UltraBar Crowdfunding Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I. Basic Concepts

Q1: What exactly is UltraBar? Tell me in the simplest terms.
A: Simply put, UltraBar is a "smart control center" for your desk. It uses a bar-shaped touchscreen and ever-expanding modules to centrally manage tasks that usually require cumbersome operations on your desk—like controlling your computer, smart lights, music, etc.—making your desk incredibly tidy and efficient.

Q2: What is its relationship with my computer? Can it replace the keyboard and mouse?
A: It is not meant to replace your keyboard and mouse, but rather to act as a powerful "co-pilot." It takes over those tedious operations, such as switching computer modes, adjusting smart lights, controlling music playback, and even executing complex workflows with one touch, allowing you to focus more on your primary tasks.

Q3: What is CoreBAR? How is it related to UltraBar?
A: CoreBAR is the "brain" hidden inside the UltraBar control bar. It's a small computer running our exclusive LineOS, handling all complex computations and connections. You can think of UltraBar as the "body" (screen and expansion modules), and CoreBAR as the "intelligent soul" inside.

Q4: How is UltraBar different from a visual keyboard like Stream Deck?
A: That's an excellent question, and it precisely highlights UltraBar's revolutionary nature.

  • Stream Deck is an excellent "computer accessory": It is essentially a specialized keyboard serving the computer; all its buttons and functions must rely entirely on software on the computer to operate. When the computer is off, it becomes inactive.

  • UltraBar is an "independent smart terminal": It has a powerful CoreBAR core built-in (a small computer running the LineOS). This means:

    • Independent Operation: Even if your main computer is completely off, UltraBar can still work normally. You can use it to control smart home lights, play music, or use its built-in productivity and note-taking tools.

    • Functionality Beyond Buttons: A visual keyboard is just one small part of its many functions. UltraBar is a new desktop infrastructure that integrates a device control center, smart home hub, system status monitor, and productivity tools.

    • Ecosystem & Future: Through the self-developed LineOS and an open platform, its functionality can be infinitely expanded via software updates and magnetic hardware modules, not limited just to computer shortcuts.

In short, a visual keyboard is a powerful "add-on" for your computer; UltraBar is an "operating system for your entire digital life" at the desk level.

Q5: I noticed there's also a device called VivoCube. What is its relationship with CoreBAR? What is its irreplaceable role?
A: Great observation! VivoCube can be understood as a mini, independently movable version of CoreBAR. It integrates a touchscreen and physical buttons itself, but its revolutionary aspect is enabling "distributed expansion" of operations.

  • Core Function: Spatial Decoupling
    VivoCube communicates with the main CoreBAR via Wi-Fi. Its core function is breaking the limitation that all expansion modules must be physically connected to the UltraBar main control bar. You can think of VivoCube as a "wireless expansion base station."

  • Example Scenarios:
    a. Professional Workflow Optimization: A designer needs the KnobKey module on their left for frequently adjusting brush size, and a shortcut module on their right. Using VivoCube, they can wirelessly deploy these modules to the most ergonomic positions on their desk, achieving a "surround" operation layout.
    b. Living Room Entertainment Center: In the living room, you can place VivoCube next to the sofa, connected to a dedicated volume knob module, easily controlling your SONOS speaker volume, while your main UltraBar screen remains on the TV console.

Simply put, VivoCube upgrades UltraBar's magnetic expansion from a "single line" to a "network covering the entire space," freeing hardware interaction from physical constraints, allowing placement as needed.

Q6: What does the other magnetic module, SenseCube, do? How does it make my desk smarter?
A: SenseCube is the "Environmental Perception Brain" for your desk. It integrates multiple high-precision sensors, evolving the UltraBar system from "waiting for commands" to "active perception and service."

  • Core Capability: Perceiving Environment and People
    SenseCube integrates:

    • Light Sensor: Automatically adjusts screen and light brightness to protect your eyesight.

    • mmWave Radar: Accurately senses a person's approach, departure, and slight movements, even detecting a stationary state.

    • Temperature & Humidity Sensor: Monitors office environment comfort.

    • Vibration Sensor: Recognizes specific tap gestures.

  • Smart Scenario Examples:
    a. Seamless Welcome: As you approach the desk, the radar senses your arrival, automatically lights up the CoreBAR screen, turns on the monitor light, and adjusts the ambient light to your preset "Work" scene.
    b. Health Care: The system detects via radar that you've been sitting still for over an hour, and displays a friendly reminder on the screen to get up and move, potentially linking with smart home devices, like making the lights blink.
    c. Creative Interaction: You can customize "tap" functions—for example, tapping SenseCube twice could execute "Save Document," "Mute Microphone," or "Play/Pause Music," or any other action.

In short, SenseCube turns your desk into an intelligent space that can "see" you, "feel" the environment, and respond proactively. All trigger conditions and execution actions support a high degree of customization, with limitless possibilities waiting for you to explore.

II. Technical Principles

Q1: How does it control so many devices from different brands?
A: It's like CoreBAR speaks multiple "languages." It "talks" to devices in four main ways:

  • To Computers: Direct connection via USB cable for deep control (like an advanced keyboard).

  • To Desk Devices (e.g., screen lights): Wireless connection via Bluetooth.

  • To Smart Home Devices (e.g., Philips Hue lights): Control via your home Wi-Fi network.

  • To Expansion Modules: Plug and play via the proprietary magnetic interface (QuantumLink).

Q2: How is the "One-Touch Startup" feature achieved? It sounds magical.
A: This is an optional enhanced feature. You need to purchase an additional "Bluetooth Mesh Power-On Card" module and install it inside your computer's motherboard. Once installed, UltraBar can send a "startup" command wirelessly via Bluetooth to this module, essentially using an invisible switch to replace the physical button on your computer case.

Q3: Do I need to constantly worry about configuring UltraBar?
A: Initial setup requires some configuration, but we are committed to making the experience simple. Once you have set up your frequently used "Scenes" (like "Work Mode," "Gaming Mode"), usually a single tap is enough to switch between them afterwards. Our AI Scene Engine (SceneShift) will also learn your habits in the future to enable automatic switching.

III. Compatibility & Installation

Q1: Is it compatible with my computer? (Mac/Windows?)
A: Yes, via USB connection, it fully supports Windows 10/11 and macOS (specific versions please check the official website). Advanced features like computer status monitoring are most comprehensively supported on Windows.

Q2: Which smart home brands can I control with it?
A: We will initially support major brands like Philips Hue, SONOS, and the thousands of devices accessible via the Home Assistant platform. We are continuously expanding the supported list.

Q3: Is installation complicated? Do I need professional skills?
A: The core part is simple: connect the UltraBar to your monitor and a computer USB port using the included cables. For the optional Power-On Card module, installation requires opening your computer case and following our guide, suitable for users with some DIY experience. We provide detailed video tutorials.

IV. Purchase & Support

Q1: Does the basic bundle I purchase include everything?
A: The basic bundle includes the core devices needed to run UltraBar (CoreBAR, DotKey, KnobKey, adapters, and other accessories). To enable features like one-touch PC startup or control specific brands of smart lights, you may need to purchase the corresponding modules separately. Please check the contents included in the support tier description carefully.

Q2: What benefits do I get as a crowdfunding backer?
A: You will receive UltraBar at a significant early bird discount compared to the future retail price. Simultaneously, you will become one of our first core users, able to communicate directly with the development team and collectively influence the product's future direction.

Q3: When is the estimated shipping date? Are there logistics risks?
A: We have made thorough preparations with prototypes and the supply chain, aiming to start shipping within 4 months after the crowdfunding campaign ends. However, unforeseen delays in the global supply chain and logistics are possible. We will maintain transparent and timely updates.