Category: Wearables

Smartwatch, Apple Watch, Moto 360 , Samsung Gear, Gear Fit, Galaxy Gear, watches smart wearables and all the latest news on iGyaan

Apple May Launch An LTE – Enabled Apple Watch

Apple Inc. is planning to launch a cellular network compatible Apple Watch to reduce the wearable device’s reliance on the iPhone. The Apple Watch currently needs to be connected to an iPhone to do most of its tasks, such as receive notifications, stream music, send messages on the go, etc.

This move is designed to make the smartwatch a stand alone replacement for your iPhone. The LTE-enabled smartwatch is touted to do a lot more work than the current Apple Watch (when it’s not wirelessly connected to the phone). For example, a user can send text messages, check notifications, download songs or use the maps, even if they’ve left their phone at home. The smartwatch, however, will not replace the current version of the Apple Watch, and instead go on sale as an LTE version of the same watch, much like the iPads have over the years.

Intel will be the LTE chip supplier for the new smartwatch. Qualcomm has long been the chip supplier for Apple mobile devices, but since the companies are embroiled in a legal dispute, Apple has chosen Intel for the task at hand. Intel also supplied chips for some of the iPhones last year. Apple is already in talks with network carriers in the US and Europe, such AT&T, T-Mobile etc for the next gen Apple Watch.

The move to make the Apple Watch a standalone device may boost its sales and make it a more viable option for Android users as well. As it will be able to do most of the tasks of a cell phone without being connected to one. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc has conceded that the smartwatch is a very small part of Apple’s revenue but is still the most popular smartwatch in the world right now. Apple’s decision to add a GPS chip to the Apple Watch Series 2 was to enable consumers to leave their phones at home while going for a run.

Apple had planned to release an LTE enabled smartwatch last year but pushed the release due to battery draining issues. With watchOS 4 releasing this fall, and new improvements in Siri, along with new features such as payments via iMessage, and the ability to interact with gym equipment , The Apple Watch will attract some serious buyers.

Apple is all set the release the next iPhones in the coming month, and there is a large possibility that the next Apple Watch will be introduced alongside the next iPhones.

August 5, 2017
“Smart Stickers” Which Will Detect And Prevent Sexual Assault

Manisha Mohan, an Indian grad student and researcher at the MIT, invented “Intrepid” – an electronic sticker that can detect forcible grabbing. The smart clothing detects “forcible touch” and sends a distress signal to your network of friends and family via message or a phone call.

The Intrepid can be attached to any piece of clothing and connected to user’s phone via Bluetooth. If the piece of clothing attached to the device is taken off forcibly, the device waits for 30 seconds after which a “loud alert” goes off for 20 seconds. If there is still no response from the wearer, an SOS is sent to the listed emergency contacts. With the help of an accompanying app, Intrepid can also record encounters in the case of no timely response from the wearer. These recordings can be further used in the court in the case of legal proceedings.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgU_evcSPrs[/embedyt]

The “Smart Stickers” operate in two modes – active and passive. Manisha explains that, “An active mode [for] for instances when the victim is unconscious or cannot fight against the assaulter, for example in the case of infants, bed-ridden patients, elderly, disabled, intoxicated people and the passive mode where the victim can self-actuate the safety mechanism.”

The Intrepid uses methods like olfactory stimuli (sense of smell) to detect initial signs of assault. It differentiates between the effect of smells on sexual arousal and partner selection with the effect of smells on forced touch or disrobing.

Sexual abuse, assault, and harassment are regarded as some of the most common human rights violations in the world. As per the data release by the NCRB and Delhi Police, cases of sexual assault across the country remain high, with India’s “rape capital” Delhi registering six cases of rape on an average every day. The reports paint a pretty bleak picture in regard to ensuring safety against sexual assault.

With crimes against women on the rise, and women being left with no choice but to stay indoors after dark, a device like Intrepid can not only help by improving the response time in cases of sexual assault but more importantly, it can make women feel safer when stepping out on the streets.

The proposed solution, as Manisha states, can help combat rape, assault, harassment, child sexual abuse, abuse of elderly and disabled and might offer some peace of mind.

August 4, 2017
Google Resurrects Google Glass

The original Google Glass was designed to log everyday life events, answer random search queries etc. The Glass designers expected people to live their lives in tandem with a wraparound frame and a tiny computer screen hovering over their eye. The glory of the consumer version of Google Glass was expected to take the streets by storm. But this glory was short lived as the initial users faced many problems with the Glass, delivering less than it promised and was further criticised for privacy violation. After three years of efforts to keep the product afloat, Google’s parent company, Alphabet and its sister company, the “moonshot factory” decided to shut down the operation. Later, few reports surfaced indicating that Alphabet had a small team working on a new version of Google Glass – Glass 2.0, for workplace. Google launched the Google Glass Enterprise Edition, officially resurecting the wearable as a workplace tool.

Workers will wear the headset to get hands-free guidance on tasks while keeping their eyes on their work. As to how the wearable works, the Glass 2.0 is not very different from its earlier prototype. The Glass places the information or messages in the wearer’s field of view. Built to support both regular frames and safety glasses, workers can activate their company specific softwares with command “OK, Glass, proceed.” The new Enterprise Edition Glass can be connected with other devices and has more processing power, extended battery life, faster Wi-Fi and a superior 8MP camera(an upgrade from earlier 5MP model). The major difference between the original Glass and the enterprise version is the new red LED light that turns on when recording video(Google’s way of addressing privacy concerns) and a detachable ” Glass Pod ” that can be reattached to Glass-compatible frames, which can also include things like safety goggles and prescription glasses.

Now that the Glass 2.0 has been officially introduced as a workwear tool, Boeing, GE, DHL, and Volkswagen have started testing the headset in hopes of expanding their pilot programs into full-fledged adoption. The glass has also been reported to increase the efficiency of mechanics by 8-12%, with the help of custom software designed by Upskill.

A pilot project with doctors has also led to some interesting help tools art their disposal.Using Glass with Augmedix, doctors at Sutter Health estimate that they have reduced the amount of time they spend on electronic health record keeping.

Glass has brought the joys of medicine back to my doctors. – Dr. Albert Chan, Sutter Health

Though off to a strong start, the company is facing competion with already existing smart-glasses upstarts like Vuzix, ODG, and Epson. While its still too early to speculate the success of Alphabet’s workplace-focused Google Glass Enterprise Edition, it is sill enough to offer the Google Glass a second shot in the smart-glass world.

July 19, 2017
Super Thin Nanoscale Tech Can Be Worn Like A Second Skin

Its time to ditch those bulky and rigid health sensors and make way for much more comfortable and wearable electronics. While there have been lot of skin based wearables which monitor heart rate and other vital health signals, Scientists have come up with a new lightweight, super stretchy tech which can be directly attached onto the skin for more sensitive and precise measurements with durability as an added plus. This ultra thin and stretchable gold nano-mesh is the latest development in the wearable tech department. Scientists have created a stretchable electronic film that could monitor health by being attached to our skin. Like straight out of a sci-fi movie, this tech is capable of recording data through skin. Unlike most skin based sensors available today which are bulky and impractical, the nanoscale skin eliminates the factors which cause discomfort like rigidity, uneasiness which makes them less popular.

How Does It Work

Scientists use a mesh-like structure of metallic nano-filaments which dissolve under water, leaving the electronic part directly on the skin allowing you to easily bend and flex as you would. Twenty participants who wore it for a week reported no problems with the external skin. The skin didn’t get itchy or inflamed and the wearable didn’t break for the duration of the test. This makes the new skin an ideal solution for precise long-term medical monitoring and as an added plus, it looks like a funky gold tattoo.

Each nano-filament i.e. electrically charged thread is about 300-500 nm in diameter and coated in a thin layer of real gold. The entire mesh-like film structure is then put on the skin and just as mentioned water is sprayed to dissolve the ultra-thin layer of polyvinyl alcohol – a water soluble synthetic polymer, which has passed hypoallergenic testing. The gold threads remain and can be used to send data to a laptop or power an LED. A flexible battery can placed at the end of the nano mesh conductor to facilitate the flow of the electric current to power the LED. The only downside to this wearable is the sensor is delicate and may not be durable in the long run. But, that’s the next step of the process.

July 18, 2017
Louis Vuitton Gets Into Smartwatches, Launches a Pricey Android Wear Watch

Going up against the likes of Apple and Tag Heuer, the luxury fashion brand, Louis Vuitton throws its hat in the smartwatch ring with the launch of the Tambour Horizon Android wear watch. An amalgamation of technology and high fashion, the pricey Tambour Horizon smart watch offers a level of exclusivity to a usually mass-market device. The 42mm Tambour Horizon smartwatch will be available in Black, Graphite and Monogram along with stainless steel watch cases and sapphire glass back buckles. All three models are water resistant up to 30 meters and includes 60 interchangeable strap options like white, baby pink etc .

Developed in collaboration with Qualcomm and Google, the LV smartwatch runs Android Wear 2.0. The 42mm case sports a 1.2-inch, 390 x 390 resolution AMOLED touchscreen display and is powered by a Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor to keep Google’s OS running slick alongside 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. The 300mAh battery is said to get you through a day’s use. It may not be the best workout companion as the Tambour Horizon does not include a heart rate monitor. Other interesting features are the ‘Vuitton City Guide,’ which is basically a tour guide on your wrist, and ‘my Flight,’ which gives you flight information.

The regular stainless steel model is available for $2,450, while the black variant will cost $2,900. Additional accessories include interchangeable watch straps and a battery charger with a Louis Vuitton cover for $235 and $140 respectively . It also features a sapphire crystal Louis Vuitton logo on the caseback. But for those looking for a mechanical option, the Louis Vuitton Escale Time Zone watch runs for $7,200.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AjdAObqC74

July 12, 2017
HTC Vive Comes to India Starting Rs. 92990

HTC has launched their Virtual reality headset the HTC Vive in India for a price of Rs. 92990. The headset which remains one of the most appreciated products from HTC will go on sale starting 25th April on Amazon.in. The HTC Vive will come with two packages included in the purchase:

The Everest VR: which allows the wearer to experience what it feels like to climb Mount Everest through a sequence of immersive first person locations as you strive to reach the top of the world

Richie’s Plank Experience: Take an elevator to a plank that sits 80 stories high above the ground, then dare to walk to the end! An experience made for first-time VR users.

The HTC Vive although announced in 2015 only made it to the developers in 2016 and then finally to consumers. The high resolution visual effects and realtime area mapping allows the HTC Vive to create a virtual experience right in your workspace or living room. The Vive headset has some serious system requirements and will require high end GPUs on your PC to work in your environment.

April 21, 2017

Samsung Launches the Gear S3 in India for Rs. 28,500

Samsung has launched the third edition of the Samsung Gear S3 in India at a price of Rs. 28,500. Available in two models the classic and frontier, the Gear S3 also features IP68 water resistance, up to 4 days of battery backup, dedicated app store and built-in speaker and GPS.

The Gear S3 features Corning Gorilla Glass SR+, which is specifically designed for wearable devices to provide a tougher and more scratch resistant display. The Gear S3 features a case crafted from watch grade steel 316L, and has an Always On Display (AOD) and Super AMOLED screen.

Gear S3 has a rotating bezel that comes with new features users can accept or reject a call or snooze an alarm. Messages can be scrawled by finger on the screen to automatically convert to texts. The Gear S3 has a built-in speaker, and allows users to take calls, activate voice messaging and listen to their music. The battery lasts up to four days on a single charge according to Samsung which is a great improvement from daily charges in the previous model.

Samsung has also opened the SDK to developers to allow them to create apps for the Gear S3 and future Gear watches. Samsung Gear S3 watches work with Android and iOS giving iPhone users an Alternative to the Apple Watch.

	Gear S3 frontier	Gear S3 classic
Model	Bluetooth®	Bluetooth®
Display	1.3” Circular Super AMOLED 360 x 360, 278ppi Full Color Always On Display Corning® Gorilla® Glass SR+
AP	Dual core 1.0 GHz
OS	Tizen Based Wearable Platform 2.3.2
Size	46 x 49 x 12.9 62g (without band)	46 x 49 x 12.9 57g (without band)
Strap	22mm	22mm
Memory	4GB Internal memory, 768MB RAM
Connectivity	3G/LTE, Bluetooth® 4.2, Wi-Fi b/g/n, NFC, MST, GPS/Glonass	Bluetooth® 4.2, Wi-Fi b/g/n, NFC, MST, GPS/Glonass
Sensor	Accelerometer, Gyro, Barometer, HRM, Ambient light
Battery	380mAh
Charge	Wireless charging (WPC Inductive)
Durability	IP68 water & dust resistance; Military Standard MIL-STD-810G (frontier only)

January 10, 2017

Apple Introduces New Apple Watch Series 2

Loaded with the WatchOS 3, Apple has launched the new Apple Watch Series 2 at the Apple event in San Francisco. Apart from the fact that Pokemon Go will be now on Apple Watch, the new Apple Watch Series 2 will be Water resistant till 50m, it is rated as a swim watch, meaning now you can swim with Apple Watch Series 2.

Apple has designed a new System on chip for the Apple Watch Series 2, giving an output of 60fps for the display the new redesigned CPU and GPU. The display is now 1000 nits which is exceptionally bright.

The new Apple Watch Series 2 also has built in GPS so that you don’t have to carry your phone when you go for a run. You can sync up the data with the iPhone once you return to it.

The new Apple Watch Series 2 will also be available in a new white ceramic variant, which looks pretty amazing. Apple has also tied up with Nike for a Apple Watch Series 2 Nike Fit which has an aluminium casing and new perforated Nike wrist strap.

Apple Watch Nike

Apple is making sure that the Apple Watch Series 2 conforms to the Green rules for all their products.

The original Apple Watch will get a dual core processor and a lower price tag. The Apple Watch Series 2 will go up for Pre-order on Sept 9th and on sale September 16th.

September 7, 2016
After SmartPhones Xiaomi Wants You To Buy Their Budget VR Headset

Xiaomi at an event in its home country launched the new Mi VR Play headset. The Headset which is available to beta testers for just RMB 1 (US$0.15) already has millions pre-registered for it. So if you want one now, you have a long wait ahead.

The Mi VR Play is different because it is made out of Lycra as opposed to traditional plastics, this synthetic and starchy compound is used in clothing to give them more durability and comfort.

It supports 4.7- to 5.7-inch phones and they are held down not by clamps but by zipper. Yes, Zippers! The dual openings on the front allow for slight positioning adjustments and ventilation.You will also get the newly renamed Mi VR app which has content from a bunch of local providers and Conde Nast Traveller.

No Doubt it is a good looking VR headset and it comes in a bunch of colours and designs. But When can one actually buy it without waiting in line. And whatever happened to the Mi TV?

August 5, 2016
Google Wants to Make its Own Watch Too

After reports of the new Google Phone, it seems Google is keen on making a Google Watch too. A new report claims that Google will make two new round smartwatches codenamed; Angelfish and Swordfish.

Angelfish comes with a thickness of 14mm and has a bezel of 43.5mm. Angelfish will have GPS, LTE, and a heart-rate monitor and is designed to be a “standalone” Android Wear device. Swordfish has a single button centered on the right-hand side of the body, bezel of 42mm and a thickness of just 10.6mm.

Moto 360 2nd Gen

The Angelfish device will not support Google’s interchangeable MODE watch bands but, Swordfish will be compatible with MODE bands.

Along with the new devices, some serious updates to Android Wear 2.0 are in the works claims the report. Google may have some new tricks up its sleeve. With a Google phone and a Google Watch, Google may finally be going after Apple.

Source

July 8, 2016
Apple updates to WatchOS 3

Apple has updated the WatchOS to version 3, with WatchOS 3 Apple is paying strict attention to performance and basic usage addons.

The new load times for apps on WatchOS 3 are seven times faster. Apple has also included the Mini Mouse watch face and a new activity circle watch face, which will come in either analogue or digital.

You will also get control centre just like iOS by simply swiping up from the bottom of the watch face.

There is also a new scribble feature that will let you scribble characters on the watch face directly to make words and sentences for replying more quietly in various languages.

Apple WatchOS 3 will also allow you to make emergency services calls like 911 in the US, and you will be able to make calls instantly from the watch. Apple watch will automatically switch to emergency numbers in the country you are using the Apple Watch.

The Activity sharing feature allows you to compete with your friends with your workouts and fitness goals. The new Breathe app reminds you to do the most important thing to stay alive, breathe. The app will give you quick directions on how to get quick deep breaths in for a more relaxed mind.

June 13, 2016
Apple WWDC 2016 : What to Expect

Apple’s big WWDC 2016 announcement is hours away, and the Cupertino giant has a lot up its sleeve. The company is expected to launch and announce several improvements to its software products and also possibly upgrade some hardware.

Siri

Apple is serious about making Siri better, not only by making it more open but also more connected. While Google showed off some major improvements at Google IO, Amazon has also been working on Alexa which has left users excited about what next to expect.

However, with Siri being the most used assistant globally, thanks to Apple’s tight control, opening up to select third parties may be next on the agenda.

MacOS

Apple will rename Mac OS X to MacOS to continue its naming system across the board. The next in line is expected to be MacOS Fuji according to rumors. Apple is expected to make the seamlessness between iOS and MacOS smoother and sharing of files is expected to improve even though AirDrop is considered the best file sharing system.

iOS 10

Apple will announce, and launch the developer preview of iOS 10. iOS 10 is expected to include major improvements across the board. Newer design and graphics overlay, improvements to apps and functionality and better multitasking.

Macbook Pro

Apple may announce, or quietly upgrade the Macbook Pro to newer hardware, improved chipsets, However, Apple’s next-generation MacBook Pros are expected to include an OLED touch panel that will replace the function keys on the existing MacBook Pro . Apple may hold off launching these new Macbooks at a separate event.

Apple Watch 2

Apart from a possible design revamp the Apple Watch 2 might also include a larger size, up to 47mm. Apple will also add functionality to straps by allowing third party developers to include large batteries which will sit on the straps and allow for much longer battery life, up to a week. Apple is also said to be working with brands like Hermes to launch higher end Apple Watches at WWDC.

You can watch the keynote live here : 10:30PM IST

June 13, 2016
Moto 360 Sport Launched in India

Motorola has launched the Moto 360 sport in India through online website Flipkart. The smartwatch which retails for US $ 299 in the US has been launched for roughly the same price in India Rs. 19999.

The 45 mm smartwatch comes with a sweat and dustproof silicone strap and in only the black color for the Indian market. Its enhanced features are targeted at the fitness enthusiast community, however, it can be used as a regular Moto360 and will work Android and iOS devices.

The iP67 rating keeps the Moto 360 Sport waterproof and can be immersed in water for up to 30 minutes.

The pricing is appreciated as it does not jump much higher than the global pricing, however only the black color has been launched which is a bit of a letdown. We were really digging the Orange and White colors.

April 27, 2016
Moto 360 Sport Launching in India Next Week

Motorola has already started teasing the Moto 360 sport on their Facebook and twitter pages. The company is all set to launch the Moto 360 sport in India officially.

The watch which is a sportier variant of the Moto 360 launched last year, features a black silicone casing and strap that is sweat and dust resistant. The watch which costs US $ 299 in the US is expected to launch in India for a price of Rs. 17999 and will go on sale on Flipkart.

Moto 360 Sport has built-in GPS that works with Moto Body to measure your performance. It Also works independently without the smartphone. With inbuilt storage, Sync’d music can be directly played onto bluetooth speakers or headphones during workouts.

April 23, 2016
This Super Thin LED Based Screen Gives Your Skin a Display

In the near future wearable tech, not watches and glasses, but the tech that you wear right on your skin may become something that we take for granted. However, we might be headed in that direction sooner than expected. University of Tokyo researchers have developed an optoelectronic skin whose polymer LEDs and organic photodetectors are thin enough to directly slap onto your skin. This 3 Micrometer thin display at the moment doesn’t do much more than tell your blood oxygen concentration levels.

This 3 Micrometer thin display at the moment doesn’t do much more than tell your blood oxygen concentration levels. The current prototype is a little rough and requires a lot of refinement, however it the display can be crumpled and stretches without affecting output result and may make for a great first step in finding a true wearable display skin in the near future.

Thin-film electronics intimately laminated onto the skin imperceptibly equip the human body with electronic components for health-monitoring and information technologies. When electronic devices are worn, the mechanical flexibility and/or stretchability of thin-film devices helps to minimize the stress and discomfort associated with wear because of their conformability and softness. For industrial applications, it is important to fabricate wearable devices using processing methods that maximize throughput and minimize cost. We demonstrate ultraflexible and conformable three-color, highly efficient polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) and organic photodetectors (OPDs) to realize optoelectronic skins (oe-skins) that introduce multiple electronic functionalities such as sensing and displays on the surface of human skin. The total thickness of the devices, including the substrate and encapsulation layer, is only 3 ?m, which is one order of magnitude thinner than the epidermal layer of human skin. By integrating green and red PLEDs with OPDs, we fabricate an ultraflexible reflective pulse oximeter. The device unobtrusively measures the oxygen concentration of blood when laminated on a finger. On-skin seven-segment digital displays and color indicators can visualize data directly on the body.

April 18, 2016