Take Back Control: Alternative Apps for a More Private Digital Life
Ditch Big Tech and regain control over your data with these alternative apps for a more private digital life, from read-later services to password managers and beyond.
Reese Morgan
The smartwatch industry has long been criticized for its lack of repairability, but Pocuter is changing the game with its latest release, the Spectra. This innovative wearable is designed from the ground up to be easily repairable and upgradable, making it a game-changer in the world of tech.
The Spectra smartwatch is now available for preorder on Kickstarter, with early backers able to snag the device for around $209, a discounted price from the expected retail price of $272. This is Pocuter's seventh Kickstarter campaign, and it's clear that the company has put a lot of thought into creating a device that's not only functional but also sustainable.
So, what makes the Spectra so special? For starters, the device is powered by an Espressif ESP32-S3 processor, which is "maxed out" with 8MB RAM and 32MB executable flash memory. The smartwatch also features a 368x448 AMOLED display, a digital crown, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, fitness tracking and environmental sensors, and a microSD slot that allows storage to be boosted to half a terabyte with a memory card. All of this is packed into a CNC milled aluminum frame, which will also be available in stainless steel.
But what really sets the Spectra apart is its repairable design. The device features a mainboard that swings out of the way, and spring contacts instead of a cable that needs to be detached, making it easy to access and replace the battery. This is a major departure from most wearables, which often have batteries that are notoriously difficult to swap.
iFixit, a repair guide website, was sent a disassembled Spectra smartwatch and found it to be incredibly easy to build and disassemble. The device is held together by just seven Phillips head screws, rather than glues and epoxies that often make repairs overly complicated or impossible. Pocuter plans to provide replacement options for every single part of the device, making it easy for users to repair and upgrade their smartwatch.
The Spectra will also run a custom operating system called SpectraOS, which is based on JavaScript. This OS promises features like an interactive debugger for streamlined app development, secure application sandboxing, and support for Linux, macOS, and Windows. However, it's worth noting that the device won't have access to Apple or Google's robust app stores, so users may need to have some coding experience to take full advantage of the Spectra.
The implications of the Spectra are far-reaching. If successful, this device could pave the way for a new era of sustainable and repairable electronics. It could also encourage other companies to prioritize repairability in their own designs, which could have a significant impact on electronic waste and the environment.
As the tech industry continues to grapple with issues of sustainability and waste, the Spectra smartwatch is a breath of fresh air. With its innovative design and commitment to repairability, Pocuter is setting a new standard for the industry. Whether or not the device is a commercial success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Spectra is a game-changer.
Ditch Big Tech and regain control over your data with these alternative apps for a more private digital life, from read-later services to password managers and beyond.
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