[Kis]

I love the Blocks modular concept. So far, it seems like a great design and can only get better.
However, for years now, there is one thing I've been desperately waiting for. I'm no longer interested at all in adding to or pairing with a smartphone or other device. I want to get RID of all that. I want a single unit (notwithstanding modularity, like with Blocks) for communication, memory, and computing in a low profile but stylish wearable. Blocks seems the closest promise I've seen so far.
Everyone has their key modules they're dreaming of. For me, they include flash memory, kinetic charging, and bluetooth (including or in addition to an expansion module).
But the number one thing I need is that SIM module. That's what really cuts the cord and is the deal maker and breaker for me. I hate having to go to my device to get my communication and computation. If I could, I'd have it implanted but we're not quite there yet.
So: can anyone tell me when a SIM module will become available?

[Alessandro G.]

Belonging to the so-called Phase 2, the SIM module will be developed right after all shipments for KS backers (and early pre-orders, I suppose), and then it will be made available in the BLOCKS online store. Such a module might require a little more extra work, in order to allow the team to arrange agreements with as much mobile carriers as possible, which could help BLOCKS' sales quite a lot.

[Kis]

Thanks for the update.

So sounds like earliest for the SIM would be late Q4 2016? Or is even that too ambitious?

Any hints about the expansion module or is that still just a glimmer?

If the expansion module will take a long while (as I suspect), could you tell me what is the maximum number of modules that can be physically attached to the core and still work at full capacity?

[Alessandro G.]

(01-29-2016, 02:22 PM)Kis Wrote:  Thanks for the update.

So sounds like earliest for the SIM would be late Q4 2016? Or is even that too ambitious?

Any hints about the expansion module or is that still just a glimmer?

If the expansion module will take a long while (as I suspect), could you tell me what is the maximum number of modules that can be physically attached to the core and still work at full capacity?

The team mentioned on KS that the BLOCKS communication protocol can support up to 127 modules. Yep, that's quite a lot. As long as you have enough extra batteries to keep everything working, you can basically add as much modules as you want to BLOCKS. But there's no way anyone could fit more than 5 modules with a single Core, and that would require an extra large wrist. The expansion module is something the team would like to work on, but that haven't started designing or even planning to design yet. As you might imagine, such a module would require much more components than a standard one. I think it would have to be more or less like a Core, without display, Bluetooth and WiFi, but capable of establishing a high bit-rate link with the primary smartwatch in order to keep the stream of I/O data flowing.
As far as the SIM module is concerned, there's no certain date yet. The team will probably announce timelines for Phase 2 modules in the appropriate section of the forum after all pre-orders smartwatches will have been shipped.

[butlermatt]

(01-29-2016, 02:56 PM)Alessandro G. Wrote:  The team mentioned on KS that the BLOCKS communication protocol can support up to 127 modules.

!!!

Quote:
Yep, that's quite a lot. As long as you have enough extra batteries to keep everything working, you can basically add as much modules as you want to BLOCKS. But there's no way anyone could fit more than 5 modules with a single Core

I can almost see it now. "Blocks XL, The modular smart belt!"

[Kis]

127!! Who needs the expansion module: I could totally rock a smart-baldric!

[Yousif]

Only thing I need to know about the GSM module: Does it come with a built-in SIM or do you put your own in? Probably comes with a built in one which means I can't get it.

[Neil Shah]

(01-31-2016, 04:48 PM)Yousif Wrote:  Only thing I need to know about the GSM module: Does it come with a built-in SIM or do you put your own in? Probably comes with a built in one which means I can't get it.

No details yet but they've said in the past that they'll make sure that the SIM module is not locked to 1 carrier.

[Yousif]

(02-01-2016, 01:32 PM)Neil Shah Wrote:  

(01-31-2016, 04:48 PM)Yousif Wrote:  Only thing I need to know about the GSM module: Does it come with a built-in SIM or do you put your own in? Probably comes with a built in one which means I can't get it.

No details yet but they've said in the past that they'll make sure that the SIM module is not locked to 1 carrier.

Thanks

[Yousif]

@Alessandro Thanks, I completely forgot about this thread