The one accessory we wear to make a statement is a wristwatch. Sometimes flashy if dressed up, sometimes monolithic and durable if worn daily for work. We wear different types of bands to match clothing or environment. So I guess it isn't surprising that one of the biggest categories of new Kickstarter projects is companies trying to reinvent something that was invented in the 1800s.
Read moreKickstarted: Havok Timepieces- disrupting luxury watches
On the left is the Rose Gold Minamalist edition, on the right the Oxford Premium with optional Premium Leather Button strap.
Elliot Havok has taken design to a new level again, this time with a line of watches. What started as a lunchtime conversation with some friends who were looking for good looking watches that wouldn't bankrupt them.
Read moreKickstarted to release: The Cookoo Watch
In May of 2012 a group called ConnectedDevice, led by Peter Hauser, looked to Kickstarter to help back an idea for a connected watch. The idea was to have a real watch that also would connect to your smartphone, providing notices if you received an SMS message, a phone call, or new email on your smartphone without needing to reach for the phone. The idea evolved into a product that is now in the hands of backers and was officially launched this week at CES.
The Kickstarter Edition of the Cookoo Watch arrived this morning
While the company was not able to hit all of it's goals (at launch it is not compatible with Android due to so many different BlueTooth implementations), it has accomplished the biggest one: They have shipped watches that are truly watches whether connected to your iPhone or not, and which are powered by replaceable batteries instead of requiring frequent recharging. You can view the original goals and timeline of the project here via KickStarter. While I have only had the watch for a few hours, I am impressed.
The Cookoo is a watch first, and connected device second, an important goal for mainstream acceptance
The watch was remakably easy to set up. You download the connected application from the iTunes store and launch it. It finds the watch, and you set alerts and button functions. You can use the button to check-in to a location on Facebook, drop a waypoint pin on a map (handy when parking in large mall or sporting event lots), and even remotely snap a picture.
The settings are easy to configure, and pretty comprehensive, with more options coming
The command button can be configured to automatically check you in to the nearest location on FaceBookThis is a great product, that will get even better with time thanks to an open API and wide spread availability. Keep an eye on this thing, it is going to be important.
Crowdfunded COOKOO Smart Watch Launches Worldwide At CES 2013 - Forbes:
Crowdfunded COOKOO Smart Watch Launches Worldwide At CES 2013
LunaTik LYNK - Turn your iPod into a great watch
LunaTik is a crazy little company. They started as a KickStarter project just after Apple announced the touch-screen Nano. They started out trying to raise $15k for this idea, and ended up raising over $1M. Now they have been able to bring several products to market, and even have been featured in an Apple keynote.
Which brings us to their newest product, the LYNK. $139.95 turns your iPod Nano into perhaps the best watch you've ever owned. Easily adjustable, with features no one else could dream of having in a watch. 16 watch faces. A design that bolts on to your iPod so you don't need to worry about it popping off, regardless of the activity. Built-in Nike+ training features. Carry music, audiobooks, podcasts, pictures......it is truly a great watch. Check one out, you won't be disappointed.