How did the pre-launch perform, F(x)tec?

[Sidekick2009 0]

I've been monitoring the F(x)tec project since February, and knew that I would hop on the Pro 1 wagon. I'll be giving up a 10 year streak of iOS for Android for the landscape keyboard - if you can convince this phone curmudgeon to switch over, I sincerely hope many others do. As I don't have to point out - the smart phone market has gotten so incredibly boring. Who can make the biggest, most overpowered pocket computer? Your choice of stylus or no stylus! My last Android phone was the crappy slide up Sidekick - crappy because it was thicker than the Sidekick 2009 LX, was missing the function keys (the most underrated features in phones, PERIOD) and I blamed it on Android, which was still in it's infancy at the time. I've purchased one, and have recommended the Pro 1 to all of my friends, as I want to see the company succeed to perhaps slim down the form factor a smidgen, and see a bit more 'cutting edge' technology in the phone.

 

I bought the Pro 1 so that the Pro 2 can exist. Through my journey with Apple and iOS, I learned about the power of software custom made to work with hardware, and I'm curious if there are any plans to deeply integrate the apps with the function key combos. I think the 835 will be enough power for a seamless OS experience, and while the phone could be handy for gaming, the vast majority of the consumers just want that tactile keyboard. There is nearly an entire generation (in the age of technological evolution, I call 10 years a generation) of people who haven't used a physical landscape phone keyboard. I think this phone could take off into the stratosphere assuming the durability is there.

 

My experience with the Sidekick was incredibly positive due to the incredibly functionality the function shortcuts provided - the 'settings' button always provided a settings menu (baked into the Danger mobile OS) that adjusted settings unique to the screen you were on, you could quickly hop between apps, set a timer, open a new text message window, browser session, etc. While the swivel screen was great (and I'd be lying if I said I didn't want a swivel screen) the true advantage (which was not a popular marketing strategy for the Sidekick line) was the hardware/software integration. While we've heard about the Pro 1's function keys, I don't know what will and won't be possible. Willing booting something like Lineage be necessary to take full advantage? Perhaps only time will tell, but I'd love input from F(x)tec if there are any answers available.

 

So my big question is; how did the pre-launch perform, F(x)tec? Did you surpass sales expectations? Do you foresee the F(x)tec Pro 2 coming to market? Too early to say?

[Doktor Oswaldo 904]

I don't thinkt they will communicate anything until it is sure. I think it is too early to say anyway.

 

We can do some estimations. There are around 24000 preorders. Lets assume 70% of these preorders are paid (would estimate lower, but since this product is niche, people who are here seem to be in it. But insert your own number if you like) -> 16'800 phones. Everybody paid arround 670$ (exact numbers are not that important). Gives us arround 11'424'000.

 

If we take the numbers of shiftphones.com (they communicate them) arround 25% of that go to fxtec -> 2'856'000.

This sounds like a lot but they have to pay a lot from that (rent, loans, salarys, insurance and equipment).

If they have low costs this may be a black zero, but my guess would be, that they are still in the reds.

 

If you change these 70% the numbers can switch up big times but in the end they surly need to sale more phones.

 

[VaZso 1,998]

Do you foresee the F(x)tec Pro 2 coming to market? Too early to say?

 

It is definitely too early to say.

They have to concentrate on Pro1 for a while even when it is launched. This is their interest independently if they are working on Pro2 or not.

At least for the wide public.

 

Otherwise, I am also would like to know how Pro1 sales are compared to expectations. I hope the best.

[Sidekick2009 0]

Yep - I fully understand the timing and everything that has been mentioned, appreciate everyone's input. Would love to hear from F(x)tec how things look in the early days of the Pro1