The makers of the stand-alone smartwatch Neptune Pine are back in the mix with a new wearable computer that uses a smartphone, but only as an interface.
The Neptune Duo features a Hub, a bangle style wearable computer, will allow users to make calls and text messages, check into various social networking sites, track fitness data, and more from their wrist. The companion “Pocket” screen, which looks like a smartphone, acts as a keyboard, track pad or monitor.
You can reserve the set today with a variety of payment options ranging from zero down and $798 at shipment, to $199 down and $399 at shipment. The more you put down, the bigger the savings. You can also pre order the Duo for a full up-front payment of $498.
The Neptune Duo’s creator, 20-year-old Simon Tian, tells Engadget that the purpose of the set is to “evolve our relationship with wearables.” Why settle for a smartwatch with limited capabilities when you can make it your main device and use a second screen to interact more conveniently?
The Hub includes a 2.4-inch capacity touch screen. It will house a quad-core processor with 64GB onboard storage, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and GPS. It will support 3G and 4G LTE, as well as 802.11 Wi-Fi connectivity. It also includes a speaker, microphone, and vibration monitor, as well as an accelerometer, gyroscope, and digital compass.
The Duo runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop.
The Pocket is a second screen interface with a five-inch 1280 x 720 HD resolution display. It features an 8 MP rear-facing camera with LED flash and a 2 MP front-facing camera with It has a port for headphones, and also includes a speaker, microphone, and vibration monitor, as well as an accelerometer and gyroscope.
It will allow users to type messages with a larger keyboard, interact with data sent from the Hub, play videos, and other activities that a larger screen is useful for. The Pocket is interchangeable. You could even borrow someone else’s if yours is not nearby.
The Pocket also doubles as a battery pack. If the Hub runs low on juice, the Pocket will be able to recharge it. The developers claim the Duo will be able to last a few days of normal use on a single charge.
While the Duo seems like something the average consumer isn’t ready for (the bangle style Hub looks bulky and awkward), the concept makes sense. If we are moving toward wearable computing in general, this combo is definitely the start of a new era.
Smartwatches are just too small to perform all activities, but having a second screen for certain interactions could make the process easier. I just wish the Hub wasn’t so big and uncomfortable looking.
Hard to believe that folks used to be able to get by with a home phone, pay phones and watch batteries used to last for a couple of years. I’m sure with all this technology @ our fingertips we’ll end hunger, war, and achieve everlasting world harmony because we can now get facebook updates without taking our phones out of our pockets….
Palm Foleo? I can’t imagine having to use a second device while I usually already carry around a smart phone. Yes, I want a watch that I can make phone calls with. But, no, I don’t want to have to carry around a companion thing whatsoever. And the argumentation on neptune’s website is absurd: “Never worry about forgetting your phone again”. Well, yeah, now I have to worry about a phone-sized one-trick pony. If the Hub were standalone – great, I even like the design. But still requiring a companion misses the point imho.
The Hub actually is stand-alone. The Pocket is used for additional usefulness, like a larger screen, bigger keyboard, or trackpad. If you leave the Pocket at home, you will still be able to use the Hub.
sounds good. Haven’t read anything about waterproofness, which is mandatory at least for me.
I like the concept. Hey, I’d even be willing to preorder if it weren’t for the lack of details. My problems are: 1) lack of details on the processor (quad-core can mean anything from four A5 cores to four A57 cores or 2 A7s and 2A15, 2) lack of detailed dimensions as if I am to be wearing something constantly, I want to know that it fits well (yeah, bangles can theoretically fit you even if they are way too big but you don’t care if they’re flipping about while something with a screen that you have to see shouldn’t). Also, is the pocket the only way to interact or does it have its own touch screen for more limited interactions? I’ll check the video later. I could see myself upgrading to this but unfortunately only if it comes out with GOOD specs and before one of the new flagship devices (as I am in a desperate need for an upgrade).
Also, what’s the resolution? The lack of a camera would also be a hit as they’ve become such a basic part of our lives.
Thanks for mentioning that you’d like more specifications. I’ve added additional information to the post. Hope that helps.