Is this the ultimate smart watch? ‘Wrist communicator’ connects to ANY smartphone to make calls, sent texts and access web and apps.
Samsung has Galaxy Gear, Apple is rumoured to be working on an iWatch and you’ve probably seen the Pebble.
But a new smartwatch on the block claims to be cleverer thanimg its rivals because it offers an experience much closer to using a smartphone.
It can connect to both iOS and Android devices to allow a wearer to make calls and send and receive text messages, as well as offering full web access and a number of other features.
The Rufus Cuff is currently a prototype but will have a 3-inch screen once the Los Angeles-based start-up, Rufus Labs, has raised the cash required to put it into production.
It said: ‘The Rufus Cuff ends the era of the watch and ushers in the Wrist Communicator.’
The watch cannot connect to a phone network on its own, but digitally linked up to a smartphone, users will be able to make and receive voice and video calls plus text messages. Vibrating and light alerts will be used to let users known when they have mail or a call.
‘If you don’t want your call overheard, simply switch off the speaker and continue by holding your wrist up to your ear or put the call back on your smartphone,’ the firm said.
It has a built-in microphone and camera and runs a full Android operating system so wearers can use apps listed on the Google Play store.
Users will be able to scroll through social media feeds and use popular apps like Skype and WhatsApp, while a full web browser will let them access the internet without restrictions.
It will also have GPS and accelerometer and gyroscope on board so it can support lots of fitness apps and count steps taken, calories burned and distance travelled.
A Bluetooth connection will allow users to manage music playlists or take photos on their smartphone remotely.
Gabe Grifoni, CEO and co-founder of the start-up told Mashable that he was inspired to create the watch while driving back from CES 2013, having seen plenty of smart watches but thinking that they could be
done better.
‘Smartwatches are cool – a good start to where we should be going – but this is where we should be.’
Mr Grifoni hopes that one day smart watches will replace smartphones and said that while his device has a big screen and is bulky, it is easy to wear – even for small wrists – because the weight is distributed over a greater area.
The Rufus Cuff can be ordered on Indiegogo, where it is priced at $239 (£142) for early birds ranging to $888 (£531) for a completely customised version.
At the time of writing the campaign has raised $125,000 (£74,707) of its $200,000 (£119,531) target with 13 days left and delivery of the gadget is expected in September.
