sciencetech-blog

comments

It may seem as if a day doesn't go by without reports of expensive smartwatches being launched.

But a new accessory claims to be able to give everyday watch wearers a host of extra 'smart' functions, without the excessive price tag.

Glance is a small rectangular device that slides onto the strap of an ordinary wristwatch and will help wearers find their phone, control other devices and track their activity – for less than £40.

Scroll down for video

Making any watch smart? Glance (pictured) is a small rectangular device that slides onto the strap of an ordinary wristwatch and will help wearers find their phone, control other devices and track their activity - for less than £40. Here, it is being used to display an extra time zone

The Toronto-based firm claims Glance is the 'first smart accessory to turn your existing watch into a smart watch'.

Customers will be able to get their hands on the device from October, but only f the team manages to raise the cash needed to put it into production on Kickstarter.

The device comes in three sizes.

It is designed to sit against the wrist, being held in place by any watch strap or tight-fitting bracelet.

It is thin, light and made from aluminium.

Two buttons allow wearers to cycle between the device's three main modes, which include phone notifications, activity tracking and motion control for a computer.

 

Glance: The world's first smart accessory for your watch

The device comes in three sizes and is designed to sit against the wrist, being held in place by any watch strap or tight-fitting bracelet. It is thin, light and made from aluminium. Its technical contents are pictured

Users will also be able to keep their smartphone safely in their pocket and use Glance to see who is calling.

The gadget will additionally reveal incoming text messages and respond quickly with a pre-programmed message, which could be handy if driving, the company claims.

Glance uses a speed reading technology called Spritz, letting wearers read up to 450 words in a minute.

'A single full colour LED lets you be notified when an email, text message or group message comes in.

'Three white LEDs show you how many messages have queued up for your email, phone calls or instant messages,' the company continued.

Like many smartwatches on the market, Glance will be able to track a wearers' activity using a 3D motion sensor.

The watch accessory will work alongside an app for Android handsets and iPhones (pictured). Here, screenshots show how the app will let owners use caller ID and block individuals as well as use the watch to control a computer or smart TV

Elsewhere, the device can be used to find a smartphone, filter unwanted calls, and double up as an 'air mouse' to smart TV or computer.

'Use your hand as a pointer on your screen to control your mouse. Make a simple thumb tap gesture with your fingers to simulate a click when using the air mouse mode,' the company said.

The watch accessory will work alongside an app for Android handsets and iPhones and the company said it may develop Glance for Windows Phones and Blackberry's in the future.

Later models may also feature a microphone and speaker so that extra functions can be added.

It costs from $70CAD (£38) plus shipping, and is expected to be ready in October.

Two buttons on the attachment will allow wearers to cycle between the device's three main modes - phone notifications (pictured), activity tracking and motion control for a computer