COOKOO: The Future of Timekeeping

ConnecteDevice Ltd's Innovative Approach to Modern Watch Design

ConnecteDevice Ltd's inspiration for COOKOO stemmed from the growing reliance on smart devices and the need for a tool to navigate the digital world. The team sought a device that would simplify digital life while maintaining a stylish aesthetic. Unable to find a suitable product on the market, they turned to the concept of a watch. With the advent of Bluetooth Smart technology, they found the means to develop a watch capable of two-way communication with smartphones.

COOKOO stands out as the world's first designer watch that combines an analog movement with a digital display. It allows users to receive only the notifications they want, anytime, anywhere, even when their phone is out of reach. The watch also features a COMMAND button that can remotely trigger the camera, control music playback, and check-in on Facebook. The watch is designed to stay connected in the digital world, with updates for an enhanced user experience coming soon.

The creation of COOKOO required the integration of three technologies: the watch platform, a Bluetooth Low Energy connected system, and a mobile app running on a mobile OS platform. ConnecteDevice Ltd partnered with experts in various technology fields, including iOS and Android app developers, firmware engineers, a talented ID designer, and a watch manufacturer, to ensure a seamless user experience.

COOKOO's technical specifications reflect its innovative design. The watch features an analog clock and digital connected display (icons), a Japanese analog movement, and a standard CR2032 button cell battery. It also boasts a polycarbonate casing, aluminum bezel, scratch-resistant acrylic glass, and a soft silicon band. The watch is water-resistant and available in various colors. The birdhouse packaging ties in with the COOKOO bird theme and can be repurposed as a birdhouse or bird feeder.

COOKOO's design process, which began in March 2012 in Seattle, USA, and concluded in November 2012 in Hong Kong, faced several challenges. One significant obstacle was incorporating both the analog movement and digital display into a fashion-forward watch. The solution was to use two replaceable standard cell-button batteries, eliminating the need for regular recharging. Another challenge was creating an architecture within the watch that allows third-party software developers to create their own apps for future user experience enhancement.

In recognition of its innovative design, COOKOO was awarded Platinum in the A' Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design Award in 2013. This prestigious award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that contribute to societal wellbeing and push the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology. COOKOO's unique design and functionality truly make it a defining aesthetic of our era.