On 2020's Project

11/11/2020

Due to an accidental data erasure, Mæŋ Mini has been deferred to further notice. We have redesigned the Workstation System to minimize the impacts from such. There will be no project for 2020. The rest of this post is now defunct.

08/18/2020

Our original plan for 2020 was to revamp NET-Slides, our presentation authoring software for the web. Shortly after releasing the latest of its concept UI (and starting a bit on the backend), we discovered that we can produce a full-fledged audio player--in the scope of a portable CD player--on the web. We then decided to set NET-Slides aside in favor of it for its simplicity, and to provide some practice for NET-Slides' development.

The Compact Disc Digital Audio (CDDA) format laid the foundation to the current digital audio culture, though much of it has been either axed or simplified. To pay a proper homage to the predecessor, we are currently preparing to provide its near-complete experience--as much as the web platform allows.

I collect and use portable CD players for reasons redacted, hence the decision to inspire from them rather than component-sized players. Considering that the format is already digital in the first place, the transition should be mostly seamless: minus the tactile aspect. Of course, the simulated players will not "skip" upon receiving a physical shock.

We decided to produce three different "models" of the end product: one for beginners (NET SD-30), one for purists (NET SD-50), and one for enthusiasts (NET SD-70). In line with this delivery method, each model will not receive any software updates to themselves, unless they are crucial corrections to serious problems. Instead, these updates will be brought over to newer models. An Operating Instructions manual will be included in every model (unless noticed otherwise).

We postponed Mæŋ Mini's release date to October 28th the latest December. Basically, this is a strict quality assurance measure, in order not to repeat the same conventional mistakes. Although to be fair, this is a relatively-simpler piece of software, it would take us much longer to do the same on a complex one.

On its progress: the backend is 99% complete; the LCD module is waiting for the frontend to finish. The manual is 75% complete; it is missing the graphic illustrations and a few minor sections. The UI is still at its infancy. Work is yet to be done to the website and--if time permits--pseudo-marketing materials.

Once matured, this project will set the foundation to the reconstruction of mJPEGfPlay, our ultimate media project (whose name will be changed).