With the V2 prototype less than a month away it is time to pick up the certification topic again. There are (to my knowledge) two certifications I need to clear for mass production of the Bing Personal Alert.
In order to use the technology and the branding of Bluetooth, the device must be registered and approved by the Bluetooth SIG. The certification protects the brand value of the technology and insures interoperability. And also raises money for the organization, of course. When I began examining technologies for Bing I recall the price for Bluetooth certification coming in around $7,500. Not cheep for a bootstrapper. Since then the price has gone up to $10,000. Ouch.
But wait! The good folks at the Bluetooth SIG introduced a program for new businesses! Qualified businesses can get their first qualification for $2,500. Sold. At the moment, things look good for Bing to meet the qualifications… hazzah! There are other costs on top of the Bluetooth SIG for the certification folks to submit the correct paperwork. Initial forays to price this element hit roadblocks. I’m hoping this next round is more fruitful.
The second certification Bing will need is FCC certification. I’m somewhat surprised that there isn’t closer integration with the Bluetooth certification, since a Bluetooth device must transmit by definition, but there may be something I’m missing.
The results of the certification planning will help me answer the 64 million dollar question – can I get to market by bootstrapping or is it time to raise funding?
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Sorry, I have no insight on bluetooth certifications, but I do have three other important questions. 1) Will BingV2 be available by Christmas? 2) If I dropped BingV2 on the floor, what is the likelihood that my 4-month old daughter would pick it up and swallow it? and 3) If question number two played out, would BingV2 still funtion properly so that we wouldn’t miss any calls?
Hope all is going well, Sean.
Thanks, Michael!
In answer to your questions:
1) By Christmas – no. I wish, but there are still a number of hurtles. I should have demo units, but not for general sale.
2) Swallowing Bing – that depends on your 4 month old. Is she mobile enough to get to it? From the design aspect the first commercial version will be larger than would easily be swallowed. Ideal for parents fearful of swallowing hazards; less ideal for my intended use. The trade off between size and time to market is leaning towards timing right now. Future development will reduce the form factor further.
3) Bing-able Baby – Yes, it should work for a while at least from your baby’s belly. The battery life should be sufficient to last for at least a day, the signal should be strong enough to make it through, and the casing should protect the components for a while. I have to advise against using your 4 month old as a call alert device or allowing her to swallow Bing for that purpose.
Thanks for checking in! I’ll keep pushing to get you a unit ASAP. Can’t wait to see the Bing-less baby soon…