Modular Smartwatch Blocks Scores Over $1.1M During Kickstarter Campaign

Blocks 1

With three weeks left until its Kickstarter initiative closes, London-based Blocks Wearables has successfully secured over $1.1 million for its self-titled smartwatch thanks to nearly 3,800 backers.

As previously reported, Blocks has created the “world’s first modular smartwatch” by making the segments of the watch band into modules that incorporate different types of tech. Do you want NFC payments? GPS? Ab extra battery? Just add a segment to your band. The product has been described as “future proof” as it is far easier to swap out portions of the band instead of the body.

Explaining why consumers should consider its product, the company noted:

Blocks 2“From smartphones to wearables, current technologies are one-size-fits-all. Though many different sensors can be embedded in a wearable device, space is always the limiting factor. This leads to technology companies deciding the features that are right for everyone, and forces us to compromise on what we actually want from our devices as individuals.

 

“We’re done with compromise. We’re over one-size-fits-all. It’s time that our smartwatches reflect our individuality. BLOCKS gives you the power to build a smartwatch that suits your lifestyle, with features that are customized to your needs. Just choose the modules you want and connect them together in seconds.”

Sharing details about Blocks’ Module feature, the company stated:

Blocks 3“As an open platform, BLOCKS allows any company or individual to develop Modules. There can be Modules for gaming, sports, healthcare, the workplace, or even experimental ones for academic research. All this means even more choice for you.
“We have already partnered with major technology companies to develop our Modules and have over 1,500 individual developers signed up to work on our platform. The BLOCKS Software Development Kit (SDK) and Module Development Kit (MDK) will be made available soon.”

Current Modules are the following:

  • Blocks 4Extra Battery Module: Keeps Blocks watches running for longer
  • Heart Rate Module: Accurately reads heart rates to help users better understand their performances during workouts.
  • GPS Module: Connects to Blocks and will track locations and activities.
  • NFC Contactless Module: Offers contactless communications and data transfer.
  • Adventure Module: Gets live readings for temperature, pressure, and altitude.

The Blocks’ design has been hardened sufficiently to capture the interest of some well-known partners. The watch will be compatible with both iPhones and Android smartphones. It works with iOS 8 and above, on iPhone 4s and above. It also works with all Android 4.0+ phones including LG, Motorola, Sony, Samsung, HTC, and Xiaomi.

Backers can receive the watch for $285 and it is expected to be delivered in May of 2016. The campaign is set to close on November 19th.


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