TechTheDay

Wearable devices are already becoming popular although not as much as smartphones and tablets are. Most of these devices are wrist-worn, which is perhaps the most convenient way to use them. From the Sony Smart Watch to Pebble and the Apple Watch, wrist-worn wearable devices barely have anything that distinguishes them from each other. They are all smart wristwatches with small displays that make it not so comfortable doing swipes and pressing on-screen buttons.

Things may start changing soon as a new wearable device for the wrist aims to offer something beyond the usual. This is the Cicret bracelet, a screenless wearable device at first look but is actually capable of offering a larger display compared to smart watches. It looks just like a typical bracelet but it is equipped with a pico projector that creates an interactive display/interface on the arm of its wearer.

Specs

The Cicret bracelet promises a device that transforms its wearer’s arm into a tablet or smartphone screen. Details on the different parts of the bracelet have not been released by the company but it is bound to have a pico projector, an accelerometer, long range proximity sensor, and vibrator. In terms of connectivity, it will be equipped with low energy Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi radio, and a micro USB port. Of course, it will also have a processor, an LED indicator, memory card, and a snap button. It’s still uncertain if a SIM card slot and 3G/4G radio will be added to the device.

Features and Operation

The Cicret bracelet will allow users to read emails, watch videos, and play games on the skin of their arms. They may even be able to make and take phone calls. Having Cicret is supposed to be similar to the experience of having a full-size smartphone right on your wrist. It is activated by half-twisting the wrist, similar to how the camera is activated in recent Motorola smartphones. The device is planned to be available in 10 colors and in 16GB and 32GB variants. Also, the Cicret bracelet is supposed to be waterproof or at least splash-resistant, as shown in the demo video posted on YouTube.

Development and Availability

Unfortunately for those who are already very excited about this new device, the Cicret bracelet is not yet ready for commercial release. The inventors are saying that they need €700,000 in funding to be able to finish the first prototype of the device. Additional €300,000 will be required for the development of the app for all platforms.

According to Guillaume Pommier, Cicret co-founder, first prototype should be ready in the later part of December this year. It will become available to the public in about 18 months, bearing a price tag of around $400. The company, however, is warning potential buyers not to trust any website that will launch any order/pre-order program since there is no device to sell yet.

Premature Marketing and Criticisms

A promo video for the device has been posted on YouTube and has gone viral. It now has almost 5 million views. There are many who express interest in the idea and are very interested in buying one. However, there are also those who express doubts if the device can really become a reality. Some are criticizing Cicret for the premature marketing when there is no actual prototype of the product yet. The promo video is only showing simulated images of what can be expected from the final product.

It’s also unclear how Cicret plans on addressing the battery issue that will most likely affect the device. Most smart watches at present have batteries that leave a lot to be desired. For the Cicret bracelet, given its power-consuming pico projector and array of sensors, battery consumption is expectedly going to be greater. On the other hand, the display may also not be as bright as what the demo videos are trying to show. The evenness of the resulting display also does not seem that achievable considering how the skin on the arms aren’t completely flat. How does the company plan to make the pico projector fixedly aimed at the right direction and with the right angle to make sure that the projected display is even in terms of form and brightness?

Hopefully, Cicret can demonstrate an actual prototype soon to assure potential buyers that the technology really does exist and to prove that the device is marketable and reliable enough for everyday use. This device is doubtlessly promising, if only it can have a good battery life and the projected display would behave in the way it was simulated on video.