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

 

[Deleted User]

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).

yeah, it's mostly my fault for bringing it off topic, i won't be surprised if i see a warning or something tomorrow because of this

as a more on topic reply, e-ink is sorely underused in more consumer electronics, i know there's that one android tablet that uses it and ebooks, but that's basically it
would be cool if there was some sort of a dual purpose lcd/e-ink monitor that switches in bright light for visibility

 

[Andy2001]

I use those for years at this point - if you're into exercises and healthy lifestyle, it's a good all-in-one activity tracking device that also counts as neat and customizable fashion accessory. It's a niche gadget for sure, but the niche is still there and won't disappear anytime soon.

When i am in the gym i dont need a watch to tell me, that i am in the gym doing excercises. Better saving up for a real watch.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

Is this really e-ink? The images mention e-paper which is not the same thing. The Pebble was technically e-paper but not e-ink. The screen in the photo doesn't look like the e-ink screens I've seen, too high contrast.
If it's really e-ink, then being Arduino powered, it should get some amazing battery life, since e-ink screens only use power when the display is updated, and if you don't use a watchface with seconds on it, that update would only need to happen once per minute in normal usage.

Edit: So it does appear to be e-ink. This might be the smartwatch a lot of people have been waiting for, given that the software available is good enough. And the price is good too. Almost too good to be true. Strange they don't seem to mention anything about battery life, that's a pretty key piece of information.

Personally though when I wear a watch I wear it all the time and don't like to take it off, so waterproofing is a requirement for me. Which is a pity, because I have been looking for a smartwatch that can achieve 1-2 weeks battery life minimum and this seems like it could do that.

I do quite like the design too. It looks much nicer than the original Pebble or Pebble Time. I still prefer the design of some of the round smartwatches that are currently sold as I just prefer round watches. But those all have awful battery life, and I suppose e-ink being a relatively new technology that hasn't really progressed much since its inception, round e-ink displays are not yet available.

 

[Prans]

Is this really e-ink? The images mention e-paper which is not the same thing. The Pebble was technically e-paper but not e-ink. The screen in the photo doesn't look like the e-ink screens I've seen, too high contrast.
If it's really e-ink, then being Arduino powered, it should get some amazing battery life, since e-ink screens only use power when the display is updated, and if you don't use a watchface with seconds on it, that update would only need to happen once per minute in normal usage.

Edit: So it does appear to be e-ink. This might be the smartwatch a lot of people have been waiting for, given that the software available is good enough. And the price is good too. Almost too good to be true. Strange they don't seem to mention anything about battery life, that's a pretty key piece of information.

Personally though when I wear a watch I wear it all the time and don't like to take it off, so waterproofing is a requirement for me. Which is a pity, because I have been looking for a smartwatch that can achieve 1-2 weeks battery life minimum and this seems like it could do that.

about battery life, SQFMI mentioned in the documentation the following:

Watchy wakes up every 60 seconds to check the accelerometer, real-time clock, and updates the E-Paper display with the latest information. Certain watch faces also turn on WiFi to fetch weather data.

With only time keeping, Watchy should have a battery life of 5-7 days, while with fetching data over WiFi, it should last between 2-3 days. These numbers can be extended through futher optimizations (e.g. sleep during off hours, waking up only on motion/tilt, etc.).

 

[The Real Jdbye]

about battery life, SQFMI mentioned in the documentation the following:

Aw, that battery life is hardly any better than any other smartwatch on the market right now. 5-7 days is OK but who is going to buy a smartwatch just to use it as a normal watch? So that figure is pretty meaningless. So effectively it's gonna be 2-3 days, maybe 4 if you have it sleep when you sleep.

 

[Pipistrele]

When i am in the gym i dont need a watch to tell me, that i am in the gym doing excercises.

I mean, you can do just that - doesn't mean your exercise won't be poorly balanced and subpar in the long run. There's a reason why athletes and gym buffs alike are such geeks with their body, and any remotely good workout routine involves at least some planning and math. Even if not going into lifestyling, it's just good to know how well you performed and where, to fine-tune your future gym sessions.

That's where tools come in. Pedometer gives you info on whether you move around enough during the day, heart rate sensor is super-useful for optimizing your cardio, geotracking helps out with routes and plans if you're cycling consistently, etc. etc. Most of these exist for decades at this point, and smartwatch is simply the same thing but all-in-one and looks fancier.

 

[ChaosInJapan]

So it’s just like Pebble. But much worse and many years later.

 

[Brayton1-7]

They had to name it Watchy because Ticky and Tocky were already taken by the Taiko no Tasujin Rhythmatic Adventure.

 

[NNate]

So it’s just like Pebble. But much worse and many years later.

Very much this!

 

[ertaboy356b]

If it only has 5-7 battery life, then what's the point? The Amazfit has a month of battery life and that uses a TFT screen.

 

[Zeldaplayer67]

What's with all the negativity on this thread? The point is that it's supposed to be somewhat cheap, customizable smartwatch.

 

[Cdiddy1122]

This looks like something I would've loved when I was 10