TextBlade Update: An Inside Look at Production Troubles and New Info on Shipping Estimates

[djgamble]

At many points during production, there were problems that could have been swept under the rug and fixed in a later iteration, but the WayTools team has a high standard for its first run product and doesn't plan to compromise on quality for the sake of getting a product out faster because a flaw could "spoil the magic," as Knighton says.

LOL 100% spin... we planned poirly, coulda just done the dodge and ignored it but... to meet out obligations under consumer law were probably better off not doing the dodge.

TBH I was never all that amazed by this product. Why has it taken them so long?!?!?

 

[palmfox]

I wish the author had a more balanced article.

1. NO discussion on poor customer service
2. NO discussion on the fact that if your criticize Waytools, your are accused of being a plant from a competitor.
3. NO discussion on the fact the paying customers have had their order cancelled without their permission or request, which is a clear breach of contract.
4.. NO discussion about the fact that this was NOT advertised as a kickstarter program. It was advertised as a PRE-ORDER
5. NO discussion about the fact that Waytools has YET to make a single deadline, either for product launch, nor for updates that they themselves have promised on their website.

If you don't believe me, please check out their own forums.

If this is how they treat the customer before they deliver a product, I expect to be extremely disappointed after they deliver it.

 

[AnthLC]

I have been very happy with the regular updates on the WayTools website and do think it will be worth the wait for such a good product.

Love the fact they want get it right the first time.

--------------------------------------------------------

What happened to ReviCharger?

On a side issue MacRumors should investigate another startup product called "Revicharger". It was suppose to be a credit card size battery charger for your iPhone. Close to 2 years now no product delivered.

Most of us who pre-order believe a scam but be interesting if MacRumors can investigate them and why they still not shipped product. It is a stark contrast on how to bring a new product to market if you compare.

So what about "revicharger" do an article on them.
At least get them shutdown if a scam, they still taking orders.

---------------------------------------------------------

When I think of WayTools nothing but praise for their customer focus theire is no comparison. Thank you WayTools for restoring my confidence in new products.

 

[AnthLC]

Patience being a virtue.

They have provide regular updates every month on their site. Plus they gave people the option of a full refund if they changed their mind.

Seriously any argument saying otherwise is unwarranted in my opinion. When I compare many other startups to WayTools there is no comparison.

Since pre-ordering I never felt I wasn't informed of the progress.

 

[bobdobalina]

On the other hand, this absurdly long article is essentially an unpaid advertisement for Waytools and their new product. It's a plea by the biased reporter not to give up on the TextBlade. Many kickstarter products have failed, and for similar reasons. MacRumors has chosen this one to bless with special treatment because the reporter likes it. Paragraphs like this are a dead giveaway:

At many points during production, there were problems that could have been swept under the rug and fixed in a later iteration, but the WayTools team has a high standard for its first run product and doesn't plan to compromise on quality for the sake of getting a product out faster because a flaw could "spoil the magic," as Knighton says.​

Seriously? This is dispassionate reporting? No, this is a PR push on behalf of Waytools. I can just imagine Knighton and Clover having a coffee, Knighton asking her to maybe make her write up as helpful as she can.

Looks like Waytools isn't the only one needing better quality control. MacRumors should refocus on reporting and less on sponsorship if it wants to maintain credibility. CultOfMac is hiring if Clover wants to change jobs.

And yes, I ordered a TextBlade too. I just don't need to be reminded by MacRumors how wonderful Waytools is. Point me to their blog and I'll decide for myself.

-K

Really?

I don't get what all the nasty vibes these TextBlade posts bring out. Yeah, sure, this is a product that's being promoted. But it's not an ad. For crying out loud, the BBC does stories on the iPhone... the BB-freaking-C. If real news outlets can do iPhone stories—and no, I don't like it when they do—then a blog largely dedicated to the iPhone can surely write about potentially game changing accessories that a great many of their readers might benefit from. And "dispassionate reporting?" Really? I'll admit, I did prefer macrumors back when Seymour Hersh was posting, but seriously, calling out macrumors for their journalistic integrity — no offense macrumors — but it reminds me of when Jon Stewart had to reminding the defensive hosts of crossfire that his show "follows a show with sock puppets making prank phone calls." ...and no I don't "work for WayTools" and yes I do have a TextBlade on order. ...and yes, I'm waiting with something resembling patience and anticipation! And yes, I do know you don't begin a sentence with "And," but let's unwind a bit.

Last point: This lengthy post about the TextBlade delay is probably due in part to the backlash macrumors got around its original TextBlade posting, with macrumors not wanting to get called out for "The Great Macrumors—TextBlade Delay Coverup of '15."

 

[mwhetnall]

Patience being a virtue.

They have provide regular updates every month on their site. Plus they gave people the option of a full refund if they changed their mind.

Seriously any argument saying otherwise is unwarranted in my opinion. When I compare many other startups to WayTools there is no comparison.

Since pre-ordering I never felt I wasn't informed of the progress.

Giving the option of a full refund isn't generous... It's expected of any product any company sells. That, and providing updates on your website is good and all, but for customers who actually place money down a little more than just updating your site should come standard. I was never informed of the reason for the delays until I inquired in May, a full four months after my order that was supposed to ship in March if I'm not mistaken. That, and like I said, I didn't get near the explaination that was provided in this article. Unwarranted? It's just holding a company to a higher standard than "I paid and I'll get my money's worth whenever".

 

[AnthLC]

Giving the option of a full refund isn't generous... It's expected of any product any company sells. That, and providing updates on your website is good and all, but for customers who actually place money down a little more than just updating your site should come standard. I was never informed of the reason for the delays until I inquired in May, a full four months after my order that was supposed to ship in March if I'm not mistaken. That, and like I said, I didn't get near the explaination that was provided in this article. Unwarranted? It's just holding a company to a higher standard than "I paid and I'll get my money's worth whenever".

The update on the website is quiet detailed dare I say enough information. I myself check the website weekly and find this to be sufficient an update.

I have not tried to contact them directly not had the need to but I sure they would be helpful. I hold the opposite view and been impressed by the way they tried to keep me informed.

Yes it has taken longer then I had expected but I had the confidence they deliver the goods. New products do take time to deliver. I am thankful they decide to get it right and have delays. Then to deliver on time with the faults mentioned in the article.

It really isn't much longer a wait now.

Current update on the service page.

"TextBlade release candidates are now being tested in California!Many
challenges have been solved this month, and we appreciate your support during the delay while we do this work.Our team is very thankful for the encouragement we've received from customers.If all test results for these full-spec units look good, the 1st release batch will ship next Friday.Initial quantity will be limited, and expand over the following weeks.Your ship window indicates the month in which your TextBlade is estimated to ship.Finer dates will be posted once Engineering has released TextBlades to customers.If production time doesn't fit your needs, get a quick refund (even 30 days after delivery) via the "Change" tab above.Early Adopter Guarantee (details below), entitles you to significant savings and privileges, based on your priority date."

 

[ZipZap]

I preordered this thing on 17 Jan. I find it vexing that I wrote to WayTools in May to ask what was up and why I was still waiting and I didn't get 1/10th the amount of explainaition that was provided here. I personally don't care if they are a large or small company - I just care about the end product as well as being kept informed, and at $99 I had to make the effort just to get an update. Despite what anyone says this is ridiculous for a company selling a product that I'm hoping isn't just another overpriced gimmick in a sea of products that are priced more than they should be simply because of they are accessories for Apple products. I am still interested (somehow), but my early enthusiasm is gone, replaced with bitter doubt and the knowledge that if this thing isn't AMAZING I'm returning it instantly. I fully understand how hard it is to design something new and to make the effort to get it right as opposed to rushing a garbage product is commendable, perhaps "Apple-esque", but at least keep your customers informed. If I had received an email or two with updates that might've been nice, or even had the information from this article presented to me I might have had admiration for the company instead of bitter disdain.

I emailed them when may when my ship date passed and never received a response. I don't think I should see an update on MR before there is one in my inbox.

 

[annk]

...

On a side issue MacRumors should investigate another startup product called "Revicharger". It was suppose to be a credit card size battery charger for your iPhone. Close to 2 years now no product delivered.

Most of us who pre-order believe a scam but be interesting if MacRumors can investigate them and why they still not shipped product. It is a stark contrast on how to bring a new product to market if you compare.

So what about "revicharger" do an article on them.

At the top right of your screen, you'll find:

Got a tip for us? Let us know.

I'd send any ideas that way if you want to be sure they'll be seen and considered.

 

[Mac128guy]

What silly, small people here posting complaints about everything from biased MacRumors reporting (not even close) to "demands" that they be notified of problems before WayTools was ready to provide the thorough update report to MacRumors.

I am an early TextBlade customer and have not felt deceived or misinformed in any way. I am truly appreciative that the TextBlade team is perfecting the product before shipping and am happy to have suffered a small delay in the process for what will clearly be a much better final product.

So many critics, skeptics and entitlement mentality folks here. It's truly remarkable to read some of the comments. All I can say is that I hope WayTools and MacRumors ignore these people because the vast majority of us appreciate the very thorough (and interesting) report.

 

[riverfreak]

On the other hand, this absurdly long article is essentially an unpaid advertisement for Waytools and their new product. It's a plea by the biased reporter not to give up on the TextBlade. Many kickstarter products have failed, and for similar reasons. MacRumors has chosen this one to bless with special treatment because the reporter likes it. Paragraphs like this are a dead giveaway:

At many points during production, there were problems that could have been swept under the rug and fixed in a later iteration, but the WayTools team has a high standard for its first run product and doesn't plan to compromise on quality for the sake of getting a product out faster because a flaw could "spoil the magic," as Knighton says.​

Seriously? This is dispassionate reporting? No, this is a PR push on behalf of Waytools. I can just imagine Knighton and Clover having a coffee, Knighton asking her to maybe make her write up as helpful as she can.

Looks like Waytools isn't the only one needing better quality control. MacRumors should refocus on reporting and less on sponsorship if it wants to maintain credibility. CultOfMac is hiring if Clover wants to change jobs.

And yes, I ordered a TextBlade too. I just don't need to be reminded by MacRumors how wonderful Waytools is. Point me to their blog and I'll decide for myself.

-K

Well said. Totally agree: this post belongs on the Waytools website.

I ordered. And I canceled. They had my money for six months. That's long enough. I'll wait for some unbiased reviews to roll in to see if it's worth plunking down the money.

 

[mwhetnall]

What silly, small people here posting complaints about everything from biased MacRumors reporting (not even close) to "demands" that they be notified of problems before WayTools was ready to provide the thorough update report to MacRumors.

I am an early TextBlade customer and have not felt deceived or misinformed in any way. I am truly appreciative that the TextBlade team is perfecting the product before shipping and am happy to have suffered a small delay in the process for what will clearly be a much better final product.

So many critics, skeptics and entitlement mentality folks here. It's truly remarkable to read some of the comments. All I can say is that I hope WayTools and MacRumors ignore these people because the vast majority of us appreciate the very thorough (and interesting) report.

Jesus, this is why I don't usually bother to comment on threads. I don't have an issue with the article and never claimed bias, but apparently I'm entitled for simply wanting a company who sold me a product with an originally specified delivery date to keep me informed on what's up, not me having to pursue answers two months after said date. That's okay though, I don't mind being labeled if it means I continue to expect more from a company's promises, not less (and I'll also be taking the high road and not going around labeling others because my opinions and standards differ from theirs).

 

[ZipZap]

What silly, small people here posting complaints about everything from biased MacRumors reporting (not even close) to "demands" that they be notified of problems before WayTools was ready to provide the thorough update report to MacRumors.

I am an early TextBlade customer and have not felt deceived or misinformed in any way. I am truly appreciative that the TextBlade team is perfecting the product before shipping and am happy to have suffered a small delay in the process for what will clearly be a much better final product.

So many critics, skeptics and entitlement mentality folks here. It's truly remarkable to read some of the comments. All I can say is that I hope WayTools and MacRumors ignore these people because the vast majority of us appreciate the very thorough (and interesting) report.

More likely you'll be ignored. We are entitled as we paid to be entitled. Bottom line nothing should appear on MR before paying customers know. I doubt all their customers are also MR patrons.

 

[iMarc845]

More likely you'll be ignored. We are entitled as we paid to be entitled. Bottom line nothing should appear on MR before paying customers know. I doubt all their customers are also MR patrons.

I totally agree. And while I understand that the official @WayTools Twitter account sent out a link to the MacRumors article, there are many people who are not on Twitter (including me). That information should have been on the WayTools site before it was elsewhere.

What silly, small people here posting complaints about everything from biased MacRumors reporting (not even close) to "demands" that they be notified of problems before WayTools was ready to provide the thorough update report to MacRumors.

Mac128guy, your credibility was completely blown when you started your post with name-calling and insulting those of us who are not as "patient" as you claim to be. You are entitled to your opinion and entitled to post it. But you are not entitled to pass judgment upon those of us who are less willing to sit and wait while saying nothing.

 

[Gsoz]

Come on.

Entitlement is all up in this thread

I have paid this company money as well and to be honest it sucks waiting for something you want - but this isn't nothing new and besides I enjoy having a gadget to look forward to, be it Apple Watch or something else entirely.

I checked in on my order status by clicking on the link they sent me several months ago, that sends you to a site with estimates for every stage (production status, shipping etc) and if you scroll down, written updates, even with explanations as to why they kept pushing the dates, are easily found.

this article is more of a round-up with some extra details, nothing more, nothing less - people should just cancel if they won't wait for a completely new product, they even state that in every update they have given.

"remember you can always cancel here *link* and there is a 30 day full refund etc etc"

We get a lot of perks for being early to the table, if that ain't enough for you, feel free to cancel - but for the love of god, stop acting all entitled.

 

[djgamble]

"remember you can always cancel here *link* and there is a 30 day full refund etc etc"

I'm not a fan of the product but I think you've summed it up. People are calling it 'illegal' and stuff like that... bollocks. You've pre-ordered a product and they haven't delivered it yet. If you take them to Court then you'll probably just get your money back. Since they are already offering a full refund... go figure!

That said, I have sentiment for people criticising MR's style. MR loves making it clear that they weren't paid to make this article. This is true. HOWEVER, MR relies on ad revenue and they have previously made cash out of ads (and sales) of this product. Not saying there's a conspiracy, but IMO it's possible that MR is set to lose a truck load of money if everybody cancels their orders. As such, they have an interest in publishing biased BS that calls a company top quality because their manufacturing stinks and they're learning as they go while trying to push out this product. Just saying... there's 2 sides and MR probably has an interest in this one (even though they weren't directly paid for the article).

A company has amazing standards because they refuse to release a product that's going to break really easily, have a high failure rate and not be fit for sale? There's a thing called consumer law guys. If they go shipping an expensive product that corrodes/breaks really quickly due to poor workmanship then they're stuffed!! It's not a sign of amazing quality that a company will manufacture something that's fit for sale... it's the bare minimum quality standard.

 

[Kabeyun]

What silly, small people here posting complaints about everything from biased MacRumors reporting (not even close) to "demands" that they be notified of problems before WayTools was ready to provide the thorough update report to MacRumors.

I am an early TextBlade customer and have not felt deceived or misinformed in any way. I am truly appreciative that the TextBlade team is perfecting the product before shipping and am happy to have suffered a small delay in the process for what will clearly be a much better final product.

So many critics, skeptics and entitlement mentality folks here. It's truly remarkable to read some of the comments. All I can say is that I hope WayTools and MacRumors ignore these people because the vast majority of us appreciate the very thorough (and interesting) report.

You don't get it, but then name callers usually don't.

Yes, others here are peeved about lack of communication and delivery. Not I. Just waiting. Knew I would.

What bothers me is the story itself. It's billed as a story about production troubles and shipping estimates but is a paean to the integrity and worthiness of WayTools. Unless there's data on that, kids, that's called an opinion. One that the author formed after hanging out with the CEO. If you can't tell the difference between reporting the facts and an editorialized write up, then as far as this thread is concerned, please keep your fingers off the keyboard. Or TextBlade when you get one.

 

[palmfox]

What silly, small people here posting complaints about everything from biased MacRumors reporting (not even close) to "demands" that they be notified of problems before WayTools was ready to provide the thorough update report to MacRumors.

I am an early TextBlade customer and have not felt deceived or misinformed in any way. I am truly appreciative that the TextBlade team is perfecting the product before shipping and am happy to have suffered a small delay in the process for what will clearly be a much better final product.

So many critics, skeptics and entitlement mentality folks here. It's truly remarkable to read some of the comments. All I can say is that I hope WayTools and MacRumors ignore these people because the vast majority of us appreciate the very thorough (and interesting) report.

I am neither silly or small minded. I had my order CANCELLED without permission from a company who failed to deliver a product ADVERTISED as in production. I had it cancelled for writing a polite email asking for an expected delivery date. My order was made in mid-January.... Yours.. Last week?

There is nothing wrong with holding a company to task for failing to deliver their product according to their own timetable. They have also been earning a large sum of interest on the money they took the day I made my order... Most companies bill the credit card the day a product ships, but Waytools decided to fund their unadvertised kickstarter program by calling their product "production ready". There is also nothing wrong with holding a company to task for refunding my money without interest and without permission.

I'll make you an offer. Give me $1,000,000 to use for 6 months, and I'll give you every cent back at the end of 6 months even if you don't ask for it back... I'll just keep the interest as my fee, because I thought of it. That is exactly what Waytools has done, except on a grander scale.

 

[IbisDoc]

Anyone who orders this product (or doesn't cancel an existing order) is nuts.

 

[Gsoz]

Anyone who orders this product (or doesn't cancel an existing order) is nuts.

Would you care to explain why?

 

[Zoboomafoo]

Jesus, this is why I don't usually bother to comment on threads. I don't have an issue with the article and never claimed bias, but apparently I'm entitled for simply wanting a company who sold me a product with an originally specified delivery date to keep me informed on what's up, not me having to pursue answers two months after said date. That's okay though, I don't mind being labeled if it means I continue to expect more from a company's promises, not less (and I'll also be taking the high road and not going around labeling others because my opinions and standards differ from theirs).

Well I think you're being reasonable I look at the Exploding Kittens kickstarter campaign as a great example of constantly keeping me in the loop. I think it's secretly an excuse for them to make me laugh more, but they've been exceptional at telling me every step of the way. They even drew a map.

 

[Zoboomafoo]

This felt like a pretty shameless plug and not an objective article. I felt dirty reading it. When you look at financial news sources comment on apple (actually any company), they at the very least comment at the end saying "i do/do not have any financial interest in this company". This was way too long, so I didn't read it all, but I didn't catch that. Maybe it's there.

The absence of saying "macrumors was not compensated for this article" is far worse to me than saying "macrumors was compensated for this article. Don't abuse our trust in your objectivity when you're understandably trying to branch out into other areas of apple news coverage.

 

[Night Spring]

This story makes me sense red flags regarding the ability of this company to deliver their product. First, there is an overly long excuse over differences between trial runs and mass production, and how unexpected problems can crop up when transitioning from one to the other. Duh. That is Mass Production 101. And apparently, from what I can tell from this article, the company considered the product to be "production ready" without first working out all the issues that can occur during a mass production run. Second, toward the end, the article states, "Testing is expected to be completed on July 10 and should everything go well, that's when initial shipping will begin," without discussing what will happen if everything doesn't go well. And the law of averages says that everything won't go well -- but apparently there is no contingency plans for what the company will do if something doesn't go well, or such contingency plans weren't discussed with the reporter. I rather suspect there is no contingency plan, the same way the product was considered "production ready" when it actually wasn't.

Again, according to the article, there have already been many costly delays, design changes, parts not working out, etc. At some point, the company is going to run out of cash to cover these costs. Actually, they probably are already out of cash, and operating on promised future payments. At some point, some creditor is going to call in a payment, or a supplier is going to balk on delivering without seeing cash on hand. Then the whole thing is going to come crashing down.

I'm sure the people running this company is well-intentioned, and mean it when they say they want to deliver the best product possible. But it's also clear they don't know how to run a manufacturing operation.

And if the editorial board at MacRumors can't or won't see that this article fails to ask all the hard questions regarding an unproven start-up product, I'm sorry to say my trust in their product reporting has taken a big hit.

Oh, and just to clarify, no, I haven't ordered this keyboard. I never back a kickstarter product, nor do I preorder products until they are actually shipping. Or they are from Apple -- but that's because Apple has a long history of shipping products when promised.

 

[Ergates-thi-Ant]

I'm really sceptical at the ability of this company to even deliver a product. There are just too many wild explanations and excuses, and things are taking just too long. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think that WayTools is very professional or that they will be able to deliver the product that everyone is expecting.

 

[FuNGi]

Ordered one after reading the first Macrumors article. Was perturbed to be charged upfront but wanted the device. Lost patience. Have since canceled due to the CONTINUED DELAYS.