Smach Z Kickstarter Implodes: Backers should request chargebacks

[@MegamanNova]

Who the hell pays for a non-existent product? Those who do deserves to get scammed.

[@lexwalker2]

Excellent move. The PCBs shown at Embedded World 2018 actually could never function at all. Below the latest backers-only update and can clearly see the reason why those PCBs were simply duds. They could not choose the proper PCB manufacturer which shows their lack of experience in developing such products. In addition to that, more problems and more delays as usual. "PCB manufacturing: We have received the new version of the main PCB so we'll be able to start working with it next week. However, we had a problem with the Core PCB: The manufacturer was not able to finish the work due to lack of technology to create such small lines. So we just sent it to another manufacturer. This is a bump for the project, since it’s going to delay the time to see the final unit working at least until the end of April. There is nothing else we can do to accelerate it. All PCB manufacturers take 15 days or more to produce the Core PCB. Plastic molds: We begun the final plastic molds production. We will do it in China, as they can do it much faster than in Europe. They should be ready at the beginning of May to start injecting all the plastic pieces. Windows 10 license: We met with Microsoft this week and they confirmed that they can’t sell “injected licenses” to devices under 7-inches. Also, if our device would be 7-inch the license would cost $111 because of the hardware specs, so it’s cheaper to buy the licenses from a distributor. The possibility to get licenses from Microsoft at a reasonable price gets narrower. We understand your frustration and we're continuing to work on finding solutions. In any case, we will offer Windows 10 support and firmware as promised in the Kickstarter stretch goal, so you can install it yourself. Delivery date: After the new delay on the PCB manufacturing, we can confirm that we will need to move the estimated delivery date at least to June or July if we manage to complete the development of the final unit in May and start production in June. Many of you have asked about the September date on the website: This is the estimated ship date for new pre-orders, you will be the first to get the console. Thanks for your support."

[@pastuh]

Can you provide info how to fill chargeback request? My bank delaying to refund..

[@nexus3756]

No the rhombio team are NOT pros. They stole the linx 10 tablet

[@SMGJohn]

I never backed a kickstarter, I have pre-ordered games though and I learned the hard way back in 2010 to never do that again after 5 years of getting fucked over by promises that were never delivered. Kickstarters are like that, they lie and take your money but this time even worse when they wont even give you anything for it.

[@montarbell5372]

Estafa Z declared heading into bankruptcy.

[@r.s2095]

Glad I didn't back it and waited to see how it turned out. The way I saw it is if it is successful it will be available to order on more trust worthy sites. Always feel hesitant to back a project that looks this good.

[@rehsab01]

This DIY www.slashgear.com/wii-u-compustick-mod-puts-windows-10-inside-a-handheld-18495693/ proves that SmachZ's fake protype is easy to make (and doesn't need 80K budget or KickStarter). That DIY is even better because it has touch screen (as shown here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZXQh2qffr2Xf5I ) plus faster processor (Intel Core M) for emulators. More info here www.sudomod.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=3331 The ScamhZ saga will likely mirror that of the ZX Spectrum Vega+ handheld saga (delays upon delays, and still no actual delivery).

[@rehsab01]

The fake Smach-Z "prototype" internals i.imgur.com/QgjF829.jpg that is a cheap tablet mainboard and not using ClickARM technology as claimed in their KickStarter page.

[@lon.tvsnippets5946]

Where did you find this image?

[@rehsab01]

Found that here www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1100661&page=8 Quite unfortunate that one of the posters got banned from SmachZ's private forums for revealing it. If you follow the discussions, SmachZ had used copyright clause to remove the same image from StopDrop&Retro's twitter posts. So that does prove the picture is legit.

[@vadrh8r298]

At least the Ouya delivered exactly what it promised. It paved the way for indie game development and for the more successful Nvidia Shield TV .

[@dropthehammer5488]

this was an obvious scam from day 1. offering pc performance at a bargain price? cmon. all pc products are expensive. if u want bargain gaming...get a nintendo 2ds

[@omi6816]

They weren't promissing any good performance, in fact they stood within real performance range, the problem is that they just glued together parts of other products and streamed to them, basically that's an intel SOC glued to a steam controller with a screen attached.

[@inkybandanna6733]

scammed

[@aldorthegreat5267]

Smach z was always fake

[@jlebrech]

why doesnt someone just make a picoitx case with a small display in it.

[@Spencerwalker21]

Check out pgs labs if you want to see another scam

[@lon.tvsnippets5946]

They are still reaching out to me :). I told them to let me know when they actually have a project :)

[@Spencerwalker21]

Lon.TV Snippets ikr did you see there kickstarter video omg so bad

[@sebastianandersson5377]

I tried to be cafeful but i still ended up losing a big amount of money, you should stay away completely.

[@rhomb_io1569]

Hi everyone! We'll be on @reddit doing an AMA next July, 25th at 9 am (EST)/ 4pm (GMT). We wait for you Redditors! We will try to solve your doubts about Rhomb.io system.

[@Meige123]

Rhomb_io why bother..?

[@omi6816]

o hey, hallo scammers XD

[@sivyisvaj8054]

Smach z just declared bankrupt 11 hours ago... so sad guys...

[@montarbell5372]

Estafa Z declared going into bankruptcy for real.

[@hampter_4_real]

so its getting real now, pcbs are mounted, smach team is going to embedded with amd on the weekend of march 1st

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

Erm...no.

[@kamstilldabest2003]

Lol the steam deck exists now, that is now a piece of fraud.

[@omi6816]

The blame is also on the backer, just saying!

[@MagicalWingLT]

you're an idiot... Kickstarter and the two companies are to blame. The backers are now the victims... There are rules in place for a reason. They broke several rules and policies on kickstarter. Kickstarter is partly to blame because even when they know the companies broke policies they decided to do nothing...

[@omi6816]

I'm not saying the companies are not to blame (kickstarter is most likely not the one to blame though) i'm saying that backers should be less enthusiastic and more critic about how they spend their money, this scam was easily avoidable with a quick google search, clickarm was a no go from the very beggining, the guys with no background on the hardware industry but promissing to deliver a full handheld x86 also a no go.

[@MagicalWingLT]

Not everyone knows the tech world the way we do. I know people that would of backed this because the main focus was for playing video games. They wouldn't know about what's it's made of and what parts are used...

[@omi6816]

they would probably be better off waiting to buy it off the shelves then.

[@MagicalWingLT]

Omi There is nothing on the market like this. This is similar to the Switch and people see that and want to get it. Not going to argue anymore your points are invalid and again sound stupid