The Kickstarter campaign for the Blocks Modular Smartwatch has been launched. The goal of the campaign was to raise $250,000 to build the device. The idea behind the smartwatch is to let users create a smartwatch that is specifically tailored to their needs and requirements. They can do this by attaching additional modules to the watch as per their needs. So if a user no longer has use for a GPS module, they can easily replace it. These modules also act as links that are similar to the ones found on an all-metal watch. These links are replaceable and can be snapped on as and when required. Blocks Wearables, the company behind the watch say that the device is expected to ship by May next year.
The core of the Blocks Smartwatch comes with a 1.35-inch full round display with a 360 x 360 pixel resolution. It will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with 512MB of RAM. It also has 4GB of storage along with an accelerometer and a gyroscope. It also has a 400mAh battery and has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity. The smartwatch is compatible with iOS and Android.
The Blocks Smartwatch also come with a number of modules that can add a number features to the device. These range from extending the battery life of the watch to adding NFC capabilities and even a heart rate sensor. The company has said in its campaign that it has partnered with major tech companies to develop new modules.
At the time of writing this story, the Kickstarter campaign has managed to raise more than $470,000 in funding with 1,687 backers. While backers can pledge as little as $5 to the campaign, those who pledge $195 will get the core of the Blocks smartwatch along with a strap. Those who pay more than $250 will get the core as well as four modules of their choice.
Google’s Project Ara is another device that makes use of the concept of a modular device, but for a smartphone. The device was expected to be launched later this year in Puerto Rico but the project has been delayed and will launch sometime next year. The prototype called Spiral 2, features a Marvell PXA1928 and Tegra K1 dual application processors. It also has a 720 x 1280 pixel display as well as a 5MP rear camera. At the time of its unveiling, the Spiral 2 came with 11 modules. However, Google had said that it is planning to increase that number to 30 by the end of the year. Manufacturers like Yezz and Toshiba have already agreed to manufacture modules for the smartphone.