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First Images: BlackBerry Watch is FOR REAL!

by Kevin Michaluk on 19 Oct 2009 01:05 PM
145
 

BlackBerry Watch

* Update 2 - October 26th, 2009 - the inPulse Smartwatch for BlackBerry Smartphones has been officially announced and is now available for pre-order! *

* Update - Just to be clear as I've seen some confusion in the commments, but as far as we know at this time the inPulse watch is not being made by/for BlackBerry (it won't feature a BlackBerry logo), but is being made for use with BlackBerry Smartphones. However, this is in fact "the BlackBerry watch" that has been referred to previously in articles dating back to WES in May. There isn't another RIM-built BlackBerry watch out there. *

Remember that story about a Bluetooth BlackBerry Watch accessory being in the works? In case you were doubting it, today we can say with certainty that it's happening, it's getting announced soon, and what you're looking at above (another image below) are actual renderings of the real deal. Key features we've been told so far about the BlackBerry-connected smartwatch by our source:

  • it has been designed specifically for use with BlackBerry Smartphones from the ground up - developed by a new BlackBerry-dedicated accessory company
  • it features an OLED screen that we hear is "big, bright and beautiful" and optimized for displaying text clearly, and thanks to OLED has solid battery life
  • it's designed to show you notifications and previews of messages arriving on your BlackBerry
  • judging by the filename of the photos as they were sent in to us, we're thinking it's going to be branded the inPulse smartwatch

The intent of the watch isn't to replace using your BlackBerry to view messages. Rather, it's for those occassions when your BlackBerry is tucked away - while in a meeting, while driving, or while you're out for a bike ride and you feel it vibrating in your camelback. When you get that impulse to stop what you're doing and pull out your BlackBerry, now you can quickly glance over at your inPulse and decide if you need to pull out your BlackBerry to address that message now or if it can wait fifteen minutes you're free.

Definitely a cool accessory. And because this smartwatch is desiged specifically for BlackBerry, we're thinking hoping that at somepoint the watch APIs will become available to BlackBerry app developers so even notifications from third party apps could be displayed. CrackBerry heaven! We'll bring you the official details on this when they emerge soon.

 

inPulse SmartWatch for BlackBerry Smartphones

BlackBerry Watch

Filed Under: News & Rumors; Tags: inPulse Smartwatch
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145 Comments

Posted by deeablos Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

WHY IS RIM WASTING THEIR EFFORTS ON THIS CRAP.

CONCENTRATE ON GIVING THE USERS A BETTER UI!!!

 
 
Posted by Kevin Michaluk Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Don't think you read the post before you commented... it's not RIM building it.

 
 
Posted by Duvi Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

I would guess that it is mostly for the corporate world, especially in meetings and trainings and such. Instead of pulling out your BB, you can look "at the time".

 
 
Posted by HandsomePrince Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

If they're looking down at this watch for the "time"; others around the person would probably be like.."damn what a dumbass; it takes him/her that long to figure out what the time is?? It's a digital clock; not even an analog for God's sake".

 
 
Posted by CJohnson481 Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

its being developed by a 3rd party blackberry accessory company.

and i think its a pretty solid idea, as long as its implemented the right way. it can be a pain to always pull the berry out of the holster or case and see whats going on.

 
 
Posted by johnnywoods Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

So now instead of staring at your berry you'll just be staring at your watch looking like you can't tell time. We won't just be "looking at the time." More like staring at the time.

 
 
Posted by BlakGost Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Stop yelling already!

 
 
Posted by Duvi Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

I'd definitely get one and I don't even wear watches.

 
 
Posted by Chazberry Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Agreed. I think its a great idea as long as they don't charge an arm and a leg.

 
 
Posted by bluehorseshoe Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

I wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole. Imagine the SAR effect by wearing something like that full time. I know it's not proven, but why take the chance.

 
 
Posted by Marklar Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

You sir, are an idiot.

 
 
Posted by AgentScribe Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

He's not too bright.

 
 
Posted by bluehorseshoe Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

...cigarette smoking back in the days. Naive fool. Knock yourself out. Why do you think they make the holsters a minimum of 1/8th of an inch from the body and recommend against leather holsters? I'm in the biz and need to cover ALL areas. Do you really think a consistent flow of radio waves making skin contact wouldn't have an impact of any kind?

 
 
Posted by perl_monk Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Your skin is already in "contact" with "a consistent flow of radio waves." Do you really think that radio waves aren't flowing through and around us all the time already? Just stand outside... I wonder how those cars get their radio stations or we use wifi. Those waves are 'touching' you too even if you're not using them. It's all around (we get some from the sun too, please turn that off too)... Think of particle-wave duality+energy conservation. Think of it a many invisible stray bullets. Sir, signals aren't propagated through space in straight lines. It's already there... Since the dawn of time... Oh yeah... by the way... we have something called a skin to protect us from that... if it can handle Visible light then it can handle radiowave which are at the far end of the spectrum... don't look directly into your radio... :-/

 
 
Posted by johnnywoods Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

...hello...hello...bluehorseshoe...are you there? Hello?

 
 
Posted by bluehorseshoe Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Ever hear of a "source." Sure, waves are all over, but keep a source receptor close to your body, unlike a car radio which is stationed outside the car. Why the hell do you think they have a SAR rating to begin with? Ever think why the FCC regulates the rating? Skin protects you...LOL. You need to hit the books. Due diligence my friend, due diligence.

 
 
Posted by cory6585 Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

bluehorseshoe, I agree with you and understand what you are saying, you have to remember people that don't work in our line of business just read the package and forums online. They don't ever get into the backend stuff that we have to deal with everyday. But none the less, I think the watch will take after a bluetooth device, everyone wears them on the side of their head now, what is it going to hurt to "wear" one on your wrist.

 
 
Posted by egsurfer700 Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Let's just use some common sense here.
#1 if the FCC regulates SAR ratings then this device would obviously have to pass to be marketed in the U.S.A. Therefore it would be within the "safe" levels as designated by the Federal Government (we all know they don't lie).
#2 As the point already made by Cory, an extremely large amount of people wear bluetooth headsets daily. This device would be safer as it is further from vital body parts.
- Additionally holding a phone to your ear produces the same effect, does it not? At least this has been what all the controversy is about.
#3 It is in fact true that our bodies are bombarded by high energy daily, show me decisive evidence that this causes physical/mental defects. It is true that the sources are much further away but it is also true that these signals are far more powerful than that of a bluetooth accessory. You mention "source receptor," guessing by the terminology you basically mean an antennae, or something that simply receives signal. You must take into account surface area, in which case you entire body is susceptible to far more. Ever held an FM whip antennae and realized your Sammy Hagar sounds clearer on the radio?

My guess is, you've been walking underneath power lines a bit too much lately.

 
 
Posted by davecbb8330 Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Moonbat

 
 
Posted by HardcorePooka Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

This is definitely a nice little accessory. I will probably get one of these when they come out.

 
 
Posted by un_peacekeeper Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

@ deeablos.

You really think RIM has one developer or something?

 
 
Posted by bogwart Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

You mean there's more than one guy locked in a glass box suspended from the ceiling? Boy, I was WAY off...

 
 
Posted by Lightessnc Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Look forward to seeing additional reports before purchasing it.

 
 
Posted by ELvolution Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Ericsson's watch looks more stylish

 
 
Posted by dillion3384 Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

The real story here is the "new BlackBerry-dedicated accessory company". It seems that blackberry accessories are crap compared to apple's. Bout time a company focuses solely on Bb

 
 
Posted by Yandar Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Oo, lets keep bluetooth on all the time. What a great way to kill battery life.

 
 
Posted by elvin1983 Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

My BlueTooth is always on, just not always connected, and even when it is I don't notice any additional battery drain by just being connected... even if there is, it's going to be very slight...

 
 
Posted by PacketRat Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

I am so getting one.. This would be perfect in meetings.. you can do 2 things with this.. One - make people know your not interested in their meeting by glancing at your watch all the time. Two - know how many messages your missing being in the stupid meeting your in.

 
 
Posted by jtwebfusion Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

People will think that you are so busy that you need to keep checking the time, but you're actually reading email...

 
 
Posted by puds38 Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

I ain't gonna lie, I'm gonna get this as soon as it comes out. I'm already a watch junkie, so this is a perfect marriage of two addictions.

 
 
Posted by vinndy Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

come on with this.

 
 
Posted by cj100570 Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Much like the watch phones before it this will be DOA!

 
 
Posted by geocab Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

My Tour's battery life sucks with Bluetooth turned off, not going to turn it on for an ugly watch.

 
 
Posted by Busta-B Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

This will definitely be replacing my regular watch!! Perfect for me working in the retail environment!!! (on a side note, I wonder can this be iced out???)

 
 
Posted by halbinath Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

This would be perfect for me at work. we are not allowed to have our phones out because the company fears we will use them to steal company secrets. (laughable) Have to see how much It would hurt battery life, I would only use it while at work. bike ride mentioned in the blog would be cool too.

 
 
Posted by Tony Bag O Donuts Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

will find a way to charge you more for this to synch with your existing device :)

Didn't fossil do something like this awhile back with a different os?

 
 
Posted by Smiley88 Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

A few years ago. There was pda watch based on the PalmOS and it didnt work. I think it was Fossil watch. I dont think it was even released before it was killed off.

 
 
Posted by R1cE Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

That's a pretty cool idea. I don't have a need for it, but definitly a good idea. Haha maybe later you can make bluetooth calls through your watch, just like the james bond watch from back in the day.

 
 
Posted by jtwebfusion Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

I'll call my BB, Kitt and talk to it like Michael Knight. I will be so cool, then the batteries will run out and I wont even be able to call for help...

 
 
Posted by Tony Bag O Donuts Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

that Kitt was soo clear on the show...Michael would whisper into the watch, but Kitt was in full surround sound :)

 
 
Posted by R1cE Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

That's a pretty cool idea. I don't have a need for it, but definitly a good idea. Haha maybe later you can make bluetooth calls through your watch, just like the james bond watch from back in the day.

 
 
Posted by TheSultan Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

How much? When? Where can I buy it as soon as possible??

 
 
Posted by drdiabetezx66x Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

now this is cool...would i wear it? eh, prob not, but i'm sure lots of other would. to much shit on my wrist as it is. very cool concept though.

 
 
Posted by drdiabetezx66x Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

now this is cool...would i wear it? eh, prob not, but i'm sure lots of other would. to much shit on my wrist as it is. very cool concept though.

 
 
Posted by mrtimro Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Dick Tracy is finally becoming real!

 
 
Posted by rbrodeur Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Doing a search on the web found this info on it. Looks like an early version of the device:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/accordionguy/3058290514/sizes/o/

 
 
Posted by xandermac Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

Very misleading headline. Pure link bait.

Also, get a damn mobile site going, crackberry is shit on a blackberry.

 
 
Posted by dliang Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

m.crackberry.com

 
 
Posted by goodleader Monday, Oct 19, 2009 837 days ago

What next micro chip on your hand?

 
 
Posted by scottbomb Tuesday, Oct 20, 2009 836 days ago

Your BB communicates directly with your brain. No more BB thumb... just *think* an email. Everybody thinks you're daydreaming but you're really checking the latest headlines. The tricky part is the phone calls - keeping the party on the other end from knowing what you're really thinking...

 
 
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