The smartwatch still hasn’t really taken off. It’s a device everyone wants to get right, but no one has. There have a been a small handful of watches released, some basic and others more advanced, but we have yet to see any real, noteworthy response from consumers that indicate these will truly be the future of mobile smart gadgets.
The folks behind Androidly are hoping to make the first great smartwatch. Made up of a small team of just four, the group of tech enthusiasts issued a press release announcing the launch of its new product: the first smartwatch powered by Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the newest version of Google’s mobile OS.
Unlike many other smartwatches, this one doesn’t pair with your own phone but instead functions as its own freestanding device. Users will be able to make calls, Bond-style, through the watch’s built-in microphone and speaker or pair it with a Bluetooth headset. It will come with 8GB internal storage that can be expanded up to 16GB, 256MB RAM, a two-inch, 320 x 240 pixel display, and even comes with a modest 2-megapixel camera. It’s Wi-Fi-enabled and yes, it can still connect to the Google Play Store, though we’re not sure just how well all of the apps will fair on the smaller, horizontal screen. At first glance, the phone has an attractive, sporty design, and looks like it will be available in both black and white.
The device is still in its early production stages, but is available for pre-order now on the company’s website and, starting June 23, a Kickstarter campaign will launch to help fund initial cost. The phone will be available for $230, though as of now, we’re not sure just when it will begin shipping.
