Remember inPulse, the smart watch that never quite got off the ground? First it was supposed to be released for the BlackBerry platform but then was retooled for Android. It was repeatedly delayed and when it was finally released in early 2011, ended up disappearing.
The same company, Allerta, is developing a new smart watch with an e-ink display dubbed Pebble. As opposed to inPulse, the Pebble is able to connect to both iPhone and Android devices (though Android will allow for a fuller experience with SMS support). It has a 144×168 resolution e-ink display, a motor, four buttons, and Bluetooth 2.1 support that will communicate with your smartphone, transferring caller ID, weather alerts, emails, Facebook, Twitter and other notifications to the watch. There is also a 3-axis accelerometer, so it should be able to adjust to the rigours of daily life, perhaps even acting as a fitness assistant.
The project started up on Kickstarter yesterday, aiming for $100,000 in backing; after 24 hours the team has amassed over $1 million and counting. The “earlybird” deal of a black Pebble for $99 has sold out, but you can now purchase one for $115, or $125 for a coloured watch.
Pebble will support apps through a dedicated app store, and will release an SDK for anyone who wants to build support into their own apps. Even better, Allerta has integrated IFTTT (If This Then This) support, so you can manipulate data in a number of ways.
First shipments are expected in September, and you can pick one up from their Kickstarter page. The Waterloo-based company is on its way to a huge success with the Pebble, and we can’t wait for big things from them later this year. Check out a video of the product after the break.
Via: Kickstarter
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