SQFMI, short for Squarofumi, is a group that calls itself as made of "art and technology enthusiasts, bringing transformative ideas to life". Their latest project, Watchy, is a $50 open-source e-ink smartwatch with a distinctive look. It was recently available on Tindie but after selling out, SQFMI launched a CrowdSupply campaign to help get it to others.

When SQFMI claims that their smartwatch is fully open source, they mean it as both the hardware and software are open source, with the related documentation made freely available. This Arduino-powered smartwatch was designed with tinkerers in mind so that they can make a unique timepiece. However, it's also useable as-is out of the box and will already look unlike most other smartwatches out there with its 1.54-inch e-ink screen and barebones aesthetics as the PCB itself is used as the body. But given its open source nature, users can 3D print a casing and even customize their straps. Backers on the CrowdSupply campaign will also get a 3D-printed case when purchasing the kit (starting at $50 for early bird). There's also a fancy aluminium case purchasable during the campaign for $40 (without the Watchy kit).

As for the 'smart' aspects of Watchy, it features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE connectivity, allowing it to connect with internet APIs (such as weather, news, traffic, maps, Spotify), as well as to Bluetooth LE enabled devices. As for additional specs details, you can find more below:

• Ultra-low-power e-paper 1.54" display with 200 x 200 resolution and wide viewing angle
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth LE connectivity
• 3-axis accelerometer with gesture detection
• Real-time clock for accurate time keeping with calendar and alarm functions
• Built-in USB-to-serial adapter for programming on the go
• Vibration motor for alerts
• Four tactile buttons
• Open source hardware & software
• Tons of examples & cool watch faces
• 3D case designs (stls) to customize your watchy (and watch straps)
• New injection-molded plastic case

Watchy's campaign ends on March 16, 2021 and SQFMI claims that they are "confident to mass produce and deliver the version of Watchy offered in this campaign with quality and on time" as they have their own manufacturing line, as well as established close partnerships with several other manufacturers to help us scale. But as is usually the case with crowdfunding projects, a level of caution is advised.

We also have an official review for the Watchy in the works to help you get a better idea as to what to expect from this device; so keep an eye out for it!

Watchy CrowdSupply Campaign

 

[ertaboy356b]

I used to have a smartwatch, but then the battery swells and the screen popped off the watch.

 

[MikaDubbz]

Eventually our smartphones will be able to just wrap around our hands like a bracelet and be able to double as a watch. Maybe at that point I might finally get interested in this idea of a smart device being wrapped around my wrist.

 

[J-Machine]

this looks cool but unless they give that thing a real case...

 

[Seriel]

I feel like this is a lot of years after when these things were seen as revolutionary.

As an owner of a Pebble Time I see absolutely zero (Actually negative, fuck microusb) reasons to take this one instead, except maybe slightly less reliability on a nearby phone.

 

[Worldblender]

It's nice to see another open-source smartwatch project here.
Another project, the PineTime at https://www.pine64.org/pinetime/, has existed for a little longer, and it has multiple OSes already, despite being microcontroller-based. Even though it's actually rebranded, the dev kit costs only $25, and packs some descent features.

 

[Seriel]

It's nice to see another open-source smartwatch project here.
Another project, the PineTime at https://www.pine64.org/pinetime/, has existed for a little longer, and it has multiple OSes already, despite being microcontroller-based. Even though it's actually rebranded, the dev kit costs only $25, and packs some descent features.

Woah now something like this makes me think twice about my (aging) Pebble Time.
Is the dev kit even recommended as usable for an everyday watch? Sometimes those things look nothing like the actual product which is annoying when you have to wait longer for release

 

[Worldblender]

Woah now something like this makes me think twice about my (aging) Pebble Time.
Is the dev kit even recommended as usable for an everyday watch? Sometimes those things look nothing like the actual product which is annoying when you have to wait longer for release

The dev kit comes as pictured, I think. There also exists a 3-pack of a sealed version of this product, but which costs $74.97.
From https://pine64.com/product/pinetime-dev-kit/:

• The PineTime Dev Kit aimed solely for development purpose only, this is not for end user who is looking for ready to wear Smart Watch. More specifically, only intend for these units to find their way into the hands of developer with extensive embedded OS experience and an interest in Smart Watch development.

• The PineTime Dev Kit is a development kit, not a fully assembled smartwatch. Please note that the main unit and cover does not snap (lock) together. In the ready-to-wear PineTime, both pieces using waterproof silicon glue to glue together.

You could try, if you take enough precautions.

 

[FAST6191]

I tell the time by looking at the sky, and don't have a phone to pair it to, however having a fancy watch you can actually do things with and maybe repair after the original devs did not make all the money sounds like something I would be about.

 

[phreaksho]

They lost me at Micro USB, sorry.

At least it's not mini USB.. lol

 

[Jayro]

At least it's not mini USB.. lol

At least Mini USB didn't break if it looked at it wrong...

 

[Deleted User]

everyone's complaining about micro usb but forgetting that it's literally just a $50 watch, usb c is expensive to implement

 

[Worldblender]

everyone's complaining about micro usb but forgetting that it's literally just a $50 watch, usb c is expensive to implement

Apparently, also from Pine64, they also have a smart soldering iron called the Pinecil. It costs $24.99 and it has USB-C. It also has a RISC-V based CPU and small LCD screen.
From https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/?v=0446c16e2e66 and https://www.pine64.org/pinecil/

 

[Deleted User]

Apparently, also from Pine64, they also have a smart soldering iron called the Pinecil. It costs $24.99 and it has USB-C.
From https://pine64.com/product/pinecil-smart-mini-portable-soldering-iron/?v=0446c16e2e66 and https://www.pine64.org/pinecil/

you don't transfer data to a soldering iron

 

[Worldblender]

you don't transfer data to a soldering iron

The USB-C port, after some more reading, does support data transfer for updating the firmware of the soldering iron. That's one of the reasons it's called "smart".

 

[Deleted User]

The USB-C port, after some more reading, does support data transfer for updating the firmware of the soldering iron. That's one of the reasons it's called "smart".

i'm used to "smart" soldering irons literally just having a temeratur-
why the hell would you need to update the firmware on a soldering iron? it's not gonna heat up more efficiently wtf

 

[Worldblender]

i'm used to "smart" soldering irons literally just having a temeratur-
why the hell would you need to update the firmware on a soldering iron? it's not gonna heat up more efficiently wtf

From https://wiki.pine64.org/wiki/Pinecil:

The Pinecil is a portable, temperature controlled soldering iron. It also has the intended use of being a Risc-V development device using a breakout board. It's main features are:

• Portability
• Settable temperature
• Soldering tips:
  • Replaceable
  • More than half a dozen available. Currently sold as 2 separate sets of 4, one fine set, the other larger.
  • Compatible with TS100
• Flexible power sources:
  • Barrel jack
  • USB Type C power delivery

There are additional features that include (Useful for devkit use):

• A Programmable Gigadevice Risc-V GD32V embedded processor
• 0.67" Monochrome Display that can render text or graphics
• Support for Idle detection, for automatic power down of tip

I should've said this earlier, but it also can be turned into a RISC-V development platform with some additional hardware.

 

[Deleted User]

From https://wiki.pine64.org/wiki/Pinecil:

I should've said this earlier, but it also can be turned into a RISC-V development platform with some additional hardware.

so it's a glorified arduino with a soldering iron attached to it? alright seems fair, though i'm tempted to pick one up to see if it's any good since my soldering iron is a POS that takes half an hour to warm up and almost instantly loses it's heat once you actually touch a PCB, making desoldering wick super useless at the same time

edit: nevermind, it's out of stock, like my will to live and basically everything else in the world lmao

 

[Worldblender]

so it's a glorified arduino with a soldering iron attached to it? alright seems fair, though i'm tempted to pick one up to see if it's any good since my soldering iron is a POS that takes half an hour to warm up and almost instantly loses it's heat once you actually touch a PCB, making desoldering wick super useless at the same time

The manufacturer states that the Pinecil can heat up to an operating temperature in just 12 seconds, if you use a power supply that supplies enough power. It supports USB-PD, allowing it to draw more power with compatible power supplies.
How long does your soldering iron take to heat up?
Actually, there is some sort of RTOS loaded on it (Ralim’s IronOS build), another reason why it's called "smart".

 

[Deleted User]

The manufacturer states that the Pinecil can heat up to an operating temperature in just 12 seconds, if you use a power supply that supplies enough power. It supports USB-PD, allowing it to draw more power with compatible power supplies.
How long does your soldering iron take to heat up?
Actually, there is some sort of RTOS loaded on it (Ralim’s IronOS build), another reason why it's called "smart".

no idea, but it takes up to 15 minutes to heat up, and even then it's only barely hot enough to melt solder even with excessive amounts of flux. it's also too big so i struggle to wield it on anything even remotely small

 

[Worldblender]

no idea, but it takes up to 15 minutes to heat up, and even then it's only barely hot enough to melt solder even with excessive amounts of flux. it's also too big so i struggle to wield it on anything even remotely small

Oh my, 15 minutes really looks too long. Since you said that you're interested in trying out a Pinecil, I think all that I brought to you helped out. I only brought up the Pinecil because it is relatively cheap ($24.99) while implementing USB-C both power and data.

I'm glad that I could help and right someone with enough information, though. I do notice that the thread seemed to go too off-topic when I was just trying to tell about that devices implementing USB-C and priced cheaply do exist (even further, the Raspberry Pi 4 costs at least $35, and it implements USB-C, both power and data, though the latter isn't used often).