I have to say I'm surprised at the exchanges here.
First off, the criticism of the information from Chord. I'm sure many posters empathise with having a hard deadline (CES) to work towards. The focus HAD to be on getting the product built.
We have been told the use case videos are on the way. It's a product announcement. The product isn't even for sale for 2-3 months. Emotional outbursts stating "I'm not buying this" are posturing. No-one can buy it until March(ish).
Does nobody remember the iPhone launch? Half the demo didn't work. Give the guys some latitude. Ever heard of patience?
Second, the fuss about the price. This seems to be based on a number of things. "I just wanted an SD card reader", "It costs more than Mojo", "I don't know what it does", It doesn't have a screen", "I can buy a DAP/PHONE/another product for less", "2.4 and not 5gHz WLAN"
So here are my (limited) observations on some of these scenarios. They aren't intended to map as a Pros vs Cons evaluation
Poly + Mojo | Phone only | DAP only |
SD Card playback with 256Gb + of Music files only | Some have no SD card, those that do have other stuff like Photo's, Videos, Apps etc. So never 256Gb for just music | SD Card with 256Gb + of Music files only |
No USB cable from Phone to Mojo, avoid OS glitches/RF interference | Poor audio performance compared to Mojo (whole reason Mojo exists). If that's ok, you don't need Mojo or Poly | Touchscreen, fixed OS, usually old Android, not much use for anything but Music |
Wireless streaming module to allow Mojo playback from a NAS | If Bluetooth only headphones are your preference, this could be for you. Poly will not do this | Not Mojo sound signature. If that is ok, you don't need Mojo or Poly. |
Bluetooth streaming module to allow Mojo playback from a Phone (medium resolution), using Mojo capability, possibly the best sounding Bluetooth audio | | If Bluetooth only headphones are your preference, this could be for you. Poly will not do this |
Wireless streaming module to allow Mojo playback from a Phone (Hi-Res) | | |
No screen, saves the issue of having a proprietary OS to support and integrate with Android / IOS, avoids user complaints and eventual obsolescence | | |
Phone as the control point means users keep an OS they are happy with and simply run an app. How everything else works, right? | | |
Now I have an old Cowon DAP that I keep meaning to sell on ebay. It was good, not like Mojo, and has been superseded. It had limited memory, crap OS and so it gathers dust. I am not keen to go down that route again.
For the complaints such as "I just wanted an SD card reader", It doesn't have a screen", "I can buy a DAP/PHONE/another product for less". Comparing Poly to just one or a couple of these criteria, means Poly isn't for you. Get over it, buy what you feel is best (Raspberry Pi, DAP etc)
The lack of touch screen is becoming a complaint. I feel Chord were on a hiding to nothing here. I also have a multiroom Linn streaming system. Since that was launched, the argument that fills their forums is over control points. Linn should build their own vs Linn should focus on what it does (not apps). When Linn builds their own it is rubbished and compared to all the other control points. I personally prefer selecting the best available in the app store. I know others will disagree.
On the WLAN 2.4gHz issue. I work for a WLAN vendor. We of course push the latest tech and hammer home the 5gHz benefits. What else does an equipment vendor do? Believe me, 2.4gHz is not going away. 5gHz is not always the answer. The techs in engineering I asked weren't fussed. Half the devices in my home ONLY work on 2.4Ghz. 5 of which stream HD video just fine. 5gHz would be nice. I don't see it as a show stopper. I'm sure Poly could be returned it in the unlikely event the WI-FI failed to work in someones environment.
No-one HAS to buy Poly. Mojo will continue to work fine as it is. If you don't want it, or like something else more, move on.
Why not keep it cool until we see the Chord videos?