Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to receive important news?

For breaking news updates, follow us on Twitter or visit us on Facebook.

For major announcements, the best way for us to reach you is by e-mail. Send us an e-mail with "Mailing List Only" in the subject line to subscribe to our general mailing list. We do not send e-mail regularly, only occasionally.

When will Serveball throwable cameras be available, and at what price?

We won't announce a ship date, price or specifications for Serveball throwable cameras until we're capable of entering full scale production.

As with each product that we've manufactured and/or licensed since 1989, we anticipate producing the highest quality product at an affordable price.

Serveball is developing throwable cameras capable of capturing images and video while airborne. This objective extends far beyond transmission of data upon landing (i.e. a throwable baby monitor) or at a still point in the trajectory (i.e. capture only at apogee).

There are additional challenges in developing and manufacturing a throwable camera. Customer expectations range from image resolution to high-g impact resistance. Operation to battery life. Interface and housing design. Price is a significant factor for most applications. A host of other performance expectations must be addressed.

To summarize, we expect our first production unit to be stellar in Version 1.0, so we're taking the necessary time for R&D.

Send us an e-mail with "Mailing List Only" in the subject line to subscribe for updates on availability.

Is there a Kickstarter? Can I invest?

We are interested in connecting with private investors to bring Serveball products to market. Our approach to crowdfunding is conservative. We're keenly aware of the value of building working prototypes in advance of soliciting backers with concepts promoted as "production ready."

If you would like to received future notices regarding investment opportunities, send us an e-mail with "Investor Updates Only" in the subject line and we'll notify you of any opportunities.

We will not add investor inquiries to our general mailing list, so please subscribe to our general mailing list separately if you are interested in other announcements.

Have you considered competitive products?

Of course, and we've published a timeline that pays tribute to innovators in this sector. We maintain relationships with industry pioneers and communications with customers of competitive products.

While there have been many laudable achievements, commercially available throwable cameras have largely failed to meet customer expectations. Nearly all throwable 360° cameras have been overly dependent on rapidly-obsolescent hardware, unable to adapt quickly as cutting-edge color video, position sensing, IR, image processing, wireless communications, battery and lens optics technologies emerged.

A number of companies have overpromised, choosing to invest in marketing, media hype and pitches as a substitute for the techological excellence necessary to meet basic customer needs. Left in the wake, throwable camera customers have found themselves with unsupported, outdated and, in many cases, inoperable products before the investment in them had been justified.

What ingredients have been lacking? For one, a plug-and-play hardware/firmware/software design to provide long-lasting adaptability and upgradability for professional products at a higher price point (SAR, tactical, inspection, etc.). And secondly, the evolution of a market that would justify volumes necessary to manufacture custom hardware for a low-cost product. Both of these objectives are achievable, the former possible today and the latter, in the foreseeable future.

You've been at it for over a decade? Why so long?

When we began research and development of throwable cameras, personal UAVs were largely the interest of a small DIY community. During early years we considered ourselves among a small group of companies breaking ground on truly new technologies.

Since those early years, consumer action camera and UAV/UAS markets have experienced unprecedented growth. The timeline of our own development objectives for throwable cameras continues to converge with the ever-increasing availability of powerful consumer-level imaging and navigation microelectronics.

In parallel with our investment in R&D, consumer awareness necessary to support product viability has accelerated. In recent years, throwable technology has entered the consciousness of consumers.

As with every product manufactured by our company since 1989 —including a number of market-making digital imaging technologies, Serveball will not sell or promote a throwable camera unless targets for quality, rugged reliability and price are met.

Where can I learn more about the technology?

Visit our timeline for references to our own published material. We've also included some notable milestones in throwable camera technology.

Patent applications listed are published, usually 6 months after each respective filing, searchable at USPTO, WIPO, EPO, etc. using patent application number or using "camera," "ball," "panoramic" and related pairings of keywords as search terms. Provisional applications are also published, available at USPTO via PAIR.

Squito was/is the world's first intelligent, omnidirectional throwable camera?

Yes, and we're continuing to develop cutting-edge technology along with colleagues, companies and communities in imaging and sensor tech, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles/systems (UAV/UAS) industries.

For over a decade, we've published our discoveries and findings, making public presentations, conducting interviews and working with other technology innovators. Our focus at present is research and development. We don't plan on making regular public announcements until a product is available to ship.

Considered VR applications? Submersion? Tethering? Alternative shapes?

The possibilities are extraordinary, stay tuned for information as available.