Sony Mobile has announced that it is opening its SmartWatch accessory to encourage developers to port their own alternative firmware. Up until now developers have only been able to create SmartWatch apps, however, this news means that a developer can take full control of the device as a hardware peripheral. Sony is calling it the Open SmartWatch project.
To encourage developers to take the first step, Sony has arranged a SmartWatch Arduino Hackathon in Malmö, south of Sweden this coming Saturday (15 June) in conjunction with Arduino. They will put together a tool chain enabling Arduino firmware to run on the SmartWatch – further details on the event can be found here.
This is another in a long line of examples were Sony has embraced openness in the developer community. The company has to be commended for its stance and hopefully devs can use Sony’s help to give the SmartWatch even more longevity.
Via Sony Developer World.
Thanks Hisham!
