IBM WatchPad

Last updated
IBM WatchPad
IBM Prototype Wristwatch Computer.jpg
WatchPad 1.5
Type Smartwatch
Release dateJune 2000;21 years ago (2000-06)
Discontinued2002;20 years ago (2002)
CPU ARM V7
Memory8 MB
Display320×240 STN Monochrome

The IBM WatchPad was a line of earlier smartwatch prototypes, produced in 2000-2002. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Contents

Overview

In June 2000, IBM displayed a prototype for a wristwatch that ran Linux. The original version had only 6 hours of battery life, which was later extended to 12. [6] It featured 8  MB of RAM and ran Linux 2.2. [7] The device was later upgraded with an accelerometer, vibrating mechanism, and fingerprint sensor. IBM began to collaborate with Citizen Watch Co. to create the "WatchPad". The WatchPad 1.5 features a 320 × 240 QVGA monochrome touch sensitive display and runs Linux 2.4. [8] [9] It also features calendar software, Bluetooth, 8 MB of RAM and 16 MB of flash memory. [10] [11] Citizen was hoping to market the watch to students and businessmen, with a retail price of around $399. [11]

Models

See also

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References

  1. "From IBM to Microsoft - A Brief History of The Smartwatch". International Business Times UK. 2013-09-04. Retrieved 2021-12-18.
  2. "Les smartwatch avant l'Apple Watch - Page 11 sur 21". Tom’s Hardware : actualités matériels et jeux vidéo (in French). 2015-02-20. Retrieved 2021-12-18.
  3. "The Smartwatches That Paved The Way". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2021-12-18.
  4. "IBM, Citizen update WatchPad wearable computer - PC World Australia". www.pcworld.idg.com.au. Retrieved 2021-12-18.
  5. "Apple Watch and beyond: The strange history of smartwatches, in pictures". ZDNet. Retrieved 2021-12-18.
  6. Shankland, Stephen (23 March 2001). "IBM clocks in with new Linux watch". Cnet.com . Archived from the original on 17 June 2011. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  7. "Linux on a Wrist Watch". IBM. Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  8. "WatchPad 1.5". IBM. Archived from the original on 5 December 2001. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  9. grc15r (20 June 2010). "WatchPad 1.5". YouTube. Archived from the original on 25 November 2014.
  10. Kanellos, Michael (11 October 2001). "Linux watch: Only time will tell". Cnet.com . Archived from the original on 17 June 2011. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  11. 1 2 Miyake, Kuriko (11 October 2001). "Is That a PC on Your Wrist?". PC World . Archived from the original on 24 September 2010. Retrieved 15 September 2010.