First Flight is Sony's answer to Kickstarter (via Sony's First Flight)
Sony is getting behind the crowdfunding platform in a major way. Earlier this month, the entertainment giant announced First Flight, a crowdfunding site, which will allow customers to decide the company's future product investments. Along with contributing to new projects, the site will also let backers directly buy and pre-order new devices made by Sony workers. The new platform was made in conjunction with Sony's Seed Acceleration Program, which seeks to fast-track promising business ideas from Sony employees into full-fledged businesses.
With First Flight, Sony hopes to support the launch and growth of new businesses and will give developing projects the chance to meet the actual needs of the market, meet customer demands, and have the means to keep developing their products.
The site will be familiar to anyone who has visited Kickstarter as the layout is similar with an introductory page, videos, pictures, and product information. Right now there are only two products ready for pre-order: the MESH Creative DIY Kit, a smart project maker that combines inputs and outputs with brightly colored bricks, and the FES e-ink watch, which allows users to change the layout and color of the watch face to match an outfit or mood. The watch can apparently last for two months on a single charge and screen refreshes the time every time you lift your wrist. The FES pre-order starts at 29,700 yen (roughly $242) with plans to ship in October.
Currently, there's a funding campaign for an all-in-one remote called the HUIS Remote Controller, which has over 40 percent of its target goal of 5 million yen ($40,000) from 79 backers. This universal remote has a customizable interface, haptic feedback, and switches to control everything from lights, fans, and air conditioners. As of right now, First Flight is only available to Japanese market. That's a shame... I like the idea of a tech giant, that actually makes something, backing a crowdfunding site. I can see element14 heading in this direction. Just take a look at all the contests, the best one's win big prizes. Well.... I can only hope! (Pi Ball & Drinkmotizer anyone?)
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