Red Hydrogen will ship this summer and preorders will be open in April
It remains a complete mystery to me if that 4D RED phone will be successfull or if it will be a big fail. But at last we learned that the Hydrogen phone will start shipping out this summer.
Jim Jannard shared some new details I will repost here:
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1st off… I can proudly say that my current phone (and Jarred’s) is a working HYDROGEN One… serial numbers EVT1- 0001 and 0002. While there are still a few things to add, it does everything we need from a cell phone… plus display 4-view content. It is awesome. If we never sell one phone… I am totally happy. We both have exactly what we wanted.
What makes HYDROGEN important… in no particular order.
1. Display tech.
In 2D mode (normal cell phone) the display is completely as you would expect. 2560×1440 resolution. Fantastic color and brightness.
In 4V mode (holographic), the screen dims a bit and out pops a “better than 3D” image… no glasses needed. There is no way to describe this. You just have to see it. So far, everyone that has seen it gasps, swears or just grins. I wish we had recorded all the reactions. Priceless.
2. Multichannel spatial sound… from the phone’s internal stereo speakers or headphones.
The audio demo has achieved as high of marks as the display tech. Same reactions. Again, no way to describe. You just need to hear it.
3. Multi-component modular system.
This is all done through our pogo pin system on the back of the phone. It provides power and data in both directions and modules are stackable. Think battery module, cinema grade camera module, and a variety of others.
4. Industrial design.
This works. The scallops make it easier to hold, fish out of your pocket… and looks cool as hell.
Now… to answer some of your burning questions.
1. Delivery date and carrier support.
Carrier support for Hydrogen is unprecedented… we just can’t tell you yet. Safe to say it is as good as it gets. This is great news for many obvious reasons, but it is bad news for the time that it takes for each carrier to certify the Hydrogen before it can launch. We have no control over that process and are at the mercy of the carriers when they can get through that process. This means “official” ship date for carrier phones is going to likely be sometime in the summer. “Unlocked” Pre-orders will however ship before that.
2. So when can you see it?
We are showing prototypes now to content producing partners in preparation for the HYDROGEN Network. This will be the one place to find all 4V content online. From major studios and other content providers to creating your own channel.
We will have a HYDROGEN Day at RED Studios to preview the technology and demonstrate how to become a content provider as well as show to pre-order customers… probably in April.
3. Spec update.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835x processor. Unlocked or carrier specific.
The HYDROGEN One has a headphone jack. And a dual SIM slot. Two phone numbers or one sim and one micro SD card. USB-C.
It weighs about 2 ounces more than most 5.7” cell phones. The size is just slightly bigger than other 5.7” cell phones… like a few millimeters. It is also just a tad thicker. Think SOLID.
The internal battery is huge. 4500mA. We anticipate these being used a lot for image capture and content play.
Big news… shoot 3D to 4V on the cell phone. Both sides. You won’t need a module. We also break out a normal 2D companion file so you don’t have to.
4. How to shoot and create 4V content. There will be a separate comprehensive post on this topic.
5. What is the resolution in 4V?
Complex answer. The 4V files match the pixel resolution of a traditional 2D file, which is great for downloading. The resolution perception is just different. The horizontal resolution of 2D is now split into depth layers. It gives a completely different feeling. All the pixels are there… but instead of “looking at” a pic, you are immersed in the image. It is quite spectacular. As a resolution guy, I absolutely prefer watching 4V over 2D.
6. Will I be able to share my 4V content captured on the HYDROGEN One?
Absolutely. We will be able to announce our social media partners pretty soon. You will not be disappointed who is supporting HYDROGEN 4V. Big dogs. Additionally, you will be able to set up your own channel on the HYDROGEN Network. Sell your 4V projects or give them away for free.
I’d like to thank everyone that placed a preorder… you won’t be disappointed.
Jim