The Rufus team isn’t making any excuses for the size of their wearable. They know it’s a big piece of technology on your wrist, but you may not care. Think Atlas wristband, but bigger, much bigger with more capabilities.
(Source: urbanwearables.technology)
Want to know more about Atlas? Check out 5 Artificial Intelligences Threatening Personal Trainers Today.
As a point of contention, when the Apple Watch was first announced, I hoped it would have phone capabilities. I thought, at the time, that a phone on my wrist was my ideal cellular device.
Think about it, no pocket bulge, no setting it down then walking away. You wouldn’t even need your hands to hold your phone.
Then it came out, and I was able to test the form factor on a display model.
A world where I would need to navigate my cellular life on that tiny screen was unthinkable. Not to mention, no phone abilities without your phone in your pocket, but I am off topic somewhat…
The Rufus Cuff (RC) bridges the gap between my smartphone and the first generation Apple Watch, but I’m not sure if it hits the haftahavvit mark.
There are definitely some features which fall in the very good category, but some that are not so good and some that are not so pretty.
The Good
(Source: digit.in)
The RC has two customers, everyday consumers, and Enterprise consumers. The product is the same.
Crushing every other wearable display out there, Rufus Cuff is 3.2 inches wide. You could watch a movie on this thing. In fact, if you wanted to, there’s a speaker to facilitate said movie.
Also, there’s a front-facing camera, a microphone, and a host of health tracking hardware and software. If watching movies on your wrist aren’t your thing, you can also play music, stored or streamed.
The RC has Bluetooth and Wifi, and will store between 16-34 GB of data depending on which trimline you purchase.
Because of its size, the RC affords a larger battery, charged to 50% over a lunch break. This is handy for Enterprise wearers.
For those same clients, there are RC upgrades: a code scanning ring, a battery-pack rugged case, and a dock.
The Bad?
(Source: usatoday.com)
Notably, this section is short. Should it come as any surprise that this device does not run iOS? You can,however, connect it to your iPhone.
It comes pre-loaded with Kit-Kat, but you can upgrade to the most recent Android software right away.
Strangely, while the Rufus Cuff can connect you via VOIP calls, you will not be making any standard cellular calls. There is no home for a standard phone chip.
The Ugly
(Source: getrufus.com)
In case you missed it, the RC is big. It’s too big for most folks who don’t have the option to wear baggy, long sleeved shirts.
You’re not going to see the RC on the wrist of powerful lawyers in the courtroom, nor CEOs in the boardroom. You will, however, see it on the wrists of nerds everywhere. You may even see it on the wrists of folks working in warhorses or shipping.
The ability to have access to a little computer without pulling out your phone could be helpful in this capacity. Even though it can send notifications, take pictures and connect you to Siri, The Rufus Cuff cannot send messages via your iOS device.
(Source: recombu.com)
Will I buy the Rufus? Not in its current incarnation, but I could see considering future generations.
With a considerably large bezel on this version, there’s opportunity to retain the large screen but lose some weight. The stipulation for me would be that I would want to ditch my phone, plus stay in the Apple ecosystem, so likely not gonna happen.
My money’s on Apple performing miracles with the Watch, but they would never make something like Rufus. It just doesn’t line up with their signature design element of simplicity.