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Some of cool and the wild ones:

> The TM-100 was a highly unique wristwatch with the ability to transmit speech via radio. Outfitted with an FM transmitter and microphone, the watch allowed users to wirelessly broadcast their voice to a radio tuned to the right frequency simply by speaking toward the watch

> The unique CMD-10 delivered remote control functionality for TVs and VCRs. Its function-minded layout of large remote control buttons ensured intuitive operability. Users could turn their TV or VCR on or off, change channels, adjust the volume, and more using the watch on their wrist.

And then there is the sad one, too:

> The ever-innovative G-SHOCK brand takes a new step, launching a virtual community where people can co-create and interact with one another via digital platforms like NFTs and the metaverse.



This one too:

> Simply holding the watch’s built-in speaker up to the receiver of a push-button telephone allowed users to place calls to stored numbers


>> Simply holding the watch’s built-in speaker up to the receiver of a push-button telephone allowed users to place calls to stored numbers

So a miniaturized version of one of this (which I totally uselessly had as a kid): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z438yRW0rGQ.



> As famously modded in 2600 mag, they were useful for a while...

And now that you remind me, that's totally why I bought one, but at the time I lacked the tools and electronics skills to do the mod.


How on earth did we never see some early 90s hacker-culture movie do some Blue-box phreaking using this watch, similar to the (fictional) Atari Portfolio ATM hack in Terminator 2.


I had CMD-10 as a kid. It was fun when it worked, but it wasn't pairing well with most TV sets and video players. Though it's possible I just didn't know how to set it up properly.


There was a mode where you'd just cycle through all stored "remotes" until the TV switched off. Then you picked that one, and most likely it would work (in my experience). It was great.


I once had a soldering course from a guy that is mainly known for creating a remote that could turn off any TV some years ago, really chill guy but also hillarious that he made a business out of a single gimmicky item like that.

I wouldn't be surprised if he lurks on here, if so, hi!

edit: it's the "TV-B-Gone" by Mitch Altman, who was at the forefront of creating hackerspaces - TIL they weren't as much of a thing in the US until 2008.


I have a fantastic memory of confusing my 4th grade teacher when I learned that it worked on the TV in our classroom after setting it up to work at my grandma's house... Sorry Mrs. Norris. You were lovely.


The temperature sensor was an interesting idea. Wonder if smartphones will ever get that. Probably not, since it is cheaper to get this information online (but then it is often inaccurate).


The pixel 9 xl has a infrared temperature sensor. I was surprised when I learned this.

https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/14103759?hl=en


what would be the point of a temperature sensor in a smartphone. the smartphone is carried by me. that means I already know if it's cold or hot.


Same with any weather app... you already know if it's rainy, sunny or snowing as well.


a weather app provides also forecasts and weather information for places you intend to visit in near future.




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