Any inquires please contact info@livermoriumltd.co.uk
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We started to ship on 31st Jan 2018, here is the first review of the production unit from one of our backers.
Media Coverage
"People are in love with this keyboard. It is the most funded project [in Motorola's Transform the Smartphone Challenge], in fact." -- Motorola Fans, Felipe Berhau
"...the accessory that makes me go back to the Moto Z" -- 9 to 5 Google, Justin Duino
"...reminiscent of the old DROID phones... or the old HTC Tilt phones." -- phonedog, Alex Wagner
"the 'old school' feel of having a personal digital assistant (PDA) again." -- Android Community, John Hoff
"An Indiegogo Moto Mod wants to bring back the physical keyboard in a big way" -- Digital Trends, Adam Ismail
"Oh, snap! It's like the Tilt 3 that never was... I'd rock this." -- Taylor Martin (@caspertek), writer for CNET
Product Introduction
The landscape QWERTY physical keyboard disappeared from the smartphone market almost five years ago. No high-end landscape slider has been manufactured since 2012.
Many messaging users, tech enthusiasts, hackers, researchers, developers, and IT professionals have been longing for a successor.
With the Keyboard Mod, the wait is now over.
The Device (Updated with Prototype Images and Video)
The Keyboard Mod features a 5-row landscape QWERTY keyboard that slides out and tilts between 0 and 45 degrees. We’re also considering including a battery to extend the phone’s battery life.* With the Keyboard Mod, your Moto Z transforms into a productive mini PC!
Keyboard Layout
We've carefully designed the keyboard layout to maximize productivity and convenience for a variety of users. The Keyboard Mod features:
- A separate number row
- Larger common keys
- Android navigation buttons
- Almost all commonly used symbols
- Arrow keys
- Custom keys
- Shortcuts for different utilities
The non-QWERTY layout will be manufactured after we ship the initial QWERTY layout.
For AZERTY, QWERTZ and Scandic Layout users, please refer to the Non-QWERTY layout perks.
Update July 2017: Due to the low demand of AZERTY and Scandic layout, only QWERTZ in black will be produced.
Keyboard Characteristics
We care about the comfort of your typing experience. As such, we designed a keyboard with:
- Extra key travel
- LED backlight
- Curved surfaces
We'll perform a variety of tests under different scenarios to make sure the Keyboard Mod delivers the best typing experience. The individual keys are designed to handle more than 200,000 presses without issues.
Sliding Mechanism
We're using Teflon™ coating for the sliding track, which ensures a smooth and durable mechanism.
The sliding frame is designed to provide 100,000 complete slides during its lifespan.
Above is our very first prototype sliding mechanism, with the hinges installed. It will be used in our first demo device.
Today, we're working with Motorola to improve the overall structural design. We'll share more details once everything is 100% confirmed.
Update: We have already made the first prototype. More pictures attached below.
Update 2: We have improved the slider by adding a few more strings on each side.
Colours
We offer 3 colours to match your phone: Black, White and Gold. Black will be the only option for the super early bird perk, and all three colours will be available for the early bird perk. *
Don't think 3 colours are enough? We'll have a special edition that will only be available on Indiegogo, and won't be manufactured again - the "Livermorium Starter Edition"
We're aware of the importance of having a physical keyboard on our phones. And so do you. By purchasing the Limited Edition, you'll show your support and own a "once in a life-time" product, which will never be available again after this campaign.
*If a colour's demand is below the minimum quantity required for manufacturing, a black device will be shipped instead.
Update July 2017: Colour option will be only available for QWERTY layout at the moment.
Development Progress and Timeline
For product development, Livermorium teamed up with top-level engineers and designers. You'll find our team details below.
So far we've finished the model design and verified all technical aspects. We've also validated the structural design using simulation software, and worked with our component supplier for feasibility analysis. Here are some images of the model design work we've been doing.
The next step is to build a prototype with the enclosure and the sliding mechanism. We can't use the Moto MDK since we can't add moving parts. We're in discussions with Motorola to get the key documents and components required -- such as the metal connectors and magnetic parts -- in order to build a real working sample. We're planning to be finished prototyping later this month (March), and we'll share results and progress here on a regular basis! (Update: We have build our first prototype! Pictures are shown below)
Then comes the tooling stage. We need your support to fund the best molds and tooling for the enclosure, keyboard, and sliding frame. A sliding keyboard has many more moving parts and is far more complicated than an ordinary "one piece" device. We need your financial support to make sure that the product is not compromised.
Update July 2017:
- The tooling is set to be finished by mid-July
- DVT samples estimated to be made in the week of 17th July
- MP and shipping will start at August
When the tooling is finished, we will build testing samples to verify that everything works as it should, and we'll apply for various certifications -- such as FCC, CE, RoHS, and UL -- to provide a safe device that's legal to sell. This also requires your financial support.
Finally we'll use the funds to reserve the essential material and components needed to build quality devices, and get them assembled in one of Foxconn's factories. We will also need your support to pay for the production line and labour, as well as quality control.
We'll do our absolute best to deliver the Keyboard Mod in the July/August timeframe!
Here is some pictures of the very first engineering prototype. Please note that merely an engineering sample and improvements will continue to be made, such as a better finish.
Cost Summary
Building a physical sliding keyboard involves a lot of engineering and slightly higher upfront cost, since it requires more moving parts and uses a more complex design than other products. To sum things up, funds will be used:
- To buy the best molds and tooling for the enclosure, slider frame, and keyboard.
- To passing various certifications and safety tests.
- To buy materials and components for the device.
- To rent the assembly line and pay for labour and quality control.
- For a few other items, such as taxes, material handling and transportation, etc...