$32 million Crowd Funding for Android/Ubuntu phone

[sawakosadako]

Looks like the game is on. They dropped the price to $695.

(click to show/hide)

Ubuntu Edge now $695, thanks to major industry backing

With 14 days to go, it’s time for our biggest announcement yet. From now until the end of the campaign, we’re fixing the price of the Ubuntu Edge at $695! No limited quantities, no more price changes. You wanted a more affordable Edge, and now you’ve got it.

How are we able to do this? Mainly thanks to all of you. The huge support the Ubuntu Edge has been receiving from all corners of the world has really sent a message to the mobile industry -- and that message has been received loud and clear.

Yesterday we announced that Bloomberg LP has snapped up the first of the $80,000 Enterprise bundles, and we expect more businesses to follow suit. To make it even more appealing, we’ve raised the number of phones included in the bundle from 100 to 115.

Even better, since the campaign started breaking records on day one, we’ve been negotiating with several major component suppliers who are keen to see the Edge reach its goal and drive the adoption of new mobile technologies. This is one of the key benefits of keeping some of the core specifications open: as a result of these negotiations, we can now produce the same state-of-the-art device for less than we originally estimated.

Edge for less

So of course we’re passing those savings on to you. There’s now a single unlimited $695 Ubuntu Edge perk, which comes with a year’s subscription to LastPass Premium and a place on the Founders page. At the end of the campaign, anyone who’s already pledged more than $695 for the phone will be offered a refund of the difference.

There will be no further price reductions, and we must reiterate that the Ubuntu Edge is exclusive to Indiegogo. It will not be available to buy anywhere outside of this campaign, even at launch.

The target is still $32 million, so we will need to ship a few more phones at $695 than we would at a higher price, but we believe we can do it. We have two weeks, and we have the best community out there, so let’s get to work: share this news, get the word out, and let’s get the Ubuntu Edge made!

The Ubuntu Edge team

Lets see where this rolling.

Looks like you're a backer too. If not, I'm kind of surprised because I thought only backers received updates.

I think they were at 8.9M last I checked, so this only boosted them up by 0.1M so far. Let's see how far this goes.

Unfortunately I'm not. I got the update from sites like http://ubuntu-edge.info/#news or http://wizzardss.com/edge/#news.

Like this artices:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/sharifsakr/2013/08/08/crowdfunded-ubuntu-phone-will-be-a-big-success-even-if-it-never-happens/?iframe=true&height=100%&width=100%

Edit:
Anyone know about this processors? Is it a mobile processors? It's ARM but it also said server chips.
http://www.bit-tech.net/news/hardware/2013/06/19/amd-to-launch-arm-processor-seattle-in-2014/1

[kitamesume]

Edit:
Anyone know about this processors? Is it a mobile processors? It's ARM but it also said server chips.
http://www.bit-tech.net/news/hardware/2013/06/19/amd-to-launch-arm-processor-seattle-in-2014/1

that particular chip is for servers, but 64bit ARM A57 will also be used for commercial chips.
if i remember correctly Nvidia is already at it on developing their own chips based on A57, code name Parker, aka Tegra 6.

[Freedom Kira]

Oh, I see. I thought only backers got that info. I guess we just get it right away while other people have to keep checking that page.

[sawakosadako]

Edit:
Anyone know about this processors? Is it a mobile processors? It's ARM but it also said server chips.
http://www.bit-tech.net/news/hardware/2013/06/19/amd-to-launch-arm-processor-seattle-in-2014/1

that particular chip is for servers, but 64bit ARM A57 will also be used for commercial chips.
if i remember correctly Nvidia is already at it on developing their own chips based on A57, code name Parker, aka Tegra 6.

I googled Tegra and found this article.
http://hexus.net/tech/news/cpu/53145-nvidia-details-tegra-5-64-bit-tegra-6-soc-plans/

Huang told attendees at GTC that the Tegra 5 is going to be a processor that will allow mobile devices to do “everything a modern computer should do”.

"A modern computer should do" I wonder if it means desktop? Wouldn't this be an ideal chip for Ubuntu Edge?

Oh, I see. I thought only backers got that info. I guess we just get it right away while other people have to keep checking that page.

Yeah I have to check that page everyday to see the latest news. I think they should've send any news regarding the Edge to anyone who use Ubuntu SSO though.

[kitamesume]

Edit:
Anyone know about this processors? Is it a mobile processors? It's ARM but it also said server chips.
http://www.bit-tech.net/news/hardware/2013/06/19/amd-to-launch-arm-processor-seattle-in-2014/1

that particular chip is for servers, but 64bit ARM A57 will also be used for commercial chips.
if i remember correctly Nvidia is already at it on developing their own chips based on A57, code name Parker, aka Tegra 6.

I googled Tegra and found this article.
http://hexus.net/tech/news/cpu/53145-nvidia-details-tegra-5-64-bit-tegra-6-soc-plans/

Huang told attendees at GTC that the Tegra 5 is going to be a processor that will allow mobile devices to do “everything a modern computer should do”.

"A modern computer should do" I wonder if it means desktop? Wouldn't this be an ideal chip for Ubuntu Edge?

i doubt it, it's CPU counterpart is still anemic, based on A15 which is already present in today's processors like the exynos 5.
but, it'll come close to the capability of today's atom line processor, inferior to AMD bobcat cores still.

on the other hand the IGP is excellent, coming close to where APUs are, although i doubt it can pass a crysis benchmark yet.

once these chips manages to score 25fps @ 720P on crysis you can be sure that it'll be capable of everything a desktop can do.

[Freedom Kira]

Here's a message from Mark Shuttleworth sent out to all backers. He doesn't seem very worried, which is kind of unsettling.

(click to show/hide)

A message from Mark Shuttleworth

Hi everyone

Thanks in large part to all of you, the Ubuntu Edge campaign response has been incredible. In just over three weeks more than 20,000 people have backed the project, from individuals giving a single dollar right up to Bloomberg’s fantastic $80,000 contribution. Along the way we’ve broken crowdfunding records, including the fastest project to hit $2 million (7hrs 59mins), and the highest ever 24-hour total ($3.45 million). We’re now on the verge of an even bigger milestone as we approach the all-time crowdfunding record of $10.27 million.

Speaking both personally and for the team, the more time we spend on this project, the more excited we get about the possibilities of this new class of device. And as the news has spread we’ve seen industry thought leaders coming round to the idea that convergence can be a real force, and that this project represents a new way to underwrite innovation.

That led to some significant engagements with suppliers that enabled us to drop the price below $700, without compromising the specification. And now that we’ve seen next-generation phones from other major names, we think the price-performance of the Edge is off the charts -- it offers real value. We’re even more convinced that it will take a new approach to unlock the next wave of mobile innovation.

Whatever happens in the next nine days, the Ubuntu Edge is already making a difference. This campaign lets enthusiast consumers signal their interest to a mobile industry that caters overwhelmingly to the mainstream. It’s making it clear that we’re no longer satisfied with minor updates; we’re looking for true innovation and we’re ready to pay for it. And that message is getting through.

So in a sense, we can be proud of what’s been achieved already -- but we really want to hit that $32 million! We’re going to need a huge push, a surge in awareness that builds momentum to carry us over the line. No one here is giving up while the goal remains achievable, and you’ve all gone out of your way to add your voice to the chorus. So I’m writing to ask you to take to the Twitterverse and other social networks to encourage like-minded types to join you, and me, and companies large and small, in backing the Ubuntu Edge.

As they say, the future is already here, it’s just not widely distributed. We’re working to put it in the hands of 40,000 people, to start a revolution. And you’re there at the start.



Mark Shuttleworth

Founder, Ubuntu and Canonical

[Gh0st93]

Here's a message from Mark Shuttleworth sent out to all backers. He doesn't seem very worried, which is kind of unsettling.

(click to show/hide)

A message from Mark Shuttleworth

Hi everyone

Thanks in large part to all of you, the Ubuntu Edge campaign response has been incredible. In just over three weeks more than 20,000 people have backed the project, from individuals giving a single dollar right up to Bloomberg’s fantastic $80,000 contribution. Along the way we’ve broken crowdfunding records, including the fastest project to hit $2 million (7hrs 59mins), and the highest ever 24-hour total ($3.45 million). We’re now on the verge of an even bigger milestone as we approach the all-time crowdfunding record of $10.27 million.

Speaking both personally and for the team, the more time we spend on this project, the more excited we get about the possibilities of this new class of device. And as the news has spread we’ve seen industry thought leaders coming round to the idea that convergence can be a real force, and that this project represents a new way to underwrite innovation.

That led to some significant engagements with suppliers that enabled us to drop the price below $700, without compromising the specification. And now that we’ve seen next-generation phones from other major names, we think the price-performance of the Edge is off the charts -- it offers real value. We’re even more convinced that it will take a new approach to unlock the next wave of mobile innovation.

Whatever happens in the next nine days, the Ubuntu Edge is already making a difference. This campaign lets enthusiast consumers signal their interest to a mobile industry that caters overwhelmingly to the mainstream. It’s making it clear that we’re no longer satisfied with minor updates; we’re looking for true innovation and we’re ready to pay for it. And that message is getting through.

So in a sense, we can be proud of what’s been achieved already -- but we really want to hit that $32 million! We’re going to need a huge push, a surge in awareness that builds momentum to carry us over the line. No one here is giving up while the goal remains achievable, and you’ve all gone out of your way to add your voice to the chorus. So I’m writing to ask you to take to the Twitterverse and other social networks to encourage like-minded types to join you, and me, and companies large and small, in backing the Ubuntu Edge.

As they say, the future is already here, it’s just not widely distributed. We’re working to put it in the hands of 40,000 people, to start a revolution. And you’re there at the start.



Mark Shuttleworth

Founder, Ubuntu and Canonical

Well he is right even if this tanks it proves beyond a reasonable doubt that there is most definitely a market for such devices and it also gauges how much people will pay, what exactly they want, etc.

[kitamesume]

lol if they were just after the market then they'd be more successful if they ditched the profit, match specs to decency and price it at the lowest possible, sub $500 would make a hotcake sale(just look at google's nexus!).

for example 32GB-storage with SDXC support of up to 1TB would make the 128GB storage goal null with the result of less manufacturing cost.
theres a ton of things that could've been done to make the asking price lower, they just aren't trying.

edit: the fact that they dropped price recently means they did have the room for price decrease, i'm sure they have more.

[Gh0st93]

I'm not really sure how much meas left on the bone after the initial price cut I mean these people aren't doing this for free they gotta feed there families too...

Yes I know it's a lot but they needed a lot for it to be viable.( I don't think there trying to get crazy rich off of this.)

[kitamesume]

I'm not really sure how much meas left on the bone after the initial price cut I mean these people aren't doing this for free they gotta feed there families too...

Yes I know it's a lot but they needed a lot for it to be viable.( I don't think there trying to get crazy rich off of this.)

check their business, then tell me they aren't making money.

[Gh0st93]

I'm not really sure how much meas left on the bone after the initial price cut I mean these people aren't doing this for free they gotta feed there families too...

Yes I know it's a lot but they needed a lot for it to be viable.( I don't think there trying to get crazy rich off of this.)

check their business, then tell me they aren't making money.

Ubuntu?

[kitamesume]

no... shuttleworth's Canonical.

edit: or just look up where shuttleworth's millions of dollars goes.

[Gh0st93]

no... shuttleworth's Canonical.

edit: or just look up where shuttleworth's millions of dollars goes.

Canonical Ltd. had a $30 million revenue in 2009 with over 500 employees at best they would make $60,000 a year with zero going into anything else except there pay, Now Shuttleworth has a net worth of around $500 million But he got that through investments, and other revenue streams not Canonical.

(click to show/hide)

Mark Shuttleworth net worth: South African entrepreneur, Mark Shuttleworth, has an estimated net worth $500 million as of 2012. At the age of 22 Shuttleworth founded Thawte, a digital certificate and internet security company which he sold to VeriSign for $575 million in 1999, when he was 26. He used a fraction of his wealth to start HBD Capital (now called Knife Capital), a Cape Town-based emerging markets investment fund. HBD has made a series of successful exits including Fundamo, a mobile financial services company which was acquired by Visa for $110 million in 2011; and csense, which was acquired by GE Intelligent Platforms the same year. Shuttleworth also founded and funds Ubuntu, a computer operating system which he distributes as free open source software.

[kitamesume]

so? he still has over $100million to spare, i doubt $32M is too much for him to fund.

he even spent $20M just to ride a spaceship, lol.

[Gh0st93]

so? he still has over $100million to spare, i doubt $32M is too much for him to fund.

he even spent $20M just to ride a spaceship, lol.

These people aren't just giving him $700 dollars there buying a product (granted it may not quite to the quantity at the moment they bought one none the less.) Sure he could make the phone I guess but would you risk $32million in hopes of maybe people will buy it and that would make him just break even not to mention any form of profit. It's kind of like "put your money where your mouth is".

[kitamesume]

so? he still has over $100million to spare, i doubt $32M is too much for him to fund.

he even spent $20M just to ride a spaceship, lol.

These people aren't just giving him $700 dollars there buying a product (granted it may not quite to the quantity at the moment they bought one none the less.) Sure he could make the phone I guess but would you risk $32million in hopes of maybe people will buy it and that would make him just break even not to mention any form of profit. It's kind of like "put your money where your mouth is".

where are you getting at?
hes serious about making a platform, but needing crowdfunding for funds when he has hundreds of million dollars is like asking someone to treat you a meal when you're rich enough to buy the restaurant itself.

[Gh0st93]

so? he still has over $100million to spare, i doubt $32M is too much for him to fund.

he even spent $20M just to ride a spaceship, lol.

These people aren't just giving him $700 dollars there buying a product (granted it may not quite to the quantity at the moment they bought one none the less.) Sure he could make the phone I guess but would you risk $32million in hopes of maybe people will buy it and that would make him just break even not to mention any form of profit. It's kind of like "put your money where your mouth is".

where are you getting at?
hes serious about making a platform, but needing crowdfunding for funds when he has hundreds of million dollars is like asking someone to treat you a meal when you're rich enough to buy the restaurant itself.

Real people who have money ( excluding celebritys, athletes, etc.) got it by well work but by also not just giving everything away Just because he is wealthy doesn't mean he can just burn $32million because he got a wild hair up his ass (an expression). Well he could but not very many times.

[kitamesume]

did you forget that he threw away $20M just to ride a spaceship for 8days?

ever heard of "investment"?

[Gh0st93]

did you forget that he threw away $20M just to ride a spaceship for 8days?

ever heard of "investment"?

What he does in his personal time his for him and him alone, This is a product to be offered (sold) to the masses. He he wanted one he could just pay for one for him.

[kitamesume]

lol you're obviously confusing yourself with how a business work.