Tag: supply chain issues

  • $200K Crowdfunded Hyper Trackpad in Limbo: Refunds Offered

    $200K Crowdfunded Hyper Trackpad in Limbo: Refunds Offered

    Key Takeaways

    1. HyperSpace TrackPad Pro, a crowdfunding project, raised over $200,000 but is facing production delays.
    2. The delays are due to supply chain issues, pushing back the expected launch date with no clear timeline.
    3. The product is designed to be a Windows equivalent of the Apple Magic Trackpad, featuring advanced specifications.
    4. Backers have three options: get a full refund, wait indefinitely, or accept store credit with a $50 bonus.
    5. The initial price for early backers was $109-$120, but final prices may increase due to ongoing supply chain problems.

    It looks like a new crowdfunding project that raised over $200,000 has hit some bumps in the road. The team at Hyper is now advising backers to either take a refund or wait “indefinitely” to get their product.

    Product Details

    The item in question is the HyperSpace TrackPad Pro, which started its funding campaign about six months ago. Just a quick look at this product shows it’s aiming to be the Windows equivalent of the Apple Magic Trackpad, which is currently priced at $120 on Amazon.

    Production Delays

    Hyper recently shared an update stating that the TrackPad Pro is facing production delays due to supply chain problems. This has forced the company to push back its expected launch date with no clear timeline in sight.

    The trackpad, which has a sleek design and an aluminum casing, measures 6.5 x 4 x 0.5 inches. It offers a variety of impressive features, including a 250 Hz response rate, a 30-day battery life powered by a 1,000-mAh battery, piezoelectric actuators for haptic feedback, and compatibility with Microsoft Precision Touchpad. It’s definitely a tempting option for Windows users looking for a high-quality touchpad, which explains why backers are feeling disappointed.

    Options for Backers

    Currently, backers of the project have three choices according to Hyper. They can withdraw their pledge and get a full refund, wait indefinitely while the situation is resolved, or take a refund in the form of store credit along with a $50 bonus.

    For the very first backers, the HyperSpace TrackPad Pro was available at prices of $109 and $120. The final price is expected to be significantly higher, especially if the supply chain problems persist longer than anticipated.

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  • Steam Deck Availability Affected by RAM and Storage Shortage

    Steam Deck Availability Affected by RAM and Storage Shortage

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve is experiencing supply chain problems, affecting the availability of the Steam Deck.
    2. The Steam Deck OLED may be out of stock in some areas due to shortages of RAM and internal storage.
    3. All Steam Deck models are currently sold out in the US, but they are still available in Australia and the UK.
    4. The basic Steam Deck model with an LCD screen and 256 GB of storage is no longer being produced.
    5. There is uncertainty regarding the release of a new version of the Steam Deck, with no clear details available.

    Availability of the Steam Deck has been changing a lot recently. Valve has now officially said that they are facing supply chain problems, which means the Steam Deck might not always be available. The company mentioned that the Steam Deck OLED could be out of stock in some places due to a lack of both RAM and internal storage. As of now, all models seem to be sold out in the US, but they can still be found in Australia and the UK. For other places, users can check the official product page for updates.

    Production Issues

    Moreover, Valve has confirmed that the basic Steam Deck with the LCD screen and 256 GB of storage is no longer being produced, so it will be out of stock once existing supplies run out. There is one exception to this: Valve is also selling refurbished units at slightly lower prices. Yet, the availability of these refurbished models can also change quickly.

    Future of the Steam Deck

    Finally, it’s still uncertain if, when, and at what price a possible new version of the Steam Deck will come out. The details around this remain vague, leaving many fans guessing.

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  • Xiaomi Motors Enhances Supply Chain for Increased SU7 Production

    Xiaomi Motors Enhances Supply Chain for Increased SU7 Production

    According to recent reports, Xiaomi is facing challenges with “capacity bottlenecks” and supply chain issues in the production of its debut electric vehicle, the Xiaomi SU7. Despite encountering these obstacles, the company is actively working on resolving these concerns while also focusing on enhancing production efficiency.

    Xiaomi’s Efforts to Boost SU7 Production

    On April 3, Xiaomi conducted the inaugural batch delivery event for the Xiaomi SU7 at one of its automobile manufacturing plants in Yizhuang, Beijing. The Chinese publication Securities Times highlighted that Xiaomi is intensifying efforts to enhance production capacity, engage supply chain partners effectively, and ensure timely delivery of current and future orders.

    Production Targets and Strategies

    Initial production projections suggest that monthly output is poised to exceed 3,000 vehicles in March, rise to around 4,000 to 5,000 units in April, and eventually stabilize at 6,000 vehicles by the end of the year. Xiaomi Motors has reportedly urged suppliers to enhance production capabilities to achieve a monthly total of 10,000 units.

    Xiaomi Motors Enhances Supply Chain for Increased SU7 Production

    Focus on High-End SU7 Models

    Particular attention is being directed towards scaling up production for the high-end Max version of the SU7. Sales figures for the SU7 range have surpassed initial expectations. Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, expressed optimism about the car’s success in December, acknowledging the potential variance in user preferences. However, the product’s reception has been positive thus far.

    During the recent delivery event in China, Lei Jun announced that over 100,000 individuals have already selected the Xiaomi EV. Xiaomi Motors has confirmed that they are currently facing a surge in demand, with orders exceeding their production capacity.

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  • Supply chain issues push MicroLED Apple Watch delays beyond 2026

    Supply chain issues push MicroLED Apple Watch delays beyond 2026

    Apple‘s plans to transition to Micro LED technology for its Apple Watch series may face delays until after 2027 due to challenges in finalizing the supply chain for the necessary components. This upgrade aims to replace OLED displays in Apple Watch models, offering improved lifespan, brightness, and efficiency.

    MicroLED Apple Watch Now Projected to Launch in 2027

    Last year, initial reports suggested Apple might introduce Micro LED technology in its Apple Watches by the end of 2024. However, projections have been postponed, and now the expected timeline for this transition is not before the first quarter of 2026, as per market research firm TrendForce.

    High Production Costs and Lower Yield Rates Pose Challenges

    The primary challenge in Apple’s move to Micro LED technology is the high production costs and lower yield rates. The manufacturing cost for a Micro LED display for the Apple Watch could be as high as $150, in contrast to the current $38 cost for OLED displays. This significant cost difference raises concerns about the retail pricing of future Micro LED Apple Watches, potentially positioning them at a much higher price point compared to current models and even OLED iPhones.

    Advantages of Micro LED Technology

    Despite these challenges, Apple’s interest in Micro LED technology is driven by its advantages over OLED, including the potential for enhanced display quality on smaller screens. With a feasible pixel density range of 300-400 PPI, Micro LED offers a suitable upgrade path for the wearable device.

    Collaboration with Suppliers to Overcome Obstacles

    Apple is reported to be collaborating with various suppliers to overcome these obstacles, including Epistar and Osram for wafer and chip production, LuxVue for backplane technology, and LG Display and ITRI for additional componentry. However, without a finalized supply chain, the path to mass production remains uncertain.

    The Future of Smartwatch Displays

    As the industry watches Apple’s efforts to innovate within its wearable lineup, the potential shift to Micro LED technology represents a significant investment in the future of smartwatch displays. However, with production costs and supply chain complexities posing significant challenges, consumers may have to wait longer than anticipated for the next big leap in Apple Watch technology.

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