The final model of the Blocks Smartwatch isn’t out yet, but Digital Trends has played around with early prototypes of the Blocks software, which has progressed nicely with each update.
The smartwatch was built on a completely open platform, which gives you a huge range of freedom to design and customize it. The Core Package includes the Core Module (the watch face) along with a strap. Add-on modules (sold separately at chooseblocks.com for $35 a piece) will give you an improved battery, a different color strap, or even the ability to track your heart rate.
The customization is pretty impressive. Say you’re an outdoor junkie who likes logging your hikes: Additional modules could give your smartwatch pedometer-like functionality while simultaneously tracking your journeys via GPS. Or you could add the camera module to snap photos from your watch, the NFC module to complete wireless payments, or the SIM card model to give you total smartphone freedom.
Powering the device is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 2100 processor coupled with 512MB of RAM. There’s a built-in vibration motor for alerts, an integrated microphone, and 4GB of flash memory. The smartwatch’s software is based on Android Marshmallow, though keep in mind this is not an Android Wear device.
In terms of design, the watch looks clean with a hint of sci-fi cool. The Gorilla Glass 1.39-inch AMOLED display will hopefully stand up to everyday wear and the watch claims to be splash and dust resistant, but you cannot fully immerse it.
As far as connectivity, the watch features built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, and is compatible with iPhone and Android phones.
The Blocks Smartwatch was completely funded via Kickstarter and the company promises that deliveries will begin on December 2.
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