A week ago we dropped photos and some preliminary specs here on the "BlackBerry Watch" that has been speculated about in the blogosphere since May. And today, the inPulse smartwatch for BlackBerry gets official. As we reported previously, the inPulse smartwatch is not a BlackBerry Smartphone on your wrist, nor is it manufactured by Research in Motion (nor is RIM developing an accessory like this on their own - this is the "BB watch"). Rather, the inPulse smartwatch is manufactured by Allerta, a new Waterloo-based start-up focused on intelligent smartphone accessories, and works as a companion to your BlackBerry Smartphone to notify you of incoming BlackBerry messages/events.
inPulse smartwatch for BlackBerry Tech Specs & Key Features
- 1.3" full colour organic light-emitting-diode (OLED) display
- Bluetooth® v2.0+EDR
- 150 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery
- Glass lens and full metal body
- 22mm interchangeable wrist band
- Vibrating motor
- Micro-USB port (for charging)
- Over-the-air firmware updates
- Dimensions: 51mm height x 38mm width x 12mm depth
Jumping over to the inPulse FAQ page reveals other key stats. Battery life is slated at ~ 4 days depending on use and can be recharged in about 30 minutes via standard microUSB cable. To use the inPulse wristwatch you must also install an app onto your BlackBerry that runs in the background. Cool feature - you can set the inPulse (clock, timers, multiple alarms) right from your BlackBerry. It can receive firmware updates wirelessly, and will work on all BlackBerry Smartphones running OS 4.3 and up.
As for price, the inPulse smartwatch rings in at pretty reasonable $149 USD. It's available for pre-order now (not taking payment yet but you can get on the waiting list), with the first consumer shipments scheduled for February 2010. For more info, you can check out the press release below, visit getinpulse.com for more product info and to pre-order, and check out the inpulse blog at inpulse.tumblr.com to stay on top of developments.
Press Release
Free up your hands with the inPulse smartwatch for Blackberry
Waterloo, ON - Oct 26 2009. Allerta Inc is pleased to announce the inPulse wristwatch for BlackBerry®. Worried about missing an important message on your BlackBerry just because your hands are full? Get handsfree messages and alerts right on your wrist with inPulse.
inPulse is the perfect BlackBerry smartphone accessory - it's a watch that connects wirelessly to your phone by Bluetooth, instantly alerting you to incoming emails, SMS and calls. inPulse extends the functionality of your BlackBerry smartphone, so when you're in a pinch you can check your inPulse instead of fumbling around with your phone.
A limited first edition inPulse watch can be pre-ordered right now for US$149 at www.freeupyourhands.com
Check your messages quickly and discreetly
Using inPulse, a glance down at your wrist is all it takes to easily check recently received email, SMS and even Twitter messages. New messages are sent directly to your inPulse. Instead of pulling out your phone to figure out who keeps texting you, just keep an eye on your inPulse.
Never miss an important call
Have you ever missed a call because you didn't hear your phone ringing or couldn't feel the vibration? inPulse has a built-in vibrating motor which alerts you immediately to incoming calls. Glance down at inPulse to quickly see who is calling.
Visit www.freeupyourhands.com for more info and to purchase.
Allerta Inc is an intelligent consumer electronics start-up out of Waterloo, focused solely on creating cutting edge mobile accessories that mesh perfectly with smartphones and a mobile lifestyle. Allerta recognizes the emerging prominence of smartphones and aims to design useful products that leverage an ‘always-on' internet connection. Allerta's first product is inPulse, the world's first BlackBerry-connected wristwatch.
