What is Start Session and how does it work?
Start Session is Keel's signature feature. The moment you place your phone or camera on the Keel surface, NFC reads the device identity in 40ms, magnetic alignment snaps it into place, and within one second: power delivery begins, the SSD mounts with a date-and-device-named session folder, and file ingest starts automatically. No apps, no buttons, no manual steps. It works on any NFC-compatible device — older or unsupported devices still receive power at a safe default wattage.
Does Start Session require an app?
No. The core Start Session experience — power delivery, SSD mount, session folder creation, and file ingest — works entirely without an app. An optional Keel app (coming post-launch) will add cloud destination configuration, session naming, and battery health monitoring. But nothing in the core experience depends on it.
What happens if a transfer is interrupted mid-session?
Keel checkpoints the transfer state immediately on device removal. Partial files move to a .keel_partial/ subfolder — nothing is deleted. When you place the same device again (identified by NFC), the transfer resumes from the last verified block. No duplicates. No data loss. Power delivery is never affected by a transfer interruption.
Is the SSD replaceable or upgradeable?
The M.2 SSD is internal — the chassis requires tools to open. A sealed chassis conducts heat better, is more durable, and looks cleaner. The 2TB model holds approximately 40 hours of 4K footage. If you need more, you can always offload completed sessions to a laptop after a shoot.
Can I take it on a plane?
Yes. At 74Wh, Keel is within the IATA 100Wh carry-on limit. The Wh rating is engraved on the device body. We include a travel card in every box. UN38.3 certified. Start Session works identically at 35,000 feet as it does on the ground.
What laptops does the USB4 port work with?
Any laptop with USB4 or Thunderbolt 3/4 — all MacBooks from 2019 onwards, most modern Windows ultrabooks, iPad Pro. For 1,800MB/s SSD speeds use the USB4 port. The USB-C ports deliver full hub and charging functionality on any USB-C device.
Why no fan when some competitors use one?
Sharge added a 10,000rpm fan because passive cooling alone isn't sufficient at 2,000MB/s sustained. Keel ThermalCore — vapour chamber, graphene barrier, predictive firmware — sustains 1,800MB/s silently. For every real creator use case, including a full Start Session with simultaneous charging and ingest, silent and reliable beats a fan that wears out.
What is the deposit and refund policy?
A 50% deposit is charged at pre-order. The remaining 50% is charged approximately 30 days before shipping. Full refund of both payments is available before manufacturing lock (Month 4 of development). After manufacturing lock, the deposit is non-refundable but the balance payment can be cancelled.
When will it ship?
Estimated Q4 2026. Monthly engineering updates by email — EVT prototype photos, DVT test results, production milestones. If anything changes the timeline, backers know before the public and get the choice to refund. You'll never be left wondering.
