To make a smartwatch that plays nice with both Android and iOS is still rather uncommon in today’s age of wearables. To make a smartwatch that plays nice with Android, iOS, and Windows, however, is downright rare. That’s where Oxy, a U.K.-based outfit, comes in with its Oxy Smartwatch, which is indeed that rare exception.
To be specific, the Oxy will connect to phones running Android 4.3 or higher, iOS 8 or higher, and Windows 10 through Bluetooth 4.1. Even though BlackBerry is left in the dust, the fact that the Oxy plays nice with the three biggest dogs in the mobile operating system landscape is still something to be applauded.
Also somewhat veering off the beaten path is the Oxy’s software. Because it plays nice with three operating systems, it’s no surprise that Oxy equipped its watch with Elf OS, a proprietary operating system based on Android 5.1 Lollipop which bears a striking resemblance to Android Wear. Even though it will be updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow by next June, the biggest story is Oxy’s decision to make Elf OS open source. In other words, by publishing Elf OS’ source code in the BitBucket repository, developers can tinker with the operating system as much as they please, which could lead to anything from enhanced app development to custom versions of Elf OS.
The third and final big trick is the Oxy’s availability in two shapes. Unlike, for example, the Moto 360 (2015) and the ZenWatch 2, which come in two sizes, the Oxy comes in two shapes – round and square — as well as two colors — black and silver. Giving potential customers a shape choice instead of size is a unique and interesting decision, though it’s also one that could turn off those with smaller wrists.
Elsewhere, we find the dual-core 1.2GHz Ingenics M200 processor with 1GB of RAM at the heart of the Oxy, as well as 8GB of internal storage. Both versions of the Oxy pack AMOLED displays, though the square Oxy’s is a boxy 1.63-inch, 320×320 resolution display. Meanwhile, the circular Oxy packs a 1.39-inch, 400×400 display.
You also have your standard array of sensors and wireless connections, including WiFi, though the Oxy also includes a speaker. In addition, its IP67 water-resistance certification ensures that you can wash dishes and not worry about the Oxy. Finally, Oxy makes note that its smartwatch’s functions universally require a maximum of three finger swipes, meaning you should get things done relatively quickly.
If you’re intrigued by what the Oxy has to offer, it’s currently up on Indiegogo for $200 for 50 super early birds. 150 early birds can get the Oxy for $240, while those who miss out on both tiers can get the smartwatch for $250. You can also put down at least $250 to pick up the Oxy Pro, which includes either Oxy shape, along with three watchbands.
