Trouble Brewing on Sinclair ZX Spectrum Vega+ Project - Updated #2

UPDATE #2:

Continuing this saga, a short while ago Paul Andrews and Chris Smith released a statement, reiterating their position and replying to David Levy.

It reiterates that they are fans of Sir Clive Sinclair's original computers, and as fans (and shareholders) they want the Vega+ to succeed. However:

In support of all backers of the Vega+ project, we simply requested proof of the project’s progress, such as evidence of a working prototype to the design submitted by Rick Dickinson, proof that Retro Computers owns the IP used in the console, or confirmation from the factory that the devices will ship to consumers from beginning on the 15th of September as promised.

This is due to them believing that manufacturing the units would take up to 18 weeks, and Retro Computers Ltd have still not released images of the finalised prototype, nor released a finalised list of games.

They also state that they are unaware of legal proceedings instigated by Retro Computers Ltd against themselves -- however the press release yesterday ended with:

"As Andrews and Smith are involved in ongoing unrelated legal matters against Retro Computers Ltd, they such cannot currently comment further beyond this press release."

Before finishing this statement with repeating that they want the project to succeed, so that the backers (and they) can get what they originally intended with the Vega+, they suggest some ways that Retro Computers could respond:

We therefore take this opportunity once again to ask Retro Computers Limited for evidence that will reassure backers that the project is on track, and that the hundreds of thousands of pounds that were paid from the backers to the company after we resigned as directors have been well-spent. Our suggestions for this reassurance include photographs of the final moulds, a pre-production sample, a full games list or a video of a fully-working prototype to prove that the project is on-track and ready for the mid-September delivery. We are simply asking for evidence that should be available today rather than a promise of confirmation at a vague point in the future, as previous official updates seem to have suggested.

We will keep you updated on this story.

UPDATE:

A couple of hours after going to press with this story, Retro Computers Ltd took to Facebook to give their side of the story.

In the statement, chairman Dr. David Levy, states that the press release sent to us was the third such posting which stated false or inaccurate details. The post gives background details on Andrews and Smith from shortly before they left, explaining that they created a similarly named company and competing  product (The64), with the same address and phone number as Retro Computers Ltd. This was contrary to Section 25 of the Companies Act 2006.

Furthermore, after their resignations, Retro Computers Ltd began legal proceedings, in relation to missing company funds. This explains why they are "former directors", and Levy states ends on the following statement:

I believe that their actions are aimed at destabilizing the company in order to make it difficult for the company to take the appropriate legal action about financial irregularities.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The two former directors of Retro Computers Ltd, Paul Andrews and Chris Smith, have issued a press release stating that they resigned back in April, and further distancing themselves from the company.

The move comes after they have received an "increasing amount" of emails, asking for updates on the project. They have tried to contact Retro Computers (through solicitors), seeking answers with which to send back to these questions, but repeatedly received no reply.

The project received more than £416,000 through it's Indiegogo campaign, but the money was received after Andrews and Smith resigned. They remain 50% (joint) shareholders, however.

The way that Indiegogo works, is not like Kickstarter. Despite the initial funding period having ended, people can still back the project. That means that they are still making money off of the project, which still has an estimated release date of September. There was an update a couple of months ago telling us about some new software features, but still no street date for the handheld itself.

To sum things up: If you want to know when the Vega is coming out, neither Andrews nor Smith can help, and enquiries should be directed to Retro Computers Ltd.