Innovation

Photos: The smartwatch you can build from blocks

By // June 2, 2015, 9:18 AM PST // nickjheath

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  • With Project Ara, Google plans to let users build their own handset out of upgradeable modules.

    Now a UK start-up is hoping to take the same approach with a smartwatch, by offering a wrist-worn computer where you decide which hardware it includes.

    The Blocks smartwatch will be made of multiple modules - each housing different sensors and add-ons: ranging from a fingerprint scanner to an NFC chip for contactless payments.

    The idea is for users to choose the hardware blocks that support the features they want. And if they want a bare bones watch for a lower price then that should be possible too.

    Image: Blocks Wearables

  • The blocks clip together to form the strap of the watch as seen here.

    Image: Blocks Wearables

  • At the core of a Blocks smartwatch is a block housing a central processor, motion sensor, Bluetooth transceiver, battery and a circular colour touchscreen.

    This core block supports the features you'd expect to find in a normal smartwatch, such as text messages, emails and calendar alerts.

    Image: Blocks Wearables

  • The team behind Blocks will launch a crowd-funding campaign for the watch this summer.

    During the campaign backers will be able to buy the core block and any of the following modules: an extra battery, heart-rate monitor, GPS tracker and kinetic charger.

    However, at present the watch is still in the prototype stage, as seen here.

    Image: Blocks Wearables

  • The team plan to eventually release more than 20 blocks, including: a microphone, NFC block for contactless payments, e-ink screen, sim card block for phone connectivity and up to eight megapixel camera. Each block will reportedly cost between £20 and £40.

    Image: Blocks Wearables

  • The watch will be based on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor and run Android Lollipop, rather than Android Wear. Blocks' makers say it will be able to work with both Android and iOS devices.

    Image: Blocks Wearables

  • The team envision owners will create a watch to suit their needs - building a fitness trainer from the likes of a gyroscope and heartbeat sensor or a personal assistant from a fingerprint reader, microphone and other blocks.

    Image: Blocks Wearables

With Project Ara, Google plans to let users build their own handset out of upgradeable modules.

Now a UK start-up is hoping to take the same approach with a smartwatch, by offering a wrist-worn computer where you decide which hardware it includes.

The Blocks smartwatch will be made of multiple modules - each housing different sensors and add-ons: ranging from a fingerprint scanner to an NFC chip for contactless payments.

The idea is for users to choose the hardware blocks that support the features they want. And if they want a bare bones watch for a lower price then that should be possible too.

Image: Blocks Wearables

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Innovation Digital Transformation Artificial Intelligence Internet of Things Smart Cities Hardware

By Nick Heath

Nick Heath is chief reporter for TechRepublic. He writes about the technology that IT decision makers need to know about, and the latest happenings in the European tech scene.