Engadget

Sony SmartWatch torn down and dissected, wishes it were a Pebble

Darren Murph — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:09:00 EST

Wondering how the innards of Sony's SmartWatch compared to the Motorola's MotoACTV? Wonder no more. One cmw has dissected the aforesaid timepiece, noting that most of what's inside doesn't live up to the superior hardware found in Moto's unit. Aside from finding a 110mAh battery (compared to 258mAh in the MotoACTV), there's also a Micrium uC/OS-II. For those just here for the eye candy, there's a bit of that down in the source link, too. When asked for comment, Pebble simply quipped: "Everyday I'm Shufflin'."

[Thanks, John]

Sony SmartWatch torn down and dissected, wishes it were a Pebble originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Biegert & Funk bring the literal time to your wristwatch with QLOCKTWO W

Zachary Lutz — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 01:24:00 EST

It's a common desire among everyday folk: we often say we'd like to read more, if only we had the time. While it's unlikely to fill your noggin with the prose of Hemingway or the poetry of Whitman, a new wristwatch from Biegert & Funk promises to quench your thirst for words and literally provide you with the time. Known as the QLOCKTWO W, the timepiece is a portable revision of the company's original wall clock, both of which display the current time in everyday language. Priced at €550, the watch is scheduled for arrival this autumn and will be available in black or stainless steel variations, with either rubber or leather bands. As another option, those who find English far too mundane may spring for the Deutsch version. Curious shoppers will find the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Biegert & Funk bring the literal time to your wristwatch with QLOCKTWO W

Biegert & Funk bring the literal time to your wristwatch with QLOCKTWO W originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 01:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arduino-powered Artbot writes the time, erases it, writes again (video)

Darren Murph — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:27:00 EST

Watching the seconds go by is a frightening reminder that time pauses for no one, but somehow, a hacker going by the name of Ekaggrat has figured out how to make the process a bit less daunting. The so-called Doodle Clock is an Arduino-powered robotic arm that's been trained to jot down the time with a dry erase marker; once the minute passes, he erases the last digit and rewrites it -- a number beyond what he just erased, of course. Per usual, these things are better seen than read about, so why not hop on past the break and mash play? Smiles await.

Continue reading Arduino-powered Artbot writes the time, erases it, writes again (video)

Arduino-powered Artbot writes the time, erases it, writes again (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click KeyPad Watch is the timewasting retro-timepiece you've been waiting for

Daniel Cooper — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:41:00 EST

We do like a good indecipherable timepiece 'round these parts and Click's KeyPad certainly fits the bill. Resembling an old-school mechanical numerical keypad, each button packs an LED -- press any number and it'll blink out the time in single digits, so if it was 9:15am, the zero, nine, one and five buttons would flash in sequence. Push the hash key and the watch will oblige you for today's date. If you enjoy frustrating colleagues who ask you for the time, then you'll be delighted to hear that it costs $90 and is shipping now. However, we're not sure we could pull one off -- maybe the hipster down the street will have better success.

Click KeyPad Watch is the timewasting retro-timepiece you've been waiting for originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kisai Rogue Touch Pocket Watch from Tokyoflash keeps things dapper, semi-hard to decipher (video)

Billy Steele — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:00:00 EST

Yeah, we're well aware that our fascination with unique and multi-hued timepieces may be more of an obsession. Well, you can add another to the list with the Kisai Rogue Touch Pocket Watch from Tokyoflash. Enclosed by a stainless steel case with brushed edges, the $149 timekeeper makes use of a LCD display with LED backlights in your choice of four color options. The watch's face is protected by a spring-hinged cover and crystal lens. You'll notice a similar dial design to that of the Rogue Touch of the wrist wrapping variety, as this watch also sports four hot-zones for switching between modes. Capable of displaying two time zones, along with date and an alarm, the pocket watch uses an animation to monitor the hours instead of those clunky mechanized arms. If you're wanting a closer look hit the gallery below, and to see the timepiece in action, peep the video just past the break.

Gallery: Kisai Rogue Touch Pocket watch

Continue reading Kisai Rogue Touch Pocket Watch from Tokyoflash keeps things dapper, semi-hard to decipher (video)

Kisai Rogue Touch Pocket Watch from Tokyoflash keeps things dapper, semi-hard to decipher (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ziiiro Celeste watches tick off the hours in multi-hued fashion

Terrence O'Brien — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:19:00 EST

Despite our fascination with all things high-tech and the fact that we've got a smartphone in our pocket at all times, we've got a serious soft spot for stylish and inventive timepieces. Ziiiro is one of those companies that consistently finds its way on to our wish lists with watches like the Orbit and Gravity. Celeste is its latest offering, which represents your linear travel through the fourth dimension as a pair of overlapping colored disks. As the partially transparent bands circle about, they blend together to create dynamic hues of blue and gray, on the Mono models, or green and blue, on the Colored editions. The watches are housed in matte-finished stainless steel in chrome, gunmetal or black. You can pre-order the Celeste Mono and Celeste Colored now for €149 ($205), and they'll start shipping on November 18th. Check out the video after the break to see it in action.

Continue reading Ziiiro Celeste watches tick off the hours in multi-hued fashion

Ziiiro Celeste watches tick off the hours in multi-hued fashion originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mutewatch wrists-on: stay on-task with good vibrations (video)

Joe Pollicino — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST

No, the picture above isn't some modernized Power Ranger's wrist communicator. This is the Mutewatch, and we've been intrigued since we first laid eyes on it over a year ago. At a glance, it looks akin to a rubber fashion bracelet, which could make its $260 price tag a shocker. But with the right touch or flick it reveals itself to be much more. The Stockholm-based start-up behind it, dubbed Mutewatch AB, envisions the device serving as "time management tool" for setting quick wrist-felt vibrating reminders during the course of the day. Think Growl, but on your wrist. The wristwatch lacks a dial and crystal, and instead has an angled, touch-sensitive section for a face with hidden LEDs, an ambient light sensor, a motion sensor and a vibrating motor for alarms. We've spent some time using a near-final unit seeing what it would be like silently manage our days, and it's all laid out just past the break.

Gallery: Mutewatch hands-on

Continue reading Mutewatch wrists-on: stay on-task with good vibrations (video)

Mutewatch wrists-on: stay on-task with good vibrations (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A DIY Arduino watch that's actually wearable, still won't win you points with the ladies

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:12:00 EST

Here's a little fashion secret: it's all about the details. Wear cheap square-toe shoes with that $5,000 custom-made suit and people will notice. The same is true of a watch. Your timepiece can say a lot about you, including: "I'm a big nerd, please beat me up and take my lunch money." So, what does an Arduino watch tell your peers? Well, for one, that you have way too much time on your hands. And two, that you're crafty person capable of putting your brain meats to work building actual things. Of course, telling time with a series of brightly glowing LEDs on an exposed PCB also sends the message that being fashionable is not your primary concern. If you're looking to earn some geek cred, and can live with the fact that wearing this will probably cost you that cute girl's number at the bar, hit up the source for instructions. At least this wearable Arduino timepiece is a slightly less conspicuous than the Steampunk version we saw last summer. One more pic after the break.

Continue reading A DIY Arduino watch that's actually wearable, still won't win you points with the ladies

A DIY Arduino watch that's actually wearable, still won't win you points with the ladies originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kisai's Rogue Touch watch displays dual timezones, is mildly confusing to read (video)

Joe Pollicino — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST

Need to keep track of time for two locations at once? Fret not, because the Tokyoflash-designed Kisai Rogue Touch's dual timezone watch has got your back (if you can read it, that is). Being a Rogue variant, you'll notice a backlit-LED/LCD dial with a familiar multi-circle layout, but with more layers for the additional time. Aside from hours and minutes, it displays the current date and progression of seconds and notably, features an animation mode for showing it off to your buddies. Of course as the name implies, the readout is adjustable using four touch-sensitive hotspots for the alarm, date and time, or to simply light up the display. If you're up to the task of using it, the Kisai Rogue Touch is available from Tokyoflash in a choice of four dial colors for $200. While you're still here, peek the gallery, along with the video demo past the break below to get a better idea for how it works (Pro tip: if you order in the next 48 hours, it'll be 20 bucks less for that Starship Enterprise feel you'll get with every glance).

Gallery: Tokyoflash Kisai Rogue Touch press photos

Continue reading Kisai's Rogue Touch watch displays dual timezones, is mildly confusing to read (video)

Kisai's Rogue Touch watch displays dual timezones, is mildly confusing to read (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyoflash's Kisai Kaidoku LCD watch arrives 12 years too late for Neo, Trinity

Darren Murph — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 06:02:00 EST

There's something to be said about someone who'd rather strap an LCD full of words on their wrist instead of a tried-and-true pointer-based timepiece. Comically enough, that description is likely to flow across the LCD of Tokyoflash's new Kisai Kaidoku. This limited run watch is available with a black or white strap, and shockingly enough, was designed by a 15-year old by the name of Tynan Mayhew. The whole thing's water resistant, and the EL backlight enables nighttime viewing; unfortunately, it's hard to know just how long that CR2016 battery will last, but those who'd rather not think about such trivial matters can snag one now for $139.

Continue reading Tokyoflash's Kisai Kaidoku LCD watch arrives 12 years too late for Neo, Trinity

Tokyoflash's Kisai Kaidoku LCD watch arrives 12 years too late for Neo, Trinity originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadence's 4-Bit Chrono Watch lets you do business, disguises your inner geek

Joe Pollicino — Fri, 27 May 2011 02:02:00 EST

Glance above and you'll notice a normal, elegant chronograph watch, correct? Not exactly... See, that jet-black dial is rocking 4-bit binary hour-bars in place of numbers, and looking very geek-chic doing so. Announced today, Cadence's 4-Bit Chronograph Watch is the chrono revision of its $80 4-Bit Watch, sporting a larger casing, darker dial, greater water resistance, and most notably, a UTC display to help you stay on schedule while globetrotting. The luminescent hands -- perfect for late-night hacking -- are kept in motion by an automatic Miyota quartz movement wedged inside of a 42mm stainless steel case, which is rated water-resistant to five atmospheres (165 feet). The watch is further protected by a sapphire-coated glass crystal, and topped off with a black leather band to keep things extra classy. When the 4-Bit Chrono ships come July, getting one around your wrist will set you back $195, but slyly wearing your geek cred is only $119 if you reserve one now -- a full press release is after the break to help you decide.

Continue reading Cadence's 4-Bit Chrono Watch lets you do business, disguises your inner geek

Cadence's 4-Bit Chrono Watch lets you do business, disguises your inner geek originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 May 2011 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mutewatch now in production, set to silently manage your day by July (video)

Joe Pollicino — Fri, 20 May 2011 07:26:00 EST

We first caught wind of Mutewatch AB's eponymous sort of anti-watch -- a personal vibrating time management wristband, equipped with a hidden touch-activated LED display -- when it became available for pre-order back in August. It seemed unique, but back then we had no idea of how it looked in action or when we might finally get one strapped onto our wrists. It's a mystery no more, as the Swedish suite has just released a heavily stylized (and totally rendered) video showcasing the Mutewatch's various touch-enabled functions. Also in tow, a press release announcing retail availability in July. Although our cellphones can do pretty much the same thing as this spendy $259 timepiece, we can't hide our geeky (and guilty) lust for one. You can check out the video for yourself past the break, but be warned: a moderate case of GAS -- Gadget Acquisition Syndrome -- may occur after viewing.

Continue reading Mutewatch now in production, set to silently manage your day by July (video)

Mutewatch now in production, set to silently manage your day by July (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eole concept watch has turbine bezel, shows time when you blow (video)

Zach Honig — Mon, 16 May 2011 23:14:00 EST

Traditional electronic watches may be practical, but there's nothing elegant about battery power. With the Eole watch concept, designer Julien Moise envisioned a device that's powered by blown air, displaying the time only when you want to see it. Sure, compulsively blowing on your watch in a meeting is less discreet than sneaking a peek under the table, but you'll still have your BlackBerry around for when you need to count down the minutes until freedom. There's also a weather indicator and alarm function, so we assume there's a battery in there that's doing more than keeping time -- an alarm that only sounds when you blow wouldn't work too well if you're asleep.

Continue reading Eole concept watch has turbine bezel, shows time when you blow (video)

Eole concept watch has turbine bezel, shows time when you blow (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 23:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ziiiro Aurora and Orbit watches tell time with color, orbs of wonder

Jesse Hicks — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 06:47:00 EST

Time: how does it work? Well, the physicists are still trying to figure that out. And while they're tinkering with bosons and quarks and dark matter, the designers at Ziiiro are working on an equally important task: how to represent time, preferably in wrist-compatible form. Now they've got two new attempts, dubbed "Aurora" and "Orbit," that show time as a mix of colors or as a pair of circling orbs, respectively. They have about the same learning curve as earlier Ziiiro watches, and the company's website helpfully walks you through how to read them - "It's no rocket science at all!" If the designs are too minimalist for you, you can always treat yourself to Harry Winston's Opus Eleven. Otherwise, these will ship in late May and set you back €129 (about $184).

Ziiiro Aurora and Orbit watches tell time with color, orbs of wonder originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 06:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harry Winston's Opus Eleven watch: mechanical masterpiece / bank breaker (video)

Christopher Trout — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:05:00 EST

It's been a while since we gave Harry Winston's Opus watch any play, but some timepieces are just too lavish to pass up. Case in point: the Opus Eleven, designed by temporal taste-maker Denis Giguet of MCT. Aesthetically speaking, it's probably a touch too steampunk for some, but the way it tells time is straight up fascinating. Giguet points out the movement enlists 566 parts, a good deal of which are exposed in the main face -- the center piece displays the hour, while the upper right disc shows off the minutes. Now, it might look like a relatively minimal watch for Harry Winston, but its case is made of 18k white gold and sapphire crystal, and the Opus Eleven's definitely got a Winston-worthy price tag, ringing in at about $250,000. So if you've got a quarter of a mill just laying around, this is a definite contender for that stack of cash. Want to see all those tiny pieces in action? Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Harry Winston's Opus Eleven watch: mechanical masterpiece / bank breaker (video)

Harry Winston's Opus Eleven watch: mechanical masterpiece / bank breaker (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Timescape Sci-Fi watch makes you work for the time of day, looks good doing it (video)

Christopher Trout — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:08:00 EST

If you're like us, you don't mind working that grey matter to tell the time, especially if the watch your wearing looks and acts like something ripped from the U.S.S. Enterprise. The Timescape Sci-Fi watch, thus named for its cryptic time telling interface, sports a chrome exterior and uses a series of blue LEDs to illuminate a rectangular grid, giving you unique temporal readouts. Each line contains a series of dots representing minutes or hours, with the vertical lines displaying hours, the first three horizontal lines showing five-minute increments, and the last row offering exact minutes. Sound complicated? Well it is, but sometimes looking good takes a little work -- you think Uhura rolls out of bed looking like that? The Timescape Sci-Fi watch is now on sale exclusively from Gadgets and Gear for $70, but if you just like staring at shiny flashy things, we've got a video of the timepiece after the jump.

Continue reading Timescape Sci-Fi watch makes you work for the time of day, looks good doing it (video)

Timescape Sci-Fi watch makes you work for the time of day, looks good doing it (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lunchtime Clock mod offers false promises to beleaguered office workers

Christopher Trout — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 19:44:00 EST

We've seen a lot of DIY clock mods in the past, but the Lunchtime Clock has to be the most useless. It's great in theory: the thing speeds up 20 percent starting at 11AM and slows down twenty percent at 11:48AM. So, at 11:48AM the clock reads noon, and by 1:00PM it's back in sync, giving you an extra 12 minutes to digest that chili dog you so hastily sucked down before returning to work. Here's the catch: watches, cellphones, and computers also tell time, and if you work in an office where you've got to fake it to get an extra 12 minutes with your chili dog, you can bet your boss isn't trusting ye olde wall clock. So, before you go tinkering with your office timepiece, thank the heavens you've been blessed with an hour long lunch break to begin with. We hear the guy at the chili dog stand only gets 15 minutes.

Lunchtime Clock mod offers false promises to beleaguered office workers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McIntosh MCLK12 wall clock sports fancy face, massive price tag

Christopher Trout — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:37:00 EST

Ever wonder why you can't find a clock that looks more like a 1970s amplifier? If you answered yes to that question, and don't mind throwing down wads of cash for novelty timepieces, then McIntosh's MCLK12 is right up your alley. The makers of high-end audio gear have produced a clock that's in keeping with their classic look and price point -- it costs $2000 and uses blue-lit amp meters to tell the time (hours on the left, minutes on the right). We have to admit, the MCLK12 looks pretty sweet, but really, whatever happened to promotional t-shirts?

McIntosh MCLK12 wall clock sports fancy face, massive price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HEX ships iPod nano watch band, dares you to destroy it (video)

Darren Murph — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 10:27:00 EST

It's highly improbable that you actually need yet another option when looking for a watch band to house your iPod nano 6G, but if that first-run version you sprung for is already in tatters, HEX has a little something worth considering. The company has just started shipping its HEX Watch Band in the US of A, with $29.95 netting you a soft, flexible band that requires no complicated plug-and-play action whatsoever. Just pop your nano into the face, strap it on your arm, and roll. It's designed to be remarkably rugged (as seen in a torture video just past the break), and the headphone socket is arranged in a way that nicely runs the cable up your arm towards your cranium. The only problem? Choosing which of the nine hues fits your personality best.

Gallery: HEX iPod nano 6G watch band

Continue reading HEX ships iPod nano watch band, dares you to destroy it (video)

HEX ships iPod nano watch band, dares you to destroy it (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPod nano watch gets knocked off, has little to worry about it

Darren Murph — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:51:00 EST

There are run-of-the-mill KIRFs, above-average KIRFs, and this. While we've definitely been privy to a few comical iPhone / iPod knockoffs over the years, there's a certain layer of hilariousness to this one that just can't be beat. The iPod nano watch isn't even a genuine Apple product; in fact, it's simply a mod that's so easy, your mum could probably pull it off with minimal effort. That clearly hasn't stopped the factories in Shenzhen from churning out an iPod nano watch knockoff, complete with a 1.8-inch resistive touchscreen, inbuilt SIM card slot, Bluetooth, a microSD slot, FM radio tuner, a side-mounted camera sensor and a speaker for good measure. You'll even get a fancy "Slide to Unlock" screen before being able to dig into the underlying UI, but that chintzy plastic wrist strap all but destroys any respect it was hoping to garner. Thankfully, the unit you're peering at above is being dubbed an "engineering prototype," with the final version expected to boast a 3.5mm headphone jack and a modicum of self-worth. We'll see, won't we?

iPod nano watch gets knocked off, has little to worry about it originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ziiiro Gravity and Mercury watches coming soon to a wrist near you

Christopher Trout — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:19:00 EST

They're here, well, almost. Two attractive and legible alternatives to the over designed watch, Ziiiro's Gravity and Mercury, are now available for pre-order. No, they can't tell you if it's snowing out like Fossil's Connected, and they won't bump your 2010 year in review playlist like an iPod nano watch, but they do tell time like no other -- quite literally. The Gravity and Mercury have taken Ziiiro's lofty goal of stylish utilitarianism from concept to reality. The watches function without any of the markings of standard analog timepieces, instead using a continuously rotating combination of two rings to make temporal distinctions. The tip of the inner ring represents the hour, while the tip of the outer ring denotes minutes, and a fading gradient tracks the passage of time. Ziiiro doesn't let form override function, but it doesn't skimp on aesthetics, either: Mercury, which touts a stainless steel band, comes in four different color schemes, while Gravity boasts a patent pending bracelet strap (a silicone-metal combo), available in six colors. Both watches also feature pop-out faces, allowing for a variety of Swatch watch-style face-band pairings. However, while they're both readable and fashionable, these low frills watches don't come cheap: prices range from €100 to €143, or about $130 to $175.

Ziiiro Gravity and Mercury watches coming soon to a wrist near you originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swap Rebel watch phone laughs at your wrist-mounted iPod nano

Sean Hollister — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:06:00 EST

Apple's iPod nano and the Sony Ericsson LiveView may have disappointed as wrist computers, but our Dick Tracy dream soldiers on, to the point where we found ourselves taking another look at that most dubious of converged devices: the watch phone. There, we discovered the Rebel, the latest creation from UK manufacturer Swap, a quad-band GSM wrist unit with a 1.46-inch color touchscreen and a built-in camera for both video and stills. It may look like a sterile medical wristband, but that silicone strap actually hides a USB port on one end, the better to let you transfer your MP3s and MP4 video to its paltry 2GB of expandable microSD storage. The watch also does FM radio, beams audio to your Bluetooth headset and comes with the typical smattering of basic apps. Still, there's not a lot for the asking price of £189 (about $300) so you'd best be head over heels in love with the design. PR after the break, more images at our source link.

Continue reading Swap Rebel watch phone laughs at your wrist-mounted iPod nano

Swap Rebel watch phone laughs at your wrist-mounted iPod nano originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frontal Concepts' Infuse iPod nano watch strap wins imaginary design award, our hearts

Darren Murph — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 16:18:00 EST

By now, you've decided if you're going to use Apple's iPod nano 6G as a watch. We obviously have our own feelings on the matter, but those who can't be bothered with actual functionality should definitely be looking in the direction of Frontal Concepts. This Australian outfit has just released its first product, and it's far and away the most sensibly designed iPod nano watch strap to date. Rather than just looping a band through the device's rear clip, the Infuse strap actually has a simple, one-click locking mechanism to keep your digital timepiece in position. It's also positioned to allow the audio cord to run upwards along the arm, and it's built from polycarbonate plastics and silicone -- plenty tough to withstand the occasional gym visit. Americans can get their pre-order in today for $24.95 (black, white and brown hues are available), with the first shipments expected to head out in around a fortnight. Time's ticking, Santa.

Gallery: Frontal Concepts Infuse iPod nano wristmount

Continue reading Frontal Concepts' Infuse iPod nano watch strap wins imaginary design award, our hearts

Frontal Concepts' Infuse iPod nano watch strap wins imaginary design award, our hearts originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyoflash brings RPM LED wristwatch concept to reality (video)

Darren Murph — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:56:00 EST

Tokyoflash, purveyor of all things awesome when it comes to watches, has just unveiled its latest addition. If you're of the eagle-eyed variety, you've probably spotted it just to the right (or after the break in video form). The difference between this fellow and most of the timepieces found here is pretty simple: the RPM LED watch started as a fan render. Over the months, the company took this grand idea and made it a reality, now offering it to anyone with more money than sense. The operation is semi-simple -- the inner ring shows the hour, while the outer ring shows the minutes. There's a group of five LEDs at the top that further explains the latter, and we're hearing that the band itself pushes the IQ of the wearer higher by 12 to 15 points. Even if confirmed by a respected panel of mad scientists, we still say it's not worth the $208.42 asking price, but you're obviously free to disagree vehemently.

Continue reading Tokyoflash brings RPM LED wristwatch concept to reality (video)

Tokyoflash brings RPM LED wristwatch concept to reality (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manufacture Royale debuts $1.2 million Opera accordion watch, Sir Steampunk scoffs

Darren Murph — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:18:00 EST

Well, pardon us. We balked at the $208 price tag affixed to Tokyoflash's RPM LED wristwatch, but the value proposition there now looks an awful lot brighter when compared to this. Manufacture Royale's looking to catch at least one or two elitists off guard with its new Opera Time-Piece, a $1.2 million device that's composed of 319 parts in the wilds of Switzerland. Purportedly, it was designed by Fabrique du Temps, and the minute repeater plays the hours in the key of A as the minutes chime in C sharp. It's also encased in 18k gold, sapphire crystal and a healthy dose of self-worth. Word on the street has it that only a dozen of these will be made available for sale, with the accordion casing being the standout feature in our eyes. In a manner of speaking, of course.

Manufacture Royale debuts $1.2 million Opera accordion watch, Sir Steampunk scoffs originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seiko's 'active matrix' E Ink watch now up for pre-order

Ben Bowers — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:51:00 EST

Does the time you spend at work away from your e-reader leave you crippled with the E Ink shakes? Well the good news is that Seiko's gorgeous atomic clock-syncing 'active matrix' E Ink watch we covered a while back is now available for pre-order via Amazon Japan. The bad news is that it's priced at ￥84,000 (on sale) -- which equates to roughly $1,022 based on current exchange rates. That's about five times more than Phosphor's latest 24 hour time zone mastering E Ink watch, or nearly enough cheddar to a buy one of Amazon's latest Kindles for everyday of the work week. Really, though, the price isn't too surprising coming from a respected watch company like Seiko, especially when you take into account its schmancy 180 degree viewing angle, geek-chic looks, and radio-controlled movement. Don't be misled by the 'active matrix' terminology however, because a matching leather trench coat isn't part of this deal.

[Thanks, P-A]

Seiko's 'active matrix' E Ink watch now up for pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyoflash Wasted watch offers a safe, legal high that's much more expensive (and much less effective) than street drugs

Joseph L. Flatley — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:03:00 EST

Just when a Tokyoflash watch has reached the pinnacle of unreadability, it looks like the company has scaled things back slightly -- very, very, very slightly. Kisai's Wasted watch makes "your senses [come] alive" by turning the time display into a sort of psychedelic light show, one that it would take a modern day Timothy Leary to decode. It's apparently supposed to simulate some sort of hallucinatory state, although we're guessing that it's much more likely to give you a migraine. Rechargeable via USB, and available now for $85 plus shipping. Turn on, tune in, and click the source link to get started -- or peep the video after the break if you're uncertain, man.

Continue reading Tokyoflash Wasted watch offers a safe, legal high that's much more expensive (and much less effective) than street drugs

Tokyoflash Wasted watch offers a safe, legal high that's much more expensive (and much less effective) than street drugs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyoflash reaches new heights of unreadability with latest concept watch

Vlad Savov — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 06:34:00 EST

Technically speaking, the maze-like array of diagonals you see above is actually showing you the time. But, as is Tokyoflash's wont, the point here isn't so much about time itself as it is about the journey of figuring it out. Well trained ninjas might be able to decouple the numbers from their unhelpfully similar background, but for the rest of us this "Optical Illusion" LED watch will be an enigma of random black lines wrapped inside a lime green mystery. Thankfully, it does come with a button to clear away the mists of confusion if you ever need to, you know, actually tell the time. The watch remains a concept for now, but if enough people vote in favor of its unnecessarily convoluted design, Tokyoflash might just go ahead and build a few. So why not jump off the fence and make your voice heard in the source below?

Tokyoflash reaches new heights of unreadability with latest concept watch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 06:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MB&F HM4 Thunderbolt considers legible time 'a fringe benefit' (video)

Vlad Savov — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:48:00 EST

This isn't just a watch, it's a horological machine. The HM4 Thunderbolt, recently unveiled by designer Maximilian Busser, represents an intriguing mixture of high-grade materials, precision engineering, and outlandishly macho design. The case is composed of titanium and sapphire -- which collectively take over 200 hours of machining and finishing to achieve the desired aerodynamic look -- while ensconced within it are over 300 parts composing a "transcendental" engine. We can't say we're not attracted by the bullet-shaped dials offering us our time with a side order of superfly, but then the $158,000 price tag ensures that we won't be able to do something foolish like buying one for ourselves. See the HM4 on video after the break.

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MB&F HM4 Thunderbolt considers legible time 'a fringe benefit' (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Devon Works Tread 1 is the bulletproof Droid of wristwatches (video)

Vlad Savov — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:09:00 EST

Forget the fact that this thing is bulletproof or that its internal battery is recharged wirelessly, just look at it. Built around an array of four microstep motors -- each driving one of an interwoven quartet of time belts -- the Devon Works Tread 1 creates a veritable visual symphony of precise motion to accompany the typically mundane task of checking the time. The watch was designed with the help of a Californian aerospace engineering company, which should go some way to justifying its $15,000 asking price. The rest of that justification will have to come from the "oohs" and "aahs" you incite in stupefied onlookers. Go past the break to see the promo video, it achieves rare heights of machismo that are not to be missed.

Continue reading Devon Works Tread 1 is the bulletproof Droid of wristwatches (video)

Devon Works Tread 1 is the bulletproof Droid of wristwatches (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seiko's 'active matrix' E-Ink watch exemplifies awesome, might just be the future (video)

Darren Murph — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:13:00 EST

Seiko's been doing the whole E-Ink wristwatch thing for years now, but the vast majority of 'em could really only be viewed when looking directly down onto the so-called dial. The appropriately named "Future Now" EPD watch aims to change all that, with an "active matrix" E-Ink display that allows for the same 180 degrees of visibility that you've come to expect in the average LCD panel. The all-black watch made its debut at Basel World 2010, boasting a grand total of 80,000 pixels, each of which are capable of displaying four shades of grey. Seiko's also trumpeting the achievements in power reduction, though we aren't informed of exactly how long this thing can shuffle minutes away before needing a recharge. Either way, we couldn't be more anxious to see this gem hit store shelves -- hop on past the break for a quick look at exactly what we mean.

Continue reading Seiko's 'active matrix' E-Ink watch exemplifies awesome, might just be the future (video)

Seiko's 'active matrix' E-Ink watch exemplifies awesome, might just be the future (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Garmin's Forerunner 110 GPS watch handles just the basics, please

Darren Murph — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:23:00 EST

Garmin has managed to do GPS watches right with its long-standing Forerunner line, but the vast majority of 'em have been useful only to nerds who aren't deterred by lengthy setup procedures. The new Forerunner 110, however, changes all that. Designed to provide just the basics to runners and other fitness freaks, this SiRFstarIV-infused timepiece provides near-instant access to distance, pace and time "within seconds of stepping outside." Marketed as an entry-level solution for those who don't need added complexity in their life, it can also be used in conjunction with heart rate monitors to display current thumps per second and heart rate-based calorie computation, both of which can be logged once you sync it to your PC via USB. The inbuilt battery will last up to eight hours in GPS / training mode or three weeks in power-save mode, and while there's no mention of a price, we are told that it'll be available in black / gray, charcoal / red and gray / pink color combinations. Good luck choosing the most badical one.

Update: Looks like it's on sale now directly through Garmin for $250. Thanks, Dara!

Garmin's Forerunner 110 GPS watch handles just the basics, please originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twist alarm clock has you wring math equations by the neck

Sean Hollister — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 11:22:00 EST

Man has striven for centuries to build a better mousetrap, but in the digital age, mice are the least of our worries. No, the modern day rat race requires a better alarm clock instead, and lord knows we've seen plenty, from tickers that chomp your change to clocks that give you target practice. What we don't see that often is a clock that makes you think at the same time it provokes a physical action. Thus, the Twist Alarm Clock, which displays a simple math equation when it's time to wake up, but requires effort to silence. In order to quiet the alarm, you have to twist the numbered dials on either side of its LCD screen into the right position -- in this case, to figure out what minus what equals two. It's no Turing Alarm Clock, to be sure, but this human number cruncher's actually for sale; you can get yours for ¥2,625 (about $28) in Japan.

Twist alarm clock has you wring math equations by the neck originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Casio's solar-powered Pathfinder watch plays the green card twice

Sean Hollister — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:44:00 EST

Plotting their latest spread of watches this spring, Casio executives decided it was time to "go green." Some poor schmuck in R&D took them at their word. Thankfully for mother nature, the Casio Pathfinder PRG110C-3 is more than meets the eye; the watch -- suited for argonauts needing an altimeter, barometer, thermometer and digital compass -- also has a miniature solar cell built into its face to automatically recharge the battery. Though Casio's claim that this last will cut down on the three billion batteries Americans trash each year seems a little reaching -- watch batteries last a lot longer than a AA -- the timepiece does help the planet some merely by being packaged in recyclables. The $250 device will be available exclusively from Amazon, and yeah, the color you see here is the color you'll get.

Casio's solar-powered Pathfinder watch plays the green card twice originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zero watch concept perfects the minimal timepiece

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:20:00 EST

Unless you're a fan of high-tech jewelry, few things are as irksome as an overblown wristwatch design (we're looking at you Tokyoflash). While a binary timepiece will certainly up your geek cred, it's not very useful for providing at-a-glance information. Robert Dabi's Zero concept above, however, remains simple, beautiful, and amazingly enough, useful, all that same time. Practical too if he can coax a batch of round LCD displays into a production run. More pics and video after the break.

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Zero watch concept perfects the minimal timepiece originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Strobeshnik: probably the most awesome hard drive clock of all time

Darren Murph — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:48:00 EST

Turning aged hard drives into clocks has been a common occurrence for years now, but there's still something magical about this rendition. Designed and crafted by Svofski, the Strobeshnik relies on the stroboscopic effect to create the illusion of a persistent numeric display. The HDD platter itself has ten digits, colon and dash marks cut all the way through it, and by carefully timing the light strobes, the illusion is perfected. Check out a video of the startup just below the break -- and be patient, the payoff is spectacularly sweet.

Continue reading Strobeshnik: probably the most awesome hard drive clock of all time

Strobeshnik: probably the most awesome hard drive clock of all time originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adafruit's Monochron retro clock now on sale, changes time with every match point

Ross Miller — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:31:00 EST

You might have the vaguest of memories seeing this piece before -- it made a cameo in an Engadget Show segment -- but here we are with a much clearer picture of Adafruit Industries' Monochron clock, now also on sale! As is its modus operandi, the timepiece is open source... but should you plan on sticking to default, you'll be gifted with a great retro-style Table Tennis for two. The best part? The time changes whenever the clock "loses" -- something tells us that gives one side at least a 59-to-1 advantage. See for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Adafruit's Monochron retro clock now on sale, changes time with every match point

Adafruit's Monochron retro clock now on sale, changes time with every match point originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bang & Olufsen's multifunctional BeoTime gets carefully handled

Vlad Savov — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

It's rare that we get to see magic wand-shaped remote controls, and rarer still for them to have integrated alarm clocks. The Bang & Olufsen BeoTime is just that sort of exotic specimen, and its $375 touch-sensitive aluminum body has now been tested for our amusement. Being able to turn on your other B&O products by simply grabbing the remote or setting an alarm for the desired time struck positive notes, and those bite-sized displays earned praise too. With automatic backlighting, built-in accelerometer, and full channel readouts, they ensured the minimum of strain for the user (which is probably still pretty high considering they're tiny!). There wasn't much to complain about, but at that price point you wouldn't expect it either. Full hands-on gallery can be found at the read link.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Peripherals

Bang & Olufsen's multifunctional BeoTime gets carefully handled originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Machined Gear Clock makes watching the time pass a true joy (video)

Darren Murph — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:58:00 EST

We've seen no shortage of homegrown clocks in our day, and while most are cute for their time, few are worthy of being lauded in this manner. Alan Parekh's Gear Clock is a delightful mishmash of machined gears, thrown together in a fashion that resulted in an actual time-telling gizmo. Hop on past the break to watch this thing spin, but be sure to hold the mute button for the lead-in. Clearly 'Sound Check' wasn't activated.

Continue reading Machined Gear Clock makes watching the time pass a true joy (video)

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Household

Machined Gear Clock makes watching the time pass a true joy (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Winwatch wants RFID tags in your next wristwatch -- what could possibly go wrong?

Darren Murph — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:49:00 EST

Looking to simultaneously trick your employees into thinking you love them and keep better tabs on their whereabouts? If so, you should definitely look into handing out Winwatch-approved timepieces as "performance incentives," which should be sporting an oh-so-telling RFID tag in the near future. The Switzerland-based outfit has just announced plans to patent an RFID-enabled crystal gasket that would be placed in luxury wristwatches, and while they're pushing it as a way for companies to weed out counterfeit products, we're sure the privacy advocates in attendance can think of far darker applications. Samples are slated to start shipping out later this autumn, which means your window to snag a non-voyeuristic watch is hastily closing.

[Via ABlogToRead]

Filed under: Wearables, Wireless

Winwatch wants RFID tags in your next wristwatch -- what could possibly go wrong? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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