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|
#+date: <2022-04-09>
#+title: PineTime: An Open-Source Smart Watch
#+description:
* PineTime Product Information
** Overview
The [[https://www.pine64.org/pinetime/][PineTime]] is an open-source
smartwatch, created by [[https://www.pine64.org][PINE64]]. 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
[[https://www.pine64.org/pinetime/][the product page]], 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,
[[https://wiki.pine64.org/wiki/InfiniTime][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
[[https://github.com/xan-m/InfiniLink][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.
|
