Since the first generation, Apple iPhone wasn't equipped
with a microSD slot. Google also did the same when released Nexus S, and this
trend was still maintained until the newest generation, Nexus 6. But more
surprisingly, the Samsung Galaxy S6 also came without a microSD slot after
keeping it for generations.
For those smartphones, the only option when the internal
storage starts to get full is by utilizing cloud storage service. Dropbox,
iCloud, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive are the most popular cloud storage
services at this time. But one thing that becomes the weakness of these
services is users can't access the digital archive stored inside the cloud
storage without internet connection.
As an alternative, you can use an external hard drive
which's equipped with wireless feature. Such hard drive usually can be used as
a hotspot, which means the smartphone or tablet can access the stored files
through a local Wi-Fi network, or without an internet connection. But not all
people want to bring that kind of external hard drive everywhere. Most people
want to use something compact when mobiling.
A smartwatch named ReVault wants to resolve this issue.
Basically, ReVault is an external hard drive that 'disguised' as smartwatch.
There are two capacity variants offered: 32 GB or 128 GB, perhaps it's not too
big, but it's quite good to accommodate your files.
Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi N, ReVault can also
create their own access point so your mobile devices can directly connect with
it when there is no Wi-Fi networks around. Various kinds of files that are
stored in the ReVault, such as photos, videos or documents can be accessed
directly using its companion application on Android, iOS, PC, Mac or Linux. You
want to watch a movie? Open the ReVault application and watch the film without
having to move it to a smartphone or tablet first.
ReVault also offers an auto-backup and auto-synchronize
features. It means that the photos you take using the smartphone can be
directly forwarded to ReVault, then when you want to edit the photos, the
synchronization will run automatically. But most importantly, all of this takes
place without having to rely on an internet connection.
And what's about the security aspect? All the data you store
in ReVault are encrypted and you can enable the two-factor authentication
option on companion application to avoid people who want to steal your data.
Physically ReVault doesn't look much different from other
smartwatches in general. The body is made of stainless steel and is resistant
to water splashes - no information whether ReVault can be taken for swimming or
not. There are three types of straps offered: stainless steel tapered,
stainless steel mesh and black leather.
Nevertheless, ReVault also can be used as a necklace or key
chain. A 1.54-inch screen with a resolution of 240 x 240 and a layer of Gorilla
Glass 3 will feature a wide range of watch face. The developer also plans to
release APIs so that other developers can design different kinds of watch
faces.
ReVault battery is claimed can last up to three days with
normal usage. When the battery runs out, ReVault can be charged by using your
smartphone's Qi wireless charger for about 1.5 hours.
If you are interested, you can order ReVault in Indiegogo
for $ 199 for the 32 GB variant, or $ 299 for 128 GB variant - not including
the cost of international shipping.