Gizmodo
The gadget: The PHOSPHOR brand E-Ink Watch. It's the world's first dual analog and digital watch with its digital display background appearing in E-Ink. It's like a Kindle that only tells time.
The Price: $250
The Experience: The watch has a simple, retro design that can easily dress up to a collar or down to jeans and a nice tee. The stitched leather band is hefty—and it needs to be—because the watch itself reminds me of my thick, inherited pocket watch that once belonged to my grandfather.
While the watch has analog hour and minute hands, the face is an E-Ink display. This display can swap between a white background with black numbers and a black background with white numbers. The black version is pretty slick, though the large, permanent "E-Ink" writing on top ruins the effect a bit.
To swap between the styles, you just hit a button and wait for a moment as the watch refreshes. It's so easy, we then wondered why the watch didn't come with more preprogrammed face designs. Because while you can choose to eliminate all of the analog-style hours and hashes, you're really only tweaking their generic base option. Why not include some more intricate designs, or just more designs period?
Also, while the watch automatically refreshes the E-Ink to update the digital display, the second hand never lined up with the display. It's a small point, but for watch enthusiasts, it's an important one.
The Verdict: For $250, the PHOSPHOR E-Ink Watch isn't a bad purchase for those who enjoy their geek gear. But given the missed opportunities—not just technically, but stylistically—we'd wait for the next version. [phosphor]
Comments
I don't reallly like the look of the face of the watch.
I've got an analog-digital watch that's pretty basic, but I can put phone numbers on it. It just takes about 5 minutes to enter them.
I'll take my $20 atomic watch over this any day. Get the digital time and the analog time to sync and I'll consider...
I didn't think this is possible. It's a product that makes the Kindle look like a good idea.
It think it's nice actually. Just about $150 too expensive. And assuming that you can turn off the "E-Ink" logo.
@ryan7107: E-Ink logo stays, unfortunately.
How 'bout a USB port and some downloadable "themes" to go with that high price tag? Different fonts, roman numerals, etc. would make this a pretty nice piece to have...plus a steel wristband option (only leather/poly are available)
I can't wait till they come out with E-ink Gauge clusters and Gauge pods for cars.
Why isn't SAIFDS banned yet?
@bitfactory: agreed.
While the idea of an e-paper is interesting, I don't see the value without something like SPOT service. And of course, SPOT wasn't a good idea. I can't imagine wanting to change the watchface that many times between black and white versions - there just isn't enough variation.
But everything has its first iteration. Combine this with bluetooth to get some SMS and missed call info from my phone and a color e-paper display, maybe it'll be interesting - easier to match with any outfit.
People still wear watches?
Uh, considering the wristwatch was perfected many decades ago by the Swiss, what's the point of this?
Having the word: "E-Ink" on the watch makes it look cheap.. Most people have no idea what e-ink is and they'll think it's some cheapo watch.
Looks kinda reminiscent of a silver-plated whitewall from a model of a 1954 Mercury Monterey Convertible - I'll give it that,
but black and white only with the "E-Ink"... Pfffft.
Phosphor is proof that e-ink isn't just about e-books. At first look, it appears to be just another boring wristwatch. On close inspection, however, it turns out to be a boring wristwatch with an e-ink display and a $250 pricetag.
For myself and many others, our cellphones have replaced our watches (the time HAS to be right on CDMA phones or they won't work. I don't know about the other technologies). That being said, it leaves the watch market primarily to those wanting to make a jewelry statement.
WIth jewelry, the economic force of "conspicuous consumption" takes hold - i.e. the MORE expensive (or seemingly more expensive) the more desirable. MEH!
I'm hoping it is, or will be, hackable. I noticed the second hand not lining up almost immediately; it's irritating. It's big. It's heavy. The e-ink logo never goes away (yet). The display, as with most e-ink displays, actually looks pretty good, though.
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