Omate Rolls Out The Rise Smartwatch
In spite of the fact that smartwatches haven’t really taken off in the market, companies still keep on churning out new models. Omate, famous for launching the Omate TrueSmart in 2013 via crowdfunding site Kickstarter, was among those companies. In contrast to other smartwatches, the Omate TrueSmart is a fully standalone device: It is not only a smartphone extension, it actually makes calls, texts, and even install and use apps independent of the user’s smartphone.
In succession to Omate’s first successful device, they have since rolled out a slew of other smartwatches. And just this week, the company launched an addition to their line of smartwatches, the Omate Rise. The Omate Rise is a $200 smartwatch powered by Android 5.1 with the Omate OUI 4.0 on top of the OS. With 3G connectivity, the smartwatch can connect to the Internet without being linked to a smartphone. Now THAT’s a smartwatch.
The specs for the Omate Rise include:
Processor/Chipset: 1.2GHz dual-core A7 Cortex Mediatek MT2601
RAM: 512MB
GPU: Mali-400
OS: Android 5.1 with the Omate OUI 4.0 on top
Internal Storage: 4GB
Connectivity: GSM, HSPA, EDGE, GPRS, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1
Expandable Storage: Yes, though size support unspecified
Display: 1.3 inches, in-cell TFT Color Capacitive Touch Screen with a maximum resolution of 360 x 360 pixels, protected with sapphire coating
Multi-touch supported.
Battery: 580 mAh non-removable Lithium Polymer round battery, with a maximum standby time of 7 days, and up to 72 hours with 3G in use
Goodies: Water- and pressure-resistant up to 1 ATM
Color Options: Black + Carbon Fiber bezel, and an interchangeable standard-sized 22mm strap
The tech blogs were quick to point out that the Omate Rise lacks a heart rate sensor. However, Omate CEO Laurent Le Pen recommends using an external Bluetooth LE chest belt with the Omate Rise.
Compared to the Apple Watch, the Omate Rise is definitely a more robust buy. With specs comparable to an entry-level Android phone, it’s more powerful than most smartwatches out there. The Omate Rise is initially available to IndieGoGo funders. The funding spree will open on December 7th and will last through December 8th. Shipping will start in March 2016.
More on the Omate Rise:
https://www.omate.com/index.html
https://www.engadget.com/2015/12/01/omate-rise-circular-android-smartwatch-3g/
https://www.gsmarena.com/omate_rise_is_a_3genabled_android_wear_watch_with_a_regular_sim_card-blog-15286.php
The Omate TrueSmart on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/omate/omate-truesmart-water-resistant-standalone-smartwa
Compare the Omate Rise’s Specs to this entry-level Android:
https://www.droidreport.com/better-original-iphone-walmart-rolling-out-10-smartphone-11688