There is a group of smartwatch lovers who have “imprinted” on the Pebble brand because it was their first wearable. And even though there are other more advanced devices (like on the Android Wear platform), they would still rather stick with the brand’s watches like Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel. But one thing these lack is built-in GPS tracking. A group of engineers who love their Pebbles (they say so on the video) has created a strap that can add GPS and extend your smartwatch’s battery as well.
They have started a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to be able to produce this watch strap that you can use with your Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel. Because it has a high-performance and independent GPS, you can leave your connected smartphone at home while you do your run or bike trail or whatever outdoor workout you plan and your Pebble will still be able to track your activity. It uses Qualcomm SiRF so it has a quick signal pickup.
It also comes with a Pal app which you can install in your connected smartphone so all your GPS performance data can be stored and shared. The app will display your route and running information. The watch strap also serves as a battery extender for your Pebble. It can give it up to seven days more power so you can just exchange it with your regular strap in case you run out of battery. They also use the same charger so no problem there.
Their Kickstarter campaign still has a long way to go to reach the $80,000 goal. But there are still 27 days left, so hopefully they get there so you get your Pal watch strap too. You can pledge $79 to get one smartstrap in the color of your choice (sky blue, emerald green, maple red, snowcap white, graphite gray, sunburst yellow) and if all goes well, it will ship to you by October 2016.
SOURCE: Kickstarter
