We thrive on Freedom. Customization is a way of life. No one will Control what we do or say. Everyone is Unique; everyone is an Individual. We are Not Boring. Who are we? We are Android, and Android Powers our Life.
My Story
Many months ago I was looking for a better way to connect my Android smart phone to my car. I've been an Android user since the original Motorola Droid came out. In my three years as an Android user I've been puzzled at the relatively ineffective options to connect our Android devices into our vehicles. In the past these were your options:
- Headphone Jack: cables ran all over the car making it look bad and was unsafe
- FM Radio Transmitters: poor audio quality and if you drove under power lines there is no way it would work
- Bluetooth: many radios don't support it, and it always isn't easy to plug and play
- iPhone Connector: *cough* unless you buy a new iPhone 5 *cough*
- Brand Specific in Dash System: just isn't quite there yet http://mashable.com/2012/04/18/iphone-in-car/
With Android commanding well over 50% market share, and 75% of the smart phones shipped in the last quarter of the year being Android smart phones, this is definitely a problem that needs fixed. Many other people have tried to fix this problems as well:
http://www.androidcentral.com/nexus-7-makes-best-car-entertainment-system-ever
http://www.androidcentral.com/nexus-7-dash-mount-beautifully-simple
http://www.androidcentral.com/who-needs-car-head-unit-when-you-have-galaxy-s3
With no two Android devices being alike it makes it hard to standardize things like dock connectors.
Enter: The Smarter Dock
To solve my connection problem I decided to create a new, simple docking method for our phones. I decided that it would be best to use already well known and used standards: USB and HDMI. The USB will keep the phone charged. The HDMI will send the audio and video to the car's entertainment system.
The Five Reasons you want the Smarter Dock:
1) It's Pretty Cool
There are no other devices out on the market that allow you to watch movies, navigate, listen to music, and play games in your car all from your smart phone. Everyone that sees my prototype in my car ask where I got it, and how they could get one. Now's your chance to wow everyone too.
2) Music and Navigation
You can use your phone to listen to your favorite music in high quality sound. You can also use your navigation apps to get you from point A to point B.
3) Watching Movies
Adding video is where the Smarter Dock really starts to excel. Whatever is on the cell phone screen you can send back to the back seat. This may not seem very important at first; but any parent who has taken a road trip longer than an hour can testify that entertaining children is not an easy task. Using apps like Google Play Movies and TV, Netflix, Slingbox, and many other video apps can make it possible to rent, buy, and watch movies on road trips. This is something that is priceless on a six hour drive across the Wyoming tundra, if you know what I mean. Even just showing the navigation screen will entertain children for a while.
4) Playing Games
What really excites me is the ability for passengers in the car to be able to play the games that are on your phone. Over 33% of cell phone owners play games on their phones. It's becoming a natural part of life. The Android system has made it possible to play more than just cell phone games. For example, using ROMS one could play N64 games and PlayStation games. With the recent success of Ouya, the gaming landscape has been completely changed. Many high end phones today have similar specs to what is in the Ouya. These same games that are made for the Ouya could also be made to play on your phone. Imagine: your kids have a favorite game they play at home on your Ouya. When you go on road trips they can just pick up playing from where they left off.
5) Helping out someone like you, for all of us
When I started this project I built it because I wanted something that could do all the above things. I know there are other people out there looking for a better solution. This is the next step in making our phones and cars more powerful, connected, and fun. I'm not from a big company trying to make money, I'm just a person trying to solve a problem.
My Project
For many months I've been developing a simple, yet powerful way to dock our Android devices to our cars. After much trial and error, running into many obstacles, and learning about boring things like patents and working with manufacturers, I'm ready to bring my ideas to the public. This is where I need your help. So far I've:
- Developed a working prototype
- Worked with custom car audio and video installers to improve my design
- Protected my design with a provisional patent
- Worked with manufacturers to get ready for production
- Put together some awesome perks
What I need:
- The excitement and backing of the Android Community
- Funds to start production and finish protecting the Smarter Dock
How much is needed, and what is it used for?
To start I'll need $65,000. This is what the funds will be used for:
- $10,000 to complete the patent process. This is an estimate given to me by a local patent attorney.
- $7,500 to pay for the molding and tooling costs.
- $5,000 to pay for HDMI rights to use their technology.
- The rest: to pay for your perks, shipping, fees from indiegogo and credit card fees, and other small miscellaneous items.
What perks will you get if you help fund this project?
I'm glad you asked. I thought long and hard about this question, and I hope I've found not only nice perks, but one's that you will actually want to have too. Here is a list of the perks you can receive:
Donate $10
Android Powered Bumper Sticker: Show the world and the person stuck in traffic behind you that you are powered by Android.
Donate $20
Android Powered T-Shirt: It's what's on the inside that counts. Show everyone you come into contact with that you are Android to the core. I wanted to make a shirt that I would actually wear, and that I hoped you would want to wear too. I think this is just the thing.
Donate $35
Smarter Dock: Power you car's entertainment with the Smarter Dock. This includes one Smarter Dock and the hardware to install it to your dash board.
How is the Smarter Dock installed?
Installation can be accomplished in many different ways. It can be installed in your dash, on top of your dash, or anywhere else in your car. I suggest talking to a custom car audio installer for suggestions on how to install it in your specific car, or get it professionally installed. Click on the following link and watch the video below to see how I installed it in my car, a list of supported smart phones, and get suggestions on what parts are needed to fully install the Smarter Dock: http://sdrv.ms/UBF2aS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EPb4hmArQ0
The Smarter Dock was made to either be installed inside your dash, like I installed it, or if you don't want to cut a hole in your dash you can install it on top of your dash. Using the included installation ring makes it possible to do both.
Then use your favorite phone holder to hold your phone, and the appropriate cables to connect your phone to the USB and HDMI. I use the iOttie phone holder.
What if we raise more than what we are asking for?
To get the initial order I'll need about 2000 supporters, or $65,000. If we can get another 500 supporters, or $90,000 in total, then I can also make the Smarter Connector. The Smarter Connector is a connector that connects straight to the Smarter Dock and also holds your phone, thus eliminating the need for a separate phone holder.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U73knlvQVSk
If we reach this goal I will make the Smarter Connector available as a perk too.
Let's make this happen!
Thank you for looking at my campaign. Please take a moment to pledge so we can make this possible. Tell all your friends about this project as well so we can make it possible. Lastly, Android is great because of its community. In the comments section share your ideas, apps, and other ways that we can use the Smarter Dock to make our life, well, Smarter.
If you have questions email me at thesmarterdock@gmail.com, or post in the comments box above, thanks.
RISKS AND CHALLENGES
Tackling a project like this one is not an easy task. I've been working months already getting things lined up ready to post here on indiegogo. After the project is funded the real work begins. Here is the list of things I need to do:
Fill out application and pay dues to become an HDMI adopter
Work with the manufacturer to get items manufactured and shipped to me
Put together your rewards and get them to you in a quick matter
Start working on the Utility Patent for the Smarter Dock
Survive Thanksgiving at the In-Laws (just kidding... haha...)
Working with my manufacturer, here is the timeline after the project is funded:
45 Days lead time for the tooling
About 10 weeks for it to get delivered to my door
Another week or so for me to get everything sorted and shipped off to you.
Developing a new product is a fun, exciting, interesting, and challenging time. But with patience we can all become a part of something new and amazing. Thanks.