Although some smartwatches claim to be health-focused, with heart rate and step tracking capabilities, a team based in the UK has set out to one-up them all with the Cronovo. Capable of tracking stress levels, metabolism and heart rate, the company says its watch is the world's smallest EKG.
An EKG, or electrocardiogram, tracks the electrical activity of the heart, and displays the results as a trace on a graph. Using this technology provides the Cronovo with a number of advantages compared to regular health-tracking smartwatches, most of which have optical heart sensors. Instead of using an optical sensor, the watch uses small electrodes held close to the skin to keep an eye on heart rate, a method the brand claims is 99.9 percent accurate. The EKG sensor will also keep an eye on your metabolism rate, track live training intensity levels and recovery times.
During workouts, animations show the wearer how to complete certain exercises, and there is a dedicated mode for wheelchair-bound users who want to train.
Beyond the health tracking, the EKG watch works just like a regular smartwatch. It's compatible with both Android and iOS devices, and delivers notifications from key apps like WhatsApp and Facebook directly to the wrist. Thanks to a built-in speaker and microphone, the wearer can even answer calls directly through their watch. Whether you'd want to do this is another question entirely – although we're sure Get Smart devotees will enjoy the chance to imitate Agent 86.
Users can expect to charge up every three days, and the watch is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual core processor coupled with 1GB of RAM. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are responsible for wireless connectivity, with a gyroscope and accelerometer both packed into the 12.5-mm (0.49 in) thick case for good measure. The case is water-resistant, and straps can be easily changed.
At the moment, the team at Cronovo is seeking funding for the watch on Kickstarter, where it has raised over £27,000 (US$34,000) of its £25,000 ($31,500) goal with 57 days left. Pledges start at £84 ($105) and retail prices are expected to start at £189 ($240), should the crowdfunding campaign be successful.
There's more information in the following pitch video.
Source: Cronovo Inc.
