EEVblog Electronics Community Forum

EEVblog => EEVblog Specific => Topic started by: EEVblog on February 24, 2018, 01:34:18 am

Title: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: EEVblog on February 24, 2018, 01:34:18 am
Just the product the world has been waiting for!
A $7000 Internet of Things intelligent umbrella with GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, solar power, 360 camera, and an app.
Someone liked the idea so much they invested $2M in seed funding.
Throw in a bunch of patents and a dodgy Wikipedia page from an Indian marketing company and we have a winner!

https://liesandstartuppr.blogspot.com.au/ (https://liesandstartuppr.blogspot.com.au/)
https://www.shadecraft.com/ (https://www.shadecraft.com/)
https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/shadecraft (https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/shadecraft)
https://patents.google.com/?inventor=Armen+Sevada+Gharabegian&oq=Armen+Sevada+Gharabegian&page=1 (https://patents.google.com/?inventor=Armen+Sevada+Gharabegian&oq=Armen+Sevada+Gharabegian&page=1)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07HOeN4fdyg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07HOeN4fdyg)
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Brumby on February 24, 2018, 02:42:47 am
This would be a perfect subject for:

WIRED's new job

They have a new job opening:
https://www.wired.com/about/wired-jobs/wired-hiring-senior-writer/ (https://www.wired.com/about/wired-jobs/wired-hiring-senior-writer/)

I love how a job requirement is
Quote
The ability to point at a technology and tell us how it’s going to change our future.

But not something like this:
Quote
Ability to critically analyse new products & concepts for practical viability"

Your objective is to get as many punters interested in it as possible - to spread the word and get traffic on the story.
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Red Squirrel on February 24, 2018, 09:58:14 am
LOL at that price.  That is completely insane!    As a ginger I can appreciate any form of creating shade, but something like this should not cost even remotely close to a grand let alone 7.  Get rid of all the internet connected bullcrap, stick some photocells on there and use those to figure out the optimal angle.  But can't get funding if you don't include all the right buzzword technologies!  :palm:

Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: madires on February 24, 2018, 01:59:31 pm
And still I'd have to move my chair around during the day to be fully shaded. What's the purpose of that nonsense besides ripping off people?
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Brumby on February 24, 2018, 03:39:34 pm
(Shhh....  I'm working on plans for a caterpillar track base to handle just that situation.)
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: drussell on February 24, 2018, 05:40:35 pm
What's the purpose of that nonsense besides ripping off people?

Besides ripping them off?  That's the whole plan.  :)

Perhaps, though, Mr. Burns is involved:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3LbxDZRgA4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3LbxDZRgA4)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjdMYyjnmks (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjdMYyjnmks)
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: GeorgeOfTheJungle on February 24, 2018, 08:34:23 pm
LOL, and weights... how much???
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: bitwelder on February 24, 2018, 11:06:29 pm
I look at the guy in picture enjoying the shade and think...
it would be fun to remotely hack the communication channel of this id-IOT-ic device
(no mention of military-grade-AES256 in the specs, so probably they are not even considering the security)
and begin to jerk the robo-umbrella around, to the astonishment of its owner  >:D
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: jonovid on February 25, 2018, 12:21:23 am
Looks like it was designd by committee that was gender neutral, inclusive , environmentally aware .
maybe tried to make it biodegradable, even edible.
  :o
100 Indian jokes and thousand apology's later .   :-DD  who buys this stuff?  the same type of people that designed it.  :palm:
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Brumby on February 25, 2018, 03:28:26 am
The people who buy this sort of stuff are the people who are self-centred and have so much money they don't know what to do with it.
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Cyberdragon on February 25, 2018, 05:56:36 am
Great fun for hackers, now at the beach! >:D
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Brumby on February 25, 2018, 06:12:27 am
"A fun day at the beach" takes on a new meaning.   >:D
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: sokoloff on February 25, 2018, 06:12:43 am
Who wouldn't want to lug an extra 100# down to the beach?
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Brumby on February 25, 2018, 06:32:51 am
Solution:  (Shown with dress skirt removed)

(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/shadecraft-sunflower-internet-of-things-fail/?action=dlattach;attach=398599;image)
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: EEVblog on February 25, 2018, 08:51:02 am
(Shhh....  I'm working on plans for a caterpillar track base to handle just that situation.)

$4M funding for you sir
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Muttley Snickers on February 25, 2018, 09:06:34 am
All that other useless crap and not even the option of a drink holder attachment, ridiculous.   :o ::)
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: bitwelder on February 25, 2018, 11:56:56 am
All that other useless crap and not even the option of a drink holder attachment, ridiculous.   :o ::)
Hey, that's just the basic model! If you want drink holders and perhaps a fan, wait for the Deluxe version.   ;D
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: BravoV on February 25, 2018, 11:59:42 am
All that other useless crap and not even the option of a drink holder attachment, ridiculous.   :o ::)
Hey, that's just the basic model! If you want drink holders and perhaps a fan, wait for the Deluxe version.   ;D

Right, and you need the holder with drink cooler ? Its on Special Limited Edition, only few will be made.  >:D
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Brumby on February 25, 2018, 01:23:47 pm
I've just revised the caterpillar track system.  It is now an independent unit - which I am calling a Flowerpad - which will have a docking mechanism to secure it to the Sunflower base.  The control protocol has been rewritten to include swarm behaviour to allow multiple Flowerpads to operate in a coordinated manner.  The Sunflower can sit on a Flowerpad to allow it to maintain an ideal location - and you can have your Esky sitting on top of another, to fetch your drinks.

Other applications of this functionality are being investigated.

I might need to push the funding up to $6M, though.
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: madires on February 25, 2018, 01:42:33 pm
And don't forget the cloud based AI for the cup holder >:D
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: jonovid on February 25, 2018, 01:58:41 pm
........and add a waterseer to fill the cup with fresh drinking water from the air  .... :-DD
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: SeanB on February 25, 2018, 04:35:46 pm
Batterisers for the best battery life as well.
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Brumby on February 26, 2018, 03:04:08 am
This is good stuff ...!  (Writes feverishly)
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/shadecraft-sunflower-internet-of-things-fail/?action=dlattach;attach=398988;image)
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: MT on February 26, 2018, 12:57:34 pm
There are absolutely no LOL in this product, shame on you, you cheap arses! It's designed for rich(read oligarchs, etc) people which most of you failed critters are not! :D

However it will take some Chinese child labourer to copy this in 15 minits then sold for less 100usd at nearest critter dollar store. :popcorn:

What i want is a beachshader with inbuilt drink cooler!
Applied patents however should be easy to debunk
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: PaulReynolds on February 26, 2018, 05:52:28 pm
Just adding the direct link to my blog on this for when it's no longer the first post:

https://liesandstartuppr.blogspot.com/2018/01/iowtf.html

Nothing further I can find on this product, they did their PR blitz around CES time and seem to have gone quiet. Remember to order before March 1st though, when it goes up to $8,700!

Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: schmitt trigger on February 26, 2018, 06:07:04 pm
An optional add-on calculates UV-A and UV-B exposure, and provides sunscreen lotion with the correct SPF calculated to three decimal places.
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Fungus on February 26, 2018, 06:50:47 pm
And still I'd have to move my chair around during the day to be fully shaded.

Yep. But .... you won't have to adjust the umbrella!

All we need now is a sunbed with GPS and motorized wheels.

What's the purpose of that nonsense besides ripping off people?

Showing off to other rich people...?

I bet you could sell a few if you advertise in the right magazines.

Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: ogden on February 26, 2018, 07:19:57 pm
There are absolutely no LOL in this product, shame on you, you cheap arses! It's designed for rich(read oligarchs, etc) people which most of you failed critters are not! :D

Exactly. There are loads of ridiculously priced luxury products, so what? Just don't buy such!

This shade is bargain compared to $6,555 travel bag:

http://luxurylaunches.com/fashion/louis-vuitton-creates-exclusive-travel-bags-for-the-stunning-bmw-i8.php (http://luxurylaunches.com/fashion/louis-vuitton-creates-exclusive-travel-bags-for-the-stunning-bmw-i8.php)
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Fungus on February 26, 2018, 07:28:32 pm
There are absolutely no LOL in this product, shame on you, you cheap arses! It's designed for rich(read oligarchs, etc) people which most of you failed critters are not! :D
Exactly. There are loads of ridiculously priced luxury products, so what? Just don't buy such!

Yep. If you usually shop at Luis Vuitton then your beach towel, sandals and sunglasses might cost more than this does.

I bet there's hotels out there who'd buy two dozen of these umbrellas in a heartbeat.


OTOH there's a lot of room for improvement. An umbrella with more articulations could shade a sunbed all day long without moving the bed.
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Skashkash on February 26, 2018, 10:39:16 pm
I remember walking by their (very large) booth at CES and thinking that umbrella thing was kinda cool. CES-2018 (http://[url=https://photos.app.goo.gl/KJ7FyLyHPoBbNi1s1)  Especially for someone like me who usually hides from the sun. But that was before I knew the price tag. Yikes.

But if you're into those sorts of things,
you're going to love this coffee robot I also saw at the show: Bubblelabs Drip (http://www.bubblelab.com/drip)

I can think of some easier ways to get my caffeine fix.

   
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Cyberdragon on February 27, 2018, 12:14:24 am
Wait, is this motorized?

I can just see someone hacking the hell out of it making it go nuts like something from Wall-E and beating the crap out of it's user. >:D

Is there a platinum Darwin award for rich snobs? >:D
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Brumby on February 27, 2018, 12:52:16 am
I have plans for an after market sail replacement.

Each of the four panels has a flexible OLED screen, which can be configured as you like.  I'm waiting for direct drive quantum dot technology to get established before further development.

Going to need another $4.5M, though.
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: SgtTech on February 27, 2018, 10:38:34 am
Hey Dave, being down in Ultra sunny Oz you clearly need one of these!! Maybe we should crowd fund one for you? I am not sure what would be funnier your blogs on how bad the interface and setting up of your AI Shade would be or watching $7k blowing away down an Aussie beach!!
Loved the video.

Just a thought should it come with a warning for customers not to put in near their solar driveway?
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: SgtTech on February 27, 2018, 01:06:17 pm
Don't just need a holder for your tinny you need a cooler too. I am sure!! this great device could power a whole freezer full of ice cream and a fridge full of beer. Maybe you could provide a dock for your garden robot mower too and a few expansion ports for the future when the robots arrive?
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Fungus on February 27, 2018, 01:49:38 pm
Just a thought should it come with a warning for customers not to put in near their solar driveway?

It probably generates more power than one of Scott Brusaw's solar frikkin panels.

Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Brumby on February 27, 2018, 02:42:23 pm
Bazinga!
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Bassman59 on February 28, 2018, 05:30:54 pm
And still I'd have to move my chair around during the day to be fully shaded. What's the purpose of that nonsense besides ripping off people?

I see nothing wrong with separating stupid rich people from the money they inherited.
Title: Re: ShadeCraft Sunflower - Internet Of Things FAIL
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 01, 2018, 06:29:36 pm
An optional add-on calculates UV-A and UV-B exposure, and provides sunscreen lotion with the correct SPF calculated to three decimal places.

I like that idea, it can use infrared to detect where people are and just squirt directly. :D