One more interesting wearable design has come out of CES 2015, although this is more of a startup presenting a prototype. Blocks Wearables, the name of the company, was exhibiting their version of a modular smartwatch at the Intel booth as part of the “Make It Wearable” competition.
The base model of the unnamed smartwatch will have extremely basic functions, much like the Pebble. The real innovation come from the customisable modules that are also links in the watch band. These modules will users to add extra batteries, GPS tracking, SIM card modules, and even wireless payments (although this might just mean an NFC module).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1dB4LzIVSU
Interestingly, the team behind the modular smartwatch is basing the operating system on Samsung’s Tizen OS. It is also intended to support Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. The choice of Tizen and support for Windows Phone are unusual for any sort of wearable, as most seem to prefer to run off Android Wear and ignore Microsoft’s mobile operating system.
While the wearable is currently in the prototype stage, Blocks Wearables is planning on launching a Kickstarter later this year, and hopes to get the product out by the end of 2015. The basic watch will cost about US$150, with the additional modules priced between US$20 – US$40.
[Source: Phonebloks, via: The Verge]
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