Intex launches a smartwatch that bridges the gap between smart accessory and standalone device.
Indian smartphone manufacturer Intex used the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Shanghai as the backdrop to unveil the first smartwatch by an Indian brand that runs on Android. Smartwatch manufacturers continue to flit from standalone device to complementary device as the category continues to evolve. Intex has chosen to go down the standalone device road with its smartwatch debut - iRist.
The India smartwatch numbers might suggest that the Indian consumer has adopted a wait-and-watch approach with the wearable segment, but Intex believes iRist could give the category some much needed traction. The focus for the iRist seems to be on replicating the Android smartphone experience on your wrist.
That explains the choice of Android KitKat (4.4) for the watch and, more importantly, support for micro SIM cards. Intex also bundles a bluetooth headset with the device, just in case you think your smartwatch is ready to replace your mobile device. You can use the same bluetooth headset to play your music playlist during your run or your workout.
Aside from the device's 'standalone credentials' Intex has thrown almost everything into this device. The iRist is powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core processor coupled with 512MB of RAM. There's 4GB of onboard memory - while only 1.3GB of this is usable, the iRist has support for micro SD cards up to 32GB. The 1.56-inch IPS LCD display (240x240p) boasts of 16 million colours and is reinforced with Sapphire glass.
There's a 5MP camera - the lens is sandwiched between the two navigation buttons on the right spine. The iRist comes with an impressive list of/ connectivity options - micro USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and HSPA. You can enjoy 3G connectivity on your wrist just like the Samsung Gear S. There's also GPS support, particularly handy if you need to run navigation apps like Google Maps. If you choose to pair your device instead of opting for the standalone route, the iRist goes into 'read only mode' allowing you to read texts and emails but you will need to go back to your phone to type replies. Aside from a keyboard, Intex has also developed its own voice-enabled assistant (Genie) that can perform basic tasks; we were unable to test the capabilities of 'Genie' during our first 'hands-on' during the launch. The iRist ticks the fitness box with its own fitness App that has an inbuilt pedometer.
Battery life has been one of the pain points for the wearable category; Intex believes that the 600 mAh battery on this device will give it an edge over the competition. The iRist features an ambient light sensor to optimise battery life and also comes with water and dust resistant qualitative. You can't dive into a pool with it but you're more than covered for that sudden spell of rain. The iRist will be available in India in the first week of August. The product will go on sale at retail counters after a short exclusive online sales window on EBay. The iRist will be priced at Rs 11,999/-, a clear indication that Intex is ready to make the shift from value for money smartphones to ‘aspirational’ devices that don't come cheap. Will the Indian consumer oblige? We will probably find out in August.
AT A GLANCE
Key Specs
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Processor: 1.2 GHz Dual-core
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Memory: 512MB RAM, 4GB onboard storage (1.3GB usable) / Micro SD card support (up to 32GB)
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Display: 1.56" IPS LCD screen (240x240p)
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Connectivity: Wi-Fi/USB/Bluetooth and Micro SIM slot (3G)
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Camera: 5MP
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Battery: 600 mAh battery
Price: Rs 11,999/-
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