Sony launches 'First Flight' crowdfunding
- Mahfujur Rahman
- Jul 2, 2015
- 2 min read
Tech giant Sony has very recently launched a new crowdfunding platform called ‘First Flight’, with the aim to raise finance for projects created by the company’s employees.
It’s a technique to reach decent profit levels by developing product ideas via crowdfunding. In return for funding, supporters will be able to directly purchase and pre-order new devices. Very similar to Kickstarter.
At this time, Sony’s First Flight is only available to the Japanese public.
Furthermore, First Flight currently offers pre-orders for two Sony-affiliated projects; The FES e-ink watch, and the MESH Smart DIY kit. Sony’s third project based on an all-in-one remote called the HUIS Remote Controller, is 80% away from its 5 million yen goal (approximately $40,500 / £26,000).
The design and layout of the site is literally the same as Kickstarter, only a Japanese version for now. From the selection of products on offer, I put my hands down for the awe-inspiring FES e-ink watch. Supporters will be able to pre-order the watch for 29,700 yen (approximately $241 / £155).
Expanding on the food for thought – the FES watch was previewed to the world in November of last year. The very futuristic e-ink watch was designed by Fashion Entertainments, a new Japanese start-up business. However, it was soon revealed that it was a subsidiary of Sony.
Sony CEO Kaz Hirai’s leadership, has increasingly allowed employees more freedom to innovate new products and ideas as the company's mobile and TV fields suffer heavy financial losses. Sony seems very cheesy to not fund the ideas itself but it’s a smart way to save money and interact with the consumer.
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