Real PDA Wristwatch 325
Larry Groebe writes "Just before COMDEX, Fossil announced a new PDA in a wristwatch. Based on the Palm OS, this is nothing less than a complete Palm Pilot on your wrist. See here for features and a picture.
This is completely UNLIKE Fossil's *first* attempt at a wrist PDA, which was a hopeless view-only gadget. This new model allows regular Graffiti input and appears to run all Palm programs! At $149, I may be the first in line when it comes out next spring."
Time Travel Possible??? (Score:5, Funny)
"Fossil unveils wrist-worn Palm OS PDA"
It made me think of Back to the Future and all of the time travel Star Trek episodes!
Re:Time Travel Possible??? (Score:4, Funny)
i'm avoiding it (Score:2, Funny)
Re:i'm avoiding it (Score:3, Funny)
Sheesh. Talk about not reading the article, now they're not reading the headline before posting!
-Adam
Linux watch (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Linux watch (Score:3, Interesting)
The interesting thing about this watch, though, is that the dragonball ports of ucLinux run on palm already, so this watch with it's (likely dragonball ez) cpu will run linux out of the box.
Re:Linux watch (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Linux watch (Score:2)
Re:Linux watch (Score:2)
IBM wanted to figure out how to put linux in small places. However, what would you rather work on. "Linux on your coffee maker" or "linux on a watch", linux on a watch, has much higher "Cool" factor.
Re:Linux watch (Score:5, Informative)
I worked on it 2 summers ago at IBM Research (get paid well to work on cool things, who can ask more).
It was never meant to be an IBM product (at least from my understanding). It was meant to be a sort of cool "testbed" for all these mini technologies. Such as OLEDs (at the time we had the highest density OLED displays in production on our prototypes), mini linux on the software side and similiarly on the hardware side.
We were also trying to figure out what cool things we could do with it, such as we had a bluetooth module for it, so we initally had a demo of that that one could switch ones slides via the watch's thumbwheel, (so one's giving a talk, and walking around and just tap the watch to switch slides back and forth). But we were experimenting with different things as well, such as imagine sticking a GPS receiver in your backpack while you are hiking and just use the watch as a display for the GPS, it stores the data in the backpack. Since the OLED display was 640x480 (1bpp) it was fairly detailed.
doing this also involved getting things like PPP working on the watch (which since I had gcc working on our testbed's that had ethernet (nfs mount w/ nfs swap), meant we could get gcc working on the watch, though wouldn't have been so much fun as testbench was 70-80mhz, while watch ran at something like 17mhz (these numbers might be off)
We were also doing work on getting the system even smaller than it was (glibc's a hog, a simple fix was getting uClibc working on it, I was then able to take this know how to make a bootable linux floppy that boots directly into a windows terminal services server full screen (basically kernel, X, dhcp, rdesktop all on a single bootable floppy) for a school project).
That summer there was interest from citizen (They actually made some PR announcmenets) in making a product out of it, but dont know whats happened since in regards to that.
people in charge of IBM Research wanted to put funding behind the watch to give out samples to U's involved in pervasive devices (I believe CMU and Georgia Tech are big into it) to basically have them see what they can do with these pieces of tech, but dont know what's happened on that either.
Re:Linux watch (Score:3, Funny)
The project scope has been temporary moved to Beowulf cluster of such watches - required for military special force teams.
Too small... (Score:5, Insightful)
--Gaz
Batteries... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Too small... (Score:2, Informative)
You got all of that for less than $100?
Even if they were all used from ebay or garage sales, I don't think you can find a GBA for less than $60... that leaves $40 for the remaining 6 systems. I call bullshit.
Re:Too small... (Score:3, Insightful)
Hell, you'd have to get an m515 to get up to even $350 (acc. to Palm's online store).
Re:Too small... (Score:2)
Re:Too small... (Score:3, Insightful)
If all you've got is one meeting per day, I want your job. Most of the time I have to juggle six or seven meetings per day on completely different topics, and I still have to manage to get 8 hours of programming in per day. While I don't take my iPaq with me (because I don't trust it), I frequently carry my laptop because I need to refer to information on it during the meeting. A Palm or any other PDA serves the same purpose. My manager probably has twice the meeting load that I do, and I honestly don't think he could live without his. The only executives in our company who don't use one have permanent staff members assigned to assist them.
Almost there... (Score:2)
Get me one of these that is Zaurus-like (based on linux) and is also a cell-phone and also has voice-recognition software that works (who wants to tap a stylus on a tiny little watch face??) and THEN I'll really be excited...
BWCarver
Re:Almost there... (Score:3, Funny)
Yeah, can't wait to sit next to you on the train home after a long day...
/.'d (Score:5, Funny)
Re:/.'d (Score:2, Informative)
I was "THAT guy" (Score:5, Funny)
Should I try that again with this thing? After the beatings and the finger pointing? I think not!
Re:I was "THAT guy" (Score:5, Funny)
One of my good friends even added some small solar panels to his watch, so it would charge the batteries in the sunlight...
Of course, the batteries burst and burned a hole in his shirt. But still, very geeky...
Re:I was "THAT guy" (Score:2)
Re:I was "THAT guy" (Score:2, Funny)
Re:I was "THAT guy" (Score:4, Funny)
Re:I was "THAT guy" (Score:2, Interesting)
There might be some people from Sun Microsystems here.
Scot McNeely at Sun is/was a hockey player, and he keeps that sort of guys around him.
He was the guy who slammed you up against the lockers.
Re:I was "THAT guy" (Score:2)
I was very excited when I got my calculator watch with a touchscreen back in the early 80s. I could be a geek with my calculator watch, but also could stay under the radar since it looked like a normal digital watch. :)
I tried to find a picture, but was unsuccessful... anyone else have one of these and remember the manufacturer, etc?
Re:I was "THAT guy" (Score:3, Informative)
Re:I was "THAT guy" (Score:2)
Shortly after, I swore off all wrist watches, and went to all sorts of extremes to avoid carrying one. (my PalmV kept remarkably good time for weeks on end). I'd love to get one of these, and simultaneously 1) relive a part of my childhood, and 2) have a use for my palm software again.
Redundant (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Redundant (Score:2)
Just think. You'll be able to IR synch your Kyocera 7135 SmartPhone and your Fossil/Palm watch!
Instant backup, baby! Yeah, yeah, yeah!
Re:Redundant (Score:2)
Soko
More news at infoSync (Score:5, Informative)
still fails.. (Score:5, Interesting)
WATERPROOF!
Why cant they throw in that small and desperately needed thing? It must be waterproof... so I can wear it swimming,snorkling,in the shower... how about just in the shower/tub without fear of it getting killed?
why cant they do that?
Re:still fails.. (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:still fails.. (Score:3, Interesting)
Actually, I believe no modern watch claims to be "waterproof", it's always "water resistant to xx meters". This is certainly more accurate, since nothing is truly "waterproof" given enough pressure.
I am curious, though: Does anyone have a watch purchased in the last 15-20 years that claims to be "waterproof"?
waterproof (Score:3, Interesting)
>"waterproof", it's always "water resistant to xx meters"
Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches are designated as "waterproof": From their website [rolex.com]: "An Officially Certified Swiss Chronometer, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is equipped with a waterproof case, a sapphire crystal and a self-winding movement." Sorry, their site is too annoying to navigate, so I can't give an actual link.
Urban legend used to say that this was because Rolex trademarked the phrase "waterproof", so everyone else had to use "water resistant." I'm not sure if this is the case (I've never seen them stick TM at the end of the phrase in their literature), but the reason could be that Rolex watches are made a little differently than a regular watch.
Rolex Oyster watches are cast all in one piece or slug, rather than assembled from multiple pieces. As a result, when the watch is put together, it is basically sealed. The result is rather heavy -- to give you an idea, take off your shoe, attach that to your wrist, and then walk around for a while -- but they're built to last.
Re:waterproof (Score:3, Interesting)
Interestingly, one of the Oyster watches (I didn't take note of which one, you're right that site is very annoying): "Waterproof to 100 metres/330 feet, all models are fitted with a crystal crafted from a solid block of synthetic sapphire that is virtually scratchproof."
100 meters is no better than a decent quality casio.
On the other hand, the "Submariner" is "waterproof" to 300 meters or 1000 feet. That's more impressive. That's a lot pressure.
Re:waterproof (Score:3, Insightful)
a) already dead, or about to die from decompression sickness
b) a highly experienced scuba diver (in which case you will have a dive computer strapped where your watch would be) or
c) in a pressurised submarine
You are unlikely to return alive and well from 50m unless you really know what you are doing, get anywhere near 100m and your watch will be the least of your worries.
Re:still fails.. (Score:4, Funny)
Re:still fails.. (Score:2)
I've never seen a shower that's 50M deep.
Exactly, so then you shouldn't have a problem, should you?
Re:still fails.. (Score:5, Funny)
Re:still fails.. (Score:2)
I never take off my watch. Even to sleep. Yep, I am wierd that way.
Re:still fails.. (Score:2)
Tub/Shower? For what? Smaller than life porn?
I suppose if you're one-handed you would have a hard time taking it off.. but then wouldn't you have a hard time watching it too?
Re:still fails.. (Score:2)
WATERPROOF!
Nah, this isn't even close to crucial for the only guy I personally know who wants one. He wants it to replace a scientific calculator watch that isn't made anymore and which is decidedly non-water-resistant.
Ergo, not every geek showers with their Geek Watch on (I admit I've forgotten to take mine off until after turning the water on, once or twice after too little sleep, so I'm glad mine is water resistant, but even so I would surely never try to submerse it).
Re:still fails.. (Score:2)
But waterproof? SNORKLING? What are you doing looking up your addresses while snorkling? It's not like you're going to be making a phone call from down there.
You don't require your cell phone or PDA to be waterproof, so neither should the wristwatch.
Why they chose Palm OS (Score:5, Funny)
RMN
~~~
Uhhh.. (Score:2)
To get a sense (Score:2)
Of course, you would do this with Windows so you can really get a sense of how unworkable it could be in a worst case scenario.
But don't worry, Bill wil try to get us a Windows version Real Soon Now(tm)
Story at CNet has conflicting details (Score:5, Informative)
Fossil plans to sell the watch under both its own brand and its new Abacus brand. The Abacus brand will feature either metal or plastic watchbands and will sell at electronics retailers for $199 or less. Meanwhile, the Fossil-brand models will have a more stylish look and fetch as much as $299 at department stores and at Fossil's own outlets.
I don't think that this watch will fly. The stylus looks painful to use, and it packs about as much punch as a Zire. I think that is about equivalent to the power of my first computer, an IBM 8088. You should definately check out the article at CNet [com.com] for more details.
Re:Story at CNet has conflicting details (Score:3, Insightful)
Wrong. Even the original 68000 was a 32-bit CPU (internally) and much more powerful than the 8088. The closest Intel CPU would be the 386SX.
But I think you're right, at $299 it won't sell. For $149 I could see myself getting one of these, since I mostly just use my Palm to look up addresses and to-do lists anyway, and the rocker switch should work fine for that without requiring the claw-like stylus.
silly little stylus (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:silly little stylus (Score:4, Interesting)
on the IBM linux watch our experiments seemed to imply that using a wheel that you could scroll around (selecting things) and also "click" was a good comprimise, however, one cant do everything that one would do with a palm w/ a device like that.
It's like a tradeoff b/w those REX pcmcia devices and a full fledged palm. Do you want something that you aren't going to do full fledged input on (but can input things into), but is mostly for info retrieval, or something that you actually want to do lots of input into.
Re:silly little stylus (Score:5, Funny)
Talk about an ergonomic nightmare (and a choking hazard).
I don't think you're supposed to hold it in your teeth. I would imagine your fingers would work better.
Problems (Score:3, Informative)
Also, you had better hope there's a smart keylock implemented so you aren't walking around erasing all of your files without realizing it (damn, sure is crowded on these New York subways
Ubergeeky ubertiny uber not for me. (Score:3, Interesting)
Plus - it's sooooo tiny, don't think I could read it anyways.
Next!
Power? (Score:2)
screen size... (Score:2)
If they do have 160x160, those icons look awfully big. If they don't have it, lots of apps will break. Guess we'll have to wait and see what the specs really say...
frob.
Re:screen size... Questions answered. (Score:3, Interesting)
It does have the regular screen, but they modified the default apps to have bigger icons. Even so, it would have about .2 mm pixels; way to small to be useful. With even the .5 mm mechanical pencils you would end up always hitting multiple pixels on the digitizer.
That's nice and all, but... (Score:3, Funny)
It's only been, what, 60 years since everyone has been waiting for it. We finally get something, and all it can do is graffiti? Sigh, the pace of evolution is slowing to a crawl...
Extending the lifespan of the 68000 (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Extending the lifespan of the 68000 (Score:4, Funny)
I would rather (Score:2)
4 days? (Score:2, Insightful)
Of course, I could be high.
I'll bet you will... (Score:2)
I'll bet you [toysrgus.com] will.
Lefties? (Score:4, Interesting)
And what's with the two hour battery life?
Otherwise, very very cool.
an aggressive strike (Score:4, Interesting)
Fossil is a hugely popular brand (they even have Fossil stores in airports!) and with the low margins on watches, they might be looking for a new market. I mean, right now, any Taiwanese sweatshop can put together a POS digital watch, hell, some kid in his garage could do that.
Remember when watches only had an hour and a minute hand? And then all of a sudden, they had a second hand, and now the date, several time zones, "chrono" mode and other stuff.
The PDA is the next step in complexity and "needed" features for a wristwatch. If Fossil were to come out with its own Palmtop OS, or maybe even take Opie or something, they could ink a deal with a few fortune 500 companies just with the force of their name.
And what happens at "What's up Wednesday" when your technology-fetishizing boss passes out a gaggle of huge PDA-watches to all the gals in accounting? I think you may have to start firing up the copy machine to print out resumes!
No hope... (Score:2, Insightful)
At least it doesn't have an antenna...
You can't take it on a plane, though. (Score:2)
A likely absence of features (Score:3, Insightful)
They've been advertising their products as something that could interface with a PDA. In other words, they expect you to already have a PDA when you use it. The process of inputting data into it is something like this:
1) Buy a PDA
2) Put your data on your PDA
3) Beam your data from your PDA to your fossil.
I don't really like that too much. What's the point of the middle man? I want a pda for two reason, and two only:
1) Addressbook
2) Expenses data entry (not NEARLY as important).
I need to be able to get data to my PC and from my PC, and I don't need another PDA. And for what I need, I don't need a touch screen, really. I'd rather have a more rugged watch than a touch screen.
I expect that I am not alone in this assessment. I wonder when fossil will get the idea; reviewers have been talking about the serious shortcoming in their product (that they can't interface directly with PCs) for quite some time.
Re:A likely absence of features (Score:2)
I don't keep my Palm on me all the time (obviously) which limits its usefulness for alarms quite a bit: having a watch that can be synced with my iiic would be a really nice bonus.
Being able to look up somebody's phone number wherever you are, is really good, and if they mod this to be able to do DTMF (sp?) directly, it would be even better.
Also, if they are smart, they will also include a vibrating alarm in this watch, but I'm not holding my breath on this one.
5 seconds... (Score:2)
Against God (Score:5, Funny)
can it handle real use? (Score:2)
Second, you've gotta wonder about battery life on an item that small. A closely-related third concerns accessories -- If they came out with one of these that could take an MMC card, supported bluetooth, or had any other fancy doodads, the battery life would be pretty abysmal. Then again, I'd nab one of these if it had any sort of expansion or networking capability. The notion of hotsyncing over bluetooth while in a charger stand next to my bed is very cool AND useful. And musing about the possibilities for corporate espionage with a SDIO 802.11 card in your watch strike me as the ultimate anti-Dick-Tracy chic.
I guess I will be first in line... for the second release.
Jon
Important Safety Tip (Score:3, Funny)
Watch only good for 4 days!!! (Score:2)
I tend to like my watch to keep time for more than 4 days before switching the battery out. If you have to replace the battery every 4 days and a battery costs $.50 US, it will cost you ~$45 a year to keep it running. No thanks! My Ericsson T68m has a PDA and clock with the side benefit of letting me call anyone, anywhere in America plus its not much bigger than this clunker of a watch.
Re:Watch only good for 4 days!!! (Score:2)
Re:Watch only good for 4 days!!! (Score:2, Informative)
Ah yes, but Nokia have a Videphone watch coming (Score:3, Interesting)
In addition, I was on a train from Paddington Station in London, England this week, and got to see an actual 3G phone working. An employee was testing it (yes, there is a nearly complete 3G network in the UK). The phone was from a Japanese manufacturer, had twin cameras and a very high quality feel. But what blew me away, and this will mean the death of ALL OTHER phones the moment this puppy is launched in the UK in a few months is the fact that it has a PIP (Picture In Picture) feature thanks to the two cameras. The other person sees your face in a window in front of the view you can see, or the other way around. The video quality was at least 10 fps, and the killer app will be shopping. "Dahling, is this the wine you wanted me to get?" And of course, there will be the drunk twit who forgets he has a videophone and while at the bar with a cute chic in view calls his wife to say he will be home late because he's working late at the office. (What he meant to say was orifice.)
(All the above is true. I am not revealing my sources, but within 3 months, everything is going to change. Goodbye privacy. Everyone will be in view of someone's video phone at some point every week. Get out the lipstick baby!)
Cheating In Exam (Score:2, Insightful)
Obligitory Joke (Score:2)
ruputer? (Score:2)
Just great except... (Score:2)
Misleading... (Score:3, Interesting)
-Chris
I'll be last in line to get one (Score:2)
This is, IMO, a perfect example of a gee-whiz product that has minimal practically for all but the most determined gadget freak.
Let's face it, CPU/Memory are no longer the major limiting factors in PDA design. The real issue is(or should be) how to interact with the damn thing in a convenient and rapid manner using our clumsy fingers. A PDA watch is a step in the wrong direction.
Pr0n on your wrist (Score:2, Funny)
I'll be watching carefully to see how much longer people with these things spend in the bathroom.
Extra Bonus! (Score:4, Funny)
timex datalink (Score:3, Interesting)
Any mention of aa left-handed version? (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Does? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Now... (Score:5, Funny)
I'd rather... (Score:2)
This is exactly what I'm looking for, or at least it could be: a step up from my Timex Ironman Datalink. Now if they just get rid of the touchscreen, make it interface with the PC the same way as my watch, make it have night light, and 100M water resistant, ti'll be perfect.
Re:Now... (Score:2)
Re:Now... (Score:2)
This is why Palm PDAs are still better for most people, than the Wince and Linux ones: changing the batteries every two months in a $100 m105 is way more convenient than having to charge it every single night.
4 days is still too short, though. I'll pass.
Re:Too small (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Special gadgets (Score:2)
Re:Special gadgets (Score:2)
Can sharks wear this laser watch?
Re:Special gadgets (Score:2)
The effort was called "The Alan Parsons Project"
Re:Battery Life? (really blows) (Score:2, Informative)