Linux-ready watch from Citizen and IBM

BANGALORE: Citizen Watch and IBM Research have jointly developed their first

prototype on Linux watch technology. Called "WatchPad", it is to

further explore new type of personal information access devices for the

pervasive computing era after having started their research collaboration.

IBM Research first demonstrated the Linux watch last year, illustrating the

viability of the operating system across all platforms, from large enterprise

servers to medium-sized and small servers, workstations, desktops, laptops and

the smallest of intelligent devices.

Citizen Watch is the first company that decided to work with IBM Research to

enhance current features and develop new application technologies for the

intelligent watch. Citizen Watch will explore possibility of commercializing

next generation watches as communication devices in the future. IBM Research

will support Citizen Watch with its expertise in hardware and software,

including system design, low power architecture, reliable and flexible IT

infrastructure for future pervasive computing and communication applications.

Among the technologies Citizen Watch has developed for the WatchPad are

packaging and component design including display and input devices. IBM Research

has provided technologies including hardware architecture, system design and

software, and Linux. The two companies plan to collaborate with several

universities by providing them the WatchPad for their research.

The watch contains a high speed, low power 32 bit MPU, 16 megabytes of flash

memory and QVGA liquid crystal display. It has both voice-enabled Bluetooth and

infrared wireless connectivity. Users interact with the WatchPad through a touch

panel, button and modified winding crown. In addition, accelerometer is embedded

to study arm movement for potential input methods.

Some application features and future research technologies include wireless

communication as a pointing device to remotely operate presentations via a

ThinkPad by using the winding crown switch, buttons, touch panel and gesture

with accelerometer. Bluetooth short-range wireless connectivity allows users to

control various devices, such as laptop computers. One can also view e-mail

messages and calendar entries. The Bluetooth voice channel and the vibrator

allow users to send voice commands to other computers and receive responses, and

page or alert through voice or vibration. Text can be used as well. Fingerprint

sensor is used to identify the watch owner and replace password.