Omate TrueSmart

Last updated
Omate
OmateTrueSmart (cropped).jpg
ManufacturerOmate
Type Smartwatch
Release dateAugust 21, 2013 (2013-08-21) (start of Kickstarter project)
Introductory priceKickstarter backers: USD 179-199
Retail: USD 299
Operating system Android 4.2.2 with Omate User Interface 2.1
CPU Dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 1.0-1.3 GHz Mediatek MT6572 [1]
Memory512 MB or 1024 MB (Extreme Edition)
Storage4 GB or 8GB (Extreme Edition), expandable through microSD
Display240 × 240 pixel 1.54" TFT by LG display covered with sapphire crystal glass
SoundAudio speaker
Input2 hardware buttons
Multi-touch capacitive touch screen
microphone
CameraEmbedded 3 megapixel camera (5 megapixel according to kickstarter specs)
Connectivity Bluetooth 4.0
2G Quad Band: 900/1800/ 850/1900 GSM, GPRS, EDGE
3G Mono band: 2 versions 2100 (Europe) or 1900 (US)
UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+
WiFi: IEEE 802.11b/g/n
proprietary waterproof USB connector for charging and connection to computers
Power3 days standby time / At least one day of intense usage
Dimensions45 mm × 45 mm × 14 mm
Mass~100g
RelatedSmart watches
Website www.omate.com

The Omate TrueSmart is a smartwatch designed by Omate, a Chinese company based in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. It has been funded by crowd funding via Kickstarter. The funding period was from August 21, 2013 until September 20, 2013. The funding goal of $100,000 was reached within 12 hours, with more than $1,032,000 raised by the end of the campaign. In contrast to other smartwatches, the Omate is a complete standalone telecom mobile device that can be used to make calls, navigate and use Android apps independent of the user's smartphone.

Contents

Specifications

The TrueSmart is powered by an ARM7 MediaTek MT6572 chipset running Android 4.2.2 and a ROM also known as OUI - Omate User Interface. The body of 45mm × 45mm × 14mm has two side buttons for Power and Home functions. It also features a 3 megapixel camera module which is upscaled by software from 3 megapixel to 5 megapixel. In contrast to other smart watches, the TrueSmart is a standalone smartwatch that can support 3G GSM micro SIM card. The TrueSmart is a full featured Android smartphone in a watch form factor promoted as a smartwatch 2.0 (Telecom Wearable) by Omate to differentiate the device with other traditional smart watches which are mainly companion devices. Its sensors include a magnetometer, a three-axis accelerometer and a GPS. It has a vibrator, a microphone and an audio speaker. The watch is charged and connected to computers using a standard USB cable and an external charging cradle accessory. [2]

Processor

It is powered by a dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 MediaTek MTK6572 processor running at 1 GHz (1.3 GHz according to kickstarter specs). [1] The GPU is a Mali 400.

Software

It runs Android 4.2.2 with the customized Omate User Interface (OUI 2.1). The TrueSmart ecosystem includes basic Android applications: Settings / Phone / Email / Messaging / Contact / File Manager / Camera / Gallery and several third parties apps which are available in Omate own application store called the Ostore. The Ostore features several categories [3] System firmware updates are provided over-the-air.

Display

It has an LG 1.54-inch 240 × 240 pixel color IPS TFT display and a multi point touch panel covered with sapphire glass coating. [4]

Battery

The battery is a removable 600 mAH li-ion battery, providing for 240 minutes talk time in standalone mode and 100 hours of standby time. Removing or replacing the battery will void the device's warranty. OK stickers are placed on the back plate screws.

Memory/storage

It has either 512 MB or 1 GB depending on the model [5] of memory and 4GB or 8GB of storage, expandable with up to 128 GB microSD cards.

Build

The Omate TrueSmart is IP67 certified and dustproof. However water damages are not covered by the warranty as long as the device can be opened to insert a SIM card, a SDcard or to replace the battery. The case is steel alloy or aluminum based, the glass is protected by a sapphire crystal coating, the straps are silicone. The straps are not replaceable since the GSM and GPS antennas are integrated into them. Measurements are 45mm × 45mm × 14mm.

Connectivity

The TrueSmart is an Android-based GSM standalone smartwatch which features a micro-SIM slot. There are two versions, for different regional 3G networks: a 2100 MHz (Europe) and a 1900 MHz (US), both supporting UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, and HSPA+. The 2G modem in both versions supports quad band: 900/1800/ 850/1900 GSM, GPRS, and EDGE. It has Bluetooth 3.0 (4.0 when OS is upgraded to 4.3 or newer) and Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n connectivity.

Kickstarter campaign

Omate launched a Kickstarter campaign on August 21, 2013, with an initial fundraising target of $100,000. Backers spending $199 would receive an Omate TrueSmart when they became available ($179 for the first 500 backers and $189 for the next 500 backers). The project had met the $100,000 goal in half a day. [6] Just before the end of the campaign, over $1 million was reached.

Project Challenges

Google Certification Issue

During the Kickstarter campaign, Omate claimed the TrueSmart will run Google Play, with the heading of the first Kickstarter update being "Yes, Google Play Apps Store!". [22] However, an article on Phandroid revealed the watch cannot ship with official Google Services support due to it not meeting the Android Compatibility Definition Document requirements. [23]

However, Omate did not update their campaign to state the lack of Google certification before the campaign ended. It was not until 22 October 2013, a month after the Kickstarter campaign ended, that Omate acknowledged that the TrueSmart will not be able to pass the Google Certification after receiving official feedback from Google [24]

Therefore, the TrueSmart shipped without the Google Apps and Omate did not support any side loading but instead created its own Application Store called the Ostore featuring less than 50 apps in multiple categories, but including third party application stores such as Aptoide and 1mobilemarket. [25]

See also

Related Research Articles

The Android Dev Phone (ADP) is a SIM-unlocked and bootloader unlocked Android device that is designed for advanced developers. While developers can use regular consumer devices purchased at retail to test and use their apps, some developers may choose not to use a retail device, preferring an unlocked or no-contract device.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smartwatch</span> Wearable computer in the form of a watch

A smartwatch is a wearable computer in the form of a watch; modern smartwatches provide a local touchscreen interface for daily use, while an associated smartphone app provides management and telemetry, such as long-term biomonitoring. While early models could perform basic tasks, such as calculations, digital time telling, translations, and game-playing, smartwatches released since 2015 have more general functionality closer to smartphones, including mobile apps, a mobile operating system and WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity. Some smartwatches function as portable media players, with FM radio and playback of digital audio and video files via a Bluetooth headset. Some models, called watch phones, have mobile cellular functionality such as making telephone calls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samsung Infuse 4G</span> Smartphone model

The Samsung Infuse 4G was an Android smartphone that was released by Samsung in May 2011. It has a 1.2 GHz Hummingbird processor with 8–16 GB internal Flash memory, a 4.5 inch 480×800 pixel Super AMOLED Plus capacitive touchscreen display, an 8-megapixel camera and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S</span> High-end smartphone by Sony Ericsson

The Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S is a high-end smartphone developed by Sony Ericsson running Google's operating system Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread). It is an upgraded version of the Sony Xperia Arc. It is the last phone introduced to carry the Sony Ericsson brand, although Sony Ericsson Xperia active was the last phone completed before Sony bought Ericsson's stake in the joint-venture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HTC One S</span> Smartphone model

The HTC One S is a premium smartphone designed and manufactured by HTC as part of the HTC One series which has Beats Audio and runs the Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich" mobile operating system with HTC Sense. Announced by HTC on 26 February 2012, the HTC One S was scheduled for official release on 2 April 2012. The first phones were sold on March 30. In the United States, the One S is carried by T-Mobile and Solavei.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pebble (watch)</span> Discontinued smartwatch

Pebble is a discontinued smartwatch developed by Pebble Technology Corporation. Funding was conducted through a Kickstarter campaign running from April 11, 2012, to May 18, 2012, which raised $10.3 million; it was the most funded project in Kickstarter history, at the time. Pebble began shipping watches to Kickstarter backers in January 2013. Pebble watches can be connected to Android and iOS devices to show notifications and messages. An online app store distributed Pebble-compatible apps from many developers including ESPN, Uber, Runkeeper, and GoPro.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samsung Galaxy Ace 2</span> Android smartphone by Samsung Electronics

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 (GT-I8160) is a smartphone manufactured by Samsung that runs the Android operating system. Announced and released by Samsung in February 2012, the Galaxy Ace 2 is the successor to the Galaxy Ace Plus.

The Sony Xperia miro is a mid-range Android smartphone manufactured and developed by Sony Mobile Communications. The device was released globally during the third quarter of 2012. The device is available in colours black, pink, white with silver and white with gold. However, not all colours are available in all countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samsung Galaxy Grand</span> Smartphone developed by Samsung Electronics

The Samsung Galaxy Grand is a smartphone developed by Samsung Electronics, first announced on December 18, 2012. The phone has a dual core Cortex-A9 1.2 GHz processor and a RAM of 1 GB, with an internal memory of 8 GB which can be extended to another 64 GB by use of microSD cards. The device also supports internet connectivity through 2G and 3G, apart from Wi-Fi. Navigation systems including A-GPS and GLONASS with Google Maps. The phone runs on the Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean OS, with Samsung releasing updates up to 4.2.2. However, custom ROMs are available up to Android 7.1.2 Nougat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sony Xperia Tablet Z</span> Android tablet by Sony Xperia

The Xperia Tablet Z is a touchscreen Android tablet designed and manufactured by Sony and was first announced in Japan in January 2013. It was then announced globally in Barcelona at the Mobile World Congress on February 25, 2013. The tablet is one of the lightest and thinnest 10.1-inch tablet in the world with a weight of 1.09 pounds and is just 0.27 inches thick. The Tablet Z succeeds the Xperia Tablet S with a faster processor, a better front-facing camera, a higher-resolution screen, and Ingress Protection Ratings of IP55 and IP57, for dust-protected, water-jet protected, and waterproof in up to one meter of water for up to thirty minutes. It was released in May 2013. The device retails at $500 for the 16GB version and $600 for the 32gb version.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samsung Galaxy Mega</span> 2013 Android smartphone

The Samsung Galaxy Mega is an Android-based phablet that was manufactured and released by Samsung. It was announced on April 11, 2013. The original model featured a 6.3 in (160 mm) screen, though a revised version was released with a 5.8 in (150 mm) screen. It has a 1,280×720 screen, a dual-core 1.7 GHz processor and an 8-megapixel camera. The phone runs Android 4.2.2 "Jelly Bean" software, and internal storage is 8 or 16 GB.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sony Xperia Z Ultra</span> Android phablet by Sony Mobile

The Sony Xperia Z Ultra is a 2013 Android phablet designed and manufactured by Sony Mobile.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samsung Galaxy Gear</span> Smartwatch by Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy Gear is a smartwatch produced by Samsung Electronics in the Samsung Gear family of devices. Unveiled during a Samsung Unpacked event in Berlin, Germany on September 4, 2013, the device serves as a companion for all Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets which runs on Android 4.3 "Jelly Bean" or newer. It was released on September 25, 2013. Originally released as an Android-based device, Samsung replaced the operating system with Tizen through the May 2014 software update.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sony Xperia Z1</span> Android smartphone produced by Sony

The Sony Xperia Z1 is an Android smartphone produced by Sony. The Z1, at that point known by the project code name "Honami", was unveiled during a press conference in IFA 2013 on 4 September 2013. The phone was released in China on 15 September 2013, in the UK on 20 September 2013, and entered more markets in October 2013. On 13 January 2014, the Sony Xperia Z1s, a modified version of the Sony Xperia Z1 exclusive to T-Mobile US, was released in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samsung Gear 2</span>

The Samsung Gear 2 and Samsung Gear 2 Neo are smartwatches produced by Samsung Electronics. Unveiled on February 22, 2014 at Mobile World Congress, the Gear 2 line is a successor to the Samsung Galaxy Gear.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sony Xperia Z2 tablet</span> Android tablet by Sony

The Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet is a touchscreen Android tablet manufactured and designed by Sony. Like its predecessor, the Xperia Z2 tablet features a 10.1 inch screen and is water and dustproof with a rating of IP55 and IP58. The tablet is the lightest and thinnest 10.1-inch tablet, weighing at 1 pound and is 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) thick, the Z2 Tablet features the Snapdragon 801 processor, Sony's Triluminos display and HDR video recording. Unveiled alongside the Sony Xperia Z2 during the 2014 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, on February 24, it was first released on March 26, 2014 in the United Kingdom. On July 3, 2014, Sony launched its Xperia Z2 Tablet in India. On July 27, 2014 Sony released the Z2 Tablet in the US on Verizon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wear OS</span> Version of Googles Android operating system for wearable devices

Wear OS is a version of Google's Android operating system designed for smartwatches and other wearables. By pairing with mobile phones running Android version 6.0 "Marshmallow" or newer, or iOS version 10.0 or newer with limited support from Google's pairing application, Wear OS integrates Google Assistant technology and mobile notifications into a smartwatch form factor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neptune Pine</span>

The Neptune Pine is an unlocked GSM standalone, full featured smartwatch developed by Canadian consumer electronics and wearable technology company Neptune. It was announced in January 2013 by Simon Tian and launched in November 2013 on Kickstarter. Within 27 hours, the campaign had reached its funding goal of $100,000, and ultimately went on to raise more than $800,000 in 30 days, becoming the highest-funded Canadian Kickstarter campaign at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pebble Time</span> Smartwatch developed by Pebble technology

Pebble Time is a discontinued smartwatch developed by Pebble Technology and assembled by Foxlink, released on 14 May 2015. This is the first Pebble to introduce a color e-paper display, as well as a microphone, a new charging cable and a new Pebble Time-optimized operating system.

Mobvoi Information Technology Company Limited is a technological company headquartered in Beijing, China that sells and develops consumer electronics and Chinese voice recognition, natural language processing, and vertical search technology in-house.

References

  1. 1 2 3 XDA developers forum. "Most Truesmarts are 1.0 Ghz". XDA developers. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  2. 1 2 "Kickstarter main page".
  3. "Omate kickstarter update sports apps".
  4. "Omate Truesmart, MT6572 Android Smart Watch". YouTube. 2013-12-17. Retrieved 2014-06-07.
  5. "Omate Kickstarter update 1GB memory option".
  6. "GeekyGadgets".
  7. "Omate TrueSmart smartwatch hands-on: SIM-toting shooter in the wild". Slash Gear. 2014-01-07. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  8. "Update, not very waterproof, delays".
  9. "Waterproof". xda. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
  10. 1 2 "Kickstarter Update 66". Kickstarter. Omate. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  11. "Kickstarter: TrueSmart shipping late". Omate. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  12. "xda, TrueSmart root". Lokifish Marz. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
  13. "Kickstarter: TrueSmart upgraded". Omate. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  14. "Kickstarter: TrueSmart update 61". Omate. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  15. "Source". Lokifish. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
  16. "LokifishStops". Lokifish. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
  17. "receipts for customs". kickstarter backers. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  18. "customs fining for false price". kickstarter backers. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  19. Omate. "TrueSmart charging cradle". Omate. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  20. "NoAccessories". Tripledrop. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  21. "Update 1: Yes! Google Play Store". Kickstarter. Le Pen. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  22. "Phandroid article about Play support". 2013-09-09.
  23. "Kickstarter Update regarding Google Services".
  24. "Omate Ostore". Omate Ostore. Omate. Archived from the original on 8 September 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014.