Andy's Wearable Computing Notebook

Watches

Seiko – Bluetooth Watch

Seiko Instruments Inc has announced their first Bluetooth watch, the BT Watch or CPC TR-006 ver.1.0. This hi-tech watch is packed into a very stylish casing and will be released onto the market at the end of 2006 or beginning 2007. This watch is an extension of your cell phone, and you’ll be able (at first) to play around with the volume of the ringtone of your phone. It can also alert you when you have an SMS or email, and it can display the number and the name of the person that is calling you.

Eurotech – Wrist-Worn Personal Computer

The Eurotech Wrist-Worn Personal Computer represents a new generation of intelligent assistant. The WWPC supports different configurable audio/video user interfaces and features a bright 65K colour TFT display, a touchscreen and a direct-access keypad. It can be connected to a HID input device through USB or Bluetooth interfaces. Specifications are: 200g weight with 72×55 mm active display area on the wrist, with touchscreen (input pen on the strap), direct-access keypad and joystick, support for USB HI devices, microphone, flat speaker, headset/stereo headphone jack, low power consumption: fully operational mode lasts 6 hours; extended power savings support (true OFF, idle, stand-by, wireless enable key, battery monitor); 2-cell Li-polymer rechargeable batteries enclosed on the strap. Supports 32 MB system rom-flash, 64 MB system SDRAM, up to 1 GB on built-in SD memory slot.

Seiko – SVRD001 e-Paper Display Watch

The Japanese company Seiko will release a limited edition of 500 units of their Spectrum SVRD001, the first watch in the world that uses flexible e-paper or Electrophoretic Display (EPD). The design of the watch is similar to a bracelet and the body is made of stainless steel and a black & white e-paper. The price of one of these 500 units is an extremely affordable 1900 EUR ($2200 USD). It will weigh 134g and will be 37mm thick. It will be available worldwide in January 2006.

FOSSIL – Wrist PDA

FOSSIL Wrist PDA, the ultimate companion to your Palm OS handheld that delivers maximum freedom in a minimal size. Wrist PDA lets you download and store important personal data from your handheld using infrared beaming.

Microsoft – Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT)

The Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT) initiative is committed to making everyday devices smarter and better at their core function with the addition of software. Smart Personal Objects are common, everyday items, such as wristwatches, clocks, pens, key-chains and refrigerator clock magnets that are made smarter, more personalized and more useful through the use of specialized technology. Watch makers include: Citizen, Fossil, Abacus, Philippe Starck and Suunto.

Field Technology – ICW002 Color Smart Watch

The ICW002 Smart Watch from Field Technology features a 256 color LCD display with 72×64 pixels resolution with incredible picture quality. You can store and view your favorite pictures anywhere, anytime – and select a personalized background. The watch can also play simple melodies created with included PC software. The built-in scheduler can synchronize with Microsoft Outlook. Watch functions include time, date, week, 12/24 Hour mode and alarm. It has built-in time for 30 cities and has the ability for one customized location. Different backgrounds can indicate different periods of “Sunrise”, “Day Timer”, “Sunset” and “Night Time”. Available for about $150 USD.

Timex – Ironman DataLink USB Watch

Timex clains that this is first watch to combine the convenience of a personal organizer with the performance of a multi-function sport timekeeping device. The computer-to-watch connection makes this watch easy to customize and operate. With the PC software, users can set the watch, customize the features, re-order the modes and load custom watch applications. Applications include Oulook compatible client, fitness trainer, golf scorer, calorie counter, etc.

Timex – Internet Messenger Watch

Timex Internet Messenger Watches can receive email messages and internet content such as news, sports, alerts and more. Doubles as a pager capable of receiving numeric and text messages.

Casio Digital Camera Watches

The Casio camera watch model WQV-10D has a reflective-type color STN LCD monitor screen that lets you view images on the spot in 4,096 colors. A CASIO original power saving design makes it possible to extend the amount of operation provided between battery changes. The image recording format is JPEG (176 x 144 pixels). It also come with 2X digital zoom, which lets you enlarge images on the monitor screen. Enough memory capacity is provided to store up to 100 images, and an IR data communication system makes it possible to exchange images with a computer or another Wrist Camera quickly and easily. All of these features and functions come packed in streamline metal case that creates a high-tech, elegant design.

Casio – GPS Pathfinder

Ultra-compact, high sensitivity, low power! New CASIO technology makes wrist worn GPS measurements a reality. The GPS Pathfinder packs powerful GPS navigation capabilities into an ultra-compact wristwatch configuration. A built-in antenna picks up signals from satelites orbiting high above the Earth to produce instant position and navigation data.

Suunto – X6-HR Sports Watches

The X6-HRM and the X6-HRT each sport an Altimeter, Barometer, Thermometer, Compass, Watch, and Heart Rate Monitor. Your data is PC Downloadable so you can record, track, and analyze all of your vital information.

IBM – Linux Based WatchPad

IBM Research has demonstrated Linux on a wrist watch for years The latest version, 1.5(?), includes Bluetooth capabilities, an accelerometer, fingerprint sensor, speaker and microphone – and more! The latest update I could find, comes from IBM’s Tokyo Research Lab.