Blocks modular smartwatch lets you build wristwear for every occasion
From rock climbing in the country to taming the treadmill, this transforming smartwatch concept has you covered
Remember Google’s Project Ara modular phone concept? It lets you swap out individual components like the camera and processor without having to upgrade to a brand new device.
Blocks is a smartwatch that looks set to do the same by letting you clip together combinations of different modules to create the ideal smartwatch for different situations. And, sensibly, most of those modules slot together to form the bracelet, so the main body doesn’t need to be much more complicated than that of a regular smartwatch (although you can swap the screen out).
Modules range from extra batteries to screens, cameras, processors and GPS radios. If you’re heading down to the gym then you might opt for a heart rate sensor and pedometer, for example.
If you’re off on a long hike however, you might want to add in an extra battery and GPS module to make sure you don’t end up lost and stranded.
An 8MP camera and a SIM card for uploading snaps directly from your watch might be the better choice for a night out, especially if you’re prone to leaving your phone in the thieving embrace of a black cab seat.
Like modular phone concepts, the possibilities are vast, and very exciting – but Blocks is currently only in the ‘working prototype’ stage.
While the Blocks team is aiming to launch device in the first half of 2015, it’s set to debut on a crowdsourcing site soon to get the ball rolling – so stay tuned.
Update 14/10/14: The Blocks smartwatch has made the list of finalists in Intel’s Make It Wearable challenge, which kicks off on 3 November in Berkeley, California.
So far the project’s been awarded US$50,000 by Intel, and it’s in the running to win an additional US$500,000.
If you fancy diving in early then you could be one of the first 1000 exclusive members to reserve their own Blocks smartwatch on 16 October, with a US$50 deposit.
That’ll nab you a super early bird price when the crowd-funding campaign launches early next year, so it shouldn’t be too long before you’re strutting around amongst your Moto 360-toting friends with an air of superiority.
Esat Dedezade
Contributor 
