While wearable technology and computing is really starting to take off, I’ve found myself struggling with the idea behind a smartwatch. I’ve admitted I’m not a fan in the past, but this new watch from a Shanghai-based company called the GEAK Watch has my attention. Why you ask? Because it claims to do so much more than most of those other so called “smartwatches” we’ve seen in the past.
This watch is overall just an impressive sounding (and looking) device. While the general edges look a bit too iPhone-like, it’s the specs and features that has me excited and interested. The folks from Engadget Chinese found all the details on the GEAK, and the list is a long one. This is no Pebble watch guys. They aim to do a little of everything and even offer WiFi, voice-to-text, and more.
Of course we’re running Android with the GEAK, but then we also will enjoy WiFi 802.11b/g/n so we won’t have to tether or use Bluetooth only like most. This also allows direct downloading of apps and such using Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and it will automatically update too. No more wiring up to a PC with micro-USB.
Apparently we’ll have a 1 GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of storage, a 1.55-inch multitouch display and more all tucked into a thin 8mm design. So basically as thin as most smartphones, or thinner. Sounds impressive right? That isn’t all either.
The GEAK also has NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 support, GPS, a 3.5mm headphone jack for streaming audio, and even an FM radio transmitter. Oh and did we mention voice-to-text input as well. Somehow that will work and you can send messages without ever removing your phone from your pocket. Engadget also mentions a wide array of sensors that will make this a smartwatch, then a fitness companion and more at the same time.
Working with sensors for motion like calorie and step counters, sleeping patterns, blood pressure, temperature, and much more. Take my money now! Apparently this is the real deal, will run you about $330, and will be hitting China early next month. We’ll keep our eyes out on this one.
that’s a whole lotta features… no mention of battery life though! i personally would forfeit the features for a simple, always-on, long battery life dummy display like the pebble.
I think it looks interesting. If I were to get a smartwatch, it would have to have all-day battery life (I wouldn’t mind charging it each night – you’d likely have to take it off to shower anyway), but if it has that, then I’m sold on it (as long as it comes in an English version).
Sounds like it’ll have a 500 mAh battery. I’m worried already. lol
Haha, I’m betting about 8 hours of battery life. I’d assume they would have some kind of power-saving features, but who knows.
Bear in mind the screen is tiny, it’s only a single core 1Ghz processor, 500 mAh might give you regular all day usage, and if that were coupled with some good power saving stuff, I reckon you could get 2 days out of it. Sure it would be nice to have 5 days, but that’s just not going to happen with these functions.
Would love to see a smartwatch that would also include wireless charging. I would find it a HUGE pain to have to have 3 or more devices charging through a USB cable…. Time to move into the future and start to push the whole wireless charging feature across all mobile electronics
Not sure I want full Android on a watch. It would just need too much power. I’m fine with how the pebble just links to my phone. Although I’m not sure pebble is as integrated as I want it to be. Eventually I want a pipboy-like watch but these are good first steps.
It’s very easy to make things look good on paper. The difficult part is making all the right pieces fit together in harmony for a good user experience, something which Chinese device makers have yet to master. I wouldn’t hold my breath.