Anyone seen this Kickstarter? AGENT Smartwatch

[Assault]

SecretLabs and House of Horology got together to design and create the next generation smartwatch with brand-new technology. World-class developer tools, unparalleled battery life, Qi wireless charging. Backer price is around $149. This kickstarter already reached funding and it is still going reaching the $1 million mark.

We weren't willing to compromise. So we spent the last year testing and integrating the very best new technologies from around the world, eliminating limitations of the past.

We've created the first smartwatch that doesn't compromise, with both unparalleled battery life and powerful watch apps. With two-way communication to smartphones and amazing developer tools that you can download today. And with so much more.

This is AGENT, a brand-new generation of smartwatch.
Compatible with iPhone 4S or newer, Android 2.3+ and Windows Phone 8!?!?! This is why I am dumping Pebble in favor of a better designed Agent watch.

Specs:

1. 120MHz ARM Cortex-M4 processor with secondary AVR co-processor
2. 1.28" Memory Display (128 x 128) with intelligent backlighting
3. Anti-glare glass lens
4. Bluetooth 4.0 BD/EDR + LE
5. 3-axis accelerometer
6. Ambient light sensor
7. Vibration motor
8. 7 days battery life (typical)
9. 30 days in watchface-only mode
10. Qi wireless charging
11. Water resistant (ATMs: TBD)
12. AGENT OS 1.0
13. including .NET Micro Framework 4.3
14. RoHS, Pb-free
15. Designed for repair and recycling including replaceable battery

Video:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/secretlabs/agent-the-worlds-smartest-watch/widget/video.html

 

[spinedoc77]

I wish someone would make a nice elegant looking watch. I don't think I ever liked Casio calculator watches back in the 80s, and I still don't like that look today. Even if they simply paid attention to the band it would be much better. Yeah yeah I'm superficial, but there is nothing wrong with using a watch as men's jewelry and wanting it to look good, that's all the purpose of a watch anyway as the time is plastered everywhere you look these days.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

So except for the Windows Phone support and the wireless charging, almost everything about this phone is a hardcore ripoff of Pebble, except without the deep pockets.

Meh...

 

[mattopotamus]

I wish someone would make a nice elegant looking watch. I don't think I ever liked Casio calculator watches back in the 80s, and I still don't like that look today. Even if they simply paid attention to the band it would be much better. Yeah yeah I'm superficial, but there is nothing wrong with using a watch as men's jewelry and wanting it to look good, that's all the purpose of a watch anyway as the time is plastered everywhere you look these days.

agreed. It still looks ugly, and I won't fool myself. I care more about how a watch looks than how it functions. Personally, I would rather have a nice looking watch that does not tell time than a ugly watch that tells time. Call it what you may, but I know myself and a watch is a fashion statement IMO.

 

[kasakka]

I wish someone would make a nice elegant looking watch. I don't think I ever liked Casio calculator watches back in the 80s, and I still don't like that look today. Even if they simply paid attention to the band it would be much better. Yeah yeah I'm superficial, but there is nothing wrong with using a watch as men's jewelry and wanting it to look good, that's all the purpose of a watch anyway as the time is plastered everywhere you look these days.

Amen. So far all smartwatches have looked like old Casios. I do like the idea behind them, just the implementation should be far more elegant.

 

[Oohara]

To each his own I guess, to me this thing looks awesome Just like I'd want a smart watch to look. And it's nothing like the Pebble imo. This one looks much more rugged.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

And it's nothing like the Pebble imo. This one looks much more rugged.

I at least wasn't referring to the shape...it looks like they are using the exact same Sharp memory LCD as Pebble and every app they have shown is almost an exact copy UI wise. With the exception of wireless charging all other hardware is extremely similar as well.

 

[TheAppleFairy]

I wish someone would make a nice elegant looking watch. I don't think I ever liked Casio calculator watches back in the 80s, and I still don't like that look today. Even if they simply paid attention to the band it would be much better. Yeah yeah I'm superficial, but there is nothing wrong with using a watch as men's jewelry and wanting it to look good, that's all the purpose of a watch anyway as the time is plastered everywhere you look these days.

I agree, I wish Seiko would give the smartwatch business a try. Epson the electronic company falls under Seiko, so I think they have the resources to pull it off and if you ask me Seiko has some the nicer watches out there at a reasonable price.

 

[strausd]

I at least wasn't referring to the shape...it looks like they are using the exact same Sharp memory LCD as Pebble and every app they have shown is almost an exact copy UI wise. With the exception of wireless charging all other hardware is extremely similar as well.

Well with a device in a certain category that is meant to be a certain shape, it is logical to assume they will use similar components with similar technologies. If you need examples, just look at a little category of devices called smartphones. All the flagships use similar components with similar technologies. So of course the hardware on two of the first smart watches are going to be similar. With a new category like there, there is limited hardware to choose from.

 

[Assault]

agreed. It still looks ugly, and I won't fool myself. I care more about how a watch looks than how it functions. Personally, I would rather have a nice looking watch that does not tell time than a ugly watch that tells time. Call it what you may, but I know myself and a watch is a fashion statement IMO.

I'm practical. I prefer function over form when it comes to electronics. I'm not some metro-sexual guy, living on the Jersey shore concerned more about the looks of a watch, than the convenience and functionality it can provide. IMO, a watch is a tool. Nothing more. If I wanted form over function, I would wait for the iWatch. I'm sure it will look nice, but be just as limited in functionality as every other iDevice.

 

[mattopotamus]

I'm practical. I prefer function over form when it comes to electiononics. I'm not some metro-sexual guy, living on the Jersey shore concerned more about the looks of a watch, than the convenience and functionality it can provide. IMO, a watch is a tool. Nothing more. If I wanted form over function, I would wait for the iWatch. I'm sure it will look nice, but be just as limited in functionality as every other iDevice.

To each their own. People often confuse having style with other things. Just because I view a watch as something more fashionable than functional doesn't mean anything more or less than exactly that. These watches are hideous no matter how you try to spin it.

 

[GoCubsGo]

The pebble isn't bad looking. In fact, from any distance it comes off as quite sleek. This, not so much.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

it is logical to assume they will use similar components with similar technologies.

And yet there were a number of smart watches before Pebble and at least half a dozen other ones since Pebble, which don't have almost identical hardware, that don't have the exact same screen model, which have their own unique apps with their own unique UI and are not a straight up rip off.
Amazing!

 

[spinedoc77]

To each their own. People often confuse having style with other things. Just because I view a watch as something more fashionable than functional doesn't mean anything more or less than exactly that. These watches are hideous no matter how you try to spin it.

Yep, they can be functional and be a good investment. I just got my watch appraised for my insurance and found out that in the ten years I bought it the appraised value has doubled. There is just something about a well built watch that is satisfying, like driving an old muscle car. I don't want to belittle anyone that likes the Casio calculator watch look of these watches, but its just not for me.

Plus we can argue functionality all day, is it really that much easier to see text messages or missed calls on your wrist than in the phone in your pocket? I think one day our society will devolve into slug like beings with no use foe limbs or movement as long as we can check our electronic devices with the least possible amount of effort.

 

[strausd]

And yet there were a number of smart watches before Pebble and at least half a dozen other ones since Pebble, which don't have almost identical hardware, that don't have the exact same screen model, which have their own unique apps with their own unique UI and are not a straight up rip off.
Amazing!

Ya, because all those other smart watches have done such a great job

 

[Assault]

Yep, they can be functional and be a good investment. I just got my watch appraised for my insurance and found out that in the ten years I bought it the appraised value has doubled. There is just something about a well built watch that is satisfying, like driving an old muscle car. I don't want to belittle anyone that likes the Casio calculator watch look of these watches, but its just not for me.

Plus we can argue functionality all day, is it really that much easier to see text messages or missed calls on your wrist than in the phone in your pocket? I think one day our society will devolve into slug like beings with no use foe limbs or movement as long as we can check our electronic devices with the least possible amount of effort.

You fail to see the whole picture regarding this type of device. Let me explain the functionality of this to people like me. I have significant hearing loss, thanks to my job, and when my phone is in my pocket, I can't hear it, and only feel the vibration half the time (even though both are set to max). The Pebble and this watch assist those of us with hearing issues or are completely deaf, so we don't miss calls, texts, emails, etc.
I also do a lot of running and various exercise and having heart rate, distance, speed, steps, time, etc easily viewable on my wrist during this time period is awesome. These are just a couple of examples. The icing on the cake is being able to wirelessly charge the watch with the now standard Qi wireless charging systems. I just set my phone and this watch onto a flat Qi matt, like the Duracell one, and they charge. No plugging in various wires and having multiple outlets not usable because each device has a different plug. Functional and convenient.

P.S. If you read the kick starter page for this, you would know that the watch shown is just a prototype for video and media purposes and not the final look. So, it is kind of a moot point.

 

[Assault]

And yet there were a number of smart watches before Pebble and at least half a dozen other ones since Pebble, which don't have almost identical hardware, that don't have the exact same screen model, which have their own unique apps with their own unique UI and are not a straight up rip off.
Amazing!

By your logic, the iPhone 5 is the exact same as the iPhone 4. No difference. They both have LCD screens with a touch interface.

So, if this is identical to the Pebble, you believe the Pebble is utilizing Sharp's new ultra-low power screen with 1 bit memory for every pixel, allowing the screen to stay on all the time and still last 7 days? I also didn't realize Pebble utilized a photo sensor to enable backlit pixels during night time? And when did Pebble start utilizing a dual core processor with the latest Cortex M4 SoC or Bluetooth 4.0 or wireless charging?

While you make statements that lack any semblance of truth, in reality the only things Pebble and Agent have in common is that they are smart watches with configurable displays. So before you call Agent a copycat, you might want to get your facts straight.
Here is some reading material for you.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/5/prweb10733986.htm

 

[mattopotamus]

You fail to see the whole picture regarding this type of device. Let me explain the functionality of this to people like me. I have significant hearing loss, thanks to my job, and when my phone is in my pocket, I can't hear it, and only feel the vibration half the time (even though both are set to max). The Pebble and this watch assist those of us with hearing issues or are completely deaf, so we don't miss calls, texts, emails, etc.
I also do a lot of running and various exercise and having heart rate, distance, speed, steps, time, etc easily viewable on my wrist during this time period is awesome. These are just a couple of examples. The icing on the cake is being able to wirelessly charge the watch with the now standard Qi wireless charging systems. I just set my phone and this watch onto a flat Qi matt, like the Duracell one, and they charge. No plugging in various wires and having multiple outlets not usable because each device has a different plug. Functional and convenient.

P.S. If you read the kick starter page for this, you would know that the watch shown is just a prototype for video and media purposes and not the final look. So, it is kind of a moot point.

I 100% agree about that part. I have good great hearing, but I have vibrate and if I am in a busy place I never hear my phone.

 

[spinedoc77]

You fail to see the whole picture regarding this type of device. Let me explain the functionality of this to people like me. I have significant hearing loss, thanks to my job, and when my phone is in my pocket, I can't hear it, and only feel the vibration half the time (even though both are set to max). The Pebble and this watch assist those of us with hearing issues or are completely deaf, so we don't miss calls, texts, emails, etc.
I also do a lot of running and various exercise and having heart rate, distance, speed, steps, time, etc easily viewable on my wrist during this time period is awesome. These are just a couple of examples. The icing on the cake is being able to wirelessly charge the watch with the now standard Qi wireless charging systems. I just set my phone and this watch onto a flat Qi matt, like the Duracell one, and they charge. No plugging in various wires and having multiple outlets not usable because each device has a different plug. Functional and convenient.

P.S. If you read the kick starter page for this, you would know that the watch shown is just a prototype for video and media purposes and not the final look. So, it is kind of a moot point.

No I didn't fail to see anything, if they are marketing a phone to handicapped users that's one thing, and I'm glad to see it helps although personally I still don't see why it's that much easier to glance at your wrist than glance at your phone, but that's purely personal opinion and I respect that you feel the watch is easier.

The heart rate though I do agree with, I like to check my heart rate when I work out as well, but I'd rather use a dedicated watch for that, but I think this will be a big attraction. Wireless charging, meh my watch runs forever so even in the event of a zombie apocalypse and the loss of the entire worlds power infrastructure my watch will still keep ticking. Yours? Not so much. How much more functional can you get than a watch that continues to tick in the face of a zombie apocalypse?!?

In the end I'm not begrudging you the functionality of the phone, I'm simply stating that for MY needs the functionality isn't that much, certainly not enough to walk around with such an ugly and 80s looking device plastered on my wrist. For you the functionality is enough where you don't care about how it looks, and that's great I applaud you, nothing wrong with that. I wish I could grow a beard and wear leaves for clothes and live off the land, but unfortunately I'm stuck in this society where people put some value on being fashionable, but you know what I kind of like picking out nice clothing and looking good at my work and play even if it means I'm a narcissistic peon of our society's marketing.

If they could get rid of the bezel so the screen would be the same size, and the watch itself smaller and give it a high quality metallic band and make it submersible then it would be more appealing to me. Once again personal preference and nothing more, I like a nice Rolex and like that submersible metallic feel and having a nice timeless fashionable piece of jewelry on my wrist (which appreciates in monetary value over time, hey what's more functional than an investment).

 

[GermanyChris]

Looks nice!

 

[tbayrgs]

I'm practical. I prefer function over form when it comes to electronics. I'm not some metro-sexual guy, living on the Jersey shore concerned more about the looks of a watch, than the convenience and functionality it can provide. IMO, a watch is a tool. Nothing more. If I wanted form over function, I would wait for the iWatch. I'm sure it will look nice, but be just as limited in functionality as every other iDevice.

And that is great for you but not everyone wears a jeans and t-shirt to work. Wearing this with business attire or a nice suit would be like wearing a pair or sneakers or flip-flops with said suit. Believe it or not, form can matter as well.

And who the hell ever mentioned Apple anywhere in this thread? Considering the source of this post I shouldn't be surprised by this troll bait.

 

[sviato]

okay it has specs, but what can it do? other than unfashionably bulk up my wrist

 

[b166er]

I fully support the smart watch movement, but I think it's going to take Apple and Samsung (yes and, not or) to actually generate serious interests.

The pebble is cool, the metawatch kind of sucks, I'm looking forward to seeing the buddy, this thing kind of doesn't seem to have any specific advantages over any of the other offerings out there. The charging is cool, but I don't think any wireless charging device so far has even been worth the cost of the charger.

The more the merrier, but right now Pebble is the clear champ. I think the best case scenario for people who actually care about this kind of product would be for one of the big guys to get in the ring, possible buy out pebble (if for nothing else then their ideas), and generate some serious numbers so consumers can actually buy these things instead of having to put your faith in a waiting list.

 

[damitssam]

Why doesn't just make a smartwatch with mp3 playback capabilities. Screw the rest. I just want a watch that can measure the heart rate, play music via bluetooth flawlessly, have a few other health apps.

Runners dream.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

By your logic, the iPhone 5 is the exact same as the iPhone 4. No difference. They both have LCD screens with a touch interface.

They are an incremental releases of the same phone by the same company in an area of technology where the typically included hardware features have almost standardised across the industry and did so years ago.

This is in contrast to a very new area of consumer electronics where the hardware included in devices has varied massively, until these guys came along.

And I did not say that this watch was exactly the same as the Pebble.

So, if this is identical to the Pebble, you believe the Pebble is utilizing Sharp's new ultra-low power screen with 1 bit memory for every pixel, allowing the screen to stay on all the time and still last 7 days?

This what Pebble uses:
http://www.sharpmemorylcd.com/1-26-inch-memory-lcd.html

That's an ultra low power Sharp "Memory" LCD which uses 1bit/pixel and the charge on Pebble typically lasts 7 days.

Woops, you're right, this watch uses the 1.28" Sharp Memory LCD rather than the 1.26" one in the Pebble.

I also didn't realize Pebble utilized a photo sensor to enable backlit pixels during night time?

Pebble has a backlight which can be activated by pushing one of the buttons or by tapping the watch or flicking your wrist (both of which use the accelerometer to detect the movement and illuminate the display.

And when did Pebble start utilizing a dual core processor with the latest Cortex M4 SoC

It's a smart watch where almost all the processing is done on the backend on the phone itself.

Bluetooth 4.0

Pebble has hardware support for BT4
http://www.slashgear.com/pebble-say...bluetooth-4-0-despite-ifixits-claim-13273736/

wireless charging?

I've conceded this. A number of times.

So before you call Agent a copycat, you might want to get your facts straight.
Here is some reading material for you.

Pretty sure based on the information i've provided, it's you who should probably do your research.

I'd also suggest you check out the UI on the apps they've shown. The music controls are identical (even using the same buttons), along with major similarities across all the other apps they display in their Kickstarter video.