i’mWatch Smartwatch for your Smartphone…… This is going to be BIG!

Talking to a friend recently we were discussing how some people are no longer wearing watches because they didn’t feel the need  to have a timepiece as they had their mobile phones. This did not sit well with me because I really like a nice watch. I also like a really good phone so I was so pleased to see i’mWatch coming into the marketplace.

Over 40 years ago the first digital electronic watch was developed. Now watches come in all shapes and sizes. There are watches in the market that have a tape measure inside, some store flash drives while others even hide a spy camera. What has been missed is a truly smart watch to match our smart phones and that’s where i’mWatch fits in.

The i’mWatch will not replace the smart phone but will making handling it directly from your wristwatch possible. Running a custom version of the Android OS fear not iPhone users as it also works with the iOS through Bluetooth and using the new “Personal Hotspot” function that Apple have made available in the latest iOS 4.3 version. i’mWatch have therefore succeeded in making two great competitors like Apple and Android interact. Future updates will also connect with other phones including Blackberry.

Italian design and technology, multi-tasking, an extremely high resolution display with an original multi-touch touch screen on curved surface all with performances never before seen on such a small object.

Only accepting pre-orders for its release towards the end of September the company are blown away with the level of interest! With over 5,000 i’mWatch pre-orders and 200,000 visits to the website the two young entrepreneurs from Vicenze (Bertolini and Zanella) are delighted with the reaction.

Specifications for developers to develop specific Apps for the i’mWatch have been released so full integration with the likes of modern homes for switching on and off appliances/heating etc. Other useful Apps are also being developed.

The i’mWatch was originally presented to the market at a much higher price point of starting with the i’mJewel collection from €599 up to €14,999. The i’mColour range is a more reasonable price of €299 (€249 special pre-order price finished 30 June, did you order yours already?).  There will be 7 flashy colours white, yellow, pink, light blue, green, red and black. This lower priced version is identical to the luxury version as far as hardware and software are concerned.

Inbound calls, text messages, emails, Facebook or Twitter notifications, or other useful information are all shown on the high resolution screen. With this smartwatch it is possible to communicate through speakerphone and therefore without having to reach into bags or pockets in search of the phone.

 

“i’mWatch” is provided with a 1.55” touchscreen, Bluetooth connection and 4GB memory card. The minimalist GUI recalls the iPhone icons and those of other smartphones on the market and includes time, city and weather forecast. Moreover, the high resolution screen (that of iPod nano) will have an original multi-touch touchscreen on curved surface and will be protected by sapphire glass. The first collection, that will be available beginning end of September, 2011, can already be ordered on the www.imwatch.it website. It is important to remember that delivery will be made only to those placing pre-orders on line with a 20% deposit and will be made on a first-in first-out basis.

I truly think this will be not just “the” fashion accessory this year but the “Tech and Fashion” accessory for this year.

Here at TechTV101 we are looking forward to getting our hands on some to road test soon!

User review to follow.