Battery Solution Results in a Delay

[ugobePrema]

Hello everyone,

In the morning we are sending out a message to our mailing list, but we wanted to make sure that Pleo’s most loyal fans (that’s you all, in case you were wondering) heard the news first.

Below I have posted the text of the email from Caleb, including answers to some common questions. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Best regards,
Prema
UGOBE



Dear Pleo Fans,

During pre-production testing, the UGOBE team encountered some significant problems with Pleo’s battery life. We solved these problems in a way that I think you will appreciate: all Pleos, including First Hatch Pleos, are now designed to have an easily removable battery and an external charger for the battery. That means that with multiple batteries and chargers, you can keep Pleo going for hours on end. However, implementing this design change will delay production. We are working hard to make sure everyone who has ordered a Pleo will receive one by the holidays.

I know how much you are looking forward to having Pleo in your life so I know this delay is frustrating. At the same time, I hope that you are as excited as I am about this design change. I’ll post some video or photos soon, so you can see it yourself. Your enthusiasm for Pleo continues to be an inspiration as we work through these challenges to deliver the life form we’ve all been waiting for.

We’ll update you in a few weeks – as soon as we know more about when we can ship. If you have any questions, take a look at the FAQs below. And make sure to stop by PleoWorld.com to see our new webisodes and participate in forum discussions.

Sincerely,
Caleb Chung


FAQs

Q: How does the external battery and charger work with Pleo?
A: The battery goes in the same place in Pleo as before (his belly), except that now it is designed to be removed easily and frequently. Once removed, the battery is charged in the external charger, then placed back in Pleo once fully charged.

Q: Why did you change to the external charger design?
A: As we neared production, we encountered some difficulties with Pleos charging consistently. Combined with the input you have given us about wanting multiple batteries that were easy to remove and charge, we decided that solving our charging problems and answering the call for an external charger was paramount.

Q: Why are you delaying shipment?
A: In pre-production testing we encountered problems getting Pleo to charge correctly. Implementing design changes to resolve the charging issue has led to the delay. We’re working hard to make sure everyone who has ordered a Pleo will receive one by Christmastime.

Q: What do you mean when you say that Pleo will arrive “by the holidays”?
A: Integrating the necessary changes into the Pleo design has pushed back production, and we are unable to ship Pleo in October as planned. However, you will receive your Pleo by Christmastime. We felt it was best to let you know of the delay as soon as possible.

Q. Can I still order a Pleo and receive it before Christmas?
A: After the success with pre-orders, UGOBE.com has completely sold out of Pleos, however our retail partners still have Pleo allocations available.

[mweed]

That sounds like a two month delay... How will the retail partners (like Wal-Mart, Best Buy, etc.) handle the delay when they promised ship dates? Some people (not me) may have to cancel orders.

[mweed]

Second question. How do we get those extra battery packs? Now that Pleo is designed that way, when and how can we oder extra batteries?

[mweed]

Oops! Sorry about all the posts, Please remind PleoWorldHost Cami to update the Pleo FAQ forum "Battery & Charging" thread with this new info!

[ugobePrema]

No worries, mweed. I will answer your questions as best I can!

1. We have informed the retailers of the delay, so they are in the loop, though I'm not sure how each is going to choose to deal with the situation.

2. Now for another vague response: we will be selling battery packs and chargers, but not until closer to shipping. We'll definitely be keeping you up to date on the availability of these accessories.

3. I'm sure that the dynamic duo (aka, our favorite PleoWorld Hosts) can answer this themselves, but since I'm on a roll: they're in the loop and will be updating the FAQs as soon as they can.

At your service,
Prema
UGOBE

[amjoie]

I think you made a very wise choice, Caleb Chung and Ugobe. Very difficult, but very wise.

I won't pretend I'm not horribly disappointed about an additional wait. So sad ....

BUT, I am *absolutely thrilled* that Pleo will have an external battery charger and easily replaced batteries!!! For me, the thrill overcomes the sadness. :)

If I had been asked my opinion whether getting the easily replaced externally rechargeable batteries was worth an additional wait for a First Hatch Pleo, it wouldn't have taken me two seconds to say, "by all means, take the extra time." This is a very welcome development!

Thank you for telling us as soon as you knew for sure that it would take longer than originally expected. I appreciate your candor. :)

edit: Please keep us informed as to when Pleo actually starts production, and update us when you have a fairly good idea of the approximate date the First Hatch Pleos will ship. I will be eagerly waiting to hear any news you feel you can share, as soon as you can share it.

[amjoie]

Since the landscape has changed, and we are now getting easily replaced batteries and an external charger, I have some questions -- a revisit of earlier concerns, and some new ones. Please answer these as soon as you have some reliable info (I realize you may not know for sure, for a little while yet, on some of these questions.)

1. Will Pleo still dream? Will he take "dream naps" while his battery is still inside his belly? (I do like the idea of dreaming.)

2. How long does Pleo need to dream, in order for his brain to process all the things he does while awake?

3. When you say Pleo can "run hours on end" what exactly do you mean? How long can Pleo be awake and active, without overheating or other "I've been running too long without a rest" problems?

4. How long will the new batteries take to charge? Is it still four hours, or are the chargers "quick chargers" now?

5. What is the revised "life expectancy" of each rechargeable battery?

6. Has the type of battery changed, or is it still the same kind of battery as before?

7. How long do you think it will be before you can give us an idea of the cost for extra batteries and/or extra external chargers?

8. Will it be possible to pre-order extra batteries and/or external chargers and have them shipped along with Pleo, or will they need to be shipped separately?

9. If the extra batteries and/or external chargers will be shipped separately, will we be able to receive them in time to have them fully charged before Pleo arrives?

[cmadmacs]

I also agree that the delay is worth the wait for external battery charging.

[hardyfoster]

thanks for listening to us and making these changes.
now, i need to figure out how to program Pleo, so he will change his own battery !

i kind of mind the delay, and then kind of not. because now i'll be able to buy all my "toys" this year. Multiple Pleos and the RockBand game.

now that i think about it, since you're making some changes, it would be cool and beneficial if you could make some changes to where (that cause no further delays of course) you can hook pleo up to a ps3 to program it or interact with it somehow.

on the lighter side, throw a GPS in Pleo too so he'll always know where home is and can recharge himself.

thanks for the good work, continual progress and updates on Pleo. Thanks for not throwing out a product on the shelf just to make a buck.

are there any degrees needed to work at ugobe in some capacity ?

[Primus]

I'm a little confused. Now Ugobe is saying that with multiple chargers and batteries you can keep Pleo going for hours on end but previously they stated that you wouldn't want to do that because Pleo needed it's rest cycle.

[gallamine]

throw a GPS in Pleo too so he'll always know where home is and can recharge himself.

Unfortunately, GPS doesn't work indoors. It has to be in line-of-sight with a satellite - which means it needs to be outside. I'm sure some enterprising hackers will come up with a solution though. I hope to blog about them on my Pleo site, PleoBot.com (http://pleobot.com).

Using a IR beacon - like the Roombas do for charging - might be a good solution. Especially if Pleo has a camera in his nose. Usually those cameras are sensitive to IR light. Can't wait to give it a try ... and now I have to wit a big longer :(

[June03]

The easily removeable battery is great news indeed - and since I'm in Europe I won't be getting my Pleo yet anyhow :( But I feel sorry for you guys who have to wait a while longer.

It's a little unclear, but this is the way I read the message: the battery will only be charged outside Pleo - not in him/her at all? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Wild speculation about Pleo sleep: I'm guessing Pleo will still sleep, while he's 'up and running' with a charged battery? Aibos do that, after a while they'll get bored or tired and take a nap (my 220 sleeps for really long times, while the 210 only takes 5 minute nape). The sleeping is cute - and at least an aibo can be woken up by gently shaking him/her - maybe Pleo will too? It's so lifelike and cute, I hope Pleo has that.

[junkroxy]

I'm sure you'll get your Pleo before xMas. There are many people there and they're dreaming to have their Pleo in time for the holidays;)

[eric]

from what i understand pleo will charge like i-cybie via a smart charger?

[junkroxy]

from what i understand pleo will charge like i-cybie via a smart charger?

Yes, i think like I-Cybie .:D

[amjoie]

from what i understand pleo will charge like i-cybie via a smart charger?
Yes, i think like I-Cybie .:D

Is that written anywhere, officially? It would sure be great. But even if it is just like before (taking a long time to charge) I'm still happy as a clam that I can charge a battery while Pleo is up and moving around.

[pleoguy101]

:( :( I am VERY dissapointed about the exra long wait, I think this wait is only worth it if pleos battery lasts longer before being charged, wich I think is the case, but I would rather have pleo at the end of october with I hour battery life than to wait until dec even though he would have longer battery life,PLEASE someone from ugobe tell me when you predict the day pleo will ship, I REALLY CANT WAIT MUCH LONGER AT ALL!!!!! the wait was almost over, I know ugobe is doing a nice thing but.. I just hope pleo gets better and better every day... besides, You really dont want to be carrying around batterys to put in pleo, ugobe please tell us everything thats happening down there!!!!!

[ugobePrema]

Amjoie,
Thanks for your thoughts and questions. You are quite correct that I currently cannot answer most of these questions, but I'll take a shot at some of them.


2. How long does Pleo need to dream, in order for his brain to process all the things he does while awake?

6. Has the type of battery changed, or is it still the same kind of battery as before?

7. How long do you think it will be before you can give us an idea of the cost for extra batteries and/or extra external chargers?

8. Will it be possible to pre-order extra batteries and/or external chargers and have them shipped along with Pleo, or will they need to be shipped separately?


2. Pleo has one up on us humans -- he doesn't need to dream to process his waking activities. He can just do that on the fly.

6. The type of battery has not changed, only the method of charging.

7. Not really sure at this point, but we'll keep you updated on developments.

8. As of right now, the extra batteries and/or external chargers will be shipped separately. And we'll also keep you updated on when they will be available for purchase.

Best,
Prema
UGOBE

[hardyfoster]

pleoguy, it isn't required to carry batteries. but there are many people that for whatever reason, would like to run pleo for more than one hour and not have to wait for four hours just to use him again.

one situation i can think of is having several pleos in a childrens hospital along with several batteries. this way, all the kids will have access to a pleo at their convenience instead of having to wait.....

[ugobePrema]

I'm a little confused. Now Ugobe is saying that with multiple chargers and batteries you can keep Pleo going for hours on end but previously they stated that you wouldn't want to do that because Pleo needed it's rest cycle.

Hi Primus,

I'm not sure exactly what statement you're referring to, but Pleo's "rest cycle" needs have changed somewhat because of the externally charged battery. I guess your question is similar to Amjoie's about how long Pleo can run without overheating or other problems. This is a question that we are looking at but cannot answer definitively right now.

Sorry to be so vague...it's only because we don't want to make promises that end up changing every other day.

Best,
Prema
UGOBE

[ugobePrema]

It's a little unclear, but this is the way I read the message: the battery will only be charged outside Pleo - not in him/her at all?

Wild speculation about Pleo sleep: I'm guessing Pleo will still sleep, while he's 'up and running' with a charged battery? Aibos do that, after a while they'll get bored or tired and take a nap (my 220 sleeps for really long times, while the 210 only takes 5 minute nape). The sleeping is cute - and at least an aibo can be woken up by gently shaking him/her - maybe Pleo will too? It's so lifelike and cute, I hope Pleo has that.

Hello June03,

You are correct: the battery will only be charged outside Pleo, not inside him/her at all. As usual, the specifics are fuzzy, so I'll have to get back to you about Pleo's sleep patterns.

Thanks,
Prema
UGOBE

[ugobePrema]

:( :( I am VERY dissapointed about the exra long wait, I think this wait is only worth it if pleos battery lasts longer before being charged, wich I think is the case, but I would rather have pleo at the end of october with I hour battery life than to wait until dec even though he would have longer battery life,PLEASE someone from ugobe tell me when you predict the day pleo will ship, I REALLY CANT WAIT MUCH LONGER AT ALL!!!!! the wait was almost over, I know ugobe is doing a nice thing but.. I just hope pleo gets better and better every day... besides, You really dont want to be carrying around batterys to put in pleo, ugobe please tell us everything thats happening down there!!!!!

Hey Pleoguy101,

I know you're disappointed by the delay and that it's really frustrating. We're frustrated by the delay as well. I also realize that not knowing the day that Pleo will ship is maddening, but, as difficult as it may be to believe, that's the very reason we're not telling you a specific date at this point. We (yep, the people who are supposed to know everything about Pleo) don't know more than the vague predictions that we've revealed to you.

But I can say with confidence that Pleo is realizing his potential more and more with each day.

Best,
Prema
UGOBE

[amjoie]

Hi Primus,

I'm not sure exactly what statement you're referring to, but Pleo's "rest cycle" needs have changed somewhat because of the externally charged battery. I guess your question is similar to Amjoie's about how long Pleo can run without overheating or other problems. This is a question that we are looking at but cannot answer definitively right now.

Sorry to be so vague...it's only because we don't want to make promises that end up changing every other day.

Best,
Prema
UGOBE

I can appreciate that by taking this fork in the road, many new questions arise, and you haven't had time to sort it out yet. I would also rather be told you do not know, than have you guess and find out you were mistaken. I posed my questions just to start a dialog, because I would like to "be in the know" once you find answers. :)

After having a little time to reflect on the new developments, I have come to the conclusion that you would have had to make an external charger sooner rather than later, anyway. If I had gotten used to Pleo and his rhythms with the internal charger, it might have been jarring to adjust to the necessary changes (both physical and also his software personality) once the charger was external. This way, I will get to know my Pleos the "right way" from the start. That pleases me.

I am particularly interested in the changes in Pleo's personality, as a result of new programming to help him stay awake more hours of the day. If possible, please let us know about those changes when you can. :)

[Pleofan89]

Wow, I just read the email today and there's already 3 pages of it.. :D

I'm a little let-down because October is getting really close.... Now I feel like Ugobe has a string attached to Pleo and everytime I get close to it, they drag it away...like the fake dollar-bill trick...lol.

But the main thing is Pleo's getting improved because of it. I'd rather get something Ugobe committed to 100% rather than something they rushed. As with many other similar items, rushed production results in 'less than satisfactory' products.

Just hope they don't extend it again...

[Tundro]

To me, removing and replacing a battery will make Pleo seem less like a living thing. Better, in that regard, was the previous solution of plugging in the belly to recharge. Best was the original concept of the charging nest, with, it seemed, Pleo walking there on his own when needing a charge, and receiving the charge through the feet or tail. That would have required a bit of floor space, a clean area, and probably no other pets or kids to possibly touch the charging plate.

However, for this first effort at this new concept of a robotic life form, I can see why Ugobe is having to make design changes and delays. I too am anxious to recieve mine, but I definitely want the best product/pet available, and applaud the do-it-right-the-first-time (DIRTFT) attitude.

[Primus]

Hi Primus,

I'm not sure exactly what statement you're referring to, but Pleo's "rest cycle" needs have changed somewhat because of the externally charged battery. I guess your question is similar to Amjoie's about how long Pleo can run without overheating or other problems. This is a question that we are looking at but cannot answer definitively right now.

Sorry to be so vague...it's only because we don't want to make promises that end up changing every other day.

Best,
Prema
UGOBE

Thanks for responding Prema. I was referring to a post by Alex Godden here: http://forums.pleoworld.com/showthread.php?p=1112#post1112

[eric]

I remember ugobe saying they had to change the battery system for the EU pleo's

as interal charging of toys isnt allowed if i remember right, wonder is that a factor of the delay also

[amjoie]

I remember ugobe saying they had to change the battery system for the EU pleo's

as interal charging of toys isnt allowed if i remember right, wonder is that a factor of the delay also

That was what I meant when I said they would have to do this sooner rather than later, because it would have to be done for EU, regardless. Much better for everyone if we in the US wait, and it gets done the same way, worldwide. It was a brave decision, but a good one. I'm very comfortable with it.

[Bectile]

I am sad about the delay, but I understand. I did want to mention that I thought the original concepts of the head turning "left" to indicate "low battery" and "right" to indicate "charged battery" were genius.

Part of me feels better about having a separate battery charger. Seems I dunno.. safer. One less part of Pleo to worry about, chargers and batteries can be replaced. Pleo needs to last forever. ;)

It will be nice if showing off Pleo to coworkers and the battery dies to be able to swap in a new one easily and start the other charging. I too am concerned about continual use issues tho, and overheating. I do hope if limits are found they are put into the manual, i.e. "Please don't have Pleo on continually for more than X hours".

All I want to ask at this point is that the charger isn't cheap like i-Cybies was. I'd like an indicator light and for it to be a "smart" charger, please.

:) Thank you!!!! And thank you for all you're doing in listening to us and trying to make Pleo the best he can be! I hope he's a smash sell-out for Christmas!

Rebecca

[Pleofan89]

An interesting thought came to me today of a, although very unlikely, probability....

Maybe perhaps Ugobe is playing games with us by saying they've pushed the date back but instead pushed it forward..

So maybe in a few days a UPS truck would come and give me a box and inside is Pleo!!!

just a possibility...:D

[amjoie]

An interesting thought came to me today of a, although very unlikely, probability....

Maybe perhaps Ugobe is playing games with us by saying they've pushed the date back but instead pushed it forward..

So maybe in a few days a UPS truck would come and give me a box and inside is Pleo!!!

just a possibility...:D

Kneel, Pleofan89, and I will dub thee, Knight Don Quixote -- to be known henceforth as The Impossible Dreamer ... feel free to mount your valiant steed, and go boldly to rescue that fair maiden from a windmill dragon. ;)

[Pleofan89]

Kneel, Pleofan89, and I will dub thee, Knight Don Quixote -- to be known henceforth as The Impossible Dreamer ... feel free to mount your valiant steed, and go boldly to rescue that fair maiden from a windmill dragon. ;)

Don Quixote....haha,..

anything is possible.... cause "Facts are the enemy of truth".... :D

[notoriusMAT]

With the new battery solutions will there be an oppurtunity to order extra batteries with my origianl purchase when I recieve the email reminding me that my card is going to be charged? If so is there any word yet on the price of said battery?

[pleoguy101]

will taking out pleos battery at some random time harm pleo? like when someone turns off a game without saving it, it loses the memory of what you just did in the game. should we take the battery out of pleo when he's tired? I just have so many questions now..

[mweed]

I'm sure that the dynamic duo (aka, our favorite PleoWorld Hosts) can answer this themselves, but since I'm on a roll: they're in the loop and will be updating the FAQs as soon as they can.

At your service,
Prema
UGOBE

I hope I'm not speaking out of turn, or sticking my snout where it doesn't belong, but it seems like our dynamic duo has been more of a soloist over the last month. I hope all is well with our missing host.

[PleoWorldHostCami]

I hope I'm not speaking out of turn, or sticking my snout where it doesn't belong, but it seems like our dynamic duo has been more of a soloist over the last month. I hope all is well with our missing host.

All is well with my fellow guinea Pleo Host. Because PleoWorldHost seems to be the smarter of the duo they have been subjected to more testing by the human types but I assure you they are fine and still around. Sometimes it's smart to play dumb. :D

[ugobePrema]

I am sad about the delay, but I understand. I did want to mention that I thought the original concepts of the head turning "left" to indicate "low battery" and "right" to indicate "charged battery" were genius.

All I want to ask at this point is that the charger isn't cheap like i-Cybies was. I'd like an indicator light and for it to be a "smart" charger, please.

:) Thank you!!!! And thank you for all you're doing in listening to us and trying to make Pleo the best he can be! I hope he's a smash sell-out for Christmas!

Rebecca

Hi Rebecca,

Thanks for your comments and good wishes. The head turning was pretty great. Trade-offs, I suppose ...

Here's an answer to the "smart" charger question, since a few of you have inquired about it: The battery charger for Pleo uses an industry standard "smart chip" in the charging circuit. Can you tell that I got that answer from a techie? So, yes, a smart charger.

Thanks,
Prema
UGOBE

[ugobePrema]

Hi all,

Just wanted to let anyone know who hasn't noticed it yet that Webisode #4 went up on Friday on PleoWorld.com and features a cameo of the external charger and easily removable battery.

Cheers,
Prema
UGOBE

[jaywhy]

No worries, mweed. I will answer your questions as best I can!
...
2. Now for another vague response: we will be selling battery packs and chargers, but not until closer to shipping. We'll definitely be keeping you up to date on the availability of these accessories.

At your service,
Prema
UGOBE

Ok - sorry if I missed it somewhere else. But obviously the battery charger comes with each Pleo. Along with being able to purchase extra chargers for those of us in Operation Million Pleo March,,,,

IMO - great decision. I'm in RC helis and know how having multi-charger multi-battery setups = extra hours PHUN!! I can handle a few more months....

[dschenekl]

Hi Ugobe,

I have asked the following questions several time with no response, so I am going to try to ask here in this forum:

1. When will extra battery packs be available to US customers ?

2. Will Pleo members get "first crack" at ordering them and be notified concerning their availability?

3. The bottom lip on the battery case is not made of the best plastic. The same can be said for the "nubs" that hold the battery in place in the charger. Both seem brittle and could easily break from normal use. Will an improved plastic be investigated ?

4. Did your development team investigate some other battery technologies such as Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer for Pleo battery packs ? These usually have shorter charge times and longer run times and are less susceptable to retaining a "memory".

Thanks

[PleoWorldHostCami]

Hi Ugobe,

I have asked the following questions several time with no response, so I am going to try to ask here in this forum:

1. When will extra battery packs be available to US customers ?

2. Will Pleo members get "first crack" at ordering them and be notified concerning their availability?

3. The bottom lip on the battery case is not made of the best plastic. The same can be said for the "nubs" that hold the battery in place in the charger. Both seem brittle and could easily break from normal use. Will an improved plastic be investigated ?

4. Did your development team investigate some other battery technologies such as Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer for Pleo battery packs ? These usually have shorter charge times and longer run times and are less susceptable to retaining a "memory".

Thanks

Hi dschenekl,

There isn't a date yet on the availability of extra batteries or chargers. UGOBE has been working overtime to get Pleo out to as many people as possible.

I'll see if there is an estimated date yet and try to get answers to your other questions.

[Caaahl]

You have to set priorities, i understand that.

But are the batteries so unique, that they cant just say "lets order a couple thousands extra to sell them additionally"?

Obviously they cant, im just curious.

[Siren]

I understand the issue as well. I rather have been able to get Pleo now than wait longer while more/better batteries are produced. But once the batteries are released, depending on the price, I plan to buy 1-5 more. That way we can have continuous play of Pleo.

[trinalina]

I understand the issue as well. I rather have been able to get Pleo now than wait longer while more/better batteries are produced. But once the batteries are released, depending on the price, I plan to buy 1-5 more. That way we can have continuous play of Pleo.


The only thing I'm worried about with having the pleo on continuously is overheating the motors...otherwise I'd love to have her on all day. I think the longest I've had her on was half an hour, but thats also do to a crazy schedule this week...

[PleoWorldHostCami]

Hi Ugobe,

I have asked the following questions several time with no response, so I am going to try to ask here in this forum:

1. When will extra battery packs be available to US customers ?


In the first half of 2008, but we cannot pin down a precise date right now.



2. Will Pleo members get "first crack" at ordering them and be notified concerning their availability?


We will definitely notify PleoWorld members when the extra batteries become available.


3. The bottom lip on the battery case is not made of the best plastic. The same can be said for the "nubs" that hold the battery in place in the charger. Both seem brittle and could easily break from normal use. Will an improved plastic be investigated ?


We are always looking for ways to improve our products - thank you for the suggestion.


4. Did your development team investigate some other battery technologies such as Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer for Pleo battery packs ? These usually have shorter charge times and longer run times and are less susceptable to retaining a "memory".


We have done a lot of research for Pleo's batteries and will continue to do so. Thank you for the suggestion, and while we won't be making any changes to the battery in the near future, we will certainly take this feedback into account when we do make changes.

Thanks