Sign(beta) updated…2 steps forward, 1 step back
First, the 2 steps forward:
Friday we started shipping our updated Signbeta. We had some problems with the first hardware release…all of which have been fixed. Our non-beta hardware comes out this fall…2 year warranty, industrial-grade, high-volume ready, same price point…I can’t wait!
Updates to the hardware:
- New, high efficiency, cooler, lower-power power supply
- internal plug (so the cable’s not sticking out the back, causing problems with flush-mounting)
- internal antenna option (again for flush mounting)
- larger, right-side-up logo (no more “this side up” sticker!)
- forced air (we added a fan) and better overall ventilation (some of the first rev. got really, really hot, as in, melting plastic hot)
- larger hole to access internal ports (it was hard to get the USB drive in and out with the old design, unless you had tiny hands)
Here’s an updated diagram:
Wicker, our OS, is also much improved. In the next week or two, we’re adding:
- Flash support (finally!)
- scheduling of on/off times for the screen (so it’s not on when you’re not there)
- Java support
- support for Ubuntu’s built-in NetworkManager (some networks require this)
And the one step backward:
Bently Reserve was the first installation in the world of our Signbeta‘s. Was and is no more…they had too many issues with the hardware…wifi not working, overheating problems, Corktop bugs…all leading them to replace our Signs with Mac Minis.
I take a “failure” like this personally. As a startup, we’re not perfect. We don’t have everything nailed down. It’s a dirty process. It’s not stress-free. It gives me ulcers. We’ve also learned a ton since Bently and have made a lot of big improvements to our triumverate of the Sign, Wicker, and Corktop (all in beta). It’s not a failure unless you don’t learn.
Oh, and our non-beta hardware coming this fall is going to kick ass.
