We use our wearables to do everything from make a call to track our health, but even though they include multiple features, it's close to impossible to really control every smart device you have from these gadgets.
Instead of having to open various apps on your smartphone to do things like open the garage door or turn on the lights, this wearable lets users hack their smart devices to be able to control them all from their wrist.
Now, you might be thinking this is probably impossible for you because you don't know the first thing about hacking. However, you do not have to be a developer, and in fact need zero experience in order to customize and program the wearable to meet your needs.
The Nex Band is the modular smart band that features five touch-sensitive buttons called Mods that can be programmed to allow the user to control devices and manage apps and notifications.
Created by the Canada-based company Mightycast, users simply download the Nex app to be able to create functions and assign them to one of the five buttons. These programming shortcuts are called Hacks.
To hack the wearable, the user taps on the Mod they want to program and taps on "create a hack." Then, they use the "When/Do" platform to program that button with a few commands. For example, tap on "When" and "double tap" to have the app recognize this command as when I do blank, then blank. The user then taps "Do" and selects what they want that button to do — such as become a music controller.
The band can be programmed to light up with specific colors or patterns when the user gets an Instagram notification or when your favorite baseball team hits a home run, for example. Some other Nex notifications include seeing a specific color when a friend calls or texts, if your friend is nearby your location, when you just reached a fitness goal or to get a weather update.
These light patterns are perfect for when the user is in a meeting and cannot check their phone, or needs to actually see an alert to remind them to do a task.
The buttons can also be pushed to do things like start the coffee machine, open the garage door or send a pre-written email.
Nex partnered with companies like Spotify, Nest, Hue and Ifttt to be able to provide users with various kinds of hacks to be able to control IoT devices from their wrists.
The Nex Band has a battery life of up to three days, with it taking two to three hours to charge. It features a lithium-polymer battery, a three-axis accelerometer and vibration motor and is water-resistant. The wearable pairs to the smartphone via Bluetooth 4.0 and comes in black or cream.
Mightycast launched an Indiegogo campaign to help fund the wearable, which is also now available for preorder on its website. Nex retails for $99.95, but those who back the crowdfunding campaign can order it for $89 plus shipping as part of the early bird special.
The Nex Band is expected to start shipping this June, but it will only be compatible with the iPhone 4s and later. Android support will come later this year.
Source: Indiegogo
