Ever since the Pebble smartwatch raised millions of dollars worth of funding via Kickstarter, it’s understandable that other aspiring tech/watch companies would want to follow suit. This goes some way towards explaining why it seems that a new smartwatch (and Kickstarter campaign) are being brought to our attention on an almost weekly basis.
If you’re a tech AND a watch lover then you might think that a smartwatch is the stuff that only dreams are made of, however, it’s fair to say that opinion is very much divided with regards to smartwatches from lovers of regular watches.
But the truth is that this ever expanding segment of the market doesn’t look like it will go away anytime soon, especially after the launch of the Sony Smartwatch 2, which looks to take the lead over the impending arrival of the iWatch.
As one of the newest and perhaps most interesting additions to the smartwatch segment, the Martian Smartwatch claims to be the “world’s first voice activated command watch.” It also includes a traditional analogue quartz watch, which sets it apart from other similar wearable tech products.
The watch uses Bluetooth to connect to your iPhone or Android phone and can be used to make and reject calls, send voice to text SMS message and read email without your smartphone ever having to leave your pocket.
However, the standout feature is undoubtedly its ability to handle voice commands using its built in noise cancelling microphone and speaker, which obviously invites the inevitable comparison to Dick Tracy and his two way wrist radio.
That said, the voice command feature could be quite useful if someone was trying to call you whilst, for example, you were driving or out running. Another good thing about the Martian Watch is that it comes with a ‘Leash’ feature that alerts you should you leave your phone behind.
By scrolling on the LED below the watch display, you can read incoming texts and also receive notifications from Facebook and Twitter, as well as other info like calendar alerts, reminders and email.
One of the downsides of the watch is that it is only splash resistant, much like a mobile phone, irreparable damage would be caused should it be submerged in water.
The Martian Watch is available in 3 versions: the Passport (left), the Victory (centre) and the G2G (right), with prices starting from $299 and $249 respectively, the watch should be available from January 2014.
For more information visit Martian Watches
Specifications
Case: Stainless steel or aluminium case with either a genuine leather strap or silicone wristband. The Passport and G2G versions measure 39mm, where as the Victory measures 41mm in diameter. Anti scratch crystal glass.
Movement: Japanese quartz analogue movement, which is powered separately from the rest of the device.
Features:
– Noise cancelling microphone
– Directional personal speaker
– OLED display
– Micro USB for to be used for recharging and updating firmware
– Bluetooth 4.0
– 2+ hours talk time with seven days standby time
– Built in lithium polymer rechargeable battery
