ByIn this step, you’ll be looking at a specific type of embedded system: a smartwatch. We will examine the various varieties of smartwatches that are available and discuss what makes them so intelligent. This step’s investigation will help you solidify your knowledge of embedded systems and their functions.
Smart tech
Smart devices and services are items that include computer systems. They are usually connected to the Internet and provide better functionality to the user than their non-smart counterparts. This extra ability to gather, process, and react to stimuli from the real world makes them smarter.
Another part of what makes something smart is connectivity, both with users and with other devices. Smart devices have very user-centric features and designs and take advantage of other smart devices that users have. So now you can use your watch to turn on your lights — what an age we live in!
Smartwatches
A smartwatch is a watch that offers additional functionality and connectivity on top of the features offered by standard watches. They do this by adding a computer system that performs the usual functionality we expect but can also handle some extra bells and whistles.
The title “smartwatch” does not describe just one device, but a large range of devices with a great variety in design and functionality. They all share the same functionality, which is why they share a title.
The common features are:
- Setting and keeping track of the time
- Displaying the time to the user
- Setting an alarm
- Generating an output when an alarm goes off
- GPS tracking of some sort
They also have some common design features:
- Worn on the wrist
- Use a strap to tie the user Have a screen or watch face
- here is a way for the user to provide intentional input, such as:
- Buttons
- A dial
- A touchscreen
Types of smartwatch
In the next step, we will focus on a specific type of smartwatch. For now, let’s take a look at two broad categories of smartwatches and examine their feature sets and design choices to see how they reflect a use case. How are the features built around the type of consumer these watches are trying to attract?
The fitness tracker
One of the more common feature sets found in smartwatches is a fitness or lifestyle tracker.
Common pieces of functionality found in this type of watch are:
- Heart rate monitor
- Pedometer
- Sedentary reminders
- Data collection
- Advice on how to improve
They also share some specific design features:
- Waterproof
- Wristbands made of nylon or similar
- Slimline
- Long battery life
The brand most synonymous with this type of smartwatch is Fitbit. Their watches are intentionally small and completely waterproof. A look at their advertisements tells you about the types of customers they have in mind
The Medical Alert Watch
Not all smartwatches use the internet as part of their smartness, some measure their smartness in other ways, such as medical alerts, or fall detection watches. Apple Watch comes with this capability, though other made-for-purpose watches claim high efficacy. See Apple vs Kanega Fall Detection Comparison.
The phone companion
There are also a lot of smartwatches that pair with your mobile phone and have feature sets that interact with the phone’s features.
They will include:
- Bluetooth
- Displaying and replying to messages
- Interaction with apps on your phone (e.g. skipping music tracks or checking emails)
- Voice control
- Notifications
These watches share more design features with their phone counterparts than with each other. That being said, they do have some common design features:
- Larger displays
- Bulkier housing
- Large range of colors
- Large range of straps
- More prominent buttons and controls
The most prominent smartwatch of this type has to be the Apple Watch. It was one of the first internet-connected watches and is certainly the most popular. The Apple Watch shares a visual style with the company’s line of iPhones, which had already become fashion items before the watch’s release.
What does this tell us about embedded systems?
At the heart of each of the above categories is a specific type of consumer. Every design choice and component in them is tailored to the needs of that user, or what the designers see as the needs of that user. These are not general-purpose devices; No smartwatch will work for every user. In order to stand out and create successful devices, manufacturers will choose an audience and design the watch in a way that appeals to them.
It’s not just about smartwatches; All embedded systems are managed by the user. You won’t find open features (things like disk drives or USB ports) that allow users to change the watch’s functionality.
Time to design
Consider one of the following users. What features would you include in a watch that was designed for them?
- A teacher
- An outdoor enthusiast
- A writer
