Timex and Microsoft co-developed the first smartwatch in 1994.
The Timex Datalink.
It is flight certified by NASA and is the first watch capable of downloading information from a computer.
A few important features:
- Three years of battery life
- Downloads data wirelessly (before Bluetooth)
- Water resistant
- Is capable of storing up to 150 phone numbers
- Syncs with your contacts, appointments and to-do lists
- Ability to store downloadable apps
- The datalink 50 model, there is a print with binary numbers which encode the text “Listen To The Light If You Can See”
Unfortunately, data transmission for the watch only works with CRT monitors and the Datalink software will only run on a 32-bit Windows PC.
The watch has a small lens at the top of its face which is used for data transmission. The data is transmitted form the CRT of a computer through a series of pulsating horizontal bars.
The Datalink 150 is the last model in the Datalink line, and was introduced as a wearable alternative to mainstream PDA’s.
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Now if you’re down with the idea of sporting a vintage wristwatch computer, like I am… And you weren’t around in the 90’s to receive one as a mail-in bonus with your purchase of Microsoft office 95, they can be found on the internet for around $80.
