We may be gun people first and foremost, but we're also first rate gear geeks. Watches, knives, tools, and just about any other sort of stuff like that routinely draws us away from our workload, and finds us redirecting our internet browsers to all manner of websites where we undoubtedly waste a shameful amount of hours scrolling through gizmos and gadgetry. We're looking at you, EDC Forum.
Usually, there's not much to report on the gear front, so our casual perusals of such items are kept to a minimum... but when the Consumer Electronics Show fires up, suffice it to say that productivity levels reach an all-time low. But while we'll spare you the details of the new Nikon D5 and Sony Speaker Bulb (yes, it is exactly what it sounds like), we couldn't help but pass along the details of Casio's latest CES-bound innovation: The WSD-F10 Smart Watch.
Why do you care? Because this is one of the first smart watches to be produced by not only a legitimate watch manufacturer, but also a legitimate watch manufacturer known for making some of the most functional watches in the world, in the form of their G-Shock and Pro-Trek watches. That's right, it's not just the classic gold wrist watch being created now, thanks to the many advancements in technology, other masterpieces like these are now being made. And the WSD-F10 sort of picks up where those leave off, providing the wearer with information ranging from altitude and barometric pressure changes to fitness tracking, navigation, weather radar, compass headings and all manner of other data points. Basically, it's the polar opposite of the average smart watch, most of which seem dedicated to simply providing the wearer with a smaller version of their phone. This is more like a Casio Pro-Trek ABC (altimeter, barometer, compass) watch in that it has all those same sensors... but can also display additional information that can be readily supplied by a Bluetooth connection with your phone (like navigational directions, weather radar, and fitness tracking).
Furthermore, it meets US military standards for durability for timepieces, and it water resistant to 50 metres. It has a microphone for increased functionality with some smart phone apps, boasts a reported 30 day battery life, and perhaps most important of all... can tell the time without a smartphone connection. Expected retail is somewhere around $500 US, with availability sometime in the second quarter of this year, and we hope to try one out.
The full Casio press release follows:Casio America, Inc. announced today that it will release the WSD-F10 Smart Outdoor Watch, an Android Wear wrist device with water resistance to 50 meters and built to military standard specifications.
Casio has been developing watches since the 1970s, and later developed PDAs and cellular phones from the 1990s into the 2000s. You can check out Casio watches collection online if you want to see some of their most popular watches. Leveraging its technology and experience with both watches and information devices, Casio continues to develop wrist devices that deliver true value to users in new ways.
The new WSD-F10 wrist device is optimal for the outdoors, boasting water resistance for use in rain and around water, and is tested to military standard specifications to ensure it can withstand a variety of rugged activities. Incorporating Casio's tough performance and sensor technologies, the WSD-F10 delivers a polished experience as a wearable information device.
The WSD-F10 offers a wealth of useful original Casio applications for outdoor activities such as trekking, cycling, and fishing. Among these are dedicated apps designed to measure changes in the natural environment and track activity levels. The device is powered by Android Wear, and users can also load their own apps to expand the feature set for diverse outdoor activities.
The watch face features a dual layer display with monochrome and color LCDs. Users can display measurement data and apps in color, or they can extend the device's life to more than one month by selecting to a Timepiece Mode that displays only watch data in monochrome.
The WSD-F10 also offers the ultimate in ease of use as an everyday watch, making the most of Casio's years of experience in the timepiece business. The operating buttons are large and feature a slip-free finish so they can easily be operated with gloves on, and they are concentrated on the right side of the case. The wristband is made from soft urethane plastic that conforms to the wrist and can be comfortably worn for extended periods. Replacement wristbands for smartwatches across various brands are available from sites like Mobile Mob where you can find a range of products to accessorize your device.
MAIN FEATURES OF THE WSD-F10
Toughness for the outdoors
Water resistant to 50 meters
Water resistant to 50 meters, but still equipped with an audio mic, for everyday use as well as in rain and around water.
Built to military standard specifications
Tested to United States military standard MIL-STD-810 issued by the U.S. Department of Defense to perform in the rugged outdoors. Meets testing requirements under various environmental conditions including shock and vibration.
Range of sensors to measure changes in the natural environment and track activity levels
The WSD-F10 comes with dedicated applications*2 that measure and display essential information for outdoor activities and sports using a pressure sensor, compass, and accelerometer. The upper right TOOL button brings up information such as compass direction, air pressure and altitude, sunrise and sunset times, tide graphs, and activity graphs-providing real-time information about changes in the natural environment and activity levels.
The watch also links to the Casio Moment Setter+ smartphone app to give timing and opportunities*3 for activities such as trekking, cycling, and fishing. Users can configure the app to automatically send the needed information based on previously set conditions such as speed, distance, time of sunrise, break timing, or when fish tend to be most active.
Powered by Android Wear, comes with diverse apps for enjoying the outdoors
ViewRanger GPS app for trekking
ViewRanger is a GPS app for outdoor adventurers providing route information, navigation guidance, altitude graphs, location data and distance to next waypoint all at a glance.
Runkeeper fitness app
Runkeeper is a mobile running and cycling app that has helped almost 50 million people get out the door. Tracks and records routes for running, cycling, walking or trekking.
MyRadar weather app
MyRadar is a very popular weather app, downloaded by 17 million people. Real time updates showing rain and snow near user's current location. Users can check forecasts quickly and easily.
Also supports other apps and services from Google including Gmail, Google voice search, Google Maps, Google Fit, and weather forecasts.
Power-conserving Timepiece Mode
The watch face features a dual layer display with monochrome and color LCDs. When not using apps, a power-conserving Timepiece Mode toggles off smartphone communication and the color LCD, displaying only time data in monochrome. Timepiece Mode is useful when spending long periods in the outdoors such as overnight trekking or when using the watch for regular timekeeping. Does it compare to some of the best smart watches already on the market? Let us know your thoughts.
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