Texas Instruments' EZ Chronos - The most wanted, and ultimate geek "must have" of 2010
Every once in a while, companies produce a product, that is such a hit with the consumers (read: geeks) out there that all hell breaks loose!
In 2010, Texas Instruments, launched a very innovative development platform using its ultra-low-power CC430 (MSP430 CPU + RF module) known more commonly as the CC430 platform which is a SoC (System on Chip)
The eZ430-Chronos is a highly integrated, wearable wireless development system based for the CC430 in a sports watch. It may be used as a reference platform for watch systems, a personal display for personal area networks, or as a wireless sensor node for remote data collection.
The response to this product was astronomical and exceeded TI's expectations. During 2010 a worldwide shortage of these kits occurred and some were being sold on Ebay at high prices even though the kit itself is pretty cheap (ZAR 220). In South Africa, the available stock had to be carefully rationed, I had to wait at least 6+ months before I could get mine.
When it eventually arrived, I was over the moon to have received it, and look at what I all got:
It works, out the box and functions very well as a normal wristwatch and is very stylish at that. Included in the kit is a wireless dongle and programming attachment, plus a CD with the source code. The development platform (available separately) is the MSP430 Eclipse IDE for seamless C development and debugging.
This product was very well received by the hacking community, as many used the on-board wireless to hack wireless receivers embedded in garage door openers and electric gates. I shall be using mine to open my gate at home, without the hassle of carrying a remote or having to carry keys on my person.
It displays time and date, can display temperature, and functions as a pedometer aswell. Heart rate can be monitored with the wireless transponder (sold separately).
Pros* Undeniably the coolest, bestest gadget of 2010
* Easy to use, and develop for
* Geek factor +6 ******
Cons* In certain modes (reading temperature) battery life suffers a bit
* To do debugging, one has to take the watch apart. A wireless bootloader is available but to install it, the watch still has to be taken apart.
ReferenceseZ430 Product Page
http://focus.ti.com/docs/toolsw/folders/print/ez430-chronos.html
