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This page has answers to many questions you may have
about DOT Design Technologies as well as the Xtend
Next Generation Information Appliance.
If you have a question that is not addressed here,
please send an email to: xtend.question@foxdot.com
Dot Design Technologies:
?:
What is DOT Design Technologies?
A: DOT
Design Technologies was founded to design and create interesting,
useful, and successful products that leverage today's technology
to provide useful solutions to today's as well as tomorrow's problems?
?: Why are you developing the Xtend
product?
A: We found there was an incredible
opportunity to take advantage of a glaring hole in the marketplace.
Past attempts at a useful information/information appliance failed
due to poor design, poor execution, or a combination of the two.
Laptop computers are still more expensive and more complex than
what is required for the space that the Xtend
is designed to fill.
Xtend Information
Appliance:
General
Questions
 ?:
What is the Xtend?
A: The
Xtend
is best described as saying: "a wirelessly networked computer
peripheral that allows the user to access PC files and applications,
the internet, and e-mail from anywhere within the range of the
network, as well as a programmable infrared remote control device,
based on an open system design philosophy"
A shorter version would be: "the Xtend
is a portable wireless information appliance platform with programmable
universal remote control capabilities based on an open system
design philosophy"
?:
Why "platform"?
A: Because
of the open nature of both the hardware and software, we feel
that in time people will develop and find uses for the Xtend
product that we could not even dream of today. Because of this,
we feel that the Xtend
product is not only going to be used in the home in the distributed
usage mode, but in industry, education, and entertainment.
?:
What do you mean by the Xtend
is an "open system"?
A: The
majority of the hardware and software specifications needed to
expand on the Xtend's
capability are known and published.
?:
Why would you create the Xtend
as an open system?
A: Frankly,
because even if we didn't, within weeks, or even days after the
launch of the Xtend,
there would be websites build by people that reverse engineered
it and figured out how most of it worked anyway!
We feel it makes more sense to embrace this creative energy, give
it a head start, and allow it to help make the Xtend
more useful, therefore more desireable, therefore more successful.
?:
What are the benefits of an open design?
A: The
developer is not frustrated trying to figure out the most basic
aspects required to perform what they are attempting, and the
user is able to take advantage of these developments to make the
value of the Xtend
multiply with every novel, or even revolutionary new capability
discovered and developed for the Xtend
information appliance platform.
?:
How do I get more information on developing hardware or software
for the Xtend?
A: See
our developer resource area of the website HERE.
 ?:
Why not say the Xtend
is an internet appliance?
A: While
a primary design of the Xtend
is to access the Internet or e-mail from anywhere within reach
of the wireless network, to say it is only good for such uses
is overly limiting
?: What is an information appliance?
A: There are a lot of definitions
of an information appliance. We choose to focus on the idea of
an appliance like a blender or a toaster. Easy to use and useful,
but instead of bread or margaritas, this appliance operates on
information and data! A personal computer would not be considered
an information appliance by our definition due to the complexity
required to allow it to act as a general use computing device.
?: What makes the Xtend
different from:
?: A desktop computer?
A: Primarily size, weight and level
of computing performance. These differences therefore lead to
portability, form factor, and usability as a portable device.
?: A laptop or portable computer?
A: Primarily price, form factor
and usability as a "comfortable" portable information
appliance. A typical laptop is not normally suitable to be used
curled up on the couch, in a hammock, or in bed.
?: Previous attempts at consumer
information appliances?
A: Primarily functionality, portability,
and a business model that relies on the market for the device
itself, and does not force the user to use an overpriced, inferior
Internet service provider as a means of revenue generation,
or rely on questionable business plans such as a dependence
on Internet advertising.
?: Currently available and forthcoming
tablet PC's, such as the Microsoft TabletPC initiative?
A: Primarily price, size, and weight.
We feel that for the desired uses of an information appliance,
prices above $1,000.00 are hard to justify to the consumer.
?: A palm-top device?
A: Primarily functionality, screen
size, and suitability for surfing the web.
Dimensions
?: How big is the Xtend?
A:
Xtend
Alpha: W=9.5" H=1.5" D=9.5"
Xtend
Beta: W=11.5" H=1.5" D=9.5"
?: How much does the Xtend
weigh?
Xtend
Alpha: 4.5 Lbs
Xtend
Beta: 4.75 Lbs
Programmable Universal Remote Control:
?: Why does the Xtend
have programmable remote control capability?
A:  Considering
how and where the Xtend
will be used, we felt that adding this capability would be a very
valuable addition to our design. In addition to control of typical
home theatre audio and video components, the Xtend
makes a great addition to a remote operated home automation system.
In addition, because of the amazing information appliance nature
of the Xtend,
as well as its relatively low price compared to other high-end
universal-remote ONLY units, we feel that adding this capability
makes the Xtend
an extremely valuable and unique device.
?: What is the programmable universal
remote feature?
A: If you have a few audio and video
components in your home, then you know how quickly all the remotes
can pile up on your coffee table. The Xtend
is able to replace that pile of remotes, as well as provide amazing
new capabilities.
The Xtend's
hardware is capable of sending out infrared signals like those
used in your TV's remote control. It is also able to receive and
remember, or learn, these signals from other remotes for which
the Xtend
has not been programmed.
The Xtend's
remote control manager application (remoteX) also provides easy-to-program
automation functions.
For example, you could have something basic as a program that
simply turns on all the components, and chooses the appropriate
inputs, to watch a DVD movie, to something as advanced as creating
a program that will wait until 11:00am to turn on the required
hardware (choosing the appropriate inputs) to record a program
off your satellite receiver to a VHS tape for your neighbor, and
then at 3:00pm switches over to record a program to your hard-disk
based recording system. All automatically, and all using the powerful,
yet intuitive programming capabilities of the Xtend.
?: Where can I get remote control
codes for my audio video hardware or home automation system?
A: The Xtend
comes with a large library of remote codes out of the box, but
if you need new codes, you can use the learning functionality
of the Xtend's
remote control manager software. Additionally, you can download
new codes off the Xtend's
user website (X!).
Technical / Hardware
?: What CPU does the Xtend
use?
A: National Semiconductor® Geode
Integrated Processor
?: Why this processor?
A: For many, many reasons, but primarily
we feel that the "from the ground-up for information appliances"
design of the Geode is most suited for our application.
Memory/Storage
?: How much memory does the Xtend
have?
A: The Xtend
has a base amount 64MB of SDRAM, and 64MB of compact flash memory
for boot info, OS, driver space, applications, etc.
?: Why is there no hard-drive?
A: To save primarily on power consumption,
but also on things like weight and heat. The internal compact
flash memory holds all the required info to tell the device how
to boot the OS, and also holds the device drivers, the basic applications,
etc.
?: How can I add more storage for
applications, etc.?
A: Via the compact flash slot in the
rear of the Xtend,
you can slip in any size CF card you like to store your applications,
data, MP3's. In the future we plan to offer support for the IBM
microdrive allowing a significantly greater amount of storage.
Additionally, you can add external storage devices via the rear
USB ports.
Display
?: How big is the screen on the
Xtend?
A: 10.4" diag.
?: What type of screen does the
Xtend
use?
A: Currently we are using aTFT touchscreens,
however we are exploring options to use LTPS TFT screens.
?: Is the screen touch sensitive?
A: Yes
?: Do I need a special stylus to
use the touchscreen?
A: No
?: What resolution is the screen?
A: 1024x768x24bbp
?: What are those small LCD buttons
on the top of the Xtend's
case?
A:  Those
are the programmable LCD touch-sensitive case-top buttons. They
allow a simple way to access frequently used applications or features.
There is a small utility application that allows the user to re-assign
the buttons to any application, as well as change the appearance
of the icon on the button. For example, one button is by default
set to launch the remoteX application, bringing up the universal
remote application (and if necessary bringing the Xtend
out of power-saving hibernation) at a touch of a button.
Audio
?: Can I hook up external speakers?
A: Yes, external stereo speakers can
be connected via the plug in the back.
Power
?: What type of battery does the
Xtend
use?
A: Four cell Li-Ion
?: How long does the battery last?
A: Approx. 5 Hrs. depending on usage
?: Can I operate the Xtend
while it's plugged into an AC source?
A: Yes
?: Does the Xtend
have a docking station?
A: Currently there is no docking station,
as all required expansion and power connection requirements are
housed in the Xtend's
case.
Technical / OS & Software
OS
?: Why was Linux chosen as the
OS?
A: Linux is a very power and versatile
operating system. It allows us nearly complete freedom to make
alterations to allow the Xtend
to do exactly what we want. It is also a very cost competitive
option.
One of the greatest benefits we see in the future is also the
amount of passion Linux developers have to develop new and interesting
uses for Linux based devices. Because we adhere to the open standard
ideal of Linux, we will make all necessary specifications available
to allow people to develop completely new and interesting uses
for the Xtend
platform.
?: Will specifications be available
for the Xtend
version/distribution of Linux?
A: Absolutely! There will be a software
developer kit available in our developer section of this website.
?: Where can I get a driver for
new hardware?
A: Typically the manufacturer of the
hardware will have drivers available. In the case of new, or novel
uses of existing hardware that our owner and developer community
has found use for, the required software will be provided on our
developer pages or on our Xtend
community site, X!
Software
?: What type of multimedia can
I use on the Xtend?
A: The Xtend
supports all current W3C HTML image file types, as well as MP3
audio, streaming video, Macromedia Flash, Apple QuickTime, Real
media, and other media types via a plug-in architecture.
?: What is
JeXter?
A: JeXter is the Xtend's
gesture recognition software. While not full handwriting recognition,
it allows easy text and command entry via the touchscreen and
stylus.
?: What is
remoteX?
A: remoteX is the programmable universal
remote control application that allows the replacement of all
of those remotes cluttering your coffee table. For more information
on this capability, see the section above on the universal remote
capability.
?: What is
sXetch?
A: SXetch is a drawing and annotation
utility that comes with the Xtend
?: What is
Xchange?
A: Xchange is the powerful software
that resides on your home PC and on the Xtend
that allows the Xtend
to access applications and files from your PC. It also performs
basic network tasks related to the Xtend
wireless network.
?: Does the
Xtend
have an Internet browser?
A: Of course! Xtend's
Internet browser is extremely powerful, yet has a small application
footprint, and modest computing requirements. It is fully HTML
compliant, with support for Java, JavaScript, and various multimedia
datatypes via a plug-in architecture.
?: Does the
Xtend
come with an e-mail program?
A: Yes. The Xtend's
email application supports POP3 email accounts (currently there
is no support for IMAP or AOL). You can have multiple user accounts
and email addresses managed via the application.
?: Does
Xtend
currently have a calendar/PIM application?
A: The Xtend
does offer a desktop-type calendar application that can be used
in a very similar fashion to how a lot of families use a calendar
on the refrigerator. It can keep track of appointments and To-Do
items. We are currently not including any advanced personal information
management or calendar applications, however there are plans to
offer third party developed versions in the future.
?: What
other applications are included?
A: The Xtend
offers a host of other small, utility, applications such as an
application to allow the re-programming of the LCD case-top buttons,
calculator, notepad, control panel, skin manager, screen saver,
battery/power management, etc.
?: How can I get other applications
for my Xtend?
A: You can download them from your
home PC or the Internet and store them on any available space
on the internal flash RAM, an external Compact Flash card or CF
storage device, or an external USB based storage device.
Additional applications will be available on the X! user web site,
or from various third party developers.
Because of the open nature of the Xtend,
we fully expect there to be literally hundreds if not thousands
of additional application available for the Xtend
in the near future.
Design
?: Why are there two designs of
the Xtend?
A: Primarily for aesthetic reasons.
As the Xtend
is destined to become a permanent of many living rooms, family
rooms, and home theatres, it's important that it gracefully complements
its surroundings.
?: What are the names of the two
designs?
A: The faceted or angled design is
called the Xtend
Alpha.
The curved design is called the Xtend
Beta.
Customization / Hardware
?: How can I customize the physical
appearance of the Xtend?
A: The Xtend's
appearance can me changed by simply replacing the outer bezel
or cover with one that matches your décor, or even your
mood!
?: Where can I get these optional
cases?
A: The Xtend's
optional cases will be available through our user portal site,
X!, or via any third party companies that wish to make them for
the Xtend.
Customization / OS
?: How can I customize the look
and feel or the functionality of the graphical user interface
(GUI) element of the operating system (OS)?
A: The Xtend's
windowing environment supports the idea of "skins",
or customizable UI elements such as window borders, buttons, menus,
etc. This will allow the Xtend
to gracefully blend into whatever case you choose, your home décor,
or the "feel" that you want your Xtend
to have.
?: Where can I get alternate skins?
A: Skins will be available from our
user portal X!, and will most likely become available from other
individual or group websites.
?: How do I make my own skins?
A: Information and specifications
on how to make and compile your own skins will be available via
our user portal X! and in the developer section of our website.
Input
?: How do I interface or enter
information in the Xtend?
A: The primary means is via the touch
screen. It is recommended that you use the included (or similarly
designed) stylus to protect the screen from fingerprints and scratches,
but you can also use your finger.
To enter data, the Xtend
supports a gesture recognition software called JeXter.
With it you enter characters one at a time using a single motion
written anywhere on the touch screen's bottom one-third.
The Xtend
also has a "pop-up" software keyboard to allow data
entry for those more comfortable with that method.
The Xtend
features "shoulder buttons" for performing frequent
tasks, such as going back from a web page, scrolling the display
up and down, or performing a mouse-click action. These buttons
are completely programmable, so the user can assign any function
to them.
Finally, via the USB ports, a keyboard/mouse combo can be attached
for when extensive data entry is required.
It's important to remember that the Xtend
is not intended to be used to write the Great American Novel.
However, with an optional keyboard/mouse combo you could very
likely do that!
?: Why does the Xtend
not support handwriting recognition?
A: Handwriting recognition with an
acceptable, or even tolerable, level of success requires a great
deal of processing power. Because of the nature of the Xtend's
design, processing power is not currently adequate.
However, we are aware of the value of robust hand-writing recognition,
and will continue to explore ways to enable our information appliances
with this capability.
?: Why does the Xtend
not support voice recognition?
A: This answer is the same as the
one for handwriting recognition above.
Hardware expansion
?: What is the compact flash slot
for?
A: Primarily for the addition of more
memory to allow additional application and data storage. It can
also be used to add additional hardware functionality via CF compliant
expansion cards and devices.
?: What are the USB slots for?
A: For the addition of optional hardware
such as keyboard/mouse combos, external storage devices, etc.
Price & Availability
?: How much does the Xtend
cost?
A: We are targeting the Xtend
to have an MSRP of $599. Our goal is to offer the Xtend
at a price point that enables it to be a sensible addition to
any home-like environment.
?: Where can I buy an Xtend?
A: The Xtend
is currently under development and is not available for sale yet.
If you would like to be notified when we begin offering the Xtend,
let us know at sales@dotdesigntech.com,
and we'll notify you when and how you can purchase one.
Networking & Communications
?: How does the Xtend
communicate with my PC or the Internet?
A: The Xtend
takes advantage of amazing new breakthroughs in wireless networking
technology. Based on the IEEE 802.11 specification for wireless
Ethernet, you can take the Xtend
anywhere within range of the wireless base station. The base station
is an 802.11 based access point, with a four port switch, allowing
for not only wireless access for the Xtend,
but also wireless access for other 802.11 equipped computers,
as well as hardwired 10BASE-T networking.
Additionally, the Xtend
also has a 10BASE-T wired Ethernet port if the user requires a
higher-speed connection, or for whatever reason the wireless network
is not available (for example while traveling).
?: What is 802.11?
A: 802.11 is the standard on which
the Xtend's
wireless networking is based. For more information, please see
this link on
802.11.
?: Do I require a PC to use the
Xtend?
A: While it's not absolutely necessary
to access the Internet and email if you are using a broadband
DSL or cable Internet connection (as the wireless base station
acts as the gateway), if you connect via a dial-up to your ISP,
you need to have a PC with a modem to act as an Internet gateway
for the Xtend's
base station. Additionally a "base station" PC opens
up a lot more possibilities, such as running large, CPU intensive
applications on the PC, and displaying the results and taking
input via the Xtend.
?: Can two Xtends
communicate via their wireless networks?
A: Yes, providing they have the proper
networking software installed and running.
X!
?: What is X!
A: X! is intended to be the Xtend
user portal where users can:
- download custom skins
- download system upgrades
- download new software applications
- get tips and tricks on ways to use the Xtend
- order hardware accessories
- access hosted areas for third party hardware and software developers
- and a whole lot more!
?: When will X! be available?
A: The launch of the X! user portal
will coincide with the general retail availability of the Xtend
platform.
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