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Android Iphone Operating Systems Software The Almighty Buck Hardware Technology

Kickstarter Campaign Aims To Add a Full Android Device To the Back of Your iPhone (macrumors.com) 158

Posted by BeauHD from the dream-come-true dept.
A new Kickstarter campaign aims to expand the iPhone's functionality with its "Eye Smart iPhone Case," which features a fully functional Android device built into the case itself. The campaign was launched on March 1 and has already raised over $100,000. Mac Rumors reports: An always-on 5-inch AMOLED display is built into the case, which runs the Android 7.1 Nougat operating system. The case connects to the iPhone using its Lightning port to enable file transfers, power delivery, and more. A microSD card slot provides up to 256GB of storage for holding photos, videos, and other media, all of which is accessible using the Android file explorer. A built-in 2,800 mAh battery provides additional charge to the iPhone, and the Eye case itself supports Qi wireless charging. Two SIM card slots are included, and higher-end models support 4G LTE connectivity, so up to three phone numbers can be used with an iPhone. Android exclusive features, like native call recording, the file explorer, customization, file transfers, and Android apps are all made available to iPhone users via the Eye case. A 3.5mm headphone jack lets iPhone owners with an iPhone 7 or an iPhone 7 Plus to use wired headphones with the device, and the Eye case includes NFC, an IR blaster and receiver for controlling TVs and other devices, and a car mount. It's available for the iPhone 6 and later, and will allegedly be available for the new wave of iPhones coming in 2017 within a month of their release. The Smart iPhone Case is available for a Super early bird pledge of $95, with prices going up for 4G connectivity. The estimated retail price is between $189 and $229.
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Kickstarter Campaign Aims To Add a Full Android Device To the Back of Your iPhone More

Kickstarter Campaign Aims To Add a Full Android Device To the Back of Your iPhone

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  • Does the Android case need a case? (Score:1)

    by Anonymous Coward

    ...and if the Android case needs a case, does it need to be an Android case Android case?

  • a real keyboard (Score:3, Insightful)

    by roman_mir ( 125474 ) on Tuesday March 14, 2017 @11:42PM (#54041427) Homepage Journal

    I would rather have a real keyboard added to my Android... RIM is asleep at the wheel, they could be building real keyboards (maybe with extra battery pack in them!) and licensing/selling them as add-ons to existing smart-phones.

    • That's what USB adapters are for. Just plug in any nearby USB keyboard into your phone. Not especially convenient, but you can't beat the typing comfort.

      Seriously though, you're right. I'm surprised the market isn't full of various "built in" keyboard cases.

      • The market isn't filled with built in cases because it is a rather stupid idea.
        1. By the time you get the product out Apple will have a new product with a new form factor so you will need to start over again.
        2. You are spending a lot of money on a case meant to protect your phone from damage but fill it with damagageable technology.
        3. It is huge and bulky
        4. When it is in place it no longer looks like an Apple product
        5. Most people may want 1 or 2 extra features which can be used with a cheaper dongle, that

        • It's REAL market is more likely to be, "people who want to use their phone (or at least, its case) for company email & groupware, but don't want to hand over control of what's literally their most intimate and private data, to their company's IT staff... or at least, compromise the functionality & performance of their own phone by installing invasive MDM software".

          In other words, it's a sacrificial device to let your company's IT staff fuck up so you can spare your REAL one from the same fate.

          Why iP

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by Kokuyo ( 549451 )

      Yeah, I'm in the same boat. A HTC Desire Z or a Communicator 9500 brought up to current tech and phablet size would be a dream come true.

      The only good thing about the Blackberries is that the keyboard doubles as a touchpad. That's nifty. But portrait mode keyboard? Come on, how am I supposed to work with that?

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by jon3k ( 691256 )
      Have you seen the KEYone [blackberrymobile.us]?
    • I bought a Bluetooth keyboard from Microcenter that has 3 settings that I can use w/ 3 separate OSs - iOS, Android and Windows. You can use something like it whenever you are doing extensive typing on the phone, like say text or email

    • I would rather have a real keyboard added to my Android...

      You should get some hardware guys together and do a Kickstarter. The idea is probably not being done by a large company simply because there is not enough of a market for it. I love Kickstarter because it allows for an outlet for small production niche items like your keyboard. You could probably find a decent amount of people willing to spent a bit extra for that idea, but not enough to tempt a large corporation. If you want it, build it yourself and get other people who want the same thing to help you do

  • Expensive but hilarious joke (Score:3, Funny)

    by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday March 14, 2017 @11:42PM (#54041431)

    This is an expensive joke, but I wholeheartedly approve. Please make this a thing! This is hilarious. I can't wait to see people trying to use it.

    (Just don't sign me up; I wouldn't use it if you gave it to me for free AND gave me a free unlimited phone plan to go with it.)

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by sodul ( 833177 )

      They should have hired CrazyRussianHacker [youtube.com] to do the ad. Jump at 1:46, "now you got two". See, same concept!

      • Isnt that the guy that tried to kill his viewers with carbon dioxide?

        • Re: (Score:2)

          by sodul ( 833177 )

          Isnt that the guy that tried to kill his viewers with carbon dioxide?

          Even more perfect, when the battery of the Android side catches fire the users get carbon dioxide poisoning.

          Safety is number one priority

          In his defense he does claim to be crazy, what do you expect?

          • If it is a lithium ion battery, I don't see the by-product being carbon dioxide: I see it going from Lithium oxide to Lithium carbonate, using a combination of air and moisture i.e. from lithium to lithium oxide to lithium hydroxide to lithium carbonate,
  • <meme/>

  • Idiocy (Score:5, Insightful)

    by DavidinAla ( 639952 ) on Wednesday March 15, 2017 @12:20AM (#54041515)
    This is pure stupidity. If you want to use an iPhone, use an iPhone. If you want to use an Android device, use that. But this makes as much sense as welding a Chevy to the back of a Honda and pretending you've achieved something worthwhile. A lot of people in tech have entirely too much time on their hands.

    • This is pure stupidity. If you want to use an iPhone, use an iPhone. If you want to use an Android device, use that.

      Well its sort of convenient for developers who want to target both platforms ;-)

      In the days of $350 Nexus devices I wouldn't think about it at all. Now in the days of $650 Pixel devices I might briefly think about it.

      A lot of people in tech have entirely too much time on their hands.

      I'm hoping for a team of EE, CS and ME students who want to take something from idea to reality so that they have something on their CV beyond attending required classes. For such projects showing that you can take an idea and build something that works, in a cross discipline team environmen

      • I'm hoping for a team of EE, CS and ME students who want to take something from idea to reality so that they have something on their CV beyond attending required classes. For such projects showing that you can take an idea and build something that works, in a cross discipline team environment, is more important than that thing being useful.

        People are free to waste their time in any way they want, what I don't understand is why anyone would donate to kickstarter to fund this stupidity.

        • Re: (Score:2)

          by drnb ( 2434720 )

          I'm hoping for a team of EE, CS and ME students who want to take something from idea to reality so that they have something on their CV beyond attending required classes. For such projects showing that you can take an idea and build something that works, in a cross discipline team environment, is more important than that thing being useful.

          People are free to waste their time in any way they want, what I don't understand is why anyone would donate to kickstarter to fund this stupidity.

          To be clear, such a student based effort would not be a waste of time. Showing that you started a project and finished a project and created something that worked is a great supplement to a degree. What the thing is is far less important than you finished what you started.
          See
          https://news.slashdot.org/stor... [slashdot.org]
          for discussions on this theme.

          But yeah, others wanting the device is puzzling. Might be people think this can somehow forward the idea of more open android hardware.

      • I'm hoping for a team of EE, CS and ME students who want to take something from idea to reality so that they have something on their CV beyond attending required classes. For such projects showing that you can take an idea and build something that works, in a cross discipline team environment, is more important than that thing being useful.

        I have an idea that would be more worthwhile. Build a car navigation unit that comes w/o its own maps (for which they right now charge $200 every time the map changes), but w/ all the software hooks to any platform - iOS, Android or even Windows 10. So if an iPhone owner gets into the car, Apple Maps will project itself to the screen, and not just that, the iPad set-up will work so that one can play one's playlists directly, as well as the ability to do FaceTime, normal calls, et al. If it's an Android

        • Re: (Score:2)

          by drnb ( 2434720 )
          Start a kickstarter campaign, if a full android device for an iPhone can get funded ... :-)

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by AHuxley ( 892839 )
      Do encryption on the Android device and only use the iPhone to network with. When the security services try to get the decoded message all they get is the iPhone passing encrypted messages. Speed for complex encryption and decryption without the big brand trust issues.

    • It actually does make sense. iPhones only have one SIM card. I travel a lot and need extra mobiles and extra SIM cards all the time. Also data exchange of Apple devices simply sucks, either you need a cloud or iTunes, how ever there is a third party tool, iExplorer, that is wonderful.
      So: for the extension of the iPhone you need obviously an OS, and Android is the first coming to mind.
      The idea might look strange on the first glance, but I'm sure there is a market. Especially if there was an iPhone 4/5 versio

      • how ever there is a third party tool, iExplorer, that is wonderful.

        Indeed, Apple has praised iExplorer for a long time. Since 1997 if my signature is to be believed.

      • It actually does make sense. iPhones only have one SIM card. I travel a lot and need extra mobiles and extra SIM cards all the time. Also data exchange of Apple devices simply sucks, either you need a cloud or iTunes, how ever there is a third party tool, iExplorer, that is wonderful. So: for the extension of the iPhone you need obviously an OS, and Android is the first coming to mind. The idea might look strange on the first glance, but I'm sure there is a market. Especially if there was an iPhone 4/5 version, too.

        The problem is that you need to pony up some $$ to join the MFI program in order to get access to the lightning port. I do not believe that Apple is going to support this at all and if they don't give you access to the program, you're screwed. Sure you could buy some MFI controller chips that fell off the back of a truck, but you won't ever be an approved product.

      • I have heard about some Chinese company having an iPhone w/ 2 SIM cards, and other great features. Totally illegal in the US, but legal elsewhere. If one can get one of those, and get 2 SIMs from AT&T or T-Mo, then one would be good to go

        This contraption would have been more useful for an iPhone 4 or 5, than for a 6 or 7, as it is. The 4 or 5 had limited storage, so there, the SD extension would have made sense. But the 7 comes w/ 32, 128 or 256GB, so it only makes some sense for the 32. Same for

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by mjwx ( 966435 )

      This is pure stupidity. If you want to use an iPhone, use an iPhone. If you want to use an Android device, use that. But this makes as much sense as welding a Chevy to the back of a Honda and pretending you've achieved something worthwhile. A lot of people in tech have entirely too much time on their hands.

      An better car analogy is to put an Aston Martin V12 into a Chevy Cruze (which wont fit without extensive modifications... for the non mechanically inclined amongst us).

      If you need the power of Android, why not just get an Andoid phone to begin with? Not like you don't have plenty of choice.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by dgatwood ( 11270 )

      But this makes as much sense as welding a Chevy to the back of a Honda and pretending you've achieved something worthwhile.

      Reminds me of these:

      Bus on a bus [flickr.com]
      Early camper truck? [pinimg.com]

    • Now Imagine really hard about having a Chevy on the back of a Honda... this is so stupid that if someone kickstarter this, I'm getting one. #Logic
  • ...,have Tindr on one side and Grindr on the other. And use them both at the same time.

  • I got it! (Score:5, Insightful)

    by Frosty Piss ( 770223 ) * on Wednesday March 15, 2017 @12:28AM (#54041547)

    1. Come up with a wack-a-doodle idea.
    2. Build Kickstarter page
    3. Get a "story" on Slashdot
    4. ?
    5. Profit! (That is, burn through a lot of cash on booze, weed, and expensive cocktails)
    6. Fold.

  • Just buy a top of the line Android.
    This story is a dumb idea.
  • > lets iPhone owners with an iPhone 7 or an iPhone 7 Plus to use wired headphones with the device

    the iPhone 7 already has wired headphones:
    http://www.apple.com/shop/prod... [apple.com]

    They use the Lightning connector (not a 3.5mm jack), but it won't make much difference unless you need to charge at the same time.

    • > lets iPhone owners with an iPhone 7 or an iPhone 7 Plus to use wired headphones with the device the iPhone 7 already has wired headphones: http://www.apple.com/shop/prod... [apple.com] They use the Lightning connector (not a 3.5mm jack), but it won't make much difference unless you need to charge at the same time.

      Because, who would want to listen to music all day while working, right? And if you can't charge and listen, then you only have the time the battery lasts to listen to music. And then after that, you can't use the phone for anything else until you charge it up again.

      • Everyone at my work uses Bluetooth headsets even though we all have 3.5mm jacks on our Macs (and some mobile devices). When given a choice in the real world, 3.5mm goes unused. If simultaneous charging is truly your important use case, just keep your Bluetooth headset plugged in while you wear it (or don't get an iPhone 7). The improved battery life and waterproofing of the iPhone 7 are far more important to most people.

  • I get the feeling that the target audience here are iPhone 7 owner who want to have sex with their phone but are incapable of it. Yes, I'm sure some of them had to have their iPhones surgically removed from an orifice but that's clearly not good enough. Other than that, I have no idea who would buy such a ridiculous device. Do some people just not like having money and need to get rid of it? :-/

  • Forget the iphone/case, make it a PHONE (Score:3)

    by markdavis ( 642305 ) on Wednesday March 15, 2017 @01:41AM (#54041763)

    >An always-on 5-inch AMOLED display is built into the case, which runs the Android 7.1 Nougat; microSD card slot provides up to 256GB ; 2,800 mAh battery ; Qi wireless charging. Two SIM card slots are included ; 4G LTE connectivity ; 3.5mm headphone ; IR blaster" "The estimated retail price is between $189 and $229"

    Hey, I have a better idea. Instead of messing around with being a "case", why not just forget the whole iphone nonsense and release it AS A PHONE ITSELF. Make sure the battery is swappable, throw in some decent cameras, and add $50 more for it and sell at $250 to $275 (based on the claimed retail price). Many of us have been waiting for a suitable replacement for the Nexus 5, this might be it; we had a fast, decent phone for around that price, with a nice 5" screen and QI charging.

    • Re: (Score:1)

      by aliquis ( 678370 )

      If you want a phone then what's wrong with just getting the HTC Honor 6X, the Motorola G5 Plus or the Nokia 6 for instance?

      • (It is the Huawei Honor, not HTC)

        Looks like none of them have QI charging.

        • Re: (Score:1)

          by aliquis ( 678370 )

          Looks like none of them have QI charging.

          Is it important? To save on wear of the port?
          Compatibility with other devices which can charge rather than having a specific cable (then again micro-USB and USB type C ..)

          • Yes, it is important. Primarily convenience.

            • Yes, it is important. Primarily convenience.

              Have you tried a device with USB-C? I found that most of the aggravation of plugging my phone in was due to the orientation-dependence and general fussiness of micro-USB connectors. I used to have a wireless charger, but I find USB-C connectors are so easy to plug in that I don't feel a significant loss in convenience vs putting my phone on the charging stand.

              I also find that very fast charging and decent battery life mitigate the issue. I don't charge my phone at night any more. I just plug it in when I'

              • No, I haven't tried USB-C yet. I know it will be a lot better than microusb, but still can't compete with just slapping it on my pad and walking away :) I really don't want to lose that feature and don't care how long it takes to charge.

                • No, I haven't tried USB-C yet. I know it will be a lot better than microusb, but still can't compete with just slapping it on my pad and walking away :) I really don't want to lose that feature and don't care how long it takes to charge.

                  Well, on balance I find I think less about charging now than when I had wireless charging. YMMV... but I doubt it.

  • You've posted this story 16 days too early.

    • Most of the time /. is "news several days old, you already read about it". Now you're complaining that the news is too early! There's no pleasing some people ;-)

  • Re: (Score:2, Insightful)

    by account_deleted ( 4530225 )
    Comment removed based on user account deletion

    • If you've got an iPhone, why would you want an iPhone knock-off?

      To take your iPhone to the next level: Android!

  • Handy if you're a developer who has to develop for both platforms.

    • Handy if you're a developer who has to develop for both platforms.

      If you are an iPhone developer, you have multiple iPhones and iPads, running multiple iOS versions, and if you are an Android developer, I would think that you have multiple Android devices running multiple Android versions. This thing is of basically no use for the developer.

  • Great, a base for my kickstarter page (Score:5, Funny)

    by burtosis ( 1124179 ) on Wednesday March 15, 2017 @07:37AM (#54042543)
    What this really lacks is a windows phone. Simply order my case for this and you can have one built into the four unused sides! Why have a ultra thin phone when you can have cube phone(tm)!

  • Use Case? (Score:4, Insightful)

    by airos4 ( 82561 ) <changer4&gmail,com> on Wednesday March 15, 2017 @07:48AM (#54042579) Homepage

    But.. why? I mean, jokes aside, what's the use case here? Are there legitimately apps that cannot run on the Apple platform that people feel they need? I can't think of any other reason. If it was an e-ink display like the Yota, maybe, but why have a wholly separate OS?

    • Re: (Score:3)

      by mjwx ( 966435 )

      But.. why? I mean, jokes aside, what's the use case here? Are there legitimately apps that cannot run on the Apple platform that people feel they need? I can't think of any other reason. If it was an e-ink display like the Yota, maybe, but why have a wholly separate OS?

      There aren't just Apps that don't run on the Apple platform... there are basic OS functions like MSC and bluetooth to transfer files. I run my choice of browser (Ghostery) and ad blockers (which Ghostery does a good job of). Plus I like not being under the control of an evil overlord.

      You'll never get an Iphone case for an Android phone because Android users dont need it. I cant say the same in reverse.

    • Re: (Score:3)

      by mjwx ( 966435 )

      But.. why? I mean, jokes aside, what's the use case here? Are there legitimately apps that cannot run on the Apple platform that people feel they need? I can't think of any other reason.

      Headphone jack?

    • "Use Case", no it is an "Android Case"...

  • I heard you like phones with your phone, so I got you a phone for your phone!

  • Kindle clone would have been better (Score:3)

    by Camembert ( 2891457 ) on Wednesday March 15, 2017 @11:08AM (#54043561)
    I expect that in general people are happy with IOS or Android. Not sure how much having both would bring extra, and it is clunky to have them together.
    But, perhaps, a thin ebook reader a la kindle would be an interesting back for an iOS or an android device. Because the electronic paper of those readers is much more pleasant to read books than traditional screens.
  • Yo dawg, we heard you like phones, so we put a phone on your phone so you can use a phone while you use your phone, dawg!
  • What's the point of this gadget ?

    All you need to do is buy an Android Phone, an iPhone case, and glue them together. Kickstarter is getting really weird tehse days :-(

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