

  • Blumoo "pod"
  • Blumoo app download (iOS or Android)
  • Audio cable with 3.5mm jack
  • Power cable and outlet connection
  • Blumoo setup guide

What will we do with Indiegogo funding?

We are a small startup company with big dreams - we need your help to realize these dreams!  With a successful campaign, we can bring Blumoo to market and get Flyover Innovations off the ground.

The funds raised from this Indiegogo campaign will enable us to take Blumoo into production.  We can begin cutting tooling for the composite parts and purchase components for the first build.

Other ways to help!

Please share our story.

We know everyone can't donate, but if you believe in our product and our startup company, please share this page, Tweet about us, Pin us, and email your friends about us.  

Please visit https://www.facebook.com/FlyoverInnovationsKC page and "Like" us there too...and follow us on Twitter @FlyoverKC

Partnerships

If you are interested in becoming a distribution partner with Flyover Innovations please be sure to contact us to discuss the opportunity and receive bulk order pricing.

What stage of development is Blumoo in?

We have fully functional prototypes and are currently in the product testing phase.  Check out the "Gallery" tab to see videos of Blumoo in action.

Hardware: Initial design is complete for Blumoo, we are now in the process of testing the hardware and embedded software to ensure that Blumoo meets our quality and robustness standards.  

iOS and Android App: Blumoo app development is currently underway.  The app is currently functional, however, we are continuing efforts to refine it in order to ensure that we have a remote control interface that's intuitive and simple with the necessary features. 

Mechanical: Initial design is complete and undergoing testing and evaluation.  Ready to cut tooling!

Manufacturing and Supply Chain: We have already visited, audited, and established a partnership with a reputable manufacturing company.

Will the final product differ from the prototype shown in the video?

Blumoo "Pod" - The prototype Blumoo "pod" looks very similar to what it will look like in production.  However, there are two items that will be slightly different on production versions:

  • The Blumoo logo will be silkscreened on the lower front of the case
  • The production cable will have the power, 3.5mm audio, and 3.5mm optional IR extender jacks injection molded into a harness 

Production vs Prototype Differences

Blumoo "App" - The App will maintain a similar layout as shown in the demo.  There may be some slight modifications to the graphic symbols used and the page layout as we finalize the UI.  Updated screenshots will be provided if changes are made.

 

FAQ

As questions come in, we'll update them here:

1.  What version of Bluetooth is used on Blumoo?

We are using Bluetooth v4.0.  We use A2DP profile for stereo audio transfer and SPP for remote control transfer between Blumoo and your mobile device.

2.  What if I have both an Android and an iOS device in my house - can I get both app downloads with a purchased package?

Yes. The Blumoo apps will be readily available for free download.

3.  What control functions are built into the app? What devices can it control?

The standard app will be launched as a music controller - it will be capable of controlling your receiver/tuner, and CD player.  The controls that are displayed on the app are relevant for the auxiliary that is selected. For example, if you select "tuner" then the controls displayed would be Power, Volume Control, Tune Up/Down, and your Preset Station selections.  If you selected "CD" as the auxiliary, the controls would be Power, Volume Control, Skip Forward/Back, Pause, Stop, and Disk Change.  If you select an open Aux we will default to showing streaming media controls - receiver Power, Volume Control, access to your mobile devices stored music (itunes, android music player) and access to your streaming app's (Spotify, Pandora, Grooveshark, etc).  If we are able to achieve our stretch goal, we will create an app that will allow you to use Blumoo to control all of your home theater devices (TV, DVD player, Stereo, Cable Box, etc).  Suggestions for additions to the app?  Let us know!!

4.  Can I have more than one device connected to Blumoo at a time?

Yes. We are targeting the ability to have 5 devices connected to Blumoo at a time!  We don't like looking for remotes, so we don't want you searching for your phone either...pick up whatever mobile device is closest to you (phone, tablet, itouch) and start controlling/streaming!

5.  When the full universal app is created that is able to control all of my home theater equipment (TV, DVD Player, Stereo, Cable Box, etc), will I need to add more Blumoo's or will one device be able to control all of these?

As long as all of your devices are in relatively close proximity as they typically are in a standard living room or theater installation, a single Blumoo hardware device will be able to control all of these devices.  If you have a device that is outside of the proximity (e.g. in a closed cabinet that will be away from the Blumoo "Pod") you can simply plug in an IR extension dongle into the available port on the Blumoo "Pod" cable. 

6.  Is there a 'learning' function for the unit if my equipment is not in the database?

Yes. We have incorporated a "learning" mode into the Blumoo in the rare chance that your equipment or specific control command is not included in the database.  If you are curious if your equipment is covered in the database, shoot me a message and I'll check for you! 

 

Project Timeline:

May:

  • Indiegogo campaign

June/July:

  • Cut tooling for injection molding
  • Order long leadtime components
  • Complete certification testing

August:

  • Pilot Run (pre-production) build

September:

  • Volume build and approval
  • App ready for distribution
  • Ship to Indiegogo contributors
  • SDK ready for developers

Project Overview

Our engineering team has more than 60 years combined experience in product development and manufacturing with high volume consumer electronics companies. We know there will always be small hiccups along the way when taking products from development to the market. The good news is that, in previous ventures, our team has likely faced and tackled whatever challenges may be ahead. We have the experience, insight, and tenacity to minimize and overcome them.

Product
To minimize risks associated with the product we have constructed and are in the processes of vetting a comprehensive test plan to ensure the product meets compatibility requirements and fulfills our quality and robustness standards.
Final validation testing is ongoing but results to date have been very positive. We are at a point in the design process that we do not foresee any major technical hurdles that would affect the schedule.
We are preparing to send Blumoo out for final certifications and approvals from the appropriate agencies. There is always risk until the final paperwork is in hand, but this is not a new process for us and we are well prepared to remedy any issues if they arise.

App
The biggest hurdle with the app was finding a database that was comprehensive enough to cover the broad range of home theater equipment. This issue has been resolved and the focus is now on finalizing the user interface and menu structure. We have an experienced app developer and user interface consultant on the team to ensure an intuitive interface without losing necessary functionality.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain
We have selected a partner that will manufacture Blumoo. Our manufacturing partner is equipped to scale as needed to ensure that we can fulfill customer demand.
As with most companies, the biggest risk associated with Manufacturing and Supply Chain is related to forecasting appropriately to ensure that we overcome component leadtimes to secure appropriate quantities required to fulfill demand. We have strong relationships with our suppliers and maintain regular communication to keep them updated in order to minimize this risk as much as possible.

THANK YOU for the consideration to assist us with this campaign and the opportunity to make the Blumoo available to all!

 

 

About us

Flyover Innovations was founded by Jason Carman and Mark Vogt with the desire to give consumers access to elegant, high-quality, consumer electronic devices that are simple to set-up and use.

Mark and Jason met each other more than 10 years ago working as engineers for GPS manufacturer, Garmin.  Entrepreneurs at heart, we realized that many people were not utilizing technology to the fullest extent in many real-world scenarios...the reason? Over and over again people stated that it was too difficult to set up and/or use.  

In 2012, Jason and Mark decided to pair up and try to make a difference.  We cherry picked exceptional talent for the team and founded Flyover Innovations LLC. The core motto behind the team is a strict focus on complete user experience - from setup through daily use.  It's simple - technology should be used to simplify our lives, not complicate it.  We also believe in the fundamental importance and strength of community-developed products. This is why we are launching the Blumoo platform with an open API to enable app developers in the community to continue to add new features and functions to the product.

A sincere thank you for helping our team get a start in building a truly user-focused company.

(from left: Jason (CEO), Peter (SW Eng), Mark (CTO), Steve (Mech Eng), Rob (BDM))

Flyover Innovations Team

Flyover Innovations LLC

 

 

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Choose your Perk

Support a Startup!

$5 USD
Friends - are you sure you don't want to be one of the first to get a Blumoo at a great price with one of the packages below? Well, every bit helps and we always appreciate your support! This will get you access to our newsletter and updated company info along with a personalized Thank You from the team for helping us get our start!
Estimated Shipping
June 2013
4 claimed

Blumoo Bob T-Shirt

$25 USD
Show your support and adorn yourself with our character from the Blumoo video - Bob! Quality double-sided short sleeve white t-shirt. Bob will surely make you look good! Free shipping to USA, add $10 for international shipments.
Estimated Shipping
June 2013
25 claimed

**NEW** Backer's Appreciation

$50 USD
Wrapping up the campaign - to everyone that has previously made a donation we want to show our appreciation. Through the end of the campaign, this new reward gets you your choice of Brushed Aluminum, Royal Blue, or Black Chrome at the reduced rate! Only previous backers are eligible. Free shipping to USA, add $15 for international shipments.
Estimated Shipping
September 2013
13 claimed

Brushed Aluminum Package

$59 USD
Take Control of Your Music! A great price for our trademark brushed aluminum Blumoo package and app download (iOS or Android). Free shipping to USA, add $15 for international shipments.
Estimated Shipping
September 2013
41 claimed

Royal Blue Package

$65 USD
Cowtown Pride - As a shout out to our city, we've decked this one out in Kansas City Royal Blue. Includes the exclusive Royal Blue Blumoo package and app download (iOS or Android). Free shipping to USA, add $15 for international shipments.
Estimated Shipping
September 2013
12 out of 200 of claimed

Black Chrome Package

$65 USD
Stand out from the crowd with this exclusive version. Replaces the brushed aluminum with a sleek black chrome finish. Includes the Black Chrome Blumoo package and app download (iOS or Android). Free shipping to USA, add $15 for international shipments.
Estimated Shipping
September 2013
41 out of 200 of claimed

**NEW** Combo Pack

$105 USD
We've had requests for adding a dual pack so here you go!! This perk includes two brushed aluminum Blumoo packages and app downloads (iOS or Android)...perfect if you have multiple receivers or if you'd like to gift one to a friend! Free shipping to US, add $25 for international shipments.
Estimated Shipping
September 2013
6 claimed

Blumoo with Start-up Chat

$225 USD
Let's face it, starting up a lean hardware company is a heck of a challenge. Learn from our experiences, this reward gets you a Blumoo Package of your choice, app download (iOS or Android) and a one hour skype chat with Flyover Innovations two co-founders to talk about the process and learnings we've already had! Bring your questions and we'll bring our advice! Free shipping to USA, add $15 for international shipments.
Estimated Shipping
September 2013
1 out of 5 of claimed

**NEW** Distributor Pack

$1,000 USD
This perk includes 25 Brushed Aluminum packages at 50% off MSRP!! This is our lowest price per unit! Free shipping to USA, add $125 for international shipments.
Estimated Shipping
September 2013
3 claimed
sold out

Super Early Bird Supporter

$45 USD
Estimated Shipping
September 2013
30 out of 30 of claimed
sold out

Early Bird Supporter

$53 USD
Estimated Shipping
September 2013
119 out of 119 of claimed
sold out

Product Development Advisors

$500 USD
Estimated Shipping
September 2013
5 out of 5 of claimed

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