This $350 Android Watch Syncs to Phone, Has Apps
This Android-powered watch can connect to your iPhone 4 or Android smartphone via Bluetooth to preview messages or serve as a speakerphone.
It was only a matter of time before someone created the "world's first smartwatch" that can perform tasks other than tell time or act as a stopwatch. Created by Blue Sky, the "i'mWatch" is powered by a customized version of Google's Android 1.6 OS and syncs to a smartphone via a Bluetooth (2.1 +EDR) connection. That said, think of it as a wearable smartphone extension that will display the latest updates from Facebook or Twitter without having to pull the phone out of a pocket or purse.
According to the specs, this "smartwatch" features a Freescale i.MX233 CPU (capable of multitasking), 4 GB of flash storage, 64 MB of RAM and a 1.54-inch TFT display with a native resolution of 240 x 240 (220 ppi). It also features a built-in rechargeable Li-Po 350 mA battery which can be charged via a USB port or a power adapter. Standby without a Bluetooth connection is up to 48 hours; up to 30 hours with a constant connection.
If this watch isn't interesting enough as is, it also sports a microphone and a built-in speaker so that it can act as a speakerphone. The device's battery offers up to 3 hours of talk time, and up to 3.5 hours for "other uses." And like any iOS and Android device, you can move from window to window by swiping a finger left and right. These windows display the icons of numerous pre-installed apps including Address Book, Message Preview, Email Preview, Weather Forecast, i'music, Facebook Notifications and more. There's even an i'market to download and install additional apps.
"There are no limits to your fantasy," the company says. "The world of i’mWatch is open to all developers who, just like ourselves, believe that we are about to write the history of smartwatches."
The i'mWatch connects with iPhone 3GS (with iOS 4.3 or newer), iPhone 4 and Android phones – support for BlackBerry will arrive sometime in 2012. It doesn't sport any Wi-Fi hardware, so all OS updates and app downloads are done via a Bluetooth-connected smartphone.
Currently Blue Sky is taking pre-orders for around $350 USD (249 Euros) for the standard i'mColor model which offers a choice of seven different colors. For those who like a little bling, the i'mJewel version starts at 599 Euros and extends up to 11,999 Euros (and possibly beyond with the "Special"). So far the actual ship date is unknown, so stay tuned.
I so want this watch... wonder if it can play Angry Birds?
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Andriod 1.6? Why wouldn't they use a newer version of andriod, like 2.x at least....
Not very practical, I'd imagine. There's a reason why phone watches haven't had mass market adoption.
Do you really want to play Angry Birds on a 1.5 Inch display?
How low a self-esteem does one have to need to check Facebook and Twitter on a wrist watch?
I bet it is not as good as my Dick Tracy wristwatch.
While I think the design is stupid, I could easily argue that one who is willing to check their facebook/twitter via a watch because they simply don't care what others thinks, proves you to have a higher self-esteem
I think it would be much more exciting if it simply just told the time!
Sony made one of these last year, and it costs about $70. It doesn't have the speakerphone part, but still, that's a metric crapton less money in exchange for one less feature! It's called the Sony Liveview.
If it can't do Dick Tracey, I'd rather check my facebook on my Bluetooth enabled LCD shades, or play Angry Birds on the big screen (through DisplayPort)... ;-)
Wouldn't a pair of Bluetooth enabled shades to check facebook updates & SMS' with a front facing camera with optical zoom that can take pictures & record videos be more tempting for those who want to play Robocop or 00Stupid?
Put the current android os version on it, room for future updates, lower price by 300 dollars, and make it so you can throw it on one of those "wireless" recharge battery pads and then maybe I'd buy one. Just my opinion.
I don't wear watches. My Android phone is my watch, and I always carry it with me so I see no need to wear a watch. Now if they make the screen a decent size put on a minimum of Android 2.3 an allow it to make calls - then you would be on to something. But hey I already have that.
Newer versions of Android require significantly more ram than 64mb to run at base.
same android problem, battery doesnt last that long.
Requires recharging EVERYDAY...
not all that thrilled about the Android 1.6, But the idea of having your smartphone pump data (maybe newsfeeds, incoming text messages, weather/time) to another device/screen i think is a very interesting idea. You can leave your phone in your pocket and decide if that last text message is worth responding to now or if it can wait. Also could be useful while driving, My vehicle has hands free but you cant help but look at your phone to view an incoming text or maybe an intuitive way to view easily/quickly your most frequently used contacts so your eyes spend less time looking away from the road (Of course waiting until you've stopped to look at your phone would make sense but not everyone is sensible that way). Also i wonder if broadcasting to a bluetooth device device like this would drain battery faster than using the screen? Utilizing it as a speakerphone for those without hands free vehicles is also a pretty neat idea!
As technology has progressed we have seen phones become an all-in-one utility device, however, wearing a watch that has a few programs, very limited battery life and micro-size screen for $350 bucks seems destined to fail, in my humble opinion.
As technology has progressed we have seen phones become an all-in-one utility device, however, wearing a watch that has a few programs, very limited battery life and micro-size screen for $350 bucks seems destined to fail, in my humble opinion.
@blurr91 - I was literally thinking the exact same thing when I saw this!
Next they will be launching i'mToiletPaper which can sync with your smartphone, notebook and your ***.