2013 is undoubtedly the first year of wearable smart devices. In addition to Google Glass, Samsung also launched the Galaxy Gear at the IFA 2013 German Consumer Electronics Show, bringing users a novel experience. Samsung is not alone. Sony and Qualcomm have also released similar products, which heralded the start of the smartwatch revolution. Of course, we can’t ignore Apple’s iWatch. Although it is not certain when it will appear, we also expect Apple to bring a revolutionary experience again.
Just like flying cars and jetpacks, multifunctional smartwatches have been one of the visions of people in recent decades. We seem to be fascinated by the smart applications on our wrists, and hope that one day we can complete all communication, multimedia and Internet applications with a smart watch. It is also this strong desire that has led to the rapid development of smart watches today.
Well, if you look back at the history of smartwatches, you will find a lot of very interesting concepts, even if they completely fail or are just the imagination of Tianma Xingkong, they are of some significance for today’s technological development. Let’s take a time machine and take a look at these interesting smart watch ancestors.
Brunetti watch transmitter in 1948
After the Second World War, the rise of electronic technology inspired a lot of adventurous Americans. During the war, Dr. Brunetti, who worked at the US National Standards Agency, invented a watch type that can be worn on the wrist. The transmitter and won the ‘Nanotechnology and Miniaturized Electronic Arts’ Contribution Award. This small-scale broadcast system has very flexible use value and can obtain electricity from tiny generators. So, what is its biggest design failure? Just can’t check the time.
Although many miniaturized technologies are now taken for granted, in fact, the rapid advancement of miniaturized circuits and battery technology in the 1950s and 1960s is of great significance to today’s scientific and technological field. At that time, the concept of miniaturized smart watches, mobile phones, and computers first appeared. For example, on the Sunday comic strip published on April 17, 1960, human visions of watching television programs through watches were expressed. Then Bell Labs made predictions for future video phones and car phones in 1962. These technologies are now quite common.
Smart watches in cartoons
Science fiction-themed animation and film and television works will always be the indicator lights of the technology industry. Those imaginations of the sky and stars may eventually become a reality. For example, the most popular tablet computer is also the protagonist in science fiction. In the cartoon ‘Jason Family’, George Jason used a smart watch to watch the cartoon, and was caught by his robot teacher.
Another well-known film and television work, Dick Tracy, also has a lot of descriptions of smart watches. In an episode of the 1967 pilot broadcast, you can see a callable watch with a built-in camera, two knobs and a screen. Previously toy manufacturers also launched similar toys that can implement two-way intercom functions.
‘Ristos’ in the 1970s
In the 1970s, with the maturity of satellite communication technology, people have more ideas about the future form of mobile communication equipment: integrating satellite communication functions in electronic watches. If you are lost in the wild or at sea, press the button Can call for help. In the 1979 British children’s book ‘City of the Future: Family Life in the 21st Century’, the design concept of this smart watch was given, and a special product name was even thought of: ‘Risto’. Then, some small calculators and other devices appeared in the market, indicating that device miniaturization is still a hot concept.
‘Ristos’ in the 1970s
In the 1970s, with the maturity of satellite communication technology, people have more ideas about the future form of mobile communication equipment: integrating satellite communication functions in electronic watches. If you are lost in the wild or at sea, press the button Can call for help. In the 1979 British children’s book ‘City of the Future: Family Life in the 21st Century’, the design concept of this smart watch was given, and a special product name was even thought of: ‘Risto’. Then, some small calculators and other devices appeared in the market, indicating that device miniaturization is still a hot concept.
In 1983, Seiko, a well-known Japanese watch maker, released TV watch products in the United States, which once again raised people’s admiration for multi-purpose watches. However, this product is still a very expensive toy that is not very practical because it does not work independently. It also needs to carry a large TV signal receiving and transmitting device. The watch only exists as an output screen and requires a cable connection. .
Back to the present, we have various smart watch products that can be purchased in the market. From the early days, which only had monochrome screens and non-intelligent systems, only simple notification functions, to the current Samsung Galaxy Gear equipped with a color OLED touch screen. , Support for hands-free calling and taking photos, and running Android system and third-party application support, it can be seen that the future of smart watches is full of bright. Of course, we also hope that the avant-garde concept with flexible screens and changeable forms can be realized at an early date. By then, smart watches will not only be the second screen of smart phones, but also smart gadgets that truly integrate into human life.