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diff --git a/content/blog/2022-04-09-pinetime.md b/content/blog/2022-04-09-pinetime.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cbf3e8f --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/2022-04-09-pinetime.md @@ -0,0 +1,157 @@ ++++ +date = 2022-04-09 +title = "PineTime: An Open-Source Smart Watch" +description = "Playing with the PineTime smart watch." ++++ + +## 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: + +1. Price: + + - \$26.99 (Sealed) + - \$24.99 (Dev Kit) + - \$51.98 (One Sealed + One Dev Kit) + +2. 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. + + + +## 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. + + + +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: + + + +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. + + + +Finally, there are charts to display the battery percentage and heart +rates over time. This area also comes with an option to clear data. + + + +## 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. |