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Blocks — World’s First Modular SmartWatch

Posted in IOT, SmartWatch, and Technology

BLOCKS is the world’s first modular smartwatch. Compared to our phones, smartwatches are small and have limited space inside. This means that other smartwatch companies are having to compromise on which features they to put into a tiny little device that fits around your wrist. We wanted to give that power back to you, the user, to choose what features are important just for you.

Modular Smartwatch

BLOCKS breaks away from compromise with a unique design. Start simply with the watchface, also known as the Core, which is a fully functioning smartwatch on its own, then add Modules into the strap to enhance functionality of your watch. You can choose ANY Modules you want and connect them together to build a smartwatch unique to you.

Blocks Modular SmartWatch

BLOCKS looks a lot like other smartwatches. It has a 1.4 inch, 400 x 400 pixel round AMOLED display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor. The watch itself runs a custom version of Android (not Android Wear), and can display notifications and alerts from your phone and comes preloaded with a number of other apps.

What makes the watch unusual is the strap, which is made up of a series of modules that you can snap together. Each can house a sensor, a battery, or other hardware.

A handful of modules will be available at launch, including a heart rate sensor, environment sensor, extra battery, GPS, flashlight, and programmable button. Some upcoming modules are expected to include SIM card, NFC, fingerprint, and gesture control hardware.

The idea is that you can not only buy the exact hardware you want for your watch, but also that you don’t need to use the same modules all the time.

It’s hot swappable and easily replaceable. Swap in and out any Module in seconds. You don’t need to restart the watch when you connect a Module, and it will work straight away. Easily swap in a battery Module if you notice that your smartwatch is running low on power, or connect a heart rate Module before heading to the gym.

Blocks Modular Smartwatch

As an open platform, BLOCKS allows other select companies or individuals to develop Modules. There can be Modules for gaming, sports, healthcare, the workplace, or even experimental ones for academic research. All this means even more choice for you.

Easily customize the appearance of your watch with removable covers to suit your taste and any occasion. Select designers or individuals would be able to build even more customizable covers for the smartwatch. 3D printed precious materials, stones such as ruby or sapphire or carved from wood, would all be possible with the open design.

Modular Smartwatch

Blocks Modular Smartwatch Modules:

Add as many extra battery Modules as you want and keep your BLOCKS watch running for longer. Each extra battery Module extends your device’s life by around 20%.
Add as many extra battery Modules as you want and keep your BLOCKS watch running for longer. Each extra battery Module extends your device’s life by around 20%.
Get an accurate reading of your heart rate to better understand your performance during exercise. We are using one of the best heart rate sensors available on the market.
Get an accurate reading of your heart rate to better understand your performance during exercise. We are using one of the best heart rate sensors available on the market.
Other smartwatches need your phone for location data. With a GPS Module connected to your BLOCKS watch, you can leave your phone at home, and still track your location and activities.
Other smartwatches need your phone for location data. With a GPS Module connected to your BLOCKS watch, you can leave your phone at home, and still track your location and activities.
Use this Module for contactless communications and data transfer. We have started working with partners in the US and UK to implement contactless payments in BLOCKS, to make paying for something is as simple as a flick of the wrist.
Use this Module for contactless communications and data transfer. We have started working with partners in the US and UK to implement contactless payments in BLOCKS, to make paying for something is as simple as a flick of the wrist.
Get live readings of temperature, pressure, and altitude estimates. Use it while hiking, in extreme sports, or any other outdoor activity.
Get live readings of temperature, pressure, and altitude estimates. Use it while hiking, in extreme sports, or any other outdoor activity.
Leave your smartphone at home. Send and receive your text messages or reply to emails with your voice. The cellular connectivity feature may require an upgraded core
Leave your smartphone at home. Send and receive your text messages or reply to emails with your voice. The cellular connectivity feature may require an upgraded core
Use this Module to authenticate any action; from contactless payments to opening the doors of your car and home.
Use this Module to authenticate any action; from contactless payments to opening the doors of your car and home.
A torch in the dark or an indicator light while cycling, with multiple colours for notifications.
A torch in the dark or an indicator light while cycling, with multiple colours for notifications.
Program this button to trigger any action on your phone or BLOCKS watch. It can be used as an emergency (SOS) alert for the elderly, for taking cheeky selfies, or controlling your music.
Program this button to trigger any action on your phone or BLOCKS watch. It can be used as an emergency (SOS) alert for the elderly, for taking cheeky selfies, or controlling your music.

You can pre-order a BLOCKS smartwatch plus four modules for $330. Most modules are expected to sell for around $30 to $50.

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