Wearable Technology ... smart watches, activity trackers, smart glasses, vr headsets, smart clothing, and more!

Kreyos Meteor On Indiegogo

The Kreyos Meteor smartwatch just landed on Indiegogo sporting voice control, gesture control, and ANT+ sensor compatibility. Smashing through its crowdfunding goal of $100,000 in the first week, the Kreyos Meteor is currently sitting atop $203,792 with 43 days to go. Wearable computing aficionados really like this one and have opened up their wallets in a strong showing of support.


The Kreyos Meteor smartwatch is not the first wearable computing device to successfully negotiate the ever-changing crowdfunding money grab maze. However, it is the first to do so with a campaign tailored specifically to appeal to the taste of an average end user. Whereas, Kickstarter rockstar Pebble focused its pitch to rile up technophiles, hackers, and programmers, the Kreyos Meteor smartwatch campaign highlights features that appeal to the every day user who doesn’t necessarily want to spend hours tweaking and customizing.

The Kreyos Meteor smartwatch features two user interface systems that will necessarily be integrated into all future sophisticated smartwatches: voice control and gesture control. On such a diminutive wearable computing device, alternatives to traditional button and touch screen input must be further developed and these two additions are a step in the right direction. The Kreyos Meteor features a microphone and speaker allowing the user to remotely control the device using voice commands. Interestingly, to save programming requirements and processing power, the watch syncs with your smartphone’s voice command system, such as Apple’s Siri, to accomplish that task … a unique and innovative idea. In addition, user input is received via rudimentary gesture control via a 3-axis gyroscope. We would like to see this technology developed further to include abilities such as those incorporated into the Thalmic Labs Myo.

Another great feature of the Kreyos Meteor smartwatch, is its ability to pair with activity trackers, sensors, heart rate monitors, and cycling computers via the ANT+ network, thus centralizing such data and eliminating the need for multiple devices suited to each specific task. This is another feature that all truly “smart” watches should eventually employ.

Kreyos Meteor Smartwatch

And now for what we don’t like … the band and the display. We are not fans of plastic swatch-type bands. Why can’t someone make a smartwatch that looks like the Italian beauty i’m Watch, but that has all of the innovative and exciting features of the Kreyos Meteor? Must we simply wait for Apple or Google to bestow the holy grail of smartwatches upon us? Also, we are not fans of low res monochrome displays. It is 2013 … get on the phone to Plastic Logic and hit us with some energy efficient color already!

Well, of all the lower price point smartwatches to roll through crowdfunding central as of late, this is one of our favorites. The design and overall look of the watch will not “wow” your friends, but is acceptable for casual use. Where this watch really shines is in its unique and innovative feature set. We would really like to see one of the prototypes, for if Kreyos has been able to put together an effortless working user interface, the Kreyos Meteor smartwatch would definitely move into our Top 5 best smartwatches list.


Source

Kreyos Meteor: [Company Website]

Sony Smartwatch 2, Uninspired Rehash

The Sony Smartwatch 2 for Android was just announced on Sony’s Twitter feed. From what we can tell, it is a simple rehash of the original Sony Smartwatch, with unimpressive specs and an uninspired look. Basically, it is exactly what we expected from Sony.


Sony’s upgraded smartwatch was finally unveiled today, hoping to whet the appetite of Android aficionados waiting anxiously for something revolutionary to display on their wrists. Unfortunately, the monotone corporate electronics giant revealed a new wearable computing device that is well made, highly polished, boring and unimaginative. Basically, Sony took a long hard look at smartwatches that were unsuccessful in the past, and decided that they were happy with the formula. Will the Sony Smartwatch 2 be more successful than the previous model? Probably. Following the overwhelming success of Kickstarter darling Pebble, the market is burgeoning and technophiles have been clamoring for futuristic wearable computing tech. Even though this release is not the holy grail of smartwatches that consumers have been waiting for, it may just be the best smartwatch so far … which is not saying much. Couple that with the Sony brand and an affordable $149 price point, and this watch will likely take a large chunk of the market away from current frontrunner Pebble. In short, the Sony Smartwatch 2 will likely act as a wearable computing placeholder until something truly revolutionary is released by Apple or Google.

Sony Smartwatch 2

Here are the positives: the Sony Smartwatch 2 is made by Sony, it is Android compatible, water resistant, it has a huge app library ready to download now, it has NFC on board for easy pairing, and it comes in at a reasonable $149. Here is the bad: it has antiquated Bluetooth 3.0 (really???) instead of 4.0 low energy, a dismal 220×176 resolution display, it is charged via micro USB instead of wireless Qi charging, a cheap looking plastic band, it looks like a big clunky box, and it isn’t due out until September.

The smartwatch market is still in its infancy, without any particular model setting the standard for others to follow. Mostly, we have a mishmash of incomplete, beta devices being snapped up by technophiles eager to embrace new wearable computing tech. The Sony Smartwatch 2 is different in that it presents a completed product, that has been through Sony’s bug removal system, has apps ready to download, and is built to Sony’s exacting quality standards. Unfortunately, what Sony has failed to do is set the bar even a little higher. We are not surprised, but we are disappointed at the lack of vision and innovation. Still, the Sony Smartwatch 2 will be the smartwatch to buy until Apple or Google move the niche forward with some revolutionary new technological marvel.


Source

Sony Smartwatch 2: [Company Website]

New Sony Smartwatch Coming Next Week

The Sony Smartwatch looks like it is about to get an upgrade as Sony has pounded Twitter with virtual teases of an upcoming announcement. The current Sony Smartwatch was released over a year to mixed reviews and has not been a commercial success. However, with heavy hitters like Apple and Google crashing the wearable computing party, it appears that Sony wants to get a jump on the competition. UPDATE – It is coming tomorrow …


Sony isn’t masking their intent, tweeting today “1/3 smartphone users want smart wrist wear.” Other recent tweets include, “Wearable tech is in our DNA. Remember WALKMAN, now…?” and “We launched the world’s first ‘smart’ watch in 2007.” While that last one is not technically accurate, as Microsoft launched the SPOT smartwatch in 2004, Sony has maintained the longest ongoing commitment to smartwatch technology. The current Sony Smartwatch sells for a mere $99, is Android compatible, and has a massive apps library on Google Play. However, in spite of being a vanguard in the wearable computing market, it never really took off.

Is Sony telegraphing a new smartwatch release with all their Twitter fanfare the past couple of days or are they simply beating their chest, saying “we were here first” and trying to move some admittedly stale inventory? It is tough to tell. However, with smartwatch announcements from Sony competitors such as Apple, Google, and Samsung right around the corner, it is likely that Sony has something new with which to saturate the niche before the laggers can get into gear.

Sony Smartwatch Teaser

A new Sony Smartwatch could not come at a better time … the market is starting to explode with unfinished, barely usable smart wrist wear being pushed out the door before the upstarts are even out of beta. Technophiles are aching for a piece of wearable computing that is complete and that has features and apps that are ready now. If Sony produces a smartwatch that is professional and cutting edge, compatible with both iOS and Android, and with the ability to use its already massive apps library, it could just have a winner on its hands … or wrists. This would, in turn, require Apple, Google, and Samsung to step up their games and develop something truly revolutionary and inviting … a win/win for consumers. Whatever Sony has up their sleeves, when asked if we will see something from them next week, my magic 8-ball says “Outlook Good” …

UPDATE – Here is the teaser video released today …


Source

Sony Smartwatch 2: [Company Website]

Agent Smartwatch Crushes Funding Goal

Agent smartwatch absolutely crushed its Kickstarter crowdfunding goal today, bringing in more than $1,000,000 compared to its campaign objective of only $100,000. While not quite as stellar as first-to-the-trough Kickstarter darling Pebble, any time you exceed your venture capital grab by more than 1,000%, you know you have done something right.


Agent is now the second Kickstarter smartwatch to achieve enormous popularity while still in the developmental phase. A collaboration of talent from Secret Labs and House of Horology, the Agent smartwatch employed a strong, professional marketing campaign to ensure its success. And, professionalism and polish seem to be the key to capturing subscribers as we discussed in our recent article about proper use of the crowdfunding marketing tool.

Another key to a successful a smartwatch crowdfunding campaign appears to be the production of a working prototype prior to seeking funds. An intriguing Pebble smartwatch prototype was paraded around for all to see and it sold like hotcakes. Similarly, the Agent smartwatch has been displayed with its unique Qi wireless charger, and the public became similarly enamored with it, singing its praises on various social media outlets. Conversely, recent attempts to crowdfund smartwatches based solely upon renderings and schematics have unsuccessfully languished with little interest, some still opting to produce a product and hope that excitement will ensue once the public sees a working model. While not the only factor in a successful crowdfunding campaign, it now appears that putting forth some displayable effort and investing a little money of your own is a must do for smartwatch manufacturers wishing to pitch the public for startup capital.

Agent Smartwatch

Well, it looks like we will be seeing the Agent smartwatch come to market, with its sleek looks and unique (for now) Qi wireless charging. Now, it just needs to get the product in the hands of its subscribers and get them coding some apps for the fledging device. For long terms success still depends upon turning out a great product with great apps … something even market king Pebble is now struggling with.


Source

Agent Smartwatch: [Company Website]

Boddie Smartwatch On Indiegogo

Boddie Smartwatch just landed on crowd funding platform Indigiegogo, offering “the ability to take a break from technology” and, by far, the most … ummm, artistic … product launch video we have viewed so far. Developed by Rearden Technology out of Poland, the Boddie smartwatch is designed primarily to be an extension of your iOS or Android enabled smartphone. Want to stare at your monitor with your mouth open and head titled to the side for seven minutes? Then make the jump and check out the video … you have been warned!


Direct from the Eastern Block, the Boddie Smartwatch is a bit of an enigma … as is its sales pitch. If you read our recent article Smartwatch Marketing Via Crowd Funding, you will recall that we strongly recommend that crowd source smartwatch developers invest in their presentation video. Well, the boys at Boddie did just that, and offered up a mini art-house movie to entice potential subscribers to open their wallets. And, while the Boddie video isn’t exactly what we had in mind, you can never quite tell what is going to take off and go viral. Accordingly, we will not attempt to hazard a guess as to how this campaign will fare, opting to simply sit back and enjoy the show.

Boddie Smartwatch By Rearden Technology

A self-proclaimed “personal assistant on your wrist,” the Boddie smartwatch hopes to interconnect with three aspects of the user’s life: lifestyle, exercise, and work. With regard to lifestyle, the Boddie will provide alerts and allow you to respond to phone calls, text messages, and social media notifications. The Boddie will also allow you to control the music on your connected smartphone and remote release your camera’s shutter. On the exercise front, the watch functions as a pedometer, tracks calories burned, and monitors body temperature. For business, the Boddie will alert you to calendar notifications and act as a remote control for Power Point slides via gestural tracking. All in all, a nice feature set has been squeezed into this startup’s initial smartwatch offering.

A 1.44″ display will be employed and the smartwatch will run for an acceptable 7 days on a single charge. RAM and storage on the unit are minimal, but it is intended to function as an extension to your smartphone, and not as a stond alone device. Right now, the Boddie can be yours for a preorder early bird price of $99 on crowd funding springboard Indiegogo. So far, they have only reached 1% of their $100,000 goal. However, the campaign was just launched and Rearden Technology has an ample 46 days left to hit the mark. Good luck guys …

… one more thing, watch the video!


Source

Boddie Smartwatch: [Company Website Not Reachable]

Orsto X1 Smartwatch On Indiegogo

The Orsto X1 smartwatch is now available for preorder on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo. Wearable computing has really taken off this year and everyone wants a piece of the action. Awash in a burgeoning field of smartwatch startups, the Orsto X1 attempts to set itself apart from the pack by offering 100% titanium casing and straps and a Qi wireless charging pod. Will it succeed? We will find out in 3 weeks …


The Orsto X1 smartwatch is being developed by design engineer Paul Gill, a former display technologies specialist from the Philips CRT plant. This brings us to our first issue with this offering: product marketing or lack thereof. Even if Mr. Gill is a brilliant design engineer, his Indiegogo product pitch video and web presentation are simply awful. I don’t know how many times we have to say this: If you are trying to bring a technologically sophisticated product to market, spend $1,000 and hire a marketing team to polish your presentation. Otherwise, you are shooting yourself in the foot and basically throwing away money. For more on this subject, mash the link and check out our article How To Market Your Smartwatch Via Crowd Funding Platforms.

Orsto X1 Smartwatch

The Orsto X1 smartwatch is intended to be a stand-alone watch, and not simply an extension of your smartphone. The specifications call for the X1 to be shipped with the Android 4.0 operating system. And, although Orsto provides no information about compatibility or interoperability with Android or iOS based smartphones on their website or in their literature, the presentation video claims that the X1 can be tethered to your Android phone, iPhone, or Blackberry … it is all a little confusing.

The specifications of the Orsto X1 are impressive when compared with other smartwatch offerings. The unit will be based upon a 1.2 GHz processor, offer 2 GB of RAM, begin with 8 GB of expandable storage, a 5 MP camera with LED flash, include a speaker, microphone, and headset out, and offer Qi wireless charging. With regard to power, the X1 claims it will have a minimum 850 mAh Li-Polymer battery … almost double that of its nearest competitor the i’m Watch. It will be interesting to see how they intend to fit that much battery into such a diminutive casing.


Well, that’s it. And, while Orsto claims to have a working prototype of the X1, no pictures or video have been provided. Unfortunately, without seeing their working prototype actually operate, it is difficult to determine whether the Orsto X1 is a smartwatch that we would like to see come to fruition. Nonetheless, the X1 intends to push the boundaries of current smartwatch technology, which is always a good thing for the smartwatch market as a whole. As of today, with three weeks to go, the Orsto X1 has achieved $22,000 of its $100,000 Indiegogo crowd funding goal.