We are now all witnesses to the smart watch revolution. The Runcible, which is a relatively small “smart pocket watch”, which is designed analogously in comparison to the Pebble and the very first smart pocket watch to functions both as phone and a camera. But it is not really substitute for the mainstream smart phone watch. It would be pointless if it were.
The Runcible itself is not competing with other smart watches, but rather it attempting to compete with smartphones. Runcible attempts to function under the radar by not attracting attention and providing maximum functionality. It comprises of parts from smartphones with a Qualcomm processor and operating system by Firefox.
There are no speakers or buttons on the Runcible. In order to communicate on the Runcible one would require a Bluetooth head piece since there is no other way to relay oral communications.
Due to this very reason I feel that Runcible will not succeed as a “smart phone pocket watch” mobile computing device. As it eliminates smartphone functions it makes it inconvenient in use for many of us that have grown accustomed to smartphone usage. Runcible as a device feels like a nuisance. It tries to portray itself as classy; however, it is very aesthetically unappealing. The wooden backing provides a very cheap appeal that might have been considered to be in fashion in the 80’s.
The idea of not detracting from real world aspects can be praised, but mobile technology users will not find it relevant. It is an interesting idea that a wearable technology can be the user interface and will bring about many advances in technology. However, wearable technology has to progress much further for it to be user friendly enough. I would prefer the smart phone over a technology like Runcible. However, it is a step towards progression in mobile computing and communication technologies.
Photo credit: Monohm via Whatstrending.com
