HYPER iStick flash drive hits $750k on Kickstarter, adds $1 million stretch goal

HYPER’s Kickstarter project to fund the first flash drive compatible with both USB and Lightning connectors, meant to be used with Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and other devices, has proven itself to be a runaway success yet again. With 14 days still remaining before the project’s end, it has managed to pass its three-quarter million milestone, activating one stretch goal and setting up the challenge for the next. The project has already garnered 7.6 times the original goal, proving the wild popularity of the idea.

Two stretch goals have already been unlocked, making the iStick even more appealing for customers. The $500,000 stretch goal added passcode and password functionality to the storage drive, greatly increasing security on an already robustly protected system. The $750,000 stretch goal, unlocked several days ago, added Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive capabilities to the iStick. Currently, the project has 5,496 backers in all.

The $1M stretch goal, which may still be achievable in the slightly more than two weeks remaining for pledges, will add Airplay and subtitle support in the movie player mode, and also adds API for third party apps. No details of this additional stretch goal have yet been announced, though HYPER’s personnel are doubtlessly busy preparing for their product launch.

HYPER has left a number of interesting posts in the comments section, revealing more of the nuts and bolts of their project. Some of the highlights include:

• The stout looking case for the iStick is a finalized design, but the finishes are still being tweaked. The aluminum finish is essentially completed and looks the way HYPER’s designers want. However, the plastic finishes are up for considerable adjustment.
• HYPER chose Kickstarter over IndieGoGo and RocketHub because it includes a robust vetting system lacked by the other sites, thus making scams far more difficult and highlighting the legitimacy of their project.
• The iStick App will include a music and movie player capable of playing media directly from the iStick itself. This app is free.
• HYPER is currently working on making the iStick compatible with the popular VLC media player app also. This involves negotiations with VLC’s owners as well as the necessary software programming steps. VLC works with Apple’s (AAPL) iOS platform.
• The company is planning to get MFi certification from Apple Inc. (AAPL) for a version of the iStick featuring USB 3.0 rather than 2.0. The timeframe for certification is variable and lengthy, however, so no firm date for this release is available yet.