Fri May 4 '18 Announcement
almost 8 years ago
– Fri, May 04, 2018 at 04:21:10 AM
We are about to enter Mass Production (MP)! In this new update you’ll see some finished PP2 units and the new packaging which will accompany your definitive GZ.
Hello Everyone,
PP2 HAS FINISHED AND WE´RE PREPARING TO ENTER INTO MP.
PP2 GZ Outdoors
In the previous update we sent images of the finished units that were developed in PP1. Today, in this update, we’ll share images of the finished PP2 units.
The assembly of the PP2 devices began on 19th April (a little later than we had planned in our previous update). However, after passing demanding quality controls and the different manufacturing processes, they are ready to go.
In the image below you can see the finished L/XL units from PP2, before they were assembled with the silicone sleeve. These units of PP2 are a true reflection of the final version of your GZ. Once we’ve made the final tweaks, we are ready to enter MP.
Definitive version of the PP2 GZ
In the meantime, the necessary quality controls of the tooling phase for size S/M are being concluded and some improvements are being implemented. We are working hard to accelerate this process as much as possible with the aim that sizes L/XL and S/M enter mass production at the same time, to avoid further delays.
LATEST IMPROVEMENTS: BLUETOOTH, BATTERY, SENSITIVITY...
The most important elements that have been resolved in PP2 are:
-Readjustments of the radio frequency parameters in the firmware, to solve the bluetooth connection problems of the PCB.
-Reworks of the PCBA in the SMT plant.
-Battery and charge improvements.
-Two new and improved versions of the firmware.
-Improvements in touch sensitivity.
-Improvements in water resistance.
-Improvements in the assembly process of the devices, which reduces the deadlines for MP.
NEW PACKAGING: ATTRACTIVE AND LIGHTWEIGHT
Because of the breadth of current production and last-minute over-costs for circular packaging, we have had to develop this new packaging. We hope you like it! In the future, once costs are stabilized, we want to resume the option for circular packaging, but it has been ruled out for the moment.
New GZ Packaging
DETECTING FAULTS BEFORE LAUNCHING MASS PRODUCTION.
We are aware of the delays caused by the break of the Chinese new year and having launched the 2 pre-productions. However, our main objective is to detect and fix any possible mechanical or electronic faults, and to fine-tune your GZ before launching to mass production. We don’t want anything to fail, hence dedicating so much time to production and testing. We want to deliver a product of the highest quality and with a guarantee of durability.
YOUR SUPPORT; OUR REASON TO BE AND TO CONTINUE.
Finally, we want to thank you for your patience and perseverance. Along the way we have encountered several technical bumps and complexities, but trust us when we say that with each step we take, we have you in mind. Your devices are very close to your doors.
For us the wait has also been very long, but we have already held two pre-productions in our hands and more than two years of hard work is close to ending. Needless to say, we’re very excited.
Please, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or comments.
Thank you again for your patience and support,
The Glassy Team.
Fri Mar 16 '18 Announcement
about 8 years ago
– Fri, Mar 16, 2018 at 07:05:43 AM
Dear backers,
After the past CNY (Chinese New Year), which began on February 5th and ended on February 26th, we want to send you this new update with all the information about the production status of your GZ!
After the previous update where we showed you for the first time the finished product (minus the small details) and where we were in the middle of PP1, just after the tooling phase, we now want to show you in this new communication the final state of GZ with all its finishes.
In the following image you can see several units of the PP1 with a new metallic clasp in matte black that we have developed to increase the resistance of GZ and avoid possible breaks in this area. In PP1, 50 units were assembled.
Completed units from PP1
As we mentioned in the previous update, during PP1 several problems came up that forced us to launch a PP2 which began on February 1st. This PP2 arose from the need to offer you the best product, quality and guarantee of durability. Eventually, the PP2 devices will be assembled on March 26, that is, in 10 days, also assembling 50 units as in the case of PP1.
Likewise, during the week of March 26 to April 1, quality tests will also be carried out in all units. Continuing with our quality requirements, if everything goes according to plan and no problems arise, then the MP will be launched, so that the second or third week of April the large size can be sent, the L/XL . The factory recommends first launching one size and then the other. This is a way to minimize risks. So, size S/M will be released a little later.
Gantt chart PP2
In the case of PP2, the devices already include the certifications as can be seen in the model below. In a few days we can show you the images of the devices with the certifications.
Since we know that the wait has been long, we want to keep you informed in all phases of GZ and we want to show you the details that emerged in PP1 and that are currently being resolved in PP2. They are the following:
- Slight improvements in the PCBA and the FPCB due to feedback received from the CM (contract manufacturer).
- Slight improvement in the PC Housing due to feedback received from the CM.
- Improvements in GPS performance by feedback received from testers
- Charger improvements
- Many improvements in the way of assembling the devices
- Improvements in the cover that goes over the LEDs so that the light is more focused
- Silicone band with more transparent material that makes the LEDs look much sharper; the previous one had a slight blurry effect.
At the same time, we have acquired an ATM10 test machine for parallel testing of the water tightness. A fundamental issue that will be reviewed in all our units, thus ensuring better performance and durability.
The wait has been too long and we want to thank you for your support and patience. We know many of our backers have grown with the lack of updates, but in every step we do, we are thinking in you, always trying to do our best and working hard to make the best GZ for you.
In this moment we are in the final process and it is because of that, we want to do it carefully. The smallest failure in mechanics or electronics could be fatal. This is why we are dedicating so much time in production and testing.
GZ is the project in which we have most given ourselves and we really want it to be perfect for you all. This is the reason why it has turned more complex than initially expected, not only for us but for all our partners and manufacturers.
The time is coming to an end and we are really excited! We hope this wait is worthwhile and you can enjoy the GZ very soon! In the meantime we want to keep you informed with updates and especially say THANK YOU ALL for your support and patience!
Any questions or comments? Please, let us know if you have any doubt!
Better surfing days are coming!
Cheers,
The Glassy Team
Tue Jan 16 '18 Announcement
about 8 years ago
– Tue, Jan 16, 2018 at 05:56:35 AM
Dear backers,
We are delighted to show you the very first photos of the finished GZ! In this update you’ll find details and photos of the final GZ, as well as information about its hardware and technology. We are truly excited to reveal the GZ after the past six months of industrialisation.
PC Housing and Electronics
Learn about the PC housing and electronics behind the GZ from our L/XL model below!
As you can see, there are batteries (yellow and white) on both ends of the device. We first considered using a curved, custom-made battery, but it presented stability problems, so we opted for a flatter version.
Using flat batteries meant that we lost some degree of battery capacity, but we gained much more stability. It’s a shame because as you can see, there is plenty of free space around the batteries. However, after extensive research it was clear that flat batteries were the best option and still reached our target duration time.
The biggest development challenge with GZ was, without a doubt, its tightness. The black rubber surrounding the mechanics is the O-ring that achieves 10ATM sealing.
Perfecting the tightness alone involved 9 different prototypes, each entailing a month and a half of development and laboratory tests. This was all meticulous development work that has paid off and allowed us to achieve the 10ATM water-resistance certification.You can see the O-ring in the following image.
Most of the volume of GZ results from the design of industrial mechanics to resist the 10ATM.
The design of these mechanics, along with the GPS and necessary batteries to support its energy consumption, are the components that shape our GZ.
In the image you’ll see a black piece that was added in the final phase of development. We found that the light of the 85 LED faded too much when it passed through the silicone. Instead we added this one in the picture, which allows the LED lights shine completely straight. The sharpness also increases considerably when the light passes through the material.
We have also incorporated a window in the upper right part, where the UV sensor is located.
Under the black part there is a flexible PCB that supports the 85 LEDs, under which is a rigid PCB where the GPS and the rest of the sensors go.
The Silicone Band
The texture of the GZ is like that of coral, just as we had originally designed. This protective layer also has a grip effect.
The development of the silicone band was another challenge, firstly because the texture had to be developed through an algorithm and secondly because it needed to be adapted to two different sizes.
The silicone band is created from dual-injection moulding and uses two colour tones, for the internal and external parts of the band. The density of the material varies by zone, so that the LED lights can shine where necessary without losing sharpness.
The closure system has also been through a lot of research, to ensure everything works securely.
These developments meant assembling the band in three phases instead of two during the production process:
Phase 1. (Trial Tooling) This is a validation phase. We had to confirm if suppliers could make the band with the original design at a reduced cost and in the shortest possible time.
Phase 2. (Tooling 1) Once we saw that it was possible to carry out the original design, a large part of the work was carried out in Phase 2.
Phase 3. (Tooling 2) This is where we fine-tune the design of the band, the details, materials, etc. In this phase we also switched to a metal buckle after performing durability tests. We found that this buckle was much more resistant than the original, something key for Surfing and other sports.
Packaging
We didn’t want to follow the norm and deliver your GZ in a standard cardboard box. Instead we decided to create more elaborate and unique packaging. Later we wanted to push the boundaries with the presentation and began further customization. To do this we worked from scratch to develop the iconography design that explains GZ’s functionality.
Below you will see the fruits of our labour. The commercial version has a number of different aesthetic improvements, but this image is very close to the final design.
In the end we opted for a transparet cylinder, allowing you to see the GZ from almost angles without having to open the packaging.
On this cylinder you can read about the GZ’s main functions, and at the back there is a description of all its functionality.
The GZ rests in the outside cylinder, while another hollow cylinder contains the GZ charger and other accessories.
We wanted to make the packaging reusable, so by removing the inner cylinder it can double as a container for wax, or anything else you might want to save! It is quite tight and the lids have a sand effect!
Great, but when will I get my GZ?
As you know, in November we sent an email requesting your preferences for size and colour. At that time we were starting the PP (pre-production), which we estimated would take 1 month and then a little more for shipping (before Christmas).
However, during PP some small issues arose across certain units, which is normal in this phase of production. In fact, this phase was very beneficial in that it highlighted other small things that we could work out along the way.
We’ve already solved about half of those issues, and we are working tirelessly to finish production and make the shipments as soon as possible!
We know that it has been a long wait, and some of our backers have grown restless with the lack of updates. There were certain reasons for doing it this way, but as you can see we are so close to sending out the GZs and are just working on the final touches.
The smallest failure in the mechanics or electronics could be fatal, an error in the firmware would be solved with a simple update. This is why we are investing so much time in production and testing; we are paying attention to every detail so that nothing goes amiss!
The GZ has turned out to be much more complex than initially expected, not only for us, but also for our partners and manufacturers and in relation to both time and development costs.
We hope that the wait is worthwhile and you can enjoy the GZ very soon. In the meantime, we’ll be keeping you in the loop with regular updates. THANK YOU so much for your support and patience!
Any questions or comments? Simply REPLY below and we'll be sure to answer!
Cheers,
The Glassy Team
Tue Jul 25 '17 Announcement
over 8 years ago
– Tue, Jul 25, 2017 at 10:41:13 AM
EP2 / Engineering Prototype 2
After a lot of work in the prototype phase, we can now say that we have entered the industrialization phase. By recommendation of our manufacturer, there have been some important changes.
EP2 Mechanics and ergonomics
We have deeply improved the internal mechanics. Regarding the exterior design, one thing only has changed, thickness has increased imperceptibly, by 0.5 mm. The prototypes are practically identical, on the outside, to EP1.
Thickness has increased imperceptibly, by 0.5 mm
As for ergonomics, we were performing tests with EP2 using different sized wrists, with and without neoprene. We designed the GZ under the assumption that there would only be one size, but having finished EP2 and due to the new mechanics, it has now become clear to us that we will have to launch two sizes: an S/M and an L/XL.
Before we send you the GZ, we will ask your size by email. You will also be able to update your contact details for sending at that point.
The GZ EP2 in a 165mm wrist with 2mm of neoprene
EP2 Electronics
The electronics, have seen substantial improvement. The components, except the Bluetooth, have not changed in this prototype, in comparison to EP1, they are the final components. What there has been a lot of, though, is work on the firmware and the algorithm.
Apps
Implementation of GZ in the Android version is almost finished. We have added: all of GZ's synchronization screens, general improvements to the app, a new dashboard and profile, the tracking screens for calories, UV rays, sleep, etc. Now we have started on the implementation of GZ in the current iOS version.
GZ's synchronization screens
Industrialization / Tooling
If you check the Gantt, we're in the industrialization phase, Factory Documentation and Electronic Component Purchasing. In the second phase of the tooling we will move on with certifying GZ, and from there straight to the PP (pre-production) and the MP (mass production). This is the final stretch!
The definite times for the shipping of the GZ will be marked by the reception of the components. You can see an approximation of the times we have received from the suppliers in the Gantt. We will inform about their reception in order to adjust the Gantt accordingly.
We look forward to keeping you up-to-date and involved in all the exciting updates moving forward. THANK YOU so much for your support and patience!
Any questions or comments? Leave us a comment and we’ll be sure to respond!
Cheers,
The Glassy Team
Thu Feb 23 '17 Announcement
about 9 years ago
– Thu, Feb 23, 2017 at 10:31:14 AM
EP1 / Engineering Prototype 1
We’re excited to share the news that we can finally show the complete EP1, with electronics and mechanics. This is one of the most important milestones in the development of the Glassy Zone.
Here you can see the first few images.
Until we get through the tooling stage, which will begin soon, the quality of the materials in the mechanical part will be as usual in production prototypes. Once this stage has ended, we will have materials of much higher quality, with a commercial finish.
Despite the inclusion of GPS, an accelerometer, oscillometer, LED matrix, 2 good batteries, and 10 atm - the EP1 is extremely lightweight (32 g) and small — Quite a challenge!
EP1 USB Charger
As you can see, we have made some slight modifications to the design of the charger to make it more ergonomic. We have added a cable to the USB and we are considering making it magnetic for the EP2 as well.
EP1 Hard Case
To protect all the electronics with guarantees and reach 10 ATM we have changed the industrial design by designing a hard case which goes inside the wrapping as you can see in the image. The final device will have the information relating to certifications, branding, serial number, etc.
Electronics
In this image you can see the process followed to develop the new prototype. From left to right you can see the progression from the initial DP, to the new electronics of the EP1 with the LED matrix, and on the right side of the image, the electronics integrated into the new mechanism and the new charger.
Algorithms
The algorithms were another thing that pushed us along when it came to testing, and the results are looking very good. We will also show you the wave-tracking algorithm in action. Keep in mind this is raw data.
Timeline
Regarding the timeline, we have a very clear view of what we have coming up due to the stage that we're in. Take a look at the graph and you'll see what we've got left. EP2 will basically last about 6 weeks, and during that time components are sourced. While waiting for components, we will go through tooling, which is divided into 2 phases and lasts in total about 10 weeks, and the certification phase.
With all of this ahead we'll be able to ship the first pre-series units in June and the rest of production in July.
We will share the next message as soon as we receive EP2. We look forward to keeping you up-to-date and involved in all the exciting updates moving forward. THANK YOU so much for your support and patience!
