TAGO ARC IS AN E-INK BRACELET FOR SMART FASHIONISTAS

Posted By Simon Montford on Feb 16, 2015

E-ink provides a really crisp display and uses very little power, making it an ideal technology for small screen connected devices like Displio, as well as smartwatches such as the Geak Watch 2, and wearables such as the Tago arc by Boston's Liberate Technologies Inc. One major drawback of using e-ink instead of LCD or OLED, however, is that it can only display monochrome images.

Regardless of this, it appears that a sufficient number of fashionistas are willing to accept e-ink's limitations, because the Tago arc has already exceed its campaign target on Indiegogo, with 26 days still remaining. What I found interesting is that the company has figured out that they can not only make money from selling the hardware, but also up-sell e-ink designs post-purchase from their "Pic Shop", which could be a lucrative additional income stream. You will also, however, be able to take pictures with your phone, upload them to the tago app, and tranfer them to your wrist. 

Like the Geak Watch 2, perhaps the next version of the Tago arc could utilize a dual screen design. By overlaying a colour OLED screen on top of an e-ink display, the bracelet could be lit up in glorious full colour but then switched to e-ink when the battery is low (this approach was also utilized to great effect by the creators of the Yota Phone 2).

Unfortunately the early bird special is sold out, as has the Valentine's Day special. The Tago arc can, however, be pre-ordered for $259 (£168). Estimated shipping date is December 2015, and international shipping will be offered for an additional $15 (£10).

The company recently announced a stretch goal perk. If the stretch goal is met, the Tago arc will be available in several colourful silicone cases, that fit onto the bracelet concealing its original frame.