Tag: wearable device

Smartwatch can transform into phone

A new trendy watchphone has been developed by Ukrainian startup.

Smartwatches are quickly becoming a trend, but one of the problems with this unique style of device is that if a wearer wants to make a phone call, often they need to take out their phone to make a call, but .klatz is aiming to solve that issue with its watchphone device.

Some may find this wearable technology to be more convenient than current watches on the market.

The .klatz is not actually a watch in the traditional sense. Rather, it is stiff aluminum bracelet. It does not have a standard watch face and flexible strap. The main reason is when the cuff is unfastened it can be held to the ear and become a phone.

Due to the fact that the wearable is a stiff bracelet, this may be off putting for some people, particularly those who were not happy with other devices with stiff shapes like Nike+ Fuelband, for instance. However, the one aspect that is in the .klatz’s favor is that it is available in four sizes. Therefore, consumers should have an easier time finding the right device to fit their wrist.

The gadget is available in two colors: black and red.

Like other smartwatch designs the .klatz can be paired with a mobile phone.

Currently, the device can be paired with an Android smartphone or iPhone. The company also has future plans for it to be paired with Windows Phone.

In order to activate the watch, a user merely has to glance at the screen and the time will be shown on the 384 LEDs that form the display. Other than telling the time and being able to flip it open so it can be held to the ear to talk, the device can also receive message notifications, track the wearer’s activity and gives them the power to control their music.

While the device is not waterproof, only splash and dust proof, its battery is larger than many smartwatches. The company claims that its 600mAh power pack can last for up to 10 days of standby time when compared to other smartwatches, like Samsungs Gear 2’s 300mAH battery or Motorola Moto 360’s 320mAh battery. While it charges on a little stand designed for it, the .klatz turns into a desk or bedside clock.

Currently, the company is seeking $140,000 in crowdfunding for its smartwatch device on Indiegogo. The first of the .klatz gadgets are expected to be delivered in March 2015.

Google Glass overuse has lead to a case of internet addiction

A man has been treated for internet addiction disorder brought on by excessive use of Google’s wearable tech.

The man was treated by scientists and he is believed to be the first patient to have suffered from internet addiction disorder that was allegedly caused by overusing Google Glass, which the man had reportedly been using for about 18 hour every day, only removing it to wash and sleep.

The man said he felt argumentative and irritable without the wearable gadget.

In September 2013, the 31 year old man, a US navy serviceman, checked into the US Navy’s Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program (SARP) for alcoholism treatment. For 35 days, patients who take part in the program must stay away from addictive behaviors, including alcohol, cigarettes drugs and even electronic devices.

When observing the man, the doctors noticed that he would tap his right temple with his index finger repeatedly. The man said the movement was an involuntary mimic of the action required to turn on the device. The man claimed he was going into Google Glass withdrawal. He used the device to improve his work performance. It allowed him to carry out his job faster.

It was reported that when the man first checked into the facility he was suffering from cravings, involuntary movements, memory trouble and dreaming as if he were wearing the device. By the end of the program he was less irritable, his short-term memory had improved, and he made less compulsive movements.

Internet addiction disorder and its link to Google Glass and other tech is a hot debate.

Google Glass  - addictionIt is a hot debate among psychiatrists whether internet addiction disorder is connected to conventional devices, such as personal computers and smartphones. Many researchers believe to this day that the effects of the disorder are only symptoms of other psychological problems. In fact, in the 2013 update to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it was not included as a clinical diagnosis.

However, Dr. Andrew Doan, who is the co-author of the paper on the patient, which was published in the journal Addictive Behaviors, and who is head of addictions and resilience research at the United States navy’s SARP, believes there is evidence that people suffer from the disorder.

Dr. Doan stated that “People used to believe alcoholism wasn’t a problem – they blamed the person or the people around them.” He added that “It’s just going to take a while for us to realise that this is real.” The doctor also said that while there isn’t anything “inherently bad about Google Glass” the issue with wearable tech is that while the user appears to be present in the moment, they are “almost constantly in the closet.”