At Planet Computers, we are passionate about typing, writing, being productive and creating on the go.
Since the introduction of touchscreen mobile phones and tablets, we felt that it is very difficult to type on these types of devices. On-screen keyboards often take up more than half the readable screen. We want to get back to typing on a fully tactile keyboard whilst being able to view the entire screen. All this on a device no larger than most modern mobile phones.
We decided to re-invent the palm-sized keyboard mobile device that will benefit many, who we think are missing using the keyboard on the move. From bloggers and creatives that need to constantly write, to professionals who need to read and write e-mail, create and edit documents and spreadsheets.
Gemini is a modern clam-shell based mobile device with a fully integrated palm-sized keyboard.
To ensure Gemini has the lineage and continuity of the clamshell PDA designs, and to have the best mobile keyboard design on the market, we partnered up with Martin Riddiford and his London-based product design consultancy, Therefore, who were instrumental in the design of the Psion PDAs of the 1990s. In terms of software we partnered up with Private Planet, a leading supplier of applications and personal cloud solutions for mobile operators such as T-Mobile and Etisalat. The Planet Computers team each has over 20 years experience of software and hardware delivery.
The result of our work with Therefore is a beautiful piece of design, befitting the device we want to create. The hardware is based on a leading reference design based on a 10-core state-of-the-art mobile processor.
Gemini features a sleek metal clamshell design that is perfectly balanced for typing when open and beautifully tucks away the palm-sized QWERTY keyboard and screen when closed. It fits into a pocket, roughly the same size as most of today’s mobile phones. When open, the innovative clamshell also acts as a support of the device. The ultra-wide 5.7″ hi-res screen provides ample space for creating on the go. The fully tactile keyboard is recognised as the world’s best yet smallest full-sized keyboard for finger touch typing.
We plan to have two versions of Gemini: one model with WiFi only; and the other fully equipped with WiFi and 4G mobile communications.
Gemini PDA (Wifi Only) | Gemini PDA (Wifi + 4G) | ||
---|---|---|---|
Network: | WIFI | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
GSM | – |
850/900/1800/1900MHz |
|
WCDMA | – | 900/2100MHz | |
LTE | – | 1/2/3/4/5/7/17/20 | |
VoLTE | – | Compatible | |
Body: | Form Factor | Wide clamshell | Wide clamshell |
Dimensions | 17.13(W) x 8.0cm(D) x 1.35(H)cm | 17.13(W) x 8.0cm(D) x 1.35(H)cm | |
Weight | – | – | |
SIM | – | SIM slot + eSIM (ready) | |
Display: | Type | QHD+ (18:9) | QHD+ (18:9) |
Size | 5.7inch | 5.7inch | |
Resolution | 2880×1440, 564ppi | 2880×1440, 564 ppi | |
Multi Touch | Yes | Yes | |
Protection | Scratch resistant glass | Scratch resistant glass | |
Platform: | OS | Android OS, Linux OS (dual-boot) | Android OS, Linux OS (dual-boot) |
Chipset | Deca Core | Deca Core | |
CPU |
2x Cortex A72 @2.5GHz |
2x Cortex A72 @2.5GHz 4x Cortex A53 @2.0GHz 4x Cortex A53 @1.55GHz |
|
GPU | ARM Mali 850MHz | ARM Mali 850MHz | |
Memory: |
RAM Card Slot |
4 GB microSD |
4 GB microSD |
Internal | 64 GB | 64 GB | |
Camera: | Front Camera | 5Mp | 5Mp |
Sound: | Speakers | High Quality Stereo Speakers | High Quality Stereo Speakers |
Microphone | Integrated ambient Microphone | Integrated ambient Microphone | |
3.5mm Jack | Yes | Yes | |
Comms: | WLAN | Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | v4.0 | v4.0 | |
GPS | Yes, with AGPS | Yes, with AGPS | |
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
USB | 2x USB Type C | 2x USB Type C | |
Features: | Keyboard | Mechanical full keyboard | Mechanical full keyboard |
Voice Assistance |
Dedicated button for voice commands | Dedicated button for voice commands | |
Sensors | Accelerometer, compass, light sensor, gyro, magneto-sensor | Accelerometer, compass, light sensor, gyro, magneto-sensor | |
Fingerprint | Yes | Yes | |
Battery: | Removable Li-Ion 8000mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 8000mAh battery | |
Misc: | Colour | Metal, Gold-plated (limited edition) | Metal, Gold-plated (limited edition) |
*We are working hard to achieve the above technical specifications for Gemini.
Gemini is powered by the latest Android OS, supporting all your favourite applications. A number of key applications will also be optimised for the landscape screen and physical keyboard.
Gemini will also support Linux as a secondary boot option which provides Linux users with the rich set of Open Source applications.
The software also supports voice recognition using the integrated Voice Assist smart button located on the right hand side of Gemini. You can interact with Gemini using voice commands, even when it is closed in your pocket.
We are proud of what we have created to date but need your help to push it over the line. By supporting us, you will be part of re-inventing the PDA product category, which we feel is so lacking in the market at present. We would love you to join us on our journey to bring the product to life.
We aim to raise $200,000 through our crowd funding campaign. We have a fully functioning physical model of the device and have identified the mobile hardware platform that is based on the Mediatek Helio X25 processor and the Mali GPU.
Funds raised will go directly to funding the final design phases, manufacturing of the units ordered through the crowd fund, and development of the full software stack.
As early backers, we were keen to reward you with some unique perks. All Gemini units claimed as perks will have at least $200 off the planned retail price. First deliveries start in November 2017 – only to Gemini backers.
We want to change the way you work and play, liberating you from the need to take laptops with you, whilst still giving you an environment in which you can create on a tactile keyboard. Its computing for the creators, rather than consumers. Whether you owned a PDA in the 90’s or require a real keyboard integrated into your mobile device for extensive typing, Gemini is the device for you.
The team behind this campaign and Planet Computers has been involved in successfully delivering 5 funded crowdfunding campaigns. We have expertise in bringing both consumer electronics, hardware and software to market.
At present, we have a fully functioning physical model of the device. We have identified a number of suppliers of off-the-shelf components including the ultra-wide displays and the PCBs. By working with these providers, we plan to significantly de-risk the process of bringing Gemini to market allowing us to focus on the plastic parts and metalworks (including hinge) of the Gemini body and the software stack of the device. We plan to manufacture the keyboard component ourselves.
We are currently identifying manufacturing and assembly partners hoping to be able to assemble Gemini in the UK. If however, this were to prove un-economical in light of the pricing we have set for our product in this crowd-fund, we might have to manufacture the device elsewhere.
Our team has experience of delivering both software and hardware. Our aim is to have the product available for shipping to the first backers of our campaign in November 2017. We know this is an ambitious target but one which we truly believe is achievable. As such we will be providing our backers with regular updates on Gemini’s progress.
We would love you to join the Gemini movement. We have set out a wide variety of ways for you, as backer, to help us. Any support, however great or small, is kindly received. As any startup, we will have our hands full trying to get this product to market, and we are super excited about it.
Helping spread the word on social media or telling colleagues or friends about our campaign would be like having fairy dust sprinkled on us! If you have any suggestions of ways you think you can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by email (hello@planetcom.co.uk) or social media. We would love to hear from you.