Orsto Plus+ smartwatch has smartphone functionality

While the world waits for smartwatch products from Google, Apple and Microsoft there are models already in the field from smaller, sometimes unknown companies. One of the latest to hit crowdfunding, is the Orsto Plus+. Orsto are a UK based team who say the Plus+ is the first smartwatch to combine digital watch functionality with smartphone capabilities.

The Plus+ takes the smartwatch gadget to a new level, as it can act as a smartphone on its own or tether to a standard smartphone. Paul Gill, Orsto founder and chief engineer said “Normally a smartwatch is just a Bluetooth device that needs to have a connection to a smartphone to work. The PLUS+ Watch has that option, however, it’s a standalone wrist-mounted smartphone as well. This is a huge leap forward in personal communication and computer miniaturization. It’s truly the next generation in wearable technology.”

The watch is based around the Android 2.2 operating system and features a 740mhz dual core processor at the heart. It has GSM, GPRS and Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.0, NFC and GPS support.

The watch can make calls, browse the internet, play music and even videos on the 2 inch colour touchscreen. It can also send texts and emails, display books, navigate with the built in GPS and even play games and run applications. There are voice control capabilities built in, as well as the touchscreen support.

The watch has a 5 MP still camera built in, which also supports video recording. It has a motion sensor, a microphone, a speaker and a 800 mAh lithium ion battery built specifically for the watch.

Orsto have launched an Indiegogo campaign this week to help with Plus+ development costs. The Plus+ is wanting a $99 pledge which is $100 less than the planned retail price. If they can raise enough money they may even upgrade some of the hardware and move to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Right now the project has only raised $4,000 of the needed $128,000. If you want to help out and join in, head over to this page. More information is available from their website, here.

Kitguru says: A lot of interesting projects are being launched while we wait for one of the big market players to launch.

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