MaggieL

After we get past how the WayTools sales model plays fast-and-loose with FTC regulations for postal/on-line orders relating to notifications of delays.

After we get past the long-promised Android version of the mobile app (necessary for firmware updates as well as any customization functionality) that has not even begun development.

After we get past the shell game of "We have shipped and we do have users." that means "We have a prototype testing program that only iPhone/iPad users can join and only if we like you."

After we get past the effective banning of anybody who stops being a cheerleader from the WayTools Forum (which is known these days as "WTF" at the https://www.reddit.com/r/textblade refugee reddit).

After we get past the *involuntary* order cancellations by WayTools for non-cheerleaders who complain too much at WTF.

We must ask ourselves:

"Why, after four years of being 'for sale', has this product still not shipped? Could it really true that it's simply because it's not perfect yet?"

I think a careful reading of the WayTools patent portfolio and certain Apple patents (announced after TextBlade went on-sale) relating to touch sensors and keyboards with special attention to the relative *dates* on those patents is instructive and enlightening. It cannot be denied that the possible penalties for a judgement for patent infringement are severe indeed.  The original TREG user agreement (supposed to be secret but whose text was hidden behind some kindergarten-level DRM) alludes to consenting to an ability to remotely disable TextBlades in the event of TREG user non-compliance. That would be very useful in mitigating any damages claimed in a patent infringment case (where they would be trebled) and preserving a fallback exit strategy that involves monetizing corporate intellectual property without ever actually making a product genuinely available.

The promise years ago was that development of the Android app will begin right after general availability of the TextBlade. If my original exit strategy as WayTools management was to sell out to Apple (before the patent disclosures), I wouldn't want to expend any money on an Android app that would never be released.

But maybe it's just not available because it's not perfect yet. That's the offical story. 

It seems like a great device. But it has no value to me personally unless it can be fully functional without an iPhone. I ordered on day-one, and promoted it enthusiastically within my social network. I engaged on WTF until, after years of waiting, I cancelled my order. My WTF account was muted shortly afterward.  

dabigkahuna said:

1. How do you know it hasn't begun?