This week is a strange week for the Tech Dump. I do not have a product to review, nor have I been able to keep up with the latest happenings in the tech world because I have been sick all weekend. On days like this, I like to browse different tech projects on Kickstarter that I think you should know about. This new segment, which I started on my former tech blog, is called “Kick Me.”
Nextbit Robin-Cloud-based Smartphone

Source: Nextbit Robin Kickstarter Project
The company Nextbit consists of developers who worked on the original Android team and broke off to create a new device all on their own, the Robin.
The Robin is a new twist on the constant issue of running out of phone storage by simply supplying nearly unlimited storage. How does it do that? Cloud services. While the phone comes with 32 gigabytes of internal storage, the phone mostly relies on outside services to store user content, ensuring you never run out of space. The only things that are stored on the device itself are consistently used apps and media.
The design may not be for everyone, but after watching interviews with the team, I can tell each design element was chosen for a reason with plenty of thought behind each. From personal experience, the front-facing speakers on the Robin are a welcome addition.
The way the cloud-based portion of the OS works is through figuring out what the user uses most and what he or she does not. If a certain amount of time passes and the user does not use an app, the phone will move the app and date from the phone to the cloud. The result is a grayed out icon in the app launcher. Should the user want to use the app again, he or she can simply click on it and the app will be restored in its entirety. This is very helpful if the phone ever breaks. The consumer can get a new one and start where he or she left off.
Since part of the team worked on Android, the Robin sports a near-stock experience without carrier bloatware. The phone will also support Nova Launcher at launch for those who like a deeper customization option on their home screens. For those who want even more control, the warranty on the phone will not be void if you flash a custom ROM on the phone. In one interview, one of the creators said that users should do whatever they want with their devices that they payed for.
The one issue I have with a cloud-first phone is areas where network access is not accessible, such as if I were on a road trip and I could not get a signal. Besides that, the Robin appears to be a great first shot at cloud-first phones. I am interested to see where the company goes from here.
As of this writing, the project has achieved its goal nearly two times with 15 days to remaining.
The Nextbit Robin was a project I wanted to write about for a while and as this was a slow week, I felt now would be the best time. I find the device to be intriguing for various reasons and I feel as though it is not getting the attention it deserves for a project as ambitious as it is.
That is it for this week’s thin edition of the Tech Dump. As always, thank you for reading.