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+date = 2022-04-09
+title = "PineTime: An Open-Source SmartWatch"
+description = "Exploring the PineTime, an open-source smartwatch created by PINE64."
+draft = false
++++
+
+## PineTime Product Information
+
+### Overview
+
+The [PineTime](https://www.pine64.org/pinetime/) is an open-source smartwatch,
+created by [PINE64](https://www.pine64.org). Originally announced in September
+2019, this ARM-based watch is a fantastic option for users who want the benefits
+of a modern smartwatch with the backing of open-source components and software.
+
+### Product Specifications
+
+I won't dive into too many details that you can find on
+[the product page](https://www.pine64.org/pinetime/), but I wanted to point out
+the prices for each watch and the primary functions:
+
+#### Price:
+
+-   $26.99 (Sealed)
+-   $24.99 (Dev Kit)
+-   $51.98 (One Sealed + One Dev Kit)
+
+#### Primary Functionality:
+
+-   Clock (+ Smartphone Sync)
+-   Pedometer
+-   Heart Rate Monitor
+-   Sleep Monitor
+-   Calories burned
+-   Messaging
+-   Smartphone Notifications
+-   Media Controls
+
+## Unboxing
+
+Now, my PineTime was ordered on 2022-02-17, shipped on 2022-02-22, and was 
+delivered on 2022-03-23.
+With the current delays on shipping times around the world (and the 
+semiconductor shortage), a month for delivery from China seems reasonable to me.
+
+The packaging is simple, and the watch comes with instructions, technical
+information, the watch, and a charger (it does not include a USB wall adapter).
+
+The watch itself was able to turn on immediately when I pulled it out of the
+box, but the battery was depleted and required charging right away.
+
+![PineTime Box Contents](https://img.0x4b1d.org/blog/20220409-pinetime-smart-watch/pinetime_box_contents.png)
+
+## Software
+
+### Watch OS: InfiniTime
+
+While turning on the watch for the first time, some of the main design choices
+you can see in the watch OS,
+[InfiniTime](https://wiki.pine64.org/wiki/InfiniTime), are:
+
+-   A square bezel, not too thin against the sides of the watch.
+-   A simple, rubber band.
+-   Basic font and screen pixel design.
+-   Swipe gestures to access other screens.
+
+![PineTime Screens](https://img.0x4b1d.org/blog/20220409-pinetime-smart-watch/pinetime.png)
+
+The OS itself is fantastic in terms of functionality for me. It does exactly
+what a smartwatch should do - track time, steps, heart rates, and connect to
+another smart device, without being overly burdensome to the user.
+
+My only gripe so far is that it's _really_ difficult to swipe to different
+screens, such as pulling down the notification tray. I'm not sure if this is an
+OS or hardware issue, but it makes it quite hard to quickly move around the
+screens.
+
+However, my absolute favorite design choice is that the button the side turns
+the screen on and off and tilting/waving my wrist doesn't accidentally turn on
+the screen. With other watches, I absolutely hated not being able to turn off
+the raise-to-wake or wave features (i.e., blinding myself while wearing a watch
+at night because I moved my arm).
+
+### iOS App: InfiniLink
+
+Since I am using iOS as my primary mobile device OS, I am using the
+[InfiniLink](https://github.com/xan-m/InfiniLink) app to connect my watch.
+
+This app provides the following for PineTime owners:
+
+-   Firmware updates
+-   Steps
+-   Charts
+-   Notifications
+
+I mashed up a few screenshots to show off the home page, menu, firmware update,
+and notification test screens:
+
+![InfiniLink Home](https://img.0x4b1d.org/blog/20220409-pinetime-smart-watch/infinilink_home.png)
+
+Another big feature of InfiniLink is the ability to track pedometer steps in a
+collection of beautiful graphs, with the option to change your step goal and
+add in manual steps.
+
+![InfiniLink Steps](https://img.0x4b1d.org/blog/20220409-pinetime-smart-watch/infinilink_steps.png)
+
+Finally, there are charts to display the battery percentage and heart rates over
+time. This area also comes with an option to clear data.
+
+![InfiniLink Charts](https://img.0x4b1d.org/blog/20220409-pinetime-smart-watch/infinilink_charts.png)
+
+## Final Thoughts
+
+### Pros
+
+After wearing my watch for a few weeks, I have mostly positive thoughts about
+the watch so far.
+In the past, I have owned smartwatches by FitBit, Fossil, Apple, etc. - 
+**but I prefer the PineTime over all of those watches**.
+
+The PineTime strips out all the unnecessary features and performs the
+functions that it provides effectively and efficiently.
+
+The battery life is amazing on this device. By default, the watch seems to last
+anywhere from a few days to a week before dying.
+
+And of course, it's open source and backed by some of the most dedicated
+enthusiasts and developers I've seen. Watching the Matrix channel, forums, and
+website have been exciting to see.
+
+### Cons
+
+If I had to complain about anything, it would simply be the small bugs in some
+features that can be contributed to the companion apps more than the watch
+itself.
+
+A regular user would want native notification support out-of-the-box, which is
+the biggest item not working for me at the moment.
+
+My only other complaint is that the battery indicator on the watch doesn't seem
+accurate when it's nearing depletion - it seems that there's a bit of battery
+life left and then my watch is dead very suddenly after. This could just be me
+misinterpreting the battery level icons, but it has fooled me a few times into
+thinking I had more battery left than I actually did.
+
+Other than those small items, I really do love this watch and am glad I replaced
+my Apple Watch with the PineTime.