The Playbook
Logging In
Using Google Chrome log in to app.sqord.com
Type in your Username and Password-Case Sensitive
Once logged in, a pop-up might appear. If so, you have an option of entering you or your parents email
address. If you enter an email address an auto-generated email will be sent to the address. If you do not want
to enter an address click on the small “x” in top right of that pop-up screen.
Home Screen
PowerMe
Create/Design your PowerMe by clicking on the little PowerMe icon under your current PowerMe on the Screen
or by choosing “CUSTOMIZE MY POWERME” from the drop-down menu.
When you are done customizing your PowerMe be sure to click save. This will now be the PowerMe you see on
your Home Screen. You can have up to five PowerMe’s in your collection!!
Sqoins
Sqoins are the basic currency inside the Sqord Online world. You can use them to buy Thought Bubbles,
Squawks, PowerMe gear, and more.
The best way to earn Sqoins is by earning Activity Points. Sqord will award a certain (unknown and mysterious)
number of Sqoins depending on how many Activity Points you earn. The more Activity Points, though, the
more Sqoins.
You can also earn Sqoins by logging in, sending High Fives, posting Thought Bubbles, sending Squawks,
tagging activity in their Activity Chart, and more. As a general rule, the more you participate, the more Sqoins
that you will earn.
Backpack
Now let’s check out your Backpack. Your Backpack sits next to your PowerMe on the Home Screen but can also
be found using the drop-down menu and clicking on “MY BACKPACK”. It will be empty until you start using
your Sqoins to get Squawks or Thought Bubble sayings.
You can shop for Squawks and Thought Bubble sayings in the Market. Click on the green “Shop” button from
this screen or by choosing “THE SQORD MARKET” from the drop-down menu. The Market looks like this:
The Sqord Market
There are currently three types of things you can buy in the Market - Squawks, Thought Bubbles and PowerMe
Gear.
Squawks - are used to give shout-outs to your friends and teammates.
To give a friend or teammate a Squawks hover over their PowerMe and click on the
choose which Squawk you want to send from your Backpack.
over their head and
Thought Bubbles - appear over your PowerMe on the Home Screen.
To fill your Thought Bubble with a saying, click on the words “Fill Your Thought Bubble” that appear over your
PowerMe on the home page. This will take you to your Backpack to choose the thought you would like to use.
PowerMe Gear - to add some fun and flare to your PowerMe’s.
If you buy new gear it will appear the next time you design or change your PowerMe.
Here is a hint…You have to get moving to earn Sqoins to shop in the Market!
High Fives etc.
If you hover over your friend or teammate’s PowerMe on the Home page you will see several options.
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Click on the hand to send them a High-Five
Click on the
to send them a Squawk
Click on the magnifying glass to see how they are doing
If you see a + sign you can click there to add them as a friend
If you see a X sign you can click there to remove them from your friend list
(they will not know if you do this)
Awards
As you move and play you will earn awards. A pop-up screen like the one above will appear. Click once on the
box to see what your award is.
Click once on the words “Accept your award!” to add it to your Backpack. Exit by clicking on the small “x” in
top right of that pop-up screen.
Activity Charts
To see how you are doing over time, choose “ACTIVITY CHARTS” from the drop-down menu. Give this screen a
moment to catch up – you have been doing a lot of moving!!!
You can see how you have been doing by month:
You can see how you have been doing on any day by the hour by clicking on that day.
If you want to “Tag” your time with what activity you were doing, simply click on the time and choose the
activity from the drop-down. Once you have done this, that time bar will change from Orange to Green.
Leaderboard
Want to see how you are doing compared to your friends and teammates? Click on “LEADERBOARD” from the
drop-down menu.
Challenges
Click on “CHALLENGES” from the drop-down menu. There is a built-in challenge that Sqord is always issuing
called the Sqorcher. The Sqorcher is taking your average points and “upping” them each day to challenge
yourself.
Want to see how you did in the last challenge? If you won your PowerMe will appear on the left of the vs.
picture.
You can issue your own Challenge by clicking the green “Create a New Challenge” button. As long as you
know the username of the player(s) you want to Challenge you are all set.
Syncing
Where to find the Sqord mobile apps?
To sync your booster download the app from one of the two locations below:
Android App
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.smashingboxes.sqordmobile
iOS App
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sqord/id920571238
The app name is Sqord, inc.
How to tap the Booster to sync?
In order to start the process of a sync, you need to tap the Booster to signal it to start broadcasting.
Give your Booster a series of solid taps (maybe even slaps) to tell it to sync. Gentle taps, or a limited number
of taps might not be enough. So don't be afraid to hit it with a little force, and don't be too quick to stop
tapping. Keep going until it blinks!
Under normal circumstances, the Booster should start broadcasting in two or three seconds.
How often should you Sync?
Sqord recommends you Sync every day to keep your points up-to-date for all the other Sqord players you
interact with. It’s more fun if you can see where your friends and teammates stand when the leaderboards and
competitions are current.
How long can you go without syncing?
The Booster holds an activity calendar of 7 days. So as long as you Sync at least every 7 days, your data will
always be assigned to the right time, on the right day. However, even if you sync after 7 days, your total
amount of Activity Points is never in question, and is always kept accurate.
Well, that’s pretty much it. Now get out there and play!!!
TROUBLESHOOTING
Booster Troubleshooting
How does a player open and close the Booster?
The Sqord Booster is made to be waterproof out of the factory, and as a result, it can be closed up pretty
tightly.
Replacing the battery on the Sqord Booster is not meant to be super easy due to it being water resistant.
Place the booster in between the palms of your hands, pressing firmly twist the booster sections apart. Do not
try to use a coin, the slot was not designed for that.
This technique also works well for closing the Booster tightly.
Remember, when you close it, you need to close it very tightly, so that there is no gap between the upper and
lower shell.
What do I do if I see water inside my Booster?
The Sqord Booster is waterproof when it leaves our factory, but it is made to be opened so a player can change
the battery. When that happens, it needs to be sealed back up tightly.
Since sometimes a player might open it up out of curiosity, a Booster may be opened and re-sealed more often
than it needs to be. We've included a note inside the Booster to remind players to seal it back up tightly, but
still, accidents happen.
So if you do see water inside the booster, follow these instructions:
1) Sync it. Get your points off before you disconnect the battery.
2) Open it up, and remove the battery.
3) Dry out the plastic pieces and dab the moisture off of the electronics with a paper towel.
4) Let it air dry for a while, and then put it back together.
You want to make sure to close it tightly. If you can get a fingernail in the seam between the upper shell and
the lower shell, try and turn it some more.
The best way to close it tightly (or, in some cases, open it), is to use two hands, pressed super tightly between
the lower parts of your palms. Squeeze and turn.
You should be good to go.
What do I do with a non-responsive Booster?
If you tap, tap, tap your Booster and it does not blink, you may have a non-responsive Booster.
First, double check that your Booster actually is not responding. Tap it forcefully for at least 5 seconds, while
you are within 3 feet of a listening sync app or SqordBoard.
Make sure that other players can sync there, if you can. That way we can be sure that it is your Booster that's
the problem.
If you still don't get any response, then check the battery. The Booster uses a lithium coin cell Panasonic 2330
battery, which can be difficult to find in a local store, but is easily ordered through any number of online
retailers.
Removing and re-inserting the battery will produce a green and then red light. If this does not occur, either
your battery is dead, or the Booster is defective.
Try replacing the battery. If that doesn't work, contact Sqord about obtaining a replacement Booster.
Note that when you open the Booster to check the battery, you need to seal the Booster tightly in order to
maintain its waterproof seal.
Sync Troubleshooting
The Sync app doesn't seem to work. What do I do?
There will be times when the sync app may not appear to work. There are a few easy steps to try to narrow
down the possible problems.
This article assumes that you were able to install the app on your mobile device.
So, the app is installed and running, but you can't sync.
Click the green "Got It" button, if you haven't done so already. When you sync, you'll do so from the orange
"listening" screen.
Then...
1) Check that your device is connected to the Internet.
2) Check that your device has Bluetooth turned on.
3) Stay within 10 feet of your mobile device while your sync attempt is underway.
4) If there is a lot of wifi or radio interference in your area, try getting closer to the device when you attempt to
sync.
5) Turn the audio up on your device and listen for a chirp when you sync. If you tap your Booster, and it starts
blinking, you should hear the Sqord app chirp that it has heard your Booster, and the sync is underway. If you
do not hear a chirp, it is unlikely that the Sqord app has heard your Booster.
6) In some cases, when there is a lot of interference or if your Booster has a lot of data, a sync can take several
seconds. If you do hear the start chirp, stay in range for 60 seconds to make sure the sync finishes. When it
does, you'll hear the success chime and be presented with your Activity Points for the day.
7) If your Booster does not blink when you tap it, then a Sync has not started.
How do I solve continued problems syncing on Android?
Unfortunately, there are some cases where an Android device running a supported version of the operating
system and Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE) will simply not function properly.
Android has recently release Android 5.0, which has the goal of correcting numerous known issues with
Bluetooth support. And Sqord will be updating the Android app frequently to take advantage of these
improvements as soon as we are able.
But the reality is, that in the meantime, some small percentage of Android users will need to
investigate alternative syncing methods.
Do I need a PIN code to pair my Booster?
There is no way to directly pair your Booster via Bluetooth, so you don't need (and can't use) a PIN code.
The only way to sync points from the Booster to a mobile device is by use of the Sqord mobile app.
Your mobile device cannot directly use the data coming from the Booster, communicate it to the Sqord web
service, or display your activity points on its own.
To do all of that work (and more), your mobile device relies on the Sqord mobile app, in the same way that
other complex processes (such as email, texting, etc.) rely on their own specific apps.
Why do I get zero points when I sync?
When a Booster has no owner, it only records points for 48 hours. Once it's synced, it will show zero points,
and start recording points for 48 hours.
After 48 hours, the next sync will show zero again.
To prevent this, you need to link your Booster to your permanent account. When you do, that Booster will then
keep track of your points for its entire lifespan.
So if you get zero points when you sync, sync again in a minute. You should see your total starting to
increment. And then make sure you register within 48 hours, or you'll go back to zero.
If you keep syncing (and moving) over a few hours, and your total is not incrementing, contact Micaela Jones at
[email protected] for more help.
What does the red Uh Oh error mean?
Sometimes when a player syncs, they may be presented with a red Uh Oh error. This can come up for a
number of reasons.
1) Check that your device is connected to the Internet.
2) Check that your device has Bluetooth turned on.
3) Stay within 10 feet of your mobile device while your sync attempt is underway.
4) If there is a lot of wifi or radio interference in your area, try getting closer to the device when you attempt to
sync.
My Mobile device says that the Sqord app is not compatible.
Occasionally when trying to install the Sqord mobile app, a message will come up saying that the app is not
compatible with that device.
The most likely reason is that the device in question does not support Bluetooth Low Energy, or BLE, which is
the method that the Sqord app uses to communicate with the Booster.
BLE is a very common communication method, and while it is found in almost all new devices, it is not present
in all older versions of devices that are still commonly-used.
Player Troubleshooting
What can a player do if the Sqord app does not work on Android?
Sqord, like virtually every other wearable that syncs to/connects with a mobile device uses a Bluetooth Low
Energy (BLE) connection to do so. BLE is part of Bluetooth 4.0, which was introduces in 2010.
In order for the Sqord app to work on any device, that device must support Bluetooth 4.0.
Android devices have a wide range of operating system versions, many of which support a lower version of
Bluetooth (or just say they support an unspecified version of Bluetooth).
If an Android device does not specifically support Bluetooth 4.0, or run Android 4.3 or later, it will not be able
to run the Sqord application.
What does a player do if their Booster blinks when tapped, but the Sqord mobile app (or SqordBoard)
does not initiate a Sync?
Sometimes the Booster can remain connected to the Sqord app, and so it won't blink when it's tapped (it's
already connected). Quit the Sqord App, and try again.
Players should also check to make sure Bluetooth is enabled on their mobile device.
If the problem persists, try syncing to another device. If that works, re-install your Sqord app and try again.
If a player is not able to sync to any device, there is likely a problem with the Booster itself, and it should be
replaced.
Can a player get credit for points lost when they were wearing a defective Booster, or a Booster with a
dead battery?
Unfortunately, the only way Sqord can award or record Activity Points is if a player is wearing a fully functional
Booster during the activity to be credited and recorded. Sqord cannot retroactively, or manually, enter Activity
Points into the system.
Can a player get credit for points lost when they were not wearing a Booster?
Unfortunately, the only way Sqord can award or record Activity Points is if a player is wearing a Booster during
the activity to be credited and recorded. Sqord cannot retroactively, or manually, enter Activity Points into the
system.
How does a player know if their Booster is working?
To determine if your Booster is working, tap rapidly and continuously. An orange light will blink as it attempts
to Sync. This is also an excellent indication that it is working.
If the orange light does not blink after a few seconds of tapping, replace the battery and try again.
Blinking lights – what do they mean?
Yellow/Orange = Indicates that the Booster is syncing
Green = This color may flash once syncing is complete
Red = This color indicates a new battery is needed (Panasonic 2330)
SQORD GLOSSARY
Activity / Activity Points
An Activity Point is Sqord's basic unit of measurement for a player's physical activity, generated by the
intensity and duration of physical activity as scored by the Sqord Booster. For reference, there's about 3.5
Activity Points in a step. But players can get Activity Points for any activity.
Administrator / Admin
The organizing authority of a group of Players. An Admin has several powers and responsibilities, and access
to a special administration panel for their organization.
Backpack
A player's Backpack is where they will keep and find all items collected or purchased in Sqord Online, including
medals, Squawks, Thought Bubbles, Sqoins, PowerMe items, and more.
Booster
The little plastic device, worn with or without a wristband, containing hardware that counts activity for Players.
Burst
A Burst is a single block of 15 minutes where the wearer recorded a high level of physical activity.
High Five
A positive communication from one Player to another in congratulations or support of an achievement. Just
like giving someone a High Five in the hall way. Good job!
League
A large-scale organized group of Teams who may share a Sqord experience over a large population or
geographic area. For example, a League may be a school district or a league of sports teams or a number of
youth organization locations.
Level
The objective rating of a Player’s overall Activity level, influenced only by measured physical activity. High
Level indicates a long-term pattern of lots of physical activity. Lesser physical activity will result in lower levels.
Level can decrease over time, if physical activity drops.
Market
The Market is a location within Sqord Online where players can spend their Sqoins on Squawks, Thought
Bubbles, Power Me items, and more.
Medal
One of many rewards a Player can earn by achieving goals and milestones on Sqord.
Player
A user of Sqord who is wearing a Booster and having fun moving!
PowerMe
The graphic character that a Player creates to represent themselves on Sqord Online.
Social Message
A message sent from one user to another, or by Sqord to its users, shown in a list format on Sqord Online. It
can be a Squawk, a High Five, a System Message, notice of a Win or a Loss, etc.
Sqoin
A unit of Sqord currency Players earn by being active and playing the Sqord online game. Sqoins can be used
to buy fun online additions to a Player’s Sqord experience.
Sqorcher
A core game in which a Player sets goals and tries to attain them within a set time period.
Sqord
The name of the company providing activity tracking hardware and online game supporting our initiative.
SqordBoard
A high-visibility display screen where any Sqord player can Sync their Booster, and see rotating messages from
Sqord and the organization that hosts the SqordBoard.
Squad
A temporary division of a Team for purposes of competition, formed through a variety of means. All many-vsmany competitions take place between Squads, even if the Squads comprise the entire Team in competition
with a Squad from another team.
Squawk
A communication between two Players, selected from a fixed menu, on the Sqord game platform.
Status
A message communicated by a Player to everyone on the team to express his or her current thoughts.
Sync
The action a Player takes when they tap the Sqord Booster sending data to Sqord.
SyncStation
A SyncStation is connected to a computer via USB.
Team
The core group of Sqord Players that a Player will see and interact with on a regular basis, sometimes divided
into Squads. For example a Team might be the entire School or a sports team, youth organization or club.
Thought Bubble
A message communicated by a Player to everyone on the team to express his or her current thoughts.