OE3.B4: A New Direction in Design
We’re happy to announce that the latest version of the OE adapter, OE3.B4, will be available for all beta testers who signed up on OpenOcular next week. This version is a significant shift in the design approach and takes inspiration from the OE1, the original adapter that started it all.
What’s New in OE3.B4?
The key focus for this iteration was stability and simplicity. One of the biggest challenges in past designs was balancing clamping strength with ease of use, especially for larger and heavier smartphones. Here’s how OE3.B4 addresses this:
Stronger, Non-Centering Clamp: Borrowing from OE1’s clamping system, OE3.B4 sacrifices the self-centering mechanism to incorporate a much stronger clamp. This makes it possible to securely attach even heavier phones without sagging or instability, making it the most versatile adapter yet.
Streamlined Mechanisms: The entire design has been simplified for a more intuitive user experience, ensuring that setup is easy and efficient.
Improved Durability: Updated design ensures the adapter is rugged enough for regular use, whether in classrooms, labs, or fieldwork.
This version represents a balance between the strengths of OE1’s reliability and OE2’s innovation, creating something new we hope will be a perfect match with your devices.
Upcoming Events: Maker Faire Orlando
We’re excited to showcase this latest version of the adapter at Maker Faire Orlando on November 9–10! If you’re attending, stop by the OpenOcular booth for a hands-on experience with the OE3.B4. Visitors will get the chance to test the adapter on both macroscopic and microscopic setups, see how it works with various smartphones, and explore the world in microscopic detail.
We plan to release OE3.B4 to all beta testers in the week following Maker Faire, so stay tuned!
Thank You, Beta Testers!
This design wouldn’t be where it is today without the invaluable feedback from hundreds of beta testers in our community. Your input has driven improvements at every step, and your insights have shaped this product into something better than we could have imagined.
If you haven’t yet submitted your feedback, there’s still time! Your voice matters, and we’re always eager to hear your thoughts. You can fill out the survey here: OE3.B Survey.
What’s Next?
As we continue testing and refining, we’re already planning the next steps. Future iterations will aim to build on the feedback from OE3.B4 and explore additional features, including new modular designs for enhanced compatibility with a wider range of devices and instruments.
This is just the beginning, and with your continued support, we’re excited to see where the journey takes us next.
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Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Let’s continue exploring, discovering, and innovating together!
Happy Exploring,
The OpenOcular Team