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Fusion Garage sinks into liquidation, owes creditors some $40 million
Fusion Garage website goes dark The Engadget Interview: Fusion Garage's Chandra Rathakrishnan... post-fallout Court rules Fusion Garage and TechCrunch were business partners, tosses most everything else If ever there was a time to exit the technology universe while everyone else is paying attention to... well, everything else, it's now. Chandresekar Rathakrishnan has seemingly signed off on liquidation paperwork this week, effectively putting an end to Fusion Garage as we know it. It's hardly a shock to anyone paying attention; the JooJoo was a letdown, the Grid10 was even more so, and the Grid4 never even had a chance to breath. We spent plenty of time talking to its founder over the years, but the execution and timing was never good enough to gain significant traction in the market. We'd bother asking you to pour one out, but we're guessing the majority of you have done so already.
Tech's biggest misfires of 2011
The past 12 months have been a boon of technological innovation, particularly in the world of mobile devices, where top companies have been waging an arms race for the top of the smartphone and tablet hills. Not everything has been smooth sailing, however -- 2011 has also been dotted by delays, false starts, security breeches and straight up technological turf outs. Check out some of the lowlights from the year that was after the break.
The Engadget Interview: Fusion Garage's Chandra Rathakrishnan... post-fallout
If we learned anything from our last encounter with Chandra Rathakrishnan, it's that the Fusion Garage CEO is nothing if not candid when discussing his company's past failings. Of course, such admissions came amidst great deal of hype from the executive, who was, at the time, heralding the second coming of his company in the form of the Grid 10, Grid 4 and the innovative Grid OS that fueled the devices. It was the latest chapter in what's proven to be a long and bizarre tale, one that began with the dream of a $200 internet tablet. After countless scheduling pushbacks, fights and price hikes, the proposed CrunchPad finally came to life as the JooJoo, a $499 device that was greeted with scathing reviews, poor timing (thanks mostly to Apple's long-awaited announcement of the iPad) and rather lackluster sales, to put it kindly. In spite of attempts to rally the line, the tablet died a lonely death, and most suspected that it had taken the rest of the company with it. Read on for the full interview.
Fusion Garage's website goes dark -- has it bitten the dust? (update: it's back?)
Perhaps it's the comeback that wasn't meant to be -- Fusion Garage has apparently silenced its radios for over a week on Twitter, and more than a month on Facebook. Potentially worse, its website is now unreachable, displaying only a "Database connection error." Although its Grid10 tablet was set for a delayed October 1st release, some folks over at The JooJoo Forum and on Fusion Garage's Facebook page are reporting that they've yet to receive their tabs, weeks after placing orders. We've fielded more than a few concerned tips saying the same, and sadly, that's just the tip of this iceberg, as there's also been mention of slow correspondence from the company, with wishy-washy responses about what's going on. One forum poster mentions eventually hearing back from its public relations agency -- this after contacting FG for order details -- with an indication that a refund is on the way. We've reached out for an official comment but received nothing but silence. That said, we're hearing we aren't the only ones having a hard time getting in contact with Fusion Garage's executives, leaving us with a sinking suspicion that there will be no third go 'round for the house that Chandra built. Ordered a Grid10 yourself, or still waiting on your free JooJoo replacement? Let us know about your experience in the comments below. Update: We have a comment from Fusion Garage's PR agency: Unfortunately, none of our efforts have resulted in any communication from the company to the customers. Given all of this, we don't have any other choice but to cease working with FG effective tomorrow. Update 9:50AM ET (12/18): Thanks to Josh in the comments who has noticed that Fusion Garage's website is live again, albeit barely breathing. It's devoid of anything other than scattered pictures and text, and notably, its "Store" is all but unreachable. Rest assured, we'll let you know if we hear any new developments from the parties involved. Update 10:57PM ET (12/18): Fusion Garage's store is back up, but orders aren't exactly open. Clicking through to any given product's page shows the message "We are running out of stock. Thank you." [Thanks, Liam] [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Fusion Garage Grid 10 tablet and Grid 4 smartphone hands-on
Yesterday we gave you the lowdown on Fusion Garage's second foray into tablet computing, the Grid 10. While its tablet world topping pixel density, Tegra 2 silicon, and fresh to death OS certainly sound awesome, we had to get our grubby mitts on one to see if it's as good as its spec sheet would have us believe. So, is the JooJoo's successor a superior slate, or is it destined to disappoint like its elder sibling? Read on past the break to find out. %Gallery-130755%
The Engadget Interview: Fusion Garage's Chandra Rathakrishnan
The most telling moment of our conversation with Chandra Rathakrishnan came at the end, just before the recording device shut off. The interview wrapped, and we politely thanked the Fusion Garage CEO for taking the time to speak with us. "Thank you for taking the time," he echoed, adding, "And for giving us another chance." Rathakrishnan never goes so far as to use the word "failure" to describe the company's poorly received JooJoo tablet -- at least not during the course of our interview -- but it seems clear that he harbors few illusions with regards to what the device truly was: a misfire. A grandiose experiment that was rushed out the door far too fast, with far too few resources. The device's origins weren't all that pretty, either. The company teamed up with TechCrunch to offer up a $200 internet tablet dubbed the CrunchPad -- a plan that soon soured, with the two parting ways on a less-than-positive note. Fusion Garage rebranded the CrunchPad the JooJoo, and began a long journey of delays and price hikes. Despite its best efforts, it missed the boat, failing to release the device ahead of Apple's industry shaping iPad. When the 4GB tablet finally hit the market, it carried a $499 price tag -- more than double its initial utopian target. Read on for the full interview.
TabCo reveals itself as Fusion Garage, unveils Grid 10 tablet and Grid 4 smartphone (update)
After months of teasing, TabCo finally revealed itself to the world -- as suspected, the brand is, in fact a reboot of Fusion Garage, the company that gave the world the much maligned JooJoo tablet. Company head Chandra Rathakrishnan took to the stage to unveil the new product, explaining that the teaser campaign had been put in place to give its new Grid 10 tablet a fair shake. The tablet runs the new Grid operating system, itself based on the Android kernel. According to Rathakrishnan, the 10-inch tablet has the highest resolution of any on the market, at 1366 x 768. Also on-board is a 1.3 megapixel front-facing webcam, 16GB of storage, Bluetooth 2.1, and a microSD slot. The Grid 10 packs an Nvidia Tegra 2 chip and utilizes the newly announced Grid Shop, a Fusion Garage-specific app store, for which the company will be accepting applications in the near future -- though the operating system will support Android apps, as well. Among the departures from Google's operating system is the company's decision to support Bing -- the better of the two search engines, according to Rathakrishnan. The tablet will run $499 for the WiFi-only version and $599 for a WiFi / 3G model. It's up for pre-order now via Amazon and will begin shipping on September 15th. Fusion Garage also took the wraps off of the Grid 4, a handset that also runs the Grid OS. The four-inch phone has a Qualcomm dual-core processor, 16GB of memory, an 800 x 480 resolution, and a front facing 0.3 megapixel camera and a rear facing five megapixel camera with autofocus. The phone will run $399 unlocked. It will begin shipping in Q4, with carriers announced closer to that date. Update: We should also mention Fusion Garage stated that anyone who bought a JooJoo will receive a Grid 10 free of charge, with details forthcoming through email. %Gallery-130635% %Gallery-130636%
Is TabCo releasing the JooJoo 2?
All right, TabCo. We admit it. You've grabbed our attention with all of this swirling tablet mystery over the past few months. And yes, we'll be watching today at noon when you make the big reveal. But you couldn't wait for then, could you? The company offered up a German language tweet earlier today that seemed to shed some light on the mystery of who exactly is behind the soon to be announced tablet, teasing, "Introducing the Grid 10." Sound familiar? That's the name affixed to the Fusion Garage tablet we recently saw pass through the FCC -- you know, the JooJoo 2? Of course, the company has distanced itself from that product name for obvious reasons. It remains to be seen, of course, whether TabCo has abandoned all mention of the Fusion Garage name as well, like so many CrunchPad prototypes. Update: Something fishy seems to be happening over on the official TabCo Twitter account. The first tweet has disappeared, as has a second addressing the Google / Motorola news. We'll update you as more info comes through. [Thanks, Adriano]
Fusion Garage's Grid 10 tablet clears the FCC, begs us not to call it the 'JooJoo 2'
If at first you don't succeed, discontinue your product, carry on a lawsuit, and then try again. That's the story thus far for Fusion Garage, the company behind the failed JooJoo tablet, an overpriced, hard-to-use slate that proudly omitted all the things people like about tablets -- you know, like apps. After the underwhelming sales figures started rolling in, Chandrashekar Rathakrishnan, the company's founder, admitted that perhaps some people might sometimes be interested in doing things other than surf the web. That was the end of JooJoo, though he promised, ominously, that we hadn't seen the last of Fusion Garage. Well, here we are: the troubled company just sent another tablet through the FCC, and no, it's not called the "JooJoo 2." Rather, this one's dubbed the "Grid 10" -- a likely attempt on Fusion Garage's part to distance itself as much as possible from its embarrassing (and messy) entrance into the tablet market. For now, though, that's near-impossible, especially given that this FCC report contains precious few details about what this thing will be capable of. No word either on when the JooJoo will rise from the grave as an Android-running zombie, but our guess is that apocalyptic day is nigh.
JooJoo is no more, Fusion Garage to keep on trucking
Ah, JooJoo, we hardly knew ye.That 0.2.4 firmware update did a number on your speed woes, but alas, it wasn't enough. Fusion Garage founder Chandrashekar Rathakrishnan told e27 that the tablet didn't meet sales expectations and that, despite his rant against the iPad business model, people apparently do want those "non-web experiences," in his words. But like all good soap operas, this one still goes on: Rathakrishnan confirmed the company is still going, meaning there's at least one new project in the pipeline, and yes, there's also still a lawsuit that'll stay alive and kicking.
JooJoo tablet to make another run at iPad with Android power
Despite landing with a distinct thud earlier this year, the JooJoo tablet from Fusion Garage is set to make a second run at the iPad in 2011. Instead of the underdeveloped Flash-based software that "powered" the first JooJoo, Fusion Garage has decided to go the Android route for its sequel. In addition to the software change, the JooJoo2 is expected to transition to an all-new hardware platform as well. The original JooJoo was based on the same Intel Atom processors that power most netbooks. Android can run on this architecture, but it's really optimized for the ARM architecture that powers most cell phones and, of course, the iPad. The JooJoo2 will probably shrink from its current 12-inch size to something in the 7 to 10-inch range. Fusion Garage hopes to launch the JooJoo2 in early 2011, which will probably be right around the time that the iPad 2 appears.
Joojoo lawsuit shocker! Court rules Fusion Garage and TechCrunch were business partners, tosses most everything else
It's been a few blissful months since we've thought about or had to interact with the Joojoo, but the court case Michael Arrington and TechCrunch filed against Fusion Garage just reached a significant milestone: the judge threw out several of Arrington's claims while importantly holding that TechCrunch and Fusion Garage were in fact business partners with legal obligations to each other. Here's the basic timeline so far: since there was (unbelievably) never a contract between TechCrunch and Fusion Garage to develop the CrunchPad / Joojoo, TechCrunch had to rely on a variety of alternative arguments in its initial complaint, which reached a zenith of optimistic fabrication in something called "misappropriation of business ideas." (We ran down the whole list way back in December, and also broke down Fusion Garage's subsequent motion to dismiss in February.) The court didn't buy most of those arguments and dismissed everything but the breach of fiduciary duty claim in this latest ruling, which is both a significant loss and a significant win for TechCrunch: breach of fiduciary duty has always struck us as TechCrunch's strongest argument, and the court's now effectively ruled that Fusion Garage and TechCrunch were indeed involved in a joint business venture with legal obligations to protect each others' interests. That's not a bad position from which to proceed -- although TechCrunch now has to prove that Fusion Garage actually violated its duty by releasing the Joojoo on its own, which is a whole new fight. (The court also gave TechCrunch 20 days to try and amend some of its other claims, but "misappropriation of business ideas" was basically thrown out the window entirely.) So what's next? We're guessing another few months of cheerfully hostile motions accusing the opposing party of thwarting discovery and some firecracker depositions, all culminating in a matched pair of snippy motions for summary judgment. The suits, they dine well tonight. P.S.- How or why either company continues to pay for all these legal bills is beyond us, but we've actually heard rumors of a Joojoo 2, so things could get even crazier. And potentially even less responsive to touch-based events.
Modder installs Windows 7 onto JooJoo tablet, gets touch working (video)
Yeah, we had a few issues with the Linux build installed on Fusion Garage's JooJoo tablet, but were things really so bad that we needed to shoehorn Windows 7 onto the thing? Nah, but who wouldn't enjoy that challenge? One darkdavy has somehow been able to install a fresh copy of Win7 onto his JooJoo, and while he notes that it's currently running a wee bit warm, the touch panel is working and the battery is lasting around four hours on a full charge. Utilizing the stock hardware (a 4GB SSD and 1GB of RAM), he's experiencing "flawless" 720p movie playback, and various other members are mentioning successful installs of both Windows Embedded Compact 7 (via MSDN) and Windows 7 Home. The only major hang-ups are the lack of accelerometer support and the inability to use 3G, but we're pretty confident that both of those issues will be sorted in short order. Don't believe us? Head on past the break and mash play, and then hit the source link to get in on the fun yourself. [Thanks, Mark]
JooJoo creator rips into the iPad, says an app store only sells 'stripped down versions of actual websites'
Fusion Garage CEO and JooJoo creator Chandra Rathakrishnan has certainly discussed the iPad before in talking up his own tablet, but nothing could have quite prepared us for the bit of bombast he unleashed on the occasion of the iPad's international launch. While he started out with the usual line that the "JooJoo delivers the entire Internet -- including Flash-based websites," he soon took things to a whole new level, saying that "we don't see the need for an app store," because "an app store sells stripped down versions of actual websites" -- stripped down websites like Brushes, KORG iElectribe, and Real Racing HD, we suppose. Believe it or not, however, Rathakrishnan didn't let things sit there, and apparently went on to describe the iPad as just "another storage device with web capabilities." Of course, there's at least a chance Chandra was actually paying the iPad a compliment, since a "storage device with web capabilities" would be a pretty big step up from the JooJoo.
How would you change Fusion Garage's JooJoo?
Alright, so we gave you the opportunity to rant and rave on Apple's iPad last week, and it's only fitting that Fusion Garage's much-anticipated JooJoo go next. To date, it's pretty safe to say that quite a bit less (we're understating things here, obviously) JooJoo tablets have been sold than the aforesaid iPad, but that's not to say none of you have one. On the off-chance that you actually are the proud owner of a JooJoo, we couldn't be more eager to hear how you'd tweak things if given the golden opportunity. Would you make the screen a touch smaller? Alter the exterior design in any way? Swap the CPU or GPU? Toss on a different operating system? Force it to use iTunes like only a true sadist would? Go on, the floor's yours -- throw down your best advice in comments below.
Fusion Garage pledges 3G JooJoo by July, memory stick support coming soon
Yeah, okay, so the JooJoo didn't exactly rock our world and we're guessing it's had a similar effect on you, but CEO Chandra Rathakrishnan is saying that things are going to get better -- honest. First are plans to unlock that USB port, enabling the tablet to recognize USB storage and revolutionize the world. Next up will be a 3G version, which will release in roughly three months and enable users to revolutionize the world while traveling through it. However, Chandra has indicated he's not opposed to people tweaking the underlying Linux OS to enable external 3G adapters themselves; certainly a refreshing position compared to those who control the destiny of a certain other tablet. So, which of you hackers wants to get started? Anyone...?
JooJoo now available in Europe and Canada, new firmware promised 'shortly'
Who says down necessarily means out? Despite our qualms with the JooJoo tablet, it looks as if the startup is pushing forward with plans to expand availability beyond US borders, as the Fusion Garage order page now clearly states that orders are being accepted from those with addresses in Europe and the Great White North. There's no exact ship date listed for either of those nations (we're guessing it'll depart within 24 to 48 business hours), but pricing is pegged at $499 CAD with free shipping for our northerly neighbors, while those in Europe are being asked to pay €359 ($473) plus €13 ($17) in shipping fees. As to those user experience shortcomings, Chandra Rathakrishnan promises us a "robust software update" in short order that will apparently eliminate many of the widely reported problems with the device. You'll be justified in retaining your reservations, but some hope is better than none, we suppose.
Engadget Podcast 191 - 04.11.2010
We were gonna rename the show Padz n' Podz but it turns out the maternity store at the mall is already called that.Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul MillerProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Doctor Octoroc - CheersHear the podcast00:02:35 - iPhone OS 4 unveiled, adds multitasking, shipping this summer00:06:00 - Multitasking comes to iPhone OS 4.0 -- but not to the iPhone 3G00:07:10 - iPhone OS 4 versus Windows Phone 7: the tale of the tape00:25:00 - iPhone OS 4 hands-on (updated with video!)00:28:48 - Jobs: If you see a stylus or a task manager, 'they blew it'00:32:09 - Apple previews Game Center social gaming platform for iPhone OS00:50:10 - Apple's iPhone lockdown: apps must be written in one of three languages, Adobe in the hurt locker00:52:25 - Apple iAd brings ads, cash money to third-party iPhone apps01:01:00 - Adobe distances itself from JooJoo, cites lack of 'direct relationship'01:05:12 - Kindle coming to Target on April 25?01:12:25 - Verizon teasing a Microsoft Pink announcement for Monday?01:12:45 - SanDisk calls it: Microsoft Pink being announced on Monday01:20:11 - Editorial: HTC and Palm should get hitched and make beautiful babies Subscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)Contact the podcast1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget
Adobe distances itself from JooJoo, cites lack of 'direct relationship'
Well, this is just a huge surprise. In response to our not entirely glowing review of the JooJoo, Adobe's PR team has gotten in touch to inform us that Fusion Garage "has no direct relationship with Adobe." Citing the young startup's non-participation in the Open Screen Project and use of "a public beta release [of Flash] designed only for desktop use," Adobe is drawing a thick line between itself and the JooJoo, and urges us to instead look at the alternatives from its partners like HP, Dell and Lenovo. Mind you, not one of those companies is (as yet) selling a competing tablet, and it's not like there's some magical formula that will make 720p Flash video run smoothly on a bare Atom CPU (remember, Ion GPU acceleration is not yet available for the Linux-based JooJoo), but who are we to stand in the way of a carefully worded damage limitation statement? Click past the break for the entire thing.
iPad vs. JooJoo... fight!
Sure, they might be worlds apart in quality, usefulness, and desirability, but even still, comparisons are inevitable. The iPad (right) and the JooJoo (left) hit the hands of consumers on the same weekend, offer large-screen browsing experiences controlled entirely by a capacitive touchscreen, and... well, you get the idea. So, how do the two devices stack up externally? It's a pretty fair fight, hardware-wise. The JooJoo is thicker and heavier, but also scores a good amount more screen space -- its 16:9 ratio almost turns it into an extruded lengthwise version of the 4:3 iPad. Unfortunately, that screen is a real let down when viewed off axis, and isn't nearly as responsive or accurate as the iPad's in use. Both of the devices offer scratch resistant glass fronts and brushed aluminum backs, though there's a bit of give to JooJoo's materials that smacks of slightly lower quality. You can read the reviews to get an idea of how dramatically different these two devices are in actual use, but if you want to satisfy a baser lust for straight-on comparison shots, hit up the gallery below.