Not long ago, Android Wear fans felt disappointed with the
news that LG Watch Urbane 2 was not released. Many who put high expectations on
this smartwatch because it's the first Android Wear smartwatch that's equipped
with cellular connectivity, which means it can be operated independently
without having to connect to a smartphone.
Now a startup from Hong Kong, Omate, wants to offer similar
product, the smartwatch named Omate Rise is not running with Android Wear as
its operating system, but Android 5.1 Lollipop just like the OS in the
smartphones.
In other words, Omate Rise can be considered as a
smartphone. It's equipped with a microSIM card slot to enable the cellular
connectivity - 3G only. At the same time, users can also treat it like a
regular smartwatch by connecting it to a smartphone (Android or iOS) via
Bluetooth.
But of course the display of Android OS that's used by Omate
Rise is different than in smartphones, considering its rounded screen is only
measuring 1.3 inch, with a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels. Here Omate has
tethered the OUI 4.0 skin in order to navigate the Omate Rise with ease.
Physically, the body of Omate Rise is made of polycarbonate
material with carbon fiber bezel. Not too special indeed, but at least its
screen has been coated with sapphire glass and it is waterproof up to a depth
of 1 meter. There is only one button on the right side, while the diameter of
this smartwatch is about 44 mm with 22 mm strap.
In addition to bring a series of sensors that are needed for
fitness tracking functions, the Omate Rise is also powered by 1.2 GHz dual-core
processor, 512 MB RAM and 4 GB internal memory - without a microSD slot. The
battery capacity is about 580mAh, slightly larger than the regular Android Wear
smartwatches’ batteries.
On December 7, 2015, its crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo
will begin. But consumers only have 48 hours to book this smartwatch. The price
offered is range from $ 200, including heart-rate monitor accessory that can be
attached to the chest.