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That was, like, the DUMBEST video EVER!!
What is LQMT's likely play today?
Will it run up as it did in August 2010, only to slide back down to terra firma? Without PR, why would it remain high? Will it repeat? Or is this the beginning of a different stock?
Uh, try to keep up
You're late!
Perhaps even more!
Keep in mind that when Liquidmetal struck the first deal with Apple, Liquidmetal was wearing a tourniquet, had no bargaining power, and Apple got in very cheaply as a result. With the new partners, machines, prototypes, perhaps shipments by now, and Visser's financial influsion, Liquidmetal may have more to bargain with at this stage. Did we learn anything? And do we have more to bargain with now? The next 10-Q will tell
And was Steipp aware of this amendment or its potential prior to announcing the next ASHM? What other announcements are around the corner? As I stated recently, the timing is right--based on this presentation from August 2011:
And MacRumors Wins!
MacRumors First Out of Gate
Still early. Don't count them out yet.
Hmmmm...I wonder what's in this for Liquidmetal? And why would Apple want to stay connected to a sinking ship of a company UNLESS Liquidmetal is not actually sinking, but progressing to the point that Apple sees great benefit by staying connected? And could this mean that the Liquidmetal, Engel, Materion and Visser partnership is actually doing something positive? Perhaps!
This is about to get interesting. No?
Great post!
I was one who stated that Steipp has so far, delivered on his promises. And I still believe that. He never claimed that Liquidmetal's rise would be an easy or quick climb. Perhaps some psychoacoustically heard that and put words in his mouth. He accepted the CEO position because he has a vision. Perhaps it is this same vision shared by Visser. I do not see him or Visser coming onboard in order to help run this company in the ground and profiting only themselves.
iPhone 5 NOT Revealed During WWDC
According to one of the paragraphs that this link points to, it is claimed that the iPhone 5 was revealed at the WWDC. I disagree and here's why:
Here is a screen capture of the "leaked" photo on the right compared side by side to a 4S picture on the left taken from Apple's site. I made the narrow side dimensions of the two phones the exact same in order to see the difference in height. However, here is what stood out. Barely noticeable is the fact that the HOME BUTTON on the claimed iPhone 5 is no longer round; it is elongated. In fact, all of the features on the "leaked" phone are elongated, including the camera. Therefore, the photo shown at the WWDC is nothing more than a stretched iPhone 4S. I believe this was merely Apple's attempt at not drawing undue attention to their tiny screen size (as compared to other smartphones now on the market), which would appear even smaller in a big cockpit. I do believe, however, that Apple hinted at its intent for the next iPhone to fit into this environment with a larger screen. But this will most definitely NOT be its look or form factor.
Why bother?
My post was not meant to be the first sighting of this patent. It made no such claim. I did not discover this patent today. In fact, Watts, lqmtapple, Tomcat and I knew about it the day it was issued. But apparently it was new to PaulApples. And so, my post was a reply to the fact that he was not aware of the patent. And if you read his reply, he appreciated it. Mission accomplished! Please follow the entire string of discussion to see the bigger picture.
Inappropriate Remark
I've never known lqmtapple to reply to me/about me with an inappropriate remark. Nor I him. He doesn't always agree with me, you, or, dare I say it, yes, even Watts. But who does? This board is supposed to welcome differing views based on individual DD. Opinions based on pie-in-the-sky conjecture (I.e., pumping and dumping), however, should be quickly noted, but with dignity. And this is one of the characteristics that distinguishes this board from others. Occasionally, though, we get out of hand, but are quickly brought back in line thanks to a group of capable moderators. Lqmtapple brings to this board a lot of excitement, research and gut feeling. Sometimes he gets even more excited than I...sometimes
Whether it's next week or next year, most of us are here because we believe the potential for this technology is brobdingnagian (sorry, I just wanted to use my Apple thesaurus). And not one of our posts will speed up or slow down the industrialization of this technology or the shipping of products. We do, however, influence the purchase or selling of shares. So DD is not only welcome, but insisted upon.
Question for board members: Can anyone provide a link concerning Apple's recent investment in new manufacturing facilities in China? For example when, where and $$? Am assuming the "why" will not be divulged. Thanks!
Apple's First Liquidmetal Patent!
Liquidmetal Fuel Cell Battery
Until we see customers and sustainable revenue,
I have to give you that, but I, personally, would not go so far as to say "irrelevant." Not yet. Steipp made no prediction about contracting customers and having sustainable revenue during the first half of this year, so I expected none. Yet other investors have been whining all year. But now? Now I have expectations; an announcement could come any day. Or, as happened in March, an announcement could come a few months after a signed contract. Who knows?
During last year's ASHM, Steipp projected that we would be ready to manufacture and ship our first parts with the new IM machines by December 2011. But he did not specify "prototype" or "production." We assumed "production." Nor did he specify the beginning of the month or the end of the month, as I recall. And many, by their no hope comments, assumed December 1. Then, when December came and went with no announcement, Rolaids and Tums stock surged Doom and gloom was all you heard by investors. Yet I recall commenting on the Yahoo board back then that just because an announcement has not been made does not mean parts have not shipped. And I would have to make the same comment now. Also remember, board members just purchased a combined $2M in stock; however, we do not know at what PPS the purchases were made. That does have my interest.
Go, I was enthused by last year's ASHM, and without knowing who the other secret players were/gonna be at the time. I just knew that an undisclosed number of big investors had already invested heavily in this company. But before you can lay down a solid foundation and drive on a smooth road, you're gonna have to tear up the badly worn road. And Steipp inherited a badly worn road. Nonetheless, these investors still demonstrated their confidence. I did not then, nor do I now, believe the company would become healthy overnight. I allowed for time, and still do. I wasn't trying to be bullish or anything else; just passed along what transpired at the meeting and provided my limited-knowledge take on it, as I had been asked to do.
I would not presume to foretell what will be shared at this month's ASHM. However, as Watts shared with all of us, you will not find out anything at the ASHM that is not already public knowledge. However, carefully crafted questions can reveal information not only based on what is said, but also on what is not said. And, more specifically, HOW it is not said. It's called "Dance a little sidestep!" Get my drift? We ought to send in Cal Lightman from the TV series "Lie To Me!" Now that guy can read a face and a voice and get to the truth. Cal?
Really, Watts is the man for this question. He is the one with experience; I am just his understudy I am still enthusiastic about the second half of this year, perhaps as late as 4Q, regardless of what is said (or not said) at the ASHM. Why do I believe it's different this time? (1) For the first time in the company's existence, we have a solid infrastructure in place made up of world-class global leaders who believe in the company and its technology, (2) Apple's highly successful business model, and (3) Apple's validation. Even without this infrastructure, and without Apple's validation of the technology, this stock was above $20/share at one time. See the potential? The only missing piece (to our public knowledge) is customers and revenue. That will come. Liquidmetal is not a minor improvement to an existing technology. It defines a new category (3rd Materials Revolution) in which it sits alone and, hence, at the top.
If it's because you see the merit of investing for the eternal long-term, cool!! For years I prayed that God would give me just enough, not too much and not too little. And for years He has done just that. And then comes Liquidmetal. Can I handle it? I have no aspirations of great wealth, for I don't want to be tempted to trust in riches and not God. I would like for my wife to be taken care of after I'm gone (I'm 20 years older than she). She has a rare autoimmune disease (only 15,000 others in the U.S. have it) that prevents her from being part of the regular work force, so I am hoping my investment in the Liquidmetal company and technology will provide for her someday. Perhaps a house and long-term savings. But, all in all, God has been gracious to us both.
But, regarding Liquidmetal, unfortunately, we are not only investing in the success of the technology, but we're also investing in the credibility of its managers. Wish I could choose one over the other, but that's the fantasy of a perfect world in which none of us live.
"Pure and undefiled RELIGION [emphasis mine] in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." (James 1:27) Pure religion is not epitomized by a 45-minute ritual each weekend; it's living as Jesus did.
Also keep in mind that there may be a period of weeks or even months between the time Visser ships production parts to contract customers and when Steipp publicly announces that fact, a la prototype shipments in December with an announcement in March.
Personally, it makes me no never mind if parts shipments and a revenue stream increase the PPS on Monday or in September. I'll gladly take either one, 'cause I'm long in this, and I'm tired of hyped-up rumors lifting leaking helium balloons only to see them quickly losing their gains.
Another belief? Apple will have had enough time to commercialize this technology to the point that a Liquidmetal-encased iPhone 5 in September/October is very realistic. Being Apple's flagship product, the iPhone 5 should be the first Apple end product to sport our alloy. If this happens, expect to see it in other Apple products in 2013, perhaps even on a larger scale. Apple "validated the Liquidmetal technology" (Steipp's comment, not mine) when it purchased the IP for consumer electronics. BUT, "when" (Steipp's word, not mine) Apple uses Liquidmetal, that will elevate "validation" to a much higher level. Apple will be advertisement for us, nothing more. Well, except joint R&D efforts for a limited period of time. But, all in all, we sink or float on our own merits, not Apple's. But we could not ask for a better support and team at present.
Reposting of last year's ASHM notes!!
For those who have not read my notes from last year's ASHM, the link is provided below. Apparently, Visser and Materion were two of those companies that Steipp could not name in his presentation. He did, however, emphasize that there were a number of BIG investors who had already invested HEAVILY in Liquidmetal. This demonstrated their confidence not only in the Liquidmetal technology itself, but the ability to industrialize the process and bring the alloy to market. And although the revenue numbers do not reflect these investments, as we would like for them to, these continuing investments do reflect a consortium of major players who have put their faith into a budding technology because they believe in its future on a global level. Remember, Kang rushed to market...Steipp will not. I am encouraged by the solid foundation being laid. Sure, I want it faster, but I also know the value of doing it right the first time. "If you don't have time to do it right, you don't have time to do it over." ~ my lovely wife, Karyn
November 2011 ASHM Notes
My thoughts exactly, Chris. Visser has had ample opportunity to effect a take-over over the past few years. I do not believe that's his plan. "Hey, I just completed a hostile takeover. Want to do business with me? Lawsuits and mitigation? Ignore that!"
Like many of us, I have contemplated selling on the high and repurchasing back on the low. But who can predict that? We have witnessed a number of times how screamin' fast this particular stock can move. I, for one, do NOT want to get left on a lonely street corner only to watch the Porche driving off to a party in a sunset of glory, and I cannot get back in. I am not nearly invested as you, Watts and others are, but I am expecting my paltry 55k shares to eventually allow me to move and pay cash for a house. Anything above that is icing.
It is very difficult for a company to compete as a military supplier. The lowest bidder who can meet military requirements gets the contract. Liquidmetal, with its unique amorphous properties, however, raises the performance bar to a very lonely level where no other company competes. For example, Liquidmetal alloy "far exceeds the strength currently available in crystalline metals and alloys." Further, "a yield strength of over 250 ksi has been achieved in Zr-base and Ti-base Liquidmetal alloys (LM-001 series). This is more than TWICE THE TENSILE STRENGTH [emphasis mine] of conventional titanium alloys." This a significant advantage for Liquidmetal Technologies in terms of warfighter survivability, sustainability and mission success. And from what Steipp has shared, Liquidmetal Technologies can now produce a far superior component at greatly reduced cost. They are not selling pens and paper. Why should the military not be excited about this? Far exceed requirements and save money at the same time! We have the technology, we have a rock-solid, world-class IM machine manufacturer, we have a competent exotic alloy ingot producer, and we have a mold manufacturer (who himself has GREATLY invested in this company) using state-of-the-art processes. The world's most successful company believes in this technology too!! But we still need competent marketing, which is one of my few negatives with this company. Frankly, I was NOT impressed with Steipp's short video pitch to potential investors. A very low-budget performance that is NOT commensurate with the quality of Liquidmetal's superior alloy. I could do MUCH better with my current FULL HD video equipment and Apple's state-of-the-art video processing program (Final Cut Pro X). Let me at 'em! With Steipp's and Visser's military backgrounds, they have a better than average chance of selling Liquidmetal alloys to military decision makers. BUT DON'T USE THAT STINKIN' VIDEO TO DO IT!!
As a military retiree, when I hear someone speaking of Liquidmetal being used in hinges, for example, I do not think of laptops, I think of fighter canopies and landing gear. I think of naval applications where sea water shortens the life expectancy of parts by creating a never-ending battle against corrosion. I think of super lightweight body armor for our troops; plates to protect Humvees transporting troops along IED-laden lines of communication. Things like that. Imagine reducing the overall weight of a Humvee by replacing armor plating with Liquidmetal components.
I am excited about the rest of this year and going forward. We all need to keep in mind that Steipp is doing some incredible things with what used to be a sinking ship. Give him a break, but hold him and other BOD members accountable.
So far, Steipp has delivered on his promises, and in his estimated timeframe. Remember, he inherited a company in the middle of, to use an Air Force term, an uncontrolled descent. But, long-term I believe we will have good reason to forget the sleepless nights and the doses of Maalox so many have suffered from. The momentum *should* begin during the second half of this year. A good number of things have been lining up for years not to believe that. This is not pie in the sky, nor am I trying to pump the stock. Things are happening, albeit mostly behind the scenes. We don't like that, and it makes us nervous. We may even lose a few PPS points along the way, but I truly believe we will recover and exceed. As investors, we want a low PPS in order to add to our positions. But at the same time we want a high PPS to make money. If anyone can figure out how to get both at the same time, please share
During last year's ASHM Steipp painted a picture of Liquidmetal's business strategy, and it now looks like Apple's. Before, Liquidmetal was the whole show, bearing the financial burden of every piece of its own puzzle; we nearly went bankrupt as a result. With an established Apple-like structure now, partners bear the financial burden, but Liquidmetal controls the show, collects payments from customers and pays its CLPs. The consumer electronics field is huge, and we gave away a lot. But we did not give away everything, and we did not die. Think about it: who better to show the world the unmatched properties of Liquidmetal? Could we have done better in negotiations? Not while wearing a tourniquet. Besides, it's a big world out there for everything else.
Regarding your vow to give to the church IF Liquidmetal shows revenue, sounds like you are haggling with God for your personal gain. Don't put a curse on the rest of us Read James 4:3. Here's a better suggestion: don't give to the institutional church period. Instead, show compassion on the poor yourself, not as a negotiation with God, but as a way of life. (Matt. 25:35-40) Okay, 'nuff sermonizing GLTA!!
You're kidding, right?
A failing company does not attract nor retain talent when it pays unwarranted bonuses to talentless executives.
Correction for #5:
According to the chart that Watts provided, revenue was NOT expected in the beginning of 2012. It is charted closer to the beginning of the second half of this year. We are there NOW! Therefore, it is reasonable to expect an announcement concerning sales and revenue during this timeframe.
Insider purchase of shares (though we don't know the purchase price) plus the ASHM in a couple of weeks. This year still has realistic promise. No need to go thermonuclear on LQMT yet. Let Google absorb it from Apple
Be a "Do Bee," not a "Don't Bee!"
Already posted!
However, I might add that it is NOT a professionally produced video. In fact, it looks like it was made on the cheap--very cheap. Not at all what I would expect from a revolutionary materials company. I bet Otis had something to do with it. He didn't learn a thing during last year's ASHM where I chided him on the cheesy voice over during the ball bearing demonstration. It could have, and should have, been A LOT better. And then I learned that it was HIS voice! The room was filled with laughter at that point. But it was still true.
I have two Full HD (1080/60p) camcorders with full manual control that would put Steipp's video to utter shame. A credible company's PR interface should look professional, including video and presentation. This one did not accomplish either. This video, I think, tried to emulate Apple's with its professionally produced white background, but Liquidmetal's videographer (OTIS!!!) didn't have a clue as to how to pull it off. I would LOVE to redo this presentation, and others, with multiple takes until Steipp stopped bouncing and rocking back and forth. You know, confidence, in both himself, his product, his company and its future.
And I would do it AT COST. Just put me up in a hotel and pay for my meals and gas.
9to5Mac claimed the same thing:
3D Rendered iPhone 5
What will be telling about those "leaked" photos
is if Apple takes action to have them removed or not. Remember how Apple got involved with Gizmodo regarding video of the real iPhone 4? That was telling!
Or Apple could just ignore these posts much like the U.S. government chose to ignore James Bamford's book, "The Puzzle Palace," to keep from confirming or denying the credibility of the book. I can neither confirm nor deny if anything in his book is true.
Of course it matters!
It should always matter to you, if to no one else. Because YOU will have to live with YOUR conscience knowing that YOU did not do everything YOU could to make things better, for you and for others.
Did Dewey defeat Truman? Hopefully we learned something from our history books. How many times in our lives have we said, "If I had only _______ (fill in the blank)." Be a victor, not a defeatist.
Barney Visser!
Watts, what is the significance of Barney Visser's purchase of nearly 7.9M common stock shares at "$0.26 per share pursuant to a subscription agreement with the issuer using Norden, LLC's working capital", on August 25, 2010? I also purchased shares on that date, but at $0.49 per share. And I was tickled pink to get those! What does subscription agreement mean in this context? Did Visser's purchase of the enormous volume of shares directly from Liquidmetal allow him to obtain them at the lower PPS? Frankly, I do not recall knowing that Visser was connected with Liquidmetal nearly 2 years ago. If I did, I forgot.
According to Visser's SC 13D that he filed on that date, Visser was not yet involved in any joint venture with Liquidmetal. It seems to me that Visser has seen a very profitable future for this company for some time, and he is invested heavily while it was still on the ground floor. Purchase a ton of shares and then work with management on the company's infrastructure to make this company and his investment pop. Genius!! What's your take?
The rolling shutter in a recording device has nothing to do with capturing the guitar strings vibrating. It is a phenomenon of a CMOS recording sensor that appears to morph the plane, particularly during side-to-side movement of the camera. Sensors with CCDs do not suffer from this. I have two Panasonic cameras, one a 1080/60p camcorder and the other a 1080/60p digital camera; both use CMOS sensors and suffer from this. Software can minimize this effect, but not get rid of it completely.
Okay, I'm done with frequency talk. It's been fun, but I'm ready to move on to more productive discussion.
Sometimes the bass string *appeared* to vibrate more rapidly and sometimes waaaay more slowly. This can be due to the frame rate and shutter speed of the recording device not being able to capture it all. But, I will have to say that this is one cool demonstration.
I see what you are saying. Tuning forks are calibrated at the tuning fork factory, and produce only one pitch. So they vibrate at only one frequency--the frequency the fork is tuned to. Perhaps what we are seeing in the demonstration is the effect known as "coefficient of restitution." Liquidmetal's COR, or "rebound effect," is much higher than other metals. That's why Liquidmetal drivers are on the USGA's non-conforming list. Watts can speak more intelligently on this, but my simple explanation is the ability for a metal to stretch and rebound to its original shape and integrity. And Liquidmetal is described as having "superior elasticity." When other metals are put under great stress, they fracture. Liquidmetal, on the other hand, returns to its original shape intact. Watts? Help a Simple Simon brother out
I had forgotten that I watched this video a long time ago, but the information was still stuck inside my brain nonetheless. Just have a hard time pulling it out sometimes.
Regarding the link that you provided. In light of this video demonstration, I am thinking that the comment regarding "... higher pitched sound on well struck shots" can only be compared to "... more off-center {shots} produced a noticably more muted sound..." instead of all titanium drivers. Context is everything.
I remember hitting my first Liquidmetal driver, after having played with titanium drivers for years, and thinking, "That's an odd sound for a driver. Weird! I'm not sure I like it!" BTW, the Liquidmetal insert is bonded to a titanium shell. I have owned five Liquidmetal drivers over the past 10 years. None have broken, but three of them went to other people who begged for them after trying them, so I traded them for product and money, and then bought replacements. One was stolen from my garage, and I now have a 9-degree Professor Johnson model with #95 (firm) Liquidmetal graphite shaft. The ferrule recently came unglued, so I need to have it re-glued. But, I am also thinking that I will replace the shaft with a regular-flex ultralight Graffaloy shaft. I also own a 15-degree 3-wood, FA-2 putter, and 3-PW irons. Oh, and a Head Liquidmetal tennis racquet (the kind Andre Agassi won the Australian Open with).
Can you tell that I love this alloy? Cheers!
IT DOESN'T GET ANY CLEARER THAN THIS:
Liquidmetal Settles Our Dispute
The sides and the majority of the back appear to be a unitized component. However, at certain angles it appears that the top and bottom portions of the back (the two shiny portions) have a seam on three sides (the portions that do not touch the center portion of the back). And this could be because these two sections are not Liquidmetal. In the video they are shiny and show smudges, kinda like today's iPhone does. Perhaps these allow for signal pass through.
Yes, this is a significant design change. Radical? I don't know, but I'm still buying one
The little holes that are cone-shaped are for the counter-sunk screws. And there are two of them, like there are on current iPhones. Agreed...amazingly precise looking...fine attention to detail. And this lends one to believe that the part is not a fake; perhaps a prototype, but not a fake.
I agree. I never claimed that the part WAS (validity A) made of Liquidmetal. I merely commented on Liquidmetal's inherent low-pitched tone as compared to comparable metals, such as titanium. And that based on personal experience with the alloy. However, I am also saying it is *possible* (validity C) that the piece IS made of Liquidmetal. If so, then Apple's contractor (Hon Hai?) manufactured this piece. And that means Apple is a lot farther along in the industrialization process than many have speculated. And that also means Apple has been sharing positive developments in commercialization with Liquidmetal. I do not believe that this piece, however, represents a "radical design change" of the iPhone, as we have been reading about over the past few months. Will I buy one anyway? In a heartbeat!!
Regarding the video itself, three things stood out to me:
1. The presenter spoke with a strong Asian accent (duh), giving credence to parts being manufactured in China, where Apple has recently invested a ton of money in new manufacturing facilities,
2. The iPhone 4S displayed Chinese characters, and
3. The iPhone 4S was in "airplane mode."
Why is this significant? Perhaps not at all. However, why would the 4S be set on airplane mode? If a U.S. carrier, e.g., Sprint, AT&T, or Verizon, had supplied the signal, there would have been no need to hide the carrier. However, if this phone was on a Chinese carrier, then the presenter might have reason to hide the carrier's name.
Another reason is that if the presenter received a call from his friend "Jimmy Joe Bob" during the presentation, well, that would just be embarrassing. But I guess that could easily be edited out too.
PERFECT!!
That's exactly how I was about to reply until I read your post. The inherent nature of the alloy dampens low frequencies that would otherwise travel through the head, up the shaft and into the hands of the golfer. We don't like vibrations in our hands when we swing the club. Higher frequencies have peaks and valleys in the sine wave that are too close to bother us. Liquidmetal Technology has no interest in merely changing the pitch of its alloy. That is a by product of the alloy itself. And you are correct, damping low frequencies does not result in high frequencies.
jPaige17 quoted me: "...but I'm not sure how you can say that." This is how: I have golfed for years and I have a distinct ear for noting the difference between Liquidmetal and titanium (in golf clubs). In fact, I have a Bachelors degree in music, so I have at least a moderate amount of ear training. The titanium in a golf club driver is ALWAYS higher pitched than Liquidmetal--ALWAYS!!
No, that is not what that means. I have used Liquidmetal drivers for about 10 years now. And I golf with golfers who use titanium drivers. There is a distinct difference in sound. The Liquidmetal ping is much lower than titanium.
One of the attributes of the Liquidmetal alloy as compared to, say, titanium in golf clubs is Liquidmetal's pronounced lower-pitched resonating frequency. So the fact that the darker metal resonates at a lower frequency actually supports Liquidmetal alloy.
Liquidmetal Golf
I do not believe those are scratches on the metal nor dents, but dust caught in the grooves and sitting atop the metal. A dent would provide a shadow on one side of the dent and a highlight on the other. Neither are present.
I have done much product photography and have a lot of experience at noticing detail. Here is an example of my work: