Snap the Time
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Developed by SnapWatch Ltd, a Somerset based company founded in 1999, the SnapWatch is a wearable device specifically designed to be worn by young children although adults with small wrists might find it useful. The actual SnapWatch device is manufactured in China. Unlike the more common variety of smart watches which try to be all-things with regards their functionality to everybody, the SnapWatch restricts its functionality to presenting the user with a digital watch format offering time and date information. This data consists of hours, minutes, day and year on a screen that is not really customisable.
The product, at first glance, appears to be a rigid black band with dimensions of 185 x 25 x 8 mm. The SnapWatch has been constructed from a silicon tube encased within a stable metal band. It is this band which accounts for the "Snap" part of the product's title. Leaving a central 55 mm area free for displaying the digital information of time and date, the two sections at either end of the band are decorated with child-appealing cartoon graphics. The combination of silicon and bi-stable metal allows the SnapWatch to be both durable and environmental friendly.
In its original state of being a rigid black band, the SnapWatch hardly looks like the common perception of a wristwatch. However it does possess an ability to metamorphosis into an appearance that was more watch recognisable. By simply applying some pressure on each end of the bar, its shape changes to a more coiled appearance. It can then be wrapped around a child's wrist. While there is no buckle that forms part of a more traditional style wristwatch, the coiled SnapWatch fits securely and comfortably around the wrist.
At one end of the band is a small area that holds the CR2032 battery that powers this device. You should get up to two years of use out of this battery before it will need to be replaced which involves the removal of three small screws. This area also features the SW logo and a pair of buttons for adjusting settings as you set the time, date and year details.
With jus two buttons providing the means of setting up this device, I was expecting this task to be fairly simple and straightforward. However I really struggled with the process that involved little more than switching between the left and right button. The two buttons are placed so close together and, while not flush to the surface, are easy to miss or pressed by mistake so causing you to restart the process. It took me several attempts to work my way through the process of setting the hour, in either 12 or 24 hour format, minutes, day, month and the year.
Once removed from the wrist it is a simple matter to return the device to its original shape. A small amount of pressure of each end of the unit will return it to its original shape. I found it was even possible, with the flick of the wrist, to turn the coiled shape appearance into that of a hook. Admittedly the hook was not one that could withstand the pressure of any weight but displaying this trick might please a child.
With the launch of this SnapWatch, six cool designs have been created. The different designs have been developed to appeal to young children. There is a choice of Dragons, Unicorns, Astronauts, Sharkies, Icy Black and Spring purple. My review sample was of the Astronauts type and featured cartoon style graphics of planets, rocket ships and space walking astronauts. All six designs have been priced at £14.99.
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