Smartwatches

TrueSmart smartwatch aims for the best of both worlds

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Omate TrueSmart – a "truly standalone" smartwatch
Omate TrueSmart – a "truly standalone" smartwatch
Users can expect the same sort of functions that the latest smartphones typically
The smartwatch runs Android 4.2.2 with an Omate skin, and offers full access to the Google Play App Store
Omate TrueSmart
Omate TrueSmart
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New York gadget company Omate is looking to join the rapidly swelling smartwatch ranks with a "truly standalone" device that boasts full smartphone capabilities in addition to the ability to act as a wirelessly-linked companion accessory.

TrueSmart promises the same sort of functionality that the latest smartphones typically offer, from staple features such as voice call and social media sharing to GPS navigation and a 5-megapixel camera. It's powered by a 1.3 GHz dual core Cortex A7 chip, has 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB or solid state storage and a microSIM card slot. Its 600-mAh battery is reported to offer up to 100 hours on standby between charges.

Designed to IP67 standards, the water-resistant TrueSmart is housed in a protective metal casing, with a silicone strap. The 1.54-in, 240 x 240 resolution multi-touch display is topped with scratch-resistant Sapphire Crystal Glass and, since the capacitive touchscreen doesn't function properly when water is on the display, Omate added side buttons for continued operation.

The smartwatch will run on Android 4.2.2 and offers full access to the Google Play App Store.

Users who want to pair the TrueSmart watch with an existing smartphone (all models are said to be supported), can do so via Bluetooth 4.0 or 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi.

TrueSmart is currently at the closing stages of a fundraising campaign on Kickstarter, where it has attracted more than eight times its target goal of US$100,000.

The final design working prototype and tooling is complete and if all goes well, Omate hopes to ship the smartwatch before year's end at a retail price of $299.

The video below shows the UI of the TrueSmart working prototype in action.

Sources: Omate, Kickstarter

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2 comments
Anne Ominous
Now THAT is the kind of watch I might consider buying. I am not interested in an "accessory" for my smartphone.
Of course, I won't be completely satisfied until I can (basically) wear my computer on my wrist... which means smartphones might actually evolve into just the interface (a touchscreen), to augment the "smarts" in the watch.
I do not want a watch to interface with my current phone or tablet. That's backward. If I could wear my computer on my wrist, I would not mind carrying a keyboard, screen, and trackpad to interface with THAT. Maybe a small screen on the watch for a basic fallback interface, and simple everyday things, like time/date!
rik.warren
600 mAh battery is small and the resultant real-use life will be less than 24 hours, probably much less. The wrist is a great location for mobile technologies and I have tested many watch form factors with GPS, GSM, etc. When used as the target user group envisions the battery life is 8 to 12 hours. Personally I would like the watch to interface with my body measuring biometrics and connect with my phone. That is a real use case which is supportable. Otherwise this is another of smaller form factor which will fail in what has become the standard expectations of performance.