There's a new smartphone in the pre-order stage (and hopefully getting ready to be introduced to the world very soon) called Runcible. A lot of the new product's concepts themes were similarly submitted by me to Big Idea Group (B.I.G.) for an idea hunt they had some 5 years ago (sadly, i noticed by doing a quick search on the net that B.I.Gs url is broken and they are no longer in business...and Mike Collins, the longtime CEO, still has his name in the innovation game, but is now CEO'ing Launch Angels, a VC/Investor Group).
The Geode |
The Runcible
|
The basic concept I submitted to BIG for the Social Networking Device idea hunt, shown in a quick photoshop pic above left, envisioned a roundish cell/smart phone. My ideation papers stated that the new product would have "rounded, smooth product edges; product feels good in pocket like a flat rounded stone perfect for skipping on the water or like a heavier coin (no sharp edges like rectangular cell phones)." In the Runcible video below it states in a calming woman's voice "Runcible...fits in the palm of your hand...more like a lucky stone, than a smart phone".
At the time, I knew there would be some manufacturing hurdles to procure a screen that was rounded to accomodate the unconventional shape of the device....but knew that in the highly competitive world of consumer electronics, where there's a will, there's a way. Similarly to the Runcible, I also had versions made of nice wood and also with environmentally friendly colors, including a pinkish Burl for the ladies!
I came up with several names for my new product, including the Place and Show names Pebble and Obsidian...but went with my #1 pick, Geode....as i described "when you open a geode to find a beautiful crystal formation inside, it is akin to turning on a new social networking device to find a whole new world awaiting."
I've also had the new concept picture displayed on my website, under the technology caption in the ideation tab, since I uploaded it to the site in 2011. To anyone out there affiliated with the Runcible project, I'm not trying to assert my rights regarding any intellectual property....but it is nice to see maybe my idea making it to the market in a very similar form to that I envisioned. As the eccentric Charles Caleb Colton once said back some 200 years ago, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
It's currently raising $$ on the crowd sourcing site, Indiegogo, where it is over half way to its goal of $250K...Check out the pitch to procure some more green at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/runcible--2#/
Maybe soon, I'll get to see a very close version of my new product idea sold vicariously through another company!
,
At the time, I knew there would be some manufacturing hurdles to procure a screen that was rounded to accomodate the unconventional shape of the device....but knew that in the highly competitive world of consumer electronics, where there's a will, there's a way. Similarly to the Runcible, I also had versions made of nice wood and also with environmentally friendly colors, including a pinkish Burl for the ladies!
I came up with several names for my new product, including the Place and Show names Pebble and Obsidian...but went with my #1 pick, Geode....as i described "when you open a geode to find a beautiful crystal formation inside, it is akin to turning on a new social networking device to find a whole new world awaiting."
I've also had the new concept picture displayed on my website, under the technology caption in the ideation tab, since I uploaded it to the site in 2011. To anyone out there affiliated with the Runcible project, I'm not trying to assert my rights regarding any intellectual property....but it is nice to see maybe my idea making it to the market in a very similar form to that I envisioned. As the eccentric Charles Caleb Colton once said back some 200 years ago, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
It's currently raising $$ on the crowd sourcing site, Indiegogo, where it is over half way to its goal of $250K...Check out the pitch to procure some more green at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/runcible--2#/
Maybe soon, I'll get to see a very close version of my new product idea sold vicariously through another company!
,
