We communicate with one of the founders of the curious Superbook project.
Hello everyone! Longtime AMR readers will remember the small 'Developer Interview' series. Quite unexpectedly, it got its continuation.
Today we are talking to Andrew Young, Superbook COO. The mentioned project was first mentioned within the framework of the past MWC, where a demo version of the product was presented, and subsequently received significant media coverage through publications in leading thematic web publications and news services. The Kickstarter fundraiser was launched yesterday, raising nearly $ 250,000 in less than a day at time of publication. Fortunately, one of the project co-authors took the time to do a short web interview.
Here's what you need to know to get started with the product:
- The Superbook looks like a Mac-style netbook
- The gadget works only with a wired connection to Android – a smartphone with an installed application
- The work uses the power of the smartphone: processor, video processor, etc.
- HD LCD – 11.6 “display
- Keyboard with support for navigation keys Android and quick actions
- Open SDK for Android – applications
- Universal compatibility with all modern smartphones.
- Support for the Play Store and millions Android – applications
Let's go directly to the interview.
Andrew, good afternoon! On behalf of the AMR readers, let me congratulate you and your team on the launch of the Kickstarter campaign! Your project has declared itself to the whole world, how does it feel?
We are very excited and pleasantly excited. Our team worked hard for a whole year to create this fantastic product and we finally showed it to the world.
During our conversation, we will try to find out as much as possible about your project. What is a Superbook?
Superbook is a plug-and-play device that turns your smartphone into a complete laptop. For just $ 99, you get a laptop case, display, keyboard, trackpad, and a battery that can run for 8 hours and charge your smartphone.
What was your inspiration in the process of creating this idea?
About a year ago, we released a docking station that many users love, but not everyone found the need to connect a monitor, mouse and keyboard to be acceptable. Another limitation was the station's support for only a limited number of smartphones.
That's why we created Superbook, a plug-and-play solution that works with all modern products.
This is not an ordinary product. On the one hand, this is not an independent gadget, on the other, it seems to be not an accessory in its usual sense. How do you position the Superbook?
As a very smart accessory. We believe that in the future, the smartphone will become everyone's main computer, everything else will become only its peripherals. After all, for many, the smartphone is the most powerful and the most used one. It contains your whole life, so why not use it a little more?
A few words about Andromium, a kind of Superbook 'cerebellum'. Is it something akin to an operating system or just a launcher?
Think of the app as an OS booster. This is an application that can be downloaded from Google Play and which allows Android to function in the familiar PC mode. It works great with Superbook, automatically launching on the device screen immediately after connecting, very convenient.
So the idea for the Superbook was born before Andromium?
In fact, Andromium first appeared in the dock form factor. We understood from the very beginning that the Superbook would appear, but in my opinion, the faster appearance is due to the increased mobility of modern people.
Quote from the site: '[Superbook] supports all modern smartphones (Type C and Micro-USB supported'. To understand correctly, are there any requirements and / or software / hardware limitations?
The requirements are as follows: Android 5.0, USB OTG support, 2GB RAM
Are you planning to add support for third-party firmware?
Yes, Superbook works fine with most forks Android.
How did you solve the fragmentation problem? There are so many manufacturers now, is it possible to achieve consistent performance on systems with different hardware and software configurations?
This will always be a great challenge for us. We try to keep up with the times, but despite this we want to keep the features unique to different devices.
One of the burning questions is likely to be rather modest, in my opinion, the price. What's the secret?
No secrets. We want to make the project accessible to everyone. We are not trying to get the maximum benefit from the product, first we need a community of enthusiasts and users, for this we use Superbook. In due time, we plan to launch software monetization.
Why Kickstarter? A platform for researching the possible demand for a product?
To a certain extent, yes, but also because Kickstarter is a great way to build a community of passionate users ready to innovate!
Where do you plan to start releasing devices?
Production will begin immediately after the end of the fundraising campaign. During the campaign itself, I am going to visit China and hopefully initiate the production start-up process.
Let's look a little into the future. Will you be limited to one pilot device, or will you continue the line with the Superbook 2?
Let's continue, although the name has not yet been approved. We expect to launch by mid to late next year with improved features and phone enhancements such as extra space for your information.
Now, not quite on the topic. What gadgets do you currently use every day, what attracts you?
My personal favorite right now is Amazon Echo. It's great when you control the house with your voice.
In your opinion, what is the biggest problem in mobile electronics today?
I see a great opportunity in providing people with more 'capable' mobile devices. I think the biggest problem in this process is the physical limitations that prevent smartphones from becoming the only computer for people.
What would you wish young developers thinking about creating a product worth launching on one of the fundraising platforms?
It takes a lot of preparation and long, careful work. But it all pays off when you see the end product.
Andrew, thanks for your time and opportunity to chat. Good luck in your future work!
I was glad to talk, thanks!
Summing up this small conversation, I want to note that the device actually turned out to be interesting and already has some success, judging by the speed with which the fundraising campaign is gaining momentum. Superbook is still difficult to adequately assess, everything is outwardly pleasant, the concept is not bad, except that it adds the cost of delivery to Russia – $ 40 (!).
Usage scenario? It will be useful for those who need to quickly fill in the text in the editor on the road without resorting to the numeric keypad. Yes, the screen is small, but it is likely made for the sake of portability and adequate weight of the Superbook. I would like to hope that the promises of the developers will be fulfilled, I really want to see in which direction the project will move in the future.
Thank you all for your attention, see you soon on the pages of AMR!