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  • 4 min read

2025-06-14 | A highly insightful and valuable review from South Korea.

A Thoughtful Review from Korea And Our Thoughts in Return

We love surprises the good kind anyway. A few weeks back, we reached out to a YouTuber based in South Korea known for his honest and technically detailed reviews. We sent over a small package: one Openterface KVM Ext. for uConsole, plus our mini-KVM toolkit for testing. Then, we waited.

What came next was beyond our expectations.

He not only tested the mini-KVM extensively, but also took the time to write a detailed article packed with insights: 👉 Read the full review here

His feedback was sharp, constructive, and grounded in real-world usage. That's gold to us. While we didn't agree with every point, that's exactly why it was valuable. It pushed us to look again at some design assumptions, and confirmed where we got things right. If you're curious, scroll down for the full conversation.

And if you're not already following him: - 🎥 YouTube Channel - 💬 Community Forum

This kind of dialogue is exactly what helps tools like ours evolve. So thank you, TinyRack we hear you.

Some Words from the Heart: Our Goals and Commitments

1. Retail Channels

Our current and exclusive sales channel for the Openterface Mini‑KVM is Crowd Supply, and this partnership is set to continue until mid‑2026. We are genuinely grateful for their support, Crowd Supply specialises in open‑hardware projects, and their platform and community have played a crucial role in helping our small team grow and successfully deliver the Mini‑KVM.

Thanks to Crowd Supply managing fulfilment and distribution so efficiently, we've been able to focus our energies fully on product design, production, and software development. It's for this reason we haven't been able to launch on larger marketplaces like Amazon or AliExpress yet. However, widening our distribution remains a top priority, and we're planning to explore those channels once our current commitment ends in mid‑2026.

We believe in being transparent rather than making promises we can't yet fulfil. Your patience and ongoing support allow us to build a stronger foundation before expanding to additional marketplaces.

2. Price

We understand that some users find the price higher than expected. Much of the cost reflects our investment in native software development for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android (and, soon, iPad/iOS). We are building full‑featured, secure applications, far beyond a basic web app (though we're grateful to community contributor Kashall for helping build our web version!). We take the challenges and compare ourselves to tools trusted by IT professionals and enterprises, and we insist on development and security standards in line with industry best practices.

3. Open-Source Commitment

We appreciate you pointing out that open‑sourcing can sometimes be a way to hand off incomplete work. That's not us. Our entire dev team is fully committed to open‑source, and we have exciting features on the roadmap. We know this path isn't easy, but we'll keep pushing and hope our community will continue to support us.

4. Windows SmartScreen Warning

Your feedback on the Windows installer warning was spot‑on. We're already using an open‑source certificate (SignPath), but warnings still appear. We're pursuing Extended Validation (EV) certificates, though they remain difficult for newer companies. Please bear with us while we navigate the paperwork and improve your initial installation experience.

5. Working Experience Praise

Thank you for performing such rigorous plug-and-play stress tests by reconnecting cables, booting from BIOS, and the like. That kind of real-world validation means a lot.

6. Linux Issues

We're very sorry for the frustrations you encountered on Linux. Permission errors, missing displays, firmware issues, and crashes are unacceptable. We're prioritising improvements, including: Uploading to the Ubuntu Software Store for easy installation; Providing flatpak and one‑click installers; Enhancing udev rules, dependency handling, and crash resilience. We're committed to delivering a Linux experience that matches our Windows and macOS quality.

7. Path Forward

Your feedback, especially on price, has helped catalyse internal discussions on optimising costs and scalability. We're evaluating adjustments across all fronts, sales channels, marketing spend, and operations, to better balance value and quality as we grow.

We're truly grateful for the thoughtful feedback and support from tinyrack and so many members of the open-source community. It is the care, contributions, and encouragement from people like you that remind us why we're building Openterface as more than just a product. It is a shared journey shaped by collaboration, curiosity, and a common belief in doing things better together. Thank you for being part of this path. We look forward to what lies ahead and will keep learning and growing with all of you.

With gratitude,
Billy Wang
Product Manager
Openterface Team | TechxArtisan

  • in Updates
  • 5 min read

2025-02-19 | Clear Backlog, Fresh Gear, and More Time to Build USB KVM!

Hey there, Openterface fam!

It’s been a while, and we’ve got some exciting news to share! Let’s dive in!

Your Unboxings, Our Biggest Motivation

More and more backers are receiving their kits and sharing their experiences with unboxings, setups, and creative use cases. We’ve seen incredible unboxing posts across popular platforms like Discord, Reddit, Mastodon, Bluesky, Threads, X—you name it!

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Honestly, we know we’ve mentioned this in previous posts, but we can never say it enough—our gratitude runs deep. Seeing your enthusiasm and how our gadget helps you at the tech frontline is exactly what we built this for and fight for, and it’s truly an honor. Your shares and feedback are the greatest validation of our hard work.

Thank you, Openterface fam! 🚀💙

Backlog Cleared & Fully Stocked

According to Crowd Supply, most orders have already shipped! If you haven’t received yours yet, double check your shipment information of the order and it’s likely being processed and should be on its way soon. Feel free to reach out to Crowd Supply for updates on your order status.

Additionally, we recently shipped another batch of Openterface Mini-KVM units, and Crowd Supply’s Texas warehouse is now fully stocked! So, if your current Mini-KVM is proving invaluable for managing your headless devices at your tech frontline, consider grabbing another via Crowd Supply—or spread the word to your tech-loving friends!

Bugs? No Problem! Dev Team in Action

The buzz on our Reddit, Discord, and GitHub has been awesome! Your feedback, questions, and issue reports have been rolling in—and we’re so grateful for it.

Here’s what our dev team is focused on right now:

  • Fixing Bugs: Squashing those pesky issues you’ve reported.
  • Supporting You: Updating our docs and FAQs to make your experience smoother.

We’re reviewing every issue, holding regular check-ins, and squashing bugs one by one. Making the app more solid and reliable is our top priority—and your input is key to making that happen.

Got a bug to report or found a cool way to use your Mini-KVM to save the day? We’d love to hear about it! Whether it’s a creative setup, a must-have feature idea, or just pure excitement—we’re all ears.

To help our dev team track bugs systematically (and keep their sanity intact), we strongly recommend reporting them on our GitHub repos first:

Prefer real-time discussions with the dev team and fellow Openterface fans? Join our awesome community:

Oh, and if you like keeping things old-school, you can always email us at info@openterface.com or drop us a message via our Google Form: Submit Feedback.

Your patience and support mean the world to us as we work through any bumps along the way. Huge thanks to everyone who has reported issues, shared ideas, and even jumped in to contribute code! The Openterface device isn’t perfect (yet!), but trust us—with this community’s energy, it’s getting better every day. 🚀💙

DIY KVM Challenge: Extended & Upgraded Prizes!

Since our kits were shipped later than expected, we’re extending the DIY KVM Challenge by two months! Plus, we’re upgrading the prizes—stay tuned for details on the Crowd Supply contest page. That means more time to tinker, experiment, and showcase your builds. Join the fun and submit your projects via Crowd Supply’s USB DIY Contest page: USB KVM DIY Challenge 2024

USB KVM DIY Challenge 2024

contest-parties

New Bright Orange Nylon Cable

With our latest Mini-KVM batch, we’ve officially upgraded the Type-C cable in our toolkit version to the new bright orange nylon cable. This new cable isn’t just visually striking—it’s built for performance, with superior EMI resistance, stable data transfer, and exceptional durability.

New Toolkit

But if you prefer the softer, more flexible feel of the original silicone-like Type-C cable, no worries! You can still grab them from our TxA Shop. Both cables have their strengths, and we’re confident the new nylon version will be a solid addition to your tech toolkit.

Seamless Control: Mini-KVM + Android Pencil = Pure Magic

Ever wondered what happens when you pair the Mini-KVM with an Android Pencil? Pure magic! From sketching designs to navigating macOS or Window, the experience of our Opoenterface Android host app is smooth, intuitive, and satisfying. Check out our demo video to see it in action!

Awesome Use Cases from the Community:

Here are just a few more ideas of how you can use the Openterface Mini-KVM:

Your creativity and passion are the heart of the Openterface community.

In the meantime, be sure to explore our TechxArtisan Shop for Openterface merch and high-quality cables designed to work seamlessly with your Openterface devices.

Until then… happy tinkering!

With gratitude,
Billy Wang
Product Manager
Openterface Team | TechxArtisan

  • in Updates
  • 2 min read

2024-12-24 | Merry Christmas & Happy New Year & A Liitle Treat from Openterface Team!

Hi there,

We hope this email finds you well as we wrap up the year! To celebrate the New Year and show our appreciation for your support, we’ve got a little something special for you.

But first, we want to take a moment to say a big thank youto everyone who has been part of our journey this year. Whether you’re a developer who helped us bring our ideas to life, one of our beta testers who gave us invaluable early feedback, a supporter who offered guidance and encouragement, or one of our amazing backers who believed in us from the start—you’ve made this year unforgettable. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Here’s the deal: Between December 24, 2024, and January 10, 2025, if you buy two Mini-KVM Toolkitson Crowd Supply, we’ll send you a $20 store creditfor our TxA shop.

It’s super easy—just take a screenshot of your order confirmation from Crowd Supply and email it to info@openterface.com. We’ll verify your purchase and reply with your $20 store credit code.

We’ve also got a special holiday surprise for you. Take a moment to relax and enjoy our cozy Christmas video—check out the beautiful lights and listen to soothing Christmas tunes. We hope it brings a little joy to your day!

This is our way of saying thanks and kicking off 2025 with a small gift from us to you.

As we reflect on the past year, we are truly grateful for the incredible support from our community. Your belief in our vision has been the driving force behind everything we do. To our developers who turned ideas into reality, our beta testers who helped refine our product, and our early supporters who provided feedback, encouragement, and guidance—thank you for being part of our journey. And to our backers, your trust means the world to us, and we’re endlessly appreciative of your role in making all of this possible.

Got questions? Just drop us a line—we’re always here to help. As we welcome 2025, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful New Year filled with happiness, success, and exciting new adventures.

Thank you for being part of our story. We’re excited to create even more amazing things together in the year ahead!

Warm regards, The Openterface Team

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  • 3 min read

2024-11-27 | 50% OFF on ALL Merchandise – Only This Black Friday! Show Your Support for Open Source!

banner

Hey dear Openterface folks,

Exciting news—we've launched a new clothing line at Openterface! Our collection features T-shirts and hoodies that embody the spirit of our community. They're not just clothes; they're a celebration of our shared values and the Openterface ethos.

What makes these designs even more special? Both the T-shirt and hoodie proudly feature the technical line art of our Openterface mini-KVM, which looks incredibly cool. Plus, we've highlighted our mini-KVM's "Developer Mode" text in the design—an idea we think is absolutely brilliant. When you put on our T-shirt or hoodie, it's not just about staying warm this winter; it's about stepping into super developer mode for all your coding and hacking sessions.

OP-Hoodie-Zip-Up

And if you're wondering how these look in real life, check out how our team's been wearing them in action! From staying cosy in Developer Mode while coding (see tweet), to a fun photoshoot with David Groom from MAKE: Magazine at the Shenzhen Maker Faire (view photo), we've been proudly showcasing our gear. We even got inspired by a talk from the legendary Eric Migicovsky of Pebble fame (see post) while demoing the Openterface Mini-KVM and connecting with tech friends (see more, and here). These aren't just clothes—they're conversation starters and a way to celebrate our community wherever we go!
And if you’re wondering how these look in real life, check out how our team’s been wearing them in action! From staying cosy in Developer Mode while coding (see tweet), to a fun photoshoot with David Groom from MAKE: Magazine at the Shenzhen Maker Faire (view photo), we’ve been proudly showcasing our gear. We even got inspired by a talk from the legendary Eric Migicovsky of Pebble fame (see post) while demoing the Openterface Mini-KVM and connecting with tech friends (see more, and here). These aren’t just clothes—they’re conversation starters and a way to celebrate our community wherever we go!

david-billy-wearing-hoodie David and I can’t get enough of our hoodies—we practically live in them!😉 A huge thank you to David for sharing such an awesome photo—truly appreciated!🎉

And for this dull winter, why not give our vibrant orange data cable a chance? It’s a perfect way to brighten your workspace while ensuring fast and reliable data transfer.

To sweeten the deal, we’re offering a 🔥 SPECIAL 50% DISCOUNT 🔥 on all items for the next five days for this 2024 Black Friday, starting from the moment you see this message until December 1st. It’s our way of saying thanks for being part of our journey.

Have a browse through our store here: https://shop.techxartisan.com. Check out our new apparel and snag a piece at half price—don’t miss this limited-time offer!

Openterface Merch

openterface merch

Openterface Accessories

openterface accessories

Thank you for being with us through this adventure. Your support means the world to us, and we’re grateful for every conversation, every idea, and every interaction we’ve had.

Warm regards,

Billy Wang
Product Manager
Openterface Team | TechxArtisan

P.S. Got any thoughts or feedback? We’re all ears! Join the conversation on Reddit or Discord, or feel free to drop us an email at info@openterface.com ✉️.

  • in Updates
  • 5 min read

2024-11-13 | The Ship Has Sailed & Extra Cables Added for the Toolkit. What’s Next?

Hello, Openterface community!

We’re thrilled to announce that our Openterface products have officially shipped. They’re currently at the port in Shenzhen, ready to board a cargo ship bound for the US!

cardboard boxs to Crowdsupply product packing

Here’s what’s new:

Fulfillment Preparations: Quality Checks and Packing

Before packing and shipping, we thoroughly tested each unit to ensure the highest quality, as we mentioned in previouse update: DIY Challenge, Cool Prizes, and Production Nears the Finish Line!. Every cable was scrutinised for signal transmission stability using our Mini-KVM.

Now, let’s talk about the news—both the bad and the good.

BAD News: Some Orange Cables Didn’t Meet Expectations Under Tough Conditions

Our Mini-KVM transmits video, audio, mouse/keyboard control, and USB data via a single Type-C cable. The cable’s performance is critical for data stability, especially in challenging environments.

To simulate real-world interference, we wrapped the orange Type-C cable around an electric fan motor while running multiple computers nearby. This created a high level of electromagnetic interference (EMI), to evaluate our cables’ data transmission stability.

Testing Setup A budget-friendly yet effective testing method.

Check out our video tweet showcasing one of our performance tests for comparison.

Under these conditions, some orange cables struggled with signal loss, raising concerns about their reliability in complex environments such as data centres or during critical IT operations.

To address this, Kevin Peng, our tech director, developed a bespoke testing programme. This tool, allowing you to test the quality of your own USB cables, will soon be open-sourced with more updates later.

Testing programme interface Our programme makes cable testing a breeze.

While our orange cables, with its soft, silicone-like texture and attractive appearance, are great and are perfect for everyday use like fast charging and regular data transmits, they fall short in a heavy transmits work in tough conditions, like high EMI.

GOOD News: Our Solution is Here

We’ve immediately sourced high-quality nylon USB 3.2 cables to include as an extra in the Toolkit version—at no additional cost to you. These durable cables come in three lengths in grey color: 1M (3.2 ft), 1.5M (4.9 ft), and 2M (6.5 ft). You’ll receive one randomly selected cable from these length options in your Toolkit version, ensuring you have a robust and reliable connection for your Mini-KVM.

New Grey Nylon Type-C cables

In future Mini-KVM Toolkit versions, our orange cable for connecting to the host side of Mini-KVM will be upgraded to the nylon Type-C 3.2 cable, combining functionality, stability, and style.

Custom Nylon Type-C cables

We hope you appreciate this decision and continue to rely on Openterface during critical moments on your tech frontlines.

Shipping Schedule

When can you expect your Mini-KVM? If everything goes smoothly with our shippment, our products should arrive at Crowd Supply’s Mouser warehouse by mid-December, then they will get our Openterface shipped out according to each orders accordingly.

  • For backers in the US: there’s a small chance for delivery before Christmas, but this isn’t guaranteed, since everything tends to slow down as the holiday gets closer.

  • For backers outside the US: Delivery times will vary. Our best estimate is mid-January.

Here’s hoping for a smooth journey for our Openterface products—no seasickness, carsickness, or jet lag! 😃

Cool Openterface T-Shirts and Hoodies

We’ll be at the Shenzhen Maker Fair this weekend (16–17 Nov). To gear up, we’ve designed team apparel, including T-shirt, zip-up and pullover hoodie.

Take a look and let us know what you think: Openterface T-shirt and Hoodie

Support Our Development

If you’d like to support our open-source development further, may also check out our TechxArtisan Shop. You can purchase cables, T-shirts, and hoodies—all while helping us financially continue to innovate. Every purchase counts and supports the open-source community spirit.

What’s Next: Host App Updates

Now that shipping is underway, our focus will shift back to refining our host apps. We’re working on getting them verified across various app stores to ensure a seamless experience as you get started with Openterface.

App stores

What’s Next: Join Our USB DIY Contest

Why not join our USB KVM DIY Challenge 2024 once you’ve got your Openterface Mini-KVM in hand? It’s a great opportunity to contribute to our open-source development and even win a prize——including two special editions Openterface Mini-KVM and more! For more details, check out the Crowd Supply's contest page.

alt text alt text

Wrapping It Up

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your support and feedback keep us moving forward. If you have any questions or ideas, we’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation in our community on Reddit and Discord.

With gratitude,
Billy Wang
Product Manager
Openterface Team | TechxArtisan

  • in Updates
  • 4 min read

2024-10-22 | DIY Challenge, Cool Prizes, and Production Nears the Finish Line!

Hey there, Openterface enthusiasts!

We've got some exciting news to share! From a thrilling new DIY challenge to production milestones and cool software updates—things are buzzing here at Openterface. Grab a drink, make yourself comfy, and dive into this update with us!

USB KVM DIY Challenge 2024: Time to Unleash Your Inner Tech Wizard!

Attention all tinkerers, makers, and dreamers! We're thrilled to present the USB KVM DIY Challenge 2024, a collaboration with TechxArtisan, Make: Magazine, the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA), and Crowd Supply. This is your chance to create a custom KVM solution—let’s see what magic you can whip up with your Openterface Mini-KVM!

techxartisan,make magazine,oshwa,crowdsouce logos

Here’s the rundown:

Mission: Create your very own open KVM solution using the Openterface Mini-KVM, with your personal twist to meet your specific needs.

Categories: Prizes for top performers include awards for both technical skill and creativityso everyone has a shot!

Awesome Prizes:

  • A limited-edition Openterface Mini-KVM with a transparent and silver case.
  • The futuristic Pi-Cast KVM by HackerGadgets.
  • The retro-inspired GameShell by Clockwork.

Timeline: The challenge kicks off on October 1, 2024, and submissions close on February 28, 2025.

Judges: Experts from TechxArtisan, Make: Magazine, OSHWA, and Crowd Supply will evaluate your projects.

Whether you're a seasoned tech wizard or just stepping into the world of hardware hacking, this contest is your playground. Who knows? You might create the next big thing in tech!

Join the action on Crowd Supply's official contest page and chat with us on the contest Discord channel. Let the innovation games begin!

Openterface Mini-KVM available in three cool enclosures—transparent, silver, and black

Openterface Mini-KVM available in three cool enclosures—transparent, silver, and black

Some of the awesome prizes: Pi-Cast KVM by HackerGadgets and GameShell by Clockwork

Some of the awesome prizes: Pi-Cast KVM by HackerGadgets and GameShell by Clockwork

Production Update: Almost There!

Here’s a sneak peek at the hard work going on behind the scenes—our studio has been buzzing like a beehive! So far, we’ve assembled 800 units of the Openterface Mini-KVM.

assembled units

Production progress image

Our quality control is top-notch. Every unit is checked, rechecked, and pampered by our team to ensure that when it arrives in your hands, it’s not just good—it’s great! We aim for the kind of quality that makes other devices green with envy.

We know waiting can be hard, but we’re committed to delivering the best experience possible. Thank you for your patience as we put on the final touches!

Software Update: Android App Gets a Nice Upgrade

Our Android app just received a major upgrade. Now controlling your target devices through your phone or tablet has never been easier or more fun!

Check out the demo video here: Android App Demo Video

finger tapping on the Android app

Here’s what’s new:

  • Smooth and responsive touch controls
  • Easy drag-and-drop functionality
  • Precise tapping for an intuitive experience
  • A new function key bar for added convenience
  • Upcoming feature: customizable keyboard shortcuts
  • Compatible with both Android tablets and phones

This app makes the Openterface Mini-KVM even more useful for tech pros on the go. We’ve also uploaded the latest APK and source code to our GitHub repo if you want to explore further or contribute!

Wrapping It Up

Phew! That was quite the update, right?

If you have any ideas, feedback, or wild KVM dreams, we want to hear them! Slide into our DMs, send a carrier pigeon 🕊️, or hop onto one of our community channels. We love connecting with you!

Thanks again for your patience and for being the best tech community out there. We’ve got more exciting news and updates coming soon—stay tuned!

With gratitude,
Billy Wang
Product Manager
Openterface Team | TechxArtisan

  • in Updates
  • 7 min read

2024-08-22 | Overcoming Hurdles: Progress Update & New Timeline

Hey everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well. It’s been a while since our last update. I wish I could say everything’s been smooth sailing for Openterface, but we’ve hit a couple of speed bumps that will delay our delivery timeline. While this wasn’t what we expected, we’re tackling these challenges head-on and making steady progress with plenty of good news to share. This post is about a 7-minute read, so let’s dive into the details so you know exactly where things stand and what’s coming next.

Regulation, Production, and Quality

Before we could kick off production, we had to pass necessary quality tests according to regulations, particularly CE certification. Since our toolkit version includes not just the Mini-KVM but also several accessories, each part needed to undergo CE testing. These tests took longer than expected (turns out cables can be quite picky), but the great news is that we’ve passed CE for our Mini-KVM and all its components! Below is an overview of the certifications for all our parts: Mini-KVM, HDMI cable, orange Type-C cable, black short Type-C cable, and VGA2HDMI cable. With certification in hand, our production timeline is now certain, and our manufacturers are currently producing all parts as I speak.

240823-0 UKCA and CE requirements are the same for our electronic products, with CE also covering RoHS compliance.

Two weeks ago, we visited one of our manufacturers to train their line managers on quality control for the orange cables before they shipped them to us. Now, ALL the orange cables have been produced and are sitting in a corner of our studio. 240823-1 Kevin and Shawn were explaining the testing methods to ensure the orange cable works properly with our Openterface Mini-KVM.

We will do the same task in this week to train QA at the production frontline for other parts as well. Here are samples of additional cables. 240823-2 Proudly marked with our TechxArtisan logo, these are samples of the HDMI cable, the short Type-C cable, and the VGA-to-HDMI cable.

We’re expecting the other parts and Mini-KVMs to arrive soon from our manufacturers, at which point we’ll double-check the quality of every component and pack them properly at our studio before shipment. In other words, our team will personally ensure the quality before it reaches your hands.

Shipment, Potential Delays, and New ETA

The current uncertainty lies in the shipment process. After investigating several shipping companies, we found that shipping will take extra time as we will likely transfer parcels through a warehouse before reaching Crowd Supply’s warehouse. We’re still debating whether to choose sea or air freight—please bear with us for a few more days while we sort out the arrangements.

Customs clearance is another potential hurdle that might cause unexpected delays. Once our products arrive at Crowd Supply's warehouse in the US, they’ll take one to two weeks to ship out globally based on each order. For backers outside the US, individual parcels will still need to go through global shipping and customs clearance in the destination country.

Accounting for the current situation and adding some buffer time, I remain cautiously optimistic that we’ll complete delivery before the end of this year, with a new ETA of mid-January. I’m truly sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your support and patience during this change.

Finalised Hardware V1.9

As you may know from our previous Reddit post, we decided to upgrade our hardware to V1.9, including a set of hackable expansion pins. This wasn’t part of the original plan for the crowdfunding campaign, but we believe it significantly enhances the hardware’s potential for broader use.

240823-3 The VCC, GND, Target D+, Target D-, Host D+, and Host D- pins—where ‘D’ stands for USB data.

One key motivation was to enable the USB switch to be toggled at the software level. Why is this important? On our roadmap, we aim to support a KVM-over-IP solution, such as VNC, in the future. The idea is to match local KVM control with the VNC protocol, allowing users to remotely control the target computer via the host computer. In such a remote scenario, the ability for users to switch the USB port is essential, especially when file transfers between the host and target are required.

The expansion pins also open up possibilities for more, like integrating with iPadOS, ATX control, network bridging, and audio bypass. While I won’t dive into all the details here, I encourage you to join our Openterface community to discuss with us further.

This hardware upgrade could potentially extend our Openterface solution to operate over IP and include more advanced features while still maintaining its core strength as a plug-and-play KVM-over-USB tool—perfect for IT pros navigating uncertain IT environments, like unfamiliar data centres.

I’m happy to report that V1.9 has passed our internal basic tests and will be finalised as the official version for all our backers. However, this hardware upgrade will require further testing, and any development based on these expansion pins will be experimental and likely to have bugs. This is where you can contribute. We’re counting on the open-source community to help us improve Openterface together.

More Software Updates

On the software front, we’re making exciting strides. We’re diving into the Openterface Android app now! Check out this tweet for an early demo showing smooth KVM control, mouse movement, and clicks in action. More features are on the way, and as always, once we’ve polished the code a bit more, this app will also be open-sourced on our GitHub repo Openterface_Android. 240823-4 Using just our fingertips to KVM control a Linux computer from an Android tablet. Nice!

Our QT version just got a handy update—you can now transfer text from the host to the target! So now this feature is supported on macOS, Windows, and Linux host apps.

Moreover, We’re also planning to add a fun feature — an auto mouse movement to prevent your target computer from sleeping. Should we go with the ping-pong ball bouncing around the screen or the classic DVD screensaver effect? Vote and comment the tweet 😃

Package Design, Labelling, and Manual

We’ve been experimenting with various mock-ups and packaging designs to find the perfect balance among several key factors:

  • Selecting materials sturdy enough to protect the product and its parts during shipment,
  • Creating informative labelling that helps users understand the product at a glance,
  • Ensuring compliance with regulations,
  • Making the packaging visually appealing,
  • And being eco-friendly by minimising plastic use wherever possible.

Additionally, we’ve made several improvements to the old toolkit bag, including:

  • Larger storage space,
  • A stylish orange zipper,
  • Upgraded exterior and interior materials,
  • And a super stretchy mesh pocket.

We chose this material because it strikes the ideal balance between being budget-friendly, pleasant to the touch, and durable enough to protect the items inside. We’re confident you’ll love it.

240823-5

We’re also updating the labels on the aluminium casing to make them as informative and visually appealing as possible. We hope these enhancements will improve your user experience and make it easier to get started with Openterface.

240823-6

We’re finalising the Openterface manual, which will be available in English, German, French, Japanese, and Chinese. Apologies if we missed your language—our box isn’t TARDIS-sized (Doctor Who’s police box)! But we’ll do our best to add more translations on our website.

240823-7

Community Language Review

I’ve been using ChatGPT to assist with translations, but it can sometimes miss the mark with phrasing and wording. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d greatly appreciate any help in reviewing the content in other languages, especially for the printed materials we’re about to finalise. I’ve updated all the text content for the packaging in our GitHub folder product-printed-materials, where you can review and submit any improvements. You can also DM me directly. Thanks!

Final Remarks and Ongoing Progress

We apologise again for the delays and the change in our product’s ETA. Thank you for your patience and for sticking with us—we’re working hard to get this to you as soon as possible! I’ll update you immediately once our shipment is arranged. More updates are on the way, so please join our Openterface community and stay tuned!

Cheers,

Billy Wang
Product Manager
Openterface Team | TechxArtisan

  • in Updates
  • 4 min read

2024-07-16 | From Teardown to Production: We’re Moving Forward!

Hey everyone,

It’s been a while since our crowdfunding campaign ended, and we’ve got some fantastic updates to share with you. We’re excited to dive headfirst into the production phase of our Openterface Mini-KVM and keep you informed on our progress.

Teardown 2024 Highlights

First of all, last month’s Teardown 2024 hosted by Crowd Supply in Portland was nothing short of amazing. It was fantastic to meet so many of our tech friends and backers in person at our demo table! Your kind words are a great encouragement and motivation for us. Here are some snaps from the event:

openterface-billy-at-teardown2024-2

A big shoutout to Electromaker for featuring our product during the event! Check out our chat in this video:

Production in Full Swing

Right now, we’re busy ordering parts and chips like the CH9329 and CH340 as we gear up for production. We’re also submitting our Mini-KVM and cables for CE, RoHS, and UKCA certification testing. If all goes well, we’ll start production at the factories soon. Our team is ensuring every step of the production line runs smoothly to deliver a top-notch product that’s both fun and reliable! Here are some snaps of the test reports for RoHS and CE for our orange Type-C cable:

openterface-test-report-typec

Stay tuned, as we’ll have more similar reports for our Mini-KVMs and other cables to ensure they all meet the required certification standards.

OSHWA Certification

We’re thrilled to announce that our Openterface Mini-KVM is now officially OSHWA certified as fully open-source! 🥳 You can check out our certification here: OSHWA UID CN000015. We're committed to keeping both the software and hardware open-source, enabling tech lovers to explore the potential of USB KVM, contribute to its development, and build a vibrant community together.

openterface-oshw-cn000015

Hardware Update V1.9

We’ve just launched hardware V1.9 with extra pins: VCC, GND, Target D+, Target D-, Host D+, Host D- for even more hackable fun! These data pins are connected to the Target's and Host's USB hub. Now you can DIY extensions for Openterface — think ATX, network bridging, audio bypass, and more. What creative ideas do you have for hacking our Mini-KVM with these pins? Join our Reddit or Discord, share your thoughts and have a fun coding with us!

openterface-v1-9-hackable

Run Openterface on Pi & Team Up with uConsole

We’ve successfully run our QT host app on a Pi environment! What’s even more exciting is how our Mini-KVM can team up with Clockwork’s uConsole to turn it into a portable KVM tool. It’s super handy for plug-and-play and quick troubleshooting of any headless devices nearby.

Development & Final Touches

Our dev team, led by Kevin, is working tirelessly to test and refine the code. Join our Techxartisan's Discord to hang out with our dev and beta team and stay updated on our progress. Meanwhile, Billy is handling all the paperwork and finalising the design for our product, packaging, and product manual.

Here’s a sneak peek of our updated prints and labels for the aluminium case, showcased in Kazubu’s tweet when Billy shared it with him in Tokyo, Japan:

openterface-kazubu-tweet-new-look

On Track for September

We’re currently right on schedule and working hard to get our Mini-KVMs into your hands by the end of September.

We’d love your help in spreading the word about our Mini-KVM. We hope it can benefit more tech enthusiasts and make tech life easier for anyone managing headless devices.

Thanks so much for all your support and enthusiasm. We couldn't have done it without you!

Cheers,
Billy Wang
Openterface Team

  • in Updates
  • 3 min read

2024-06-18 | Meet Me in Portland This Weekend & Win a Mini-KVM from My Game Challenge!

Hey everyone! We’ve got some fantastic news to share!

Big Thanks!

First off, I can't thank you all enough for your incredible support. Our crowdfunding campaign has absolutely smashed its goals on Jun 14, hitting $248k with the amazing support from over 1110 backers and Crowd Supply.

crowdfunding_end_240614

This success has given us the chance to make the Mini-KVM even better! We couldn’t have done it without you—seriously, thank you from the bottom of our hearts! 🧡 We'll be working full throttle in production to ensure delivery to your hands soon!

Fun Bet & My Flight to Portland!

So, here’s a fun story: As I mentioned in this post, Kevin and I made a bet. If we could get 100 new backers in the final 36 hours, I would fly to the US for Crowd Supply's Teardown 2024. Well, guess what? We didn’t just hit 100—we got 165 new backers! So, I’m super excited to announce that I’ll be attending Teardown 2024 in person on this Friday (June 21) and weekend.

My Demo Table & Livestream

Teardown is Crowd Supply’s annual flagship event centered around all things hardware - featuring talks, demos, workshops, and more.

Teardown 2024 Lloyd Center Mall Portland, Oregon June 21-23, 2024

teardown-poster

I'll have a demo table at the Teardown Event: Check it out here!

Any chance you're near the Portland area? It'd be fantastic to meet you at the event! Buy the Teardown ticket now and hope to see you there—come by and say hi!

If you can’t make it to the event, don’t worry. You can always find me on our Discord and Subreddit during the conference. You can text or talk to me in real time, as I may be live-streaming all three days while I'm at the demo table, so join our community now and you won’t miss a thing.

Game Challenge at Teardown

Now, for a bit of fun: I’m setting up a video game competition at Teardown 2024. I’ll be demoing how our Mini-KVM works with the portable computer, uConsole, which is basically a Raspberry Pi. Check out my X tweet here to see how I’ll set it up with the Mini-KVM.

play-game-uconsole

I'm thinking of using games like Pac-Man, The King of Fighters '97, and Tetris for the game challenge. And here’s the kicker—winners can snag a Mini-KVM from me right there! So, come and play a game with me to win!

More to Come

As always, we’re cooking up some exciting things, and I will have a super exciting announcement at Teardown! So stay tuned for more updates. I can’t wait to see you at Teardown 2024!

Cheers,
Billy Wang Openterface Team | TechxArtisan Studio