Wrist watches could make a comeback if WIMM Labs has its way. Over the last few years, cellphones have largely replaced watches — because why strap a device with only one function to your arm when you can just pull your phone out of your pocket to check the time, make a call, or play Angry Birds? But what if your watch could do all those things?
WIMM Labs has introduced a new platform for a tiny Android-powered device with a 1 inch screen that you can wear on your wrist, mount to a bicycle, add to a key chain, or take anywhere you’d like to use a tiny computer.
The idea is that you can pair the device with your phone to view email, phone call, or text message notifications at a glance, or run mini-apps without using a phone at all. For now, the WIMM Platform isn’t actually for sale. But the company is hoping to get companies to incorporate the platform into their wrist computers or other devices, and later this year WIMM will offer a limited number of developer preview devices.
The WIMM Platform includes a 1 inch capacitive touchscreen display, WiFi, Bluetooth, an accelerometer, and magnetometer, and up to 32GB of storage in a water resistant package. The module measures 1.26″ x 1.4″ x 0.5″ and weighs less than an ounce. The device has a 667 MHz processor.
BetaNews got an early look at the platform and reports that the 1 inch display has a resolution of 160 x 160 pixels and features transflective display technology which means the screen is viewable outdoors using ambient lighting, but colors look a bit faded in that view. You can turn on the backlight to get a better view when you’re running apps. This should help provide decent battery life since the platform uses far less power when the backlight is off.
These really need data communication directly too, be it even just EDGE (doesn’t need to be fast)