Fossil Wrist PDA
| Industry | Consumer electronics, watchmaking |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Wrist PDA, WristNet smartwatch |
The Fossil Wrist PDA is a smartwatch that operates on Palm OS. Its follow-up model, the Fossil WristNet, does not utilize Palm OS.
Product history
The project started in 1999 when engineer Donald Brewer teamed up with Fossil Product Manager Jeff Bruneau to license a read-only version of Palm OS from Palm Source for integration into a wristwatch. Initial prototypes were notably bulky and internally referred to as "boat anchors." The concept was further refined through collaboration with Microsoft engineers working on SPOT watches.
A significant obstacle involved the display: Palm OS demanded a 160×160 pixel touchscreen, whereas the available screens were smaller and designed for mobile phones. This issue was resolved when the engineering company Three-Five Systems delivered the appropriate display in July 2002. The device made its public debut at COMDEX, where it earned the "best mobile device" award. Memory capacity grew from an original 2 MB prototype to 8 MB in the final commercial version. The retail price at launch was $249 USD.
Features
The AU/FX models provide most of the functionalities found in traditional PDAs. Consistent with other Palm OS gadgets, they support synchronization with personal computers, include an infrared port, a virtual keyboard, and feature a touchscreen interface. The watches incorporate the graffiti handwriting recognition system. A compact stylus is conveniently housed within the watch clasp. User navigation is facilitated by two buttons and a rocker switch. Their screen resolution is comparable to that of the Palm III, and an electroluminescent backlight allows for visibility in low-light conditions. Positioned on the front is an IRDA transmitter enabling communication with other Palm devices and serving as a TV remote control, albeit with limited range. Power is supplied by a rechargeable lithium ion battery that can last over a week on standby and approximately one to two days during active watch-face use, depending on battery health.
Reception
Upon release, the Wrist PDA garnered favorable reviews. In 2003, Wired.com described it as "revolutionary," drawing comparisons to a "Dick Tracy watch." Critics highlighted its capability to run a variety of software including DocumentsToGo 6, AvantGo, Palm Games, and Metro Navigator freeware.
However, critiques centered on its relatively large size and bulky design; weighing 108 grams, it was somewhat lighter than the Handspring Visor PDA which weighed 174 g. The screen was frequently criticized for being too dim and small for comfortable text editing. Additional shortcomings included limited water resistance, modest battery longevity, and an alarm volume insufficient for practical use.
See also