UK-based tech company to release smartwatch you can repair yourself
Although the device has yet to be launched, some believe it could already compete with Garmin.
Image by Cybernews
Although the device has yet to be launched, some believe it could already compete with Garmin.
With new smartwatch models being released regularly, it’s getting harder for companies to create something that users haven’t seen before, especially those who are already familiar with these devices.
Users online have recently started sharing news and opinions about the Una watch, “the world’s first fully modular and repairable GPS sports watch.”
The device was created by a UK-based company to track activities such as runs, rides, and hikes. It provides users with post-activity metrics and daily insights into their health. The device can also send phone notifications and includes other basic smartwatch functions.
What makes it stand out from other smartwatches in the market is its sustainability aspect. The watch can be charged with any cable since it was designed with a “universal charging” system.
The device is also repairable and can be upgraded or fixed by the user, who can order spare parts online and disassemble and assemble the watch themselves.
Some people have been eyeing the new watch, which hasn’t been released yet. Those who are interested in the product can put down a $1 deposit to get the smartwatch for $235, with its original release price coming in at $350.
The device has prompted mixed reactions online. Some like the replaceability concept and even believe that the new watch could compete with Garmin.
“Competition is good, reducing e-waste is good, I wish them and their early adopters all the best,” shared one user online.
“I've been getting a lot of ads for this watch. It seems pretty cool. It's good to have more competition in this space. I'm not in a rush to leave Garmin though,” noted another Reddit user.
However, not all were quick to praise the future smartwatch.
“‘Modular’ mobile electronics are one of those things that seem great in theory but never seem to work out in practice. There were a few phone concepts like this several years ago, but I don't believe any of them really panned out. [...],” wrote one user.
One interested Redditor also asked others about the production company's legitimacy because of its $1 deposit policy, which made some people online think it was a scam.
“I just paid my $1 and got access to the ‘Members Only’ Facebook group. There are currently 397 members, so if they're trying to run a grab-and-go scam, they're not doing very well at it,” they joked.
Other users agreed that the one-year-old company was unlikely to have malicious intent.
“Kinda weird, but I doubt it's a scam. A $1 USD deposit makes no sense for a scam, they would just take 100 if they were after the money (or just a classic Kickstarter scam),” one said.