WHAT:Smartwatches are wearable tech that adds functionality to your current smartphone, i.e. Notifications on your wrist, etc. Using Helper Apps (like my current favorite, Smartwatch+), information/notifications are pushed over bluetooth to your wrist. It’s basically an extra backlit epaper display for your phone.
Currently, there’s no two-way communication (alá Dick Tracy) in iOS, but maybe someday that will happen.
It also tells the time.
WHERE: On your wrist. Also, in the shower (Water Resistant up to 5 ATM).
WHEN: All the time (See what I did there?!?)
WHY: Besides the fact that wearable tech is cool? Sometimes, it’s just more convenient to look at your wrist then take out your phone. Other helper apps provide you with Turn-By-Turn directions via the GPS on your phone, making it ideal for strapping onto your bike.
WISHLIST: I honestly can’t wait for a proper ereader for the Pebble. I read A LOT of ebooks on my phone (usually using iBooks), and it definitely takes a toll on my phone’s battery. I feel like the Pebble screen is just big enough to read comfortably on. Also, I wouldn’t mind some sort of SMS reply app, with 5-10 user-defined canned responses, so when you get a text message, you can quickly respond.
A couple of other notes: The Pebble uses a proprietary connector cable, so you’ll probably want to buy a couple extra. Cheap ones can be found on Amazon, like THIS ONE, that seem to be pretty popular.
Also, you’ll want a SCREEN PROTECTOR. I’ve had mine for about a month now, and I’ve already scratched the face.
If you’re curious about the Pebble’s functionality, I can’t speak highly enough about Reddit’s r/Pebble Community. Like all things hyper-specialized on Reddit, it’s a constantly-updating plethora of neat hacks, feature requests, and general tips. Totally worth checking out.
I’ve known some folks that REALLY prefer mechanical keyboards, and this definitely made me reconsider my preference for my Wireless Bluetooth Apple Keyboard. Check it out!
Also, here’s a video of someone typing on a Model M. TURN IT UP!
I’ve owned about 5 of these so far, mostly from losing them (once, I killed one when I jammed it into a USB extension cable the wrong way). They’re cheap, awesome, and REALLY TINY. It’s not the fastest, but totally gets the job done.
Plus, I usually pair it with something like THIS, So I’ve got near infinite storage in my pocket.
