BLOCKS aims to bring the modular smartwatch of your dreams to life

Jul 10, 2014 08:17 GMT  ·  By

Back in March, we brought you word of BLOCKS, an atypical smartwatch platform which takes cues from Google’s Project Ara.

Basically, what the makers of the project want to achieve here is give you the opportunity to fully customize the wearable.

A few months ago, the device was still barely starting out, so we only got to stare in wonder at a video showcasing a realistic rendering of what will turn out to be BLOCKS.

The idea is that each customer comes into the smartwatch scene with a particular set of needs and expectations. That’s why, when this project becomes a reality, you’ll be able to opt for any color, screen size, strap type and even the set of apps you want to have installed onboard.

More than that, BLOCKS hopes to be able to let you choose between adding multiple displays, taking advantage of either LED or E-ink technology, possibly even AMOLED.

Well since March, the BLOCKS team has had some time to work on their concept and Engadget caught up with them in order to see what the developments were.

For the time being, the startup is working with a proof-of-concept prototype device which might not impress you at first glance.

For now, the bits and pieces of what’s going to become a fully-fledged BLOCKS smartwatch look a little too plasticky to us, but the company has big plans for the future.

To give us an accurate idea of what’s to come, the company has 3D-printed mock-ups of the BLOCKS which look quite amazing to say the least. And surprise-surprise, the upcoming watches will be taking advantage of Android Wear. Quite neat!

The current phase of development with BLOCKS
The current phase of development with BLOCKS
Anyway, the final choice in the OS department hasn’t yet been made, especially since opting for Android Wear means the BLOCKS smartwatch won’t cater to the iOS crowd at all.

But since we’re talking about a modular platform, the company is considering offering a choice between different operating systems. Which is certainly quite exciting news.

But a very important benefit of Android Wear is the OS supports different screen shapes, from curved to square and curvaceous, which is important for BLOCKS and its modularity concept.

The BLOCKS team is currently avidly working on their project, in the hopes they will be able to bring the platform to crowdfunding in 2015. A basic package is expected to set you back with $200-250 / €183-€146 a pop.

Photo Gallery (2 Images)

This is how BLOCKS with Android Wear might look like
The current phase of development with BLOCKS
Open gallery