Kreyos
Manufacturer | Kreyos |
---|---|
Type | Smart Watch |
Operating system | iOS 4+, Android 2.3+, Windows 8+ |
Battery | 150 mAh Lithium Run time: 7 days |
Display | 1.26-inch 144x168 px Memory LCD Screen Always on |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.0 LE and ANT+ |
The Kreyos Meteor is a smart watch created by Steve Tan, the founder of the California-based company, Kreyos. Initially a crowd funded product from Indiegogo, the Kreyos Meteor raised $1.5 Million, surpassing its original goal of $100,000. The duration of bidding lasted for nearly three months - from June 23 to August 12, 2013. The watch uses voice and gesture controls for sending messages and emails, making calls, and playing music. It also has a heart rate monitor and a number of other built-in activity trackers.[1] The Meteor is set to be released on April 2014.
Features
The watch uses an Ultra Low Energy 1.26-inch Memory LCD Screen. It has a backlight and a vibrating motor, along with an alarm that can be set through the device itself. Sensors for the watch include a six-axis accelerometer, a pedometer and a gyrometer for analyzing golf swings. In terms of connectivity, the Meteor uses a Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy and is compatible to Android, iOS and Windows Phone 8 devices. Other features include an app-programmable gesture control, Siri and Voice control support, a Find your Phone option and cloud storage for fitness and other data. Also, it has a built-in microphone and speaker, along with waterproof buttons on the side.
The unit is detachable from the watchband, and can be transferred to a lanyard or a belt clip (both sold separately from the device). Color options for the wearable are white, black, lime, blue and pink.[2]
Reception
The success of its Indiegogo campaign sparked much talk of a device that can finally have Star Trek-communicator functionality.[3] But critics are still skeptical of the Meteor. While praising the watch's voice and gesture controls, and waterproof design, Minyanville feels that the grayscale display does not provide good quality in terms of overall screen visibility.[4] Knoji points out the lack of touch screen options, although the gesture control makes up for this.[5] Smart Watch News says that the design of the Meteor "will not wow your friends, but is acceptable for casual use.[6]
The latest criticism on the Meteor is the recent delay in shipping due to an echoing issue that was discovered in a recent test. With the shipping date moved to April, there has been a collective sense of frustration among the early buyers and backers of the watch. Admittedly, Kreyos Founder Steve Tan says that the team has done "a very poor job in the past in keeping [backers] apprised of development", but assures that they foresee no more delays in the future as recent testing suggested that the fix they identified does address the issue permanently.[7]
See Also
Reference
- ^ Novellino, Teresa. "Kreyos smartwatch aims to skip Pebble's production woes", Upstart Business Journal. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ "Kreyos Meteor smartwatch attempts to one-up the Pebble (hands-on)", CNET. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Parrack, Dave. "Kreyos Meteor smartwatch brings Star Trek tech to life", Gizmag. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Shchetko, Nick. "7 Smartwatch Models to Try Before Apple's iWatch Arrives", Minyanville. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Wyatt, Mitchell. "Kreyos Meteor Review", Knoji. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Mentor, Jon. "Kreyos Meteor on Indiegogo", Smart Watch News. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Shchetko, Nick. "Interview: Kreyos Co-Founder talks Meteor Smartwatch shipping delays and next steps", Smart Watch Fans. Retrieved 20 February 2014.