MetaWatch
The MetaWatch is a brand name of smartwatches developed by Meta Watch, Ltd. Strata MetaWatch and Frame MetaWatch are digital smartwatches released in 2012, funded by raising money via the crowd funding platform Kickstarter.[10] MetaWatch is a company founded by former Fossil engineers.[11]
Manufacturer | Meta Watch Ltd. |
---|---|
Type | smartwatch |
Release date | Strata model November 2012 |
Introductory price | $159.00 for Strata,[1] $199.00 for Frame[2] |
Operating system | FreeRTOS V6.0.5[3] |
CPU | TI MSP430 16-Bit Ultra-Low-Power Microcontroller |
Memory | 8 kB[3][4] or 16 kB[5] serial RAM |
Storage | 256 KB Flash [6] |
Display | Digital watch: 1.35 in (34 mm)[1] 96x96 pixel reflective mirror LCD display[7] Analog watch: two 16x80 OLED displays[6] covered with scratch-resistant, mineral hardened glass[8] |
Input | 6 buttons 3-axis MEMS accelerometer Ambient light sensor[7] |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.0 |
Power | 3.7V 75mAH or 120mAh Li-ion coin cell[3][5] |
Dimensions | Strata 1.74 by 1.74 by 0.5 inches (44 mm × 44 mm × 13 mm) [9] Frame 2 by 1.5 by 0.5 inches (51 mm × 38 mm × 13 mm) |
Mass | Strata: 59 grams (2.1 oz) Frame: 81 grams (2.9 oz) |
Website | www |
History
The first generation of MetaWatch watches was released as a development system in September 2011.[12] Two models were sold - analog with OLED displays (model WDS111, style AU1000) and fully digital (model WDS112, style AU2000). Both were provided with a clip for charging, flashing, and debugging.[13] For wireless connection, Bluetooth 2.1 is used via a TI CC2560 module.[14] As a serial RAM Microchip 23A640 serial is used.
Unofficial first and half generation was extended of Bluetooth 4.0 capability. Style numbers for these watches were AU2001 and AU2004.[15][16]
The second generation of MetaWatch had Bluetooth 4.0, a KXTI9 accelerometer instead of KXTF9 (using less active power), and larger battery. The 4 pins on the back of the case were multiplexed and could be either used with Spy-Bi-Wire (serialized version of JTAG) or serial out/ground. External serial RAM was larger. The clip provided with watches was for charging and reflash only. A JTAG clip for development could be bought separately.[17]
The company has now "ceased business operations" according to their automatic email response. Also, their website has been taken over by a new party.
Models
Second generation watches were sold under names Strata (model code SW12-1) and Frame (model code SW12-2). Strata has Water Resistant Mark 5 and Frame has Water Resistant Mark 3.[18] The Strata, which was focused more on value, was bulkier but more durable with its double injection-moulded polyurethane body.[19] It was also cheaper as the Kare model retailed for $140.[20] The Frame, on the other hand, was the variant targeted towards the fashion segment. The device featured a slimmer stainless steel build, smaller display, leather bands and a price tag of $199.[21] The Strata model was initially offered as an iOS-only device due to challenges in developing a version for the Android platform.[20] An Android-compatible version was later released.
In 2014, Metawatch announced Meta M1,[22] a premium smartwatch developed in collaboration with Frank Nuovo. The designer was known for his iconic works at Vertu and Nokia, where he served as a Vice President and Chief of Design. The device was launched at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show.[23]
References
- Seng, Jacqueline. "MetaWatch Strata smartwatch looks (sort of) familiar". MetaWatch Strata smartwatch looks (sort of) familiar. Jacqueline Seng. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
- Kim, Eugene. "MetaWatch Strata". MetaWatch Strata. Eugene Kim. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
- MetaWatch Firmware Design Guide (PDF). 2011.
- "23A640". microchip.com.
- MODX Systems, LLC. "Metawatch - we can flash our FRAME with STRATA fw...!!!". metawatch.org.
- http://www.metawatch.org/assets/images/developers/MetaWatch_system_overview_1.0.pdf
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-05-28. Retrieved 2013-05-18.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "2nd Update on the MetaWatch shipment". campaign-archive2.com.
- MODX Systems, LLC. "Metawatch - Dimension version Strata". metawatch.org.
- "MetaWatch STRATA: the Smartwatch for the iPhone 4S & Android". Kickstarter.
- "Meta Watch Meta M1 review: the watchmaker's smartwatch". TheVerge.
- Daniel Cooper. "Fossil's Meta Watch passes the FCC, your magic wristwatch fantasies are about to come true". Engadget. AOL.
- http://metawatch.org/assets/images/developers/MetaWatch_Reflash_your_Watch_Firmware_2.0.pdf
- "MetaWatch Hacking". dpin.de.
- MODX Systems, LLC. "Metawatch - Questions about new model". metawatch.org.
- MODX Systems, LLC. "Metawatch - Any differences internally between AU2001 & AU2004?". metawatch.org.
- MODX Systems, LLC. "Metawatch - Metawatch Store". metawatch.org.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-06-21. Retrieved 2013-05-18.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- Kelly, Gordon (June 17, 2013). "MetaWatch Strata Review | Trusted Reviews". Trusted Reviews. Retrieved 2018-09-21.
- Ziegler, Chris (July 27, 2012). "MetaWatch introduces Strata smartwatch on Kickstarter: 'iOS 6 made it possible'". The Verge. Retrieved 2018-09-21.
- Friedman, Lex (March 13, 2013). "Review: The MetaWatch Frame is a very cool smartwatch". PCWorld. Retrieved 2018-09-21.
- Adams, Ariel. "From Geek To Chic: The Meta Watch M1 Smartwatch By Frank Nuovo". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-09-22.
- Mogg, Trevor (2014-01-06). "MetaWatch unveils new high-end smartwatch by former Vertu designer". Digital Trends. Retrieved 2018-09-22.