The rapidly growing smartwatch market is bracing for a twist that may turn the industry on its head: modular construction that allows users to customize the kind of data they wish to receive. Such is the plan at London, England-based BLOCKS Wearables Ltd., which has been developing its unique smartwatch approach for three years, and is now allowing pre-orders as it pursues fundraising.
The firm is working in cooperation with a number of sensor component makers, among them Compal Electronics of Taiwan, to produce a device that features optional components.
At the unit's core is a waterproof, stainless steel, fully-featured scratch-resistant smartwatch fitted with a gyroscope, pedometer, accelerometer, e-compass, Bluetooth connectivity, WiFi, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of flash memory. The device can be customized by picking from a growing list of specialized modules, which, connected together, form the wristband.
These include a camera, gesture controller, thermometer, air quality monitor, SIM card, e-payment controller, perspiration meter, electro-cardiogram (ECG), fingerprint security, and GPS sensors.
For extreme sportspeople, the company has even developed an 'adventure sensor,' a three-in-one unit that measures temperature, humidity, and altitude.
Each module is built to identical physical specs to allow for easy interchangeability. The adjustable clasp design fits wrist sizes between 13cm and 20cm in circumference. Four modules will fit the wrist of most people, the company reckons.
"The GPS module is currently the most popular single sensor," says company representative Arvin Lagaso. "People seem to need the most help in finding out where they are."
Investors have certainly found BLOCKS, helping the startup to raise some $1.6 million via Kickstarter thus far.
BLOCKS uses an open platform to allow developers all over the world to participate in designing new modules according to specialized uses and regional preferences.
The unit works with both Android phones (versions 5.1+) and iPhones and (iOS 9+). Apps and music downloading is possible; the device can also function without a smartphone. Starter kit orders specify a minimum of four modules for about $330.
All orders come with a clip-on charger with a detachable micro-USB to USB cable. For 2017, the company has announced that a charging dock will be made available for sale for charging the full watch and extra battery modules separately.
