Blocks wants you to build your smartwatch

Oct 15, 2014 09:13 GMT  ·  By

Google is trying to build modular smartphones with the Ara project, but you can’t deny it would be massively cool if the same concept could be applied to other devices, like smartwatches.

We talked about Blocks, the company trying to pull off such a project, a while ago. But back then their modular smartwatch platform was mostly in experimental phase. Well, fast-forward a few months later and Blocks is getting closer to becoming a real thing.

Blocks opens up pre-orders for its modular smartwatch

The company behind the project has just announced it was setting up an exclusive membership program that will allow 1,000 interested parties to pre-order the first version of the modular Blocks watch for the cheapest price possible.

BGR reports that, starting October 15, Blocks will begin the pre-ordering process and you can register for a smartwatch by pledging $50 / €39, which will get you a limited edition fascia for the blocks and priority shipment.

Blocks’ plan is to start a crowd-funding campaign in early 2015, so you will have to wait quite a while until you can actually enjoy the device’s capabilities. We suppose you’re going to be lucky to have the watch in your possession by mid-2015.

When the watch launches, it is going to cost a lot more; so if your mind is committed to Blocks, you should take advantage of the limited time offer.

Furthermore, we’re told core blocks – the touchscreen, display, microprocessor and Bluetooth chip – will be priced anywhere between $120 to $150 / €94 to €118. Additional blocks will come with a varying cost of $20 to $40 / €16 to €32.

Blocks won Intel's Wearable challenge

Blocks always revealed it was the recipient of Intel’s "Make It Wearable" challenge, so it has been awarded a prize of $50k / €39k. Now the company will go on to compete for the even grander prize of $500,000 / €395,000.

For those of you who don’t remember what Blocks is all about and don’t understand all the fuss around it, let us explain.

Blocks wants to allow buyers to customize their smartwatch to suit their lifestyles and activities. So if you’re a big fan of workouts, you will want something that’s more lightweight around your wrist and is packed with activity-tracking sensors; but if you’re a business person, you will opt for a more premium look.

With this intent in mind, Blocks will offer custom swappable blocks that make up the strap, each one capable of completing a specific task, multiple display options (including LCD, E-Ink or touch display) and a choice between a variety of sensors.

The best part is that Blocks will continue to refresh its offerings in order to keep up with the market trends, so if a new type of smartwatch display technology appears, you’ll be sure to find it at Blocks.