Phone bracelet
Modern technologies are developing in strides. Already, we can afford a lot of convenient and practical gadgets. A simple phone or smartphone is able to replace a full-fledged computer, and this does not surprise anyone.
It would be strange if at such a pace of technological progress did not begin attempts to create the most compact and functional gadget that would combine the qualities of a full-fledged smartphone and fashion accessory.
What it is
To say that the idea of a wrist phone is a real novelty is not quite right. Similar experiments and even finished products appeared before. Already at the beginning of the 21st century, we witnessed a very rapid development of the technology and entertainment industry. From the calculator built into the watch to the full mini-computer on hand, just a few years passed.
However, it should be recognized that such products are unlikely to be found on store shelves. It is not just outdated and quickly lost its relevance, but did not even acquire due popularity because it was far from perfect. In addition, almost all such models of gadgets were rather cumbersome as accessories, looked on the hand rather ridiculous, had limited functionality and worked on the buttons.
More recently, a futuristic bracelet with a built-in projector, which not only translates the image, but makes it functional, seemed like something from the category of fiction. But as it turned out, it is quite possible to make such an accessory. Moreover, now you can see it on sale.
A smart bracelet, as sometimes called a smart projection on the arm, looks like a simple silicone or plastic strap, on its surface there is a slight thickening, which contains the main technical “stuffing”. That is, it can be easily mistaken for the simplest bracelet, because it does not have too large dimensions, and on its outer surface there is no electronics like wires or switches.
Externally, the work of such a gadget can be easily confused with a futuristic hologram. Its main component is the mechanism that projects the screen of the smartphone on your forearm. However, unlike the standard non-volume hologram, the projection screen of the phone also has functionality! In other words, you can control your gadget directly on the surface of your hand, using the projected image as a full touch screen.
This feature is the main novelty and advantage of this development. Using a similar gadget, you do not have to remove your mobile phone or smartphone from your bag or pocket every time. Using a bracelet, you can directly control your equipment, view and send messages, access the Internet, set up an organizer and much more. At the same time, the control is easy and simple, because the projection completely imitates the familiar screen of a smartphone.
Deception or a new era of high technology
Needless to say that such a technological development had its skeptics. At first glance, such a bracelet may indeed seem fiction, because to date the achievements regarding holograms and functional projections have not yet reached a new level.
However, the main developer of an unusual accessory, the company Cicret, has a lot of arguments and arguments that prove that the creation of such gadgets is really possible. There are no precise indications as to when they will go on sale and whether they will go at all. But today the most important thing is that such developments have ceased to be fiction and lead us into the present future.
A well-known developer of such bracelets has already conducted a collection of voluntary funds on crowdfunding platforms, which was very successful and allowed not only developing the technology, but also presenting the first working prototype to the world. Dispel doubts skeptics helps a complete analysis of the principle of such bracelets.
The accessory itself looks like a regular fitness bracelet, in which all the technical “stuffing” is located in a small thickening located in the central part of the gadget. In this case, there will be special proximity sensors, an accelerometer, the projector itself, as well as additional modules like USB charging, as well as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth reception. In addition, of course, it provides a nutrient and complete external protection against any mechanical damage or water, which will be carried out at the expense of the base body.
The connection with the main gadget, that is, your smartphone, comes at the expense of Wi-FI or Bluetooth modules. To date, it is assumed that the bracelet will be able to support both modes, which may be necessary depending on the type of technology used.
The projector will transmit data from the screen directly to the skin of the forearm carrier. Thus you get the image of a familiar smartphone. To date, working prototypes demonstrate a fairly high-quality picture, which retains its richness and clarity even in daylight.
Such a “hologram” is controlled by reading the location of the fingers, which is provided by eight motion sensors. The data on the movement of the fingers is transmitted back to the smartphone, where they are recognized as standard touches to the touch screen, depending on which the image changes both on your gadget and on the projection.
As a result, you get full control over your smartphone on the skin of your hand, which is very convenient and easy by design. The functionality is limited only by your gadget.
With the help of the bracelet, you can view images, read and send messages on social networks, set up an organizer, or even watch videos and run games.
There are no buttons on the surface of the bracelet. In order to activate it and start working, just shake your hand a little. The activation of the mechanisms occurs due to the reaction of the accelerometer, and in the same way it turns off.
Such an intuitively simple and at the same time functional gadget provoked a controversial reaction from potential consumers. Even now you can find a lot of not very positive comments about this development. The main points in the work of the bracelet, which cause skepticism, are the following:
- Currently, there is no such nutrient that would occupy so little space and could guarantee the full-fledged work of the projector, sensors, receivers and other components;
- The real developments of holograms and similar technologies have not yet reached such a level of development;
- Until now, there have been no photos, videos, real reviews of such bracelets;
- Custom-made bracelets that can be purchased online are a hoax.
In the prototype "wrist smartphone", which was demonstrated relatively recently, uses a rechargeable battery from USB. It really can not guarantee the continued operation of the projector and sensors.According to the developers, such a gadget can be in an active state for no more than 2-3 hours, but on the other hand, it does not imply too long work for it, like watching movies or a protracted game.
Such bracelets are not a complete hologram. They assume only the usual light design of the image on the skin, which is combined with the reading of the movement of the fingers. Technically, this is possible, because today all the necessary elements already exist. But the intended sensors do not have high accuracy, so the projected image and the controls on it must be quite large so that the reading of the movements can be correct.
Also important is the speed of data transmission via Wi-FI or Bluetooth. Miniature sensors that provide such a connection between a bracelet and a smartphone do exist, but the quality of communication provided by them may remain in question. For comfortable use of the gadget, you need the highest possible data transfer rate, so that the use of the projection completely imitates the touch screen without any delays.
The main reason why the overall impression of the development is spoiled is fraudsters. Now on the Internet you can find a lot of sellers who offer similar gadgets at a very high price. As a rule, after purchase, a simple silicone case without all the technical “stuffing” will come to you by mail.
In addition, even a commercial for a crowdfunding campaign made using computer graphics. The fact is that his task was to demonstrate the main idea of the developer, as well as the possible prospects of such a bracelet. Of course, the final result, taking into account all the technological nuances, may differ dramatically from the idea shown in the video, and this must be taken into account.
On the other hand, the developer has already managed to prove that the main functionality of the bracelet can actually be created. In addition, during the further development it is planned to complement the capabilities of the bracelet. For example, LEDs may appear in it to indicate the status, the presence of incoming messages and calls, as well as additional space for the memory drive.
There are still debates about how realistic it is to implement the final idea in its full scope. In the end, according to the developer of the bracelet phone, he should completely replace the touch screen of the smartphone. On the other hand, the gadget is a projection device, so you still have to carry the phone to which it is connected.
Main producers
The development and production of smart bracelets are inextricably linked with the name Cicret. This company was the first to present the idea of such a gadget to the world, launched a promotional video on the Internet with a demonstration of a potential outcome, and also started a crowdfunding company, which, by the way, was quite successful.
In fact, the license for such technology belongs exclusively to this company. This is another reason to beware of various fraudsters, who can offer unique counterparts, more reminiscent of a rubber wrist watch under all sorts of non-existent "brand" names. Actually, it is best to follow the development and ready-made models of the “smart” bracelet through the official website of the company Cicret.
The main problem of technology, which can seriously undermine the possibility of its full publication, is a huge number of scammers. It is because of the massive frauds and high expectations that quite a few skeptics and negatively-minded consumers have appeared.
This can be quite a serious obstacle to the mass launch of bracelets in production, as the developer himself believes.It is also worth noting that Cicret initially stressed the technological difficulties, especially the need for serious software development, which, perhaps, to date, no one large IT company has.
That is why the final model that the company will be able to offer may differ dramatically from what we see on commercials. Nevertheless, the gadget can properly perform its main task and most importantly, accommodate all the stated technical modules, which in itself will be a serious step in the future.
Overview of existing gadgets
Many may be surprised or even alerted by the fact that there are no complete analyzes of such bracelets on the global network. Today you can find the official promotional video of the company Cicret or similar videos recorded by professional fraudsters.
We note right away that the video of the official developer was created for the crowdfunding company and for demonstrating the potential of such a technology, so it does not have the goal of fooling anyone. Moreover, today this company has provided a novelty - the first working prototype of a smart bracelet.
Outwardly, he is practically no different from the one that was shown in the promotional video. The work of the projector is also credible, since the image on the hand can be seen quite brightly and clearly, while the developer demonstrated the work of the gadget in sunlight.
The functionality has changed noticeably. Moreover, the projected image now resembles a bright and stylized screen of a familiar modern smartphone. This is rather a simplified menu, in which the main role is played by large icons that allow you to read the message, go to the gallery, list of mobile contacts or organizer. This is due to the fact that at the moment the sensors for reading the location of the fingers do not yet have sufficient accuracy.
According to official Cicret, development is still in the process, so it’s too early to say that the company has completely failed. As you can see, in the prototype of the bracelet, at least the nutrient element, the projector, the motion sensors, the accelerometer, and the modules for data exchange are already successfully used. The main task now facing developers is to improve the software for better data transfer, so that the work of the smart bracelet complies with the model shown in the video as much as it is possible today.
So far, the official gadget developer has expressed doubts that he will be ready for massive sales in the coming year.
In order to get an impressive result, Cicret has yet to work. According to preliminary data, the finished bracelet will cost about $ 400.
Specifications
Far from the last thing that connoisseurs of technological innovations are interested in - the characteristics of the “phone of the future”. It is important to understand that any technology is developed taking into account the fact that it will have to interact with other elements that are currently available. On this depends not only the convenience of the gadget itself, but also the relevance of certain phone models, software, operator cards and other things.
According to developer Cicret, the smart bracelet is designed to be perfectly compatible with current technologies that have become familiar to us. This is quite logical, because at the moment such a gadget is supposed to be an addition to an existing smartphone, and not a complete replacement. Although it is worth noting, potentially this possibility exists, because in the bracelet it is planned to provide for a SIM card slot.
This “add-on” is suitable for any type of mobile phone that has a touch screen and supports the operating system like android or ios.To connect to the gadget, you will need to install a small software, which, most likely, can be obtained with the gadget or on the official website of the developer.
As mentioned earlier, such a gadget will be charged from a standard USB-module, and there will be enough energy for 2-3 hours of active work. It is assumed that in addition to designing the screen of the smartphone, it will also have additional memory, a vibration module notifying of incoming calls, messages, or any other important notifications, or an LED counterpart that can also display an indication of the device status.
A similar test model was offered on the website of the trooogooods implementer, who also supplied various “smart watches”. In addition, the bracelet can be supplemented with its own memory module or used in conjunction with your phone for receiving and making calls. It is also assumed that the opportunity to create a special secret key on the smartphone will be available, allowing you to block or activate the gadget to protect yourself from being used by unauthorized people.
Reviews
As you can see, a smart accessory has mixed reviews for the time being. Basically, the first impression is spoiled by the massive appearance of fraudsters who managed to fool unsuspecting consumers, hiding behind the name of a real developer company. At the same time, Cicret presented a working prototype to the world, which looks quite impressive and opens up serious potential for further development.