Matrix announces the new Matrix Powerwatch 2 - Uses Body Heat For Charging & Solar Power.

Image Source: Matrix

           Even the thought of holding a gadget that doesn't even require any physical charging to operate is splendid, on top of that if the same doesn't include any power input for juicing up might seem a bit tangy at first, but it's quite exciting. By the topic of this post, you already know that we're talking about Smartwatches. Smartwatch - an extension to your smartphone for having a glance over your notifications and for tracking your fitness activities. This space is getting densely crowded thanks to the several smartwatch manufacturers. But the fact that there's one extra device to charge daily just annoys me, which is why I usually opt for either Smartbands or Hybrid Smartwatches wherein there's a novelty of charging the particular device once a week or more at the minimum. Well, the company Matrix was first to the rescue by solving this problem earlier this year by launching their Matrix Powerwatch which used to charge via the body heat. But it had few shortcomings, so to address those issues, the company Matrix is back this year announcing their newest offering - Matrix Powerwatch 2 at CES 2019. Let's find out more about its specifications, pricing and availability.

Matrix announces the new Matrix Powerwatch 2 - Uses Body Heat For Charging & Solar Power.

Image Source: Matrix

Matrix Powerwatch 2 Specifications & Features: 

• It sports a 1.2 inch LCD colour display than the earlier black and white. It's an always-on display; however, you can get an option to disable that feature. According to several publications featuring the story & covering the event live, the outdoor visibility on the watch is quite good. 
• Comes with GPS location tracking support, heart rate monitoring and Fitness Tracking features(pace, distance, steps, sleep, cadence, and more.). 
• It charges via thermometric charging technology which converts the heat emitted heat from your wrist & the ambient light into power. Also as an addition to the earlier iteration, it now comes with solar charging inbuilt. There is no port available for power input. The Powerwatch 2 is also able to tell, how much power it gets received from your body heat. 
• Its available in 42mm dial features an aluminium casing and has a rubber strap. The watch has a rugged built which is durable for outdoor activities on a stretch. 
• It's water resistant up to 200 meters, so you can easily take it out for a spin inside swimming pool. 

Image Source: Matrix

              The main headlining feature above all in this smartwatch is the thermometric charging technology, which makes it stand apart from its category. It is the same technology used by NASA for powering the Voyager Spacecraft and the Mars Rover. This charging principle is base on the Seebeck effect discovered back in 1821. Even the Solar Cell ring has been positioned inside the watch's bezels which is capable of storing power from either Indoor or Outdoor lighting conditions.

Matrix Powerwatch 2 - Above & Beyond Charging Approach.

Image Source: Matrix

           Talking about the footprint, the PowerWatch 2 is a bit smaller when compared to it's earlier iterations, although you can still easily make out from the image above that it won't go well on smaller wrists. However that same big rugged built makes it suitable for wearing it on hiking & outdoor activities. But apart from that this won't be called as a smart - smartwatch, as there's an absence of an App Store; meaning you cannot install any third party apps, which means, in turn, there would be limited support for push notifications. That being said, the Powerwatch 2 is compatible with Apple Homekit and Google Fit, wherein you can easily sync your fitness activities to have an in-depth breakout of your workout sessions on the respective platforms. You cannot even place calls from the watch; however, I find this feature to be useless so I wouldn't complain about it.  So put it into a bigger picture the Powerwatch 2 cannot be compared to the likes of Apple Watch of the Google's large Android Wear devices, but instead, it can be considered as a novelty for those who rather stick to outdoor hikes or runs. It has been made for the ones who aren't always nearby a power source. So we must appreciate the efforts made by Matrix to go above an beyond the traditional and conventional approach and creating a masterpiece. It could quite possibly be the future of how smartwatches rather smart gadgets could get charged. Although I wish they find a way to support 3rd party apps in the coming generations ahead.

Image Source: Matrix

            The PowerWatch 2 is available for pre-order on Indiegogo at an early bird offer for $199. The expected retails price is going to be $499 as mentioned on the Indiegogo campaign page followed by the products to hit the market in June 2019.

Image Source: Matrix

Source: Matrix via The Verge

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