The Blocks smartwatch is a modular watch that allows customers to decide what features they want to have in their wearable.
After a successful campaign on Kickstarter, the device is now available for preorder at the price of $330 with additional charges for shipping. The estimated shipping date is scheduled to begin in June 2016.
Earning a total pledged amount of $1,613,874, which clearly exceeded the initial $250,000 goal, Blocks is the world's first modular smartwatch compatible with iPhones and Android devices.
"It works with iOS 8 and above, on iPhone 4s and above," states the project page on Kickstarter. "It also works with all Android 4.0+ phones including those from LG, Motorola, Sony, Samsung, HTC, Xiaomi and more."
What sets Blocks apart from other wearables is how its users are able to customize its features.
The watch has two key parts: the Core and the Modules that make up the strap. The Core is the watch face that contains the features one would expect from a standard smartwatch, such as phone notifications, voice control, activity tracking, a color touch screen, Bluetooth, WiFi and haptic feedback. The Core has 1.5 days of battery life.
The Modules are linked to form the strap of the watch. Each of the Modules is equipped with a unique feature, so users can swap out and connect several modules according to their needs.
"Each module has its own special feature," says Blocks on its website. "Only choose the ones that you need and make your own unique device."
What makes Blocks even more interesting is that users don't have to restart the watch each time they connect a new model, as it will automatically start to work.
Customers are assured of getting at least four Modules as part of the preorder price. Additional modules will cost $35 each. Currently, the available Modules are Heart Rate, Extra Battery, NFC Contactless payments, GPS and Adventure. Upcoming Modules include Fingerprint, SIM Card, LED and a Programmable Button. The team behind blocks is also looking into the possibility of developing Modules for Flash Memory, Camera, Stress Levels and Air Quality.
Since it is in an open platform, Blocks gives certain companies or individuals access to develop more Modules in the future. These can range from gaming and sports to healthcare, workplace or academic research. As stated in its Kickstarter page, the Blocks smartwatch is a future-proof wearable that will provide users with the ability to keep up with the latest technology without the need to buy a whole new smartwatch.
The wearable's open design also offers infinite possibilities as users can customize the removable covers in order to easily match their taste and the occasion. Some of the possible designs include 3D-printed covers, covers carved from wood and the use of precious materials such as gemstones.
Customers who are preordering in the United States will be billed with a shipping fee of $11, while those from outside the United States will have to pay $15 for shipping.
