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diff --git a/content/blog/2022-04-09-pinetime.md b/content/blog/2022-04-09-pinetime.md deleted file mode 100644 index 4195a8d..0000000 --- a/content/blog/2022-04-09-pinetime.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,134 +0,0 @@ -+++ -date = 2022-04-09 -title = "PineTime: An Open-Source Smart Watch" -description = "" -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: - -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 - -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. |