On June 8th, 2014, Cult of Mac tested HYPER’s new iStick flash drive, a device incorporating both USB and Lightning connectors. The iStick is the first flash drive with dual USB and Lightning connection capabilities, and has secured Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) blessing in the form of MFi certification. The project was funded on Kickstarter and enjoys enthusiastic support, reaching its initial goal within two hours of posting and subsequently adding a number of stretch goals. The iStick has expanded into an ambitious project based on a solid product idea.
Cult of Mac’s video review, which is posted on YouTube, details an early concept model that was provided to Stephen Smith, one of the Apple news site’s contributors. The video is four minutes long and begins with a clear explanation of what the iStick is. A few hints are given regarding its potential uses as well.
The test example shown is a 32 gigabyte model with a white case. A bluish LED indicator light comes on when the iStick establishes a live connection via either USB 2.0 or Lightning. Mr. Smith demonstrates how it is possible to play a high quality video on an iPhone using the iStick’s software rather than that of the smartphone it is connected to. He also shows the flash drive’s ability to back up contacts onto the iStick even when the iCloud is unavailable.
Though Mr. Smith is clearly pleased with the iStick, he does have a few complaints, though he points out for the sake of fairness that the flash drive he is testing is a prototype, and not a polished and debugged retail release. Skipping ahead in videos sometimes causes the audio to go out of sync when using the iStick’s native video player.
He also notes the lack of a USB 3.0 connection, though this is due to Apple’s (AAPL) MFi certification process.
5 days currently remains in HYPER’s Kickstarter project, with several stretch goals not yet reached. The amounts were lowered somewhat in response to a more realistic reassessment of how much money is likely to be taken in during the remaining duration. With pledges currently standing at $924,217, the drive is on the threshold of unlocking Airplay and subtitle support in the iStick’s integrated movie player.
At $1.1 million, the Space Gray color scheme option will be unlocked, making this popular color choice, based on various Apple (AAPL) devices, available. The Gold color scheme (which is decorative only – the flash drive itself is actually aluminum cased) is slated to unlock when contributions top $1.2 million. No further stretch goals currently exist.
