KUBE (hardware) - next steps

[okreitz]

Next steps to evaluate a KUBE hardware launch

• [x] collect and review prototype documentation/ specs (Manuel)
• [x] connect with small batch production resource in Taiwan (Olaf)
• [x] call with TJ in Taipei (Manuel, Olaf)
• [ ] make design choices for enclosure (M/ R/ O)
• [ ] make tech design choices (board, display, storage)
• [ ] come up with design, measurements and specs
• [ ] TJ can help find manufacturer for enclosure and assembly

Agenda for the first call with TJ

Summary call:

• find standard components for first batch
• enclosure should not be metal if we use on-board WiFi/ Bluetooth
• Display might need to be smaller
• Display options: -- https://www.winstar.com.tw/products/tft-lcd/high-brightness-tft/square-lcd.html -- https://www.winstar.com.tw/products/tft-lcd/ips-tft/wf40eswaa6mn-rtp.html

Kube specs

• different materials: polished aluminum, recycled plastic
• power connector/ port options: hole in metal, pedestal
• OLED display on top

Services required

• new industrial design, new rendering
• design for manufacturing
• source & cost for parts (Raspberry PI 4, SSD, Power supply, LED display, enclosure)
• costs for 100 vs 500 vs 1000 vs 5000
• timing
• options: if enclosure made in Taiwan, assembly in Taiwan

Scope/ Milestones

• [ ] finalize/ revise list of parts (Raspberry PI 4, power converter, display, etc.)
• [ ] finalize design (industrial design, production docs) for enclosure
• [ ] find hardware vendor for parts
• [ ] find production vendor for enclosure (possibly Taiwan, China, Germany)
• [ ] find assembly vendor (same location as enclosure to minimize shipping)
• [ ] ideate primary application which determines "build-in" software the Kube's ships with (possibly HW bundle, e.g. for conferencing)
• [ ] finalize Kube protokoll/ OS (e.g. ability to run updates)
• [ ] possibly create a web interface that allows non CLI-capable users to interact with Kube

The Hook (why do I need the Kube)

Brainstorming a primary application, why would someone want a Kube?

• A portable web-conferencing server (Rich)
• To securely store your NFTs and display them on the KUBE display

[okreitz]