X

Inside Blocks, the smartwatch you make yourself (pictures)

Peek inside this modular wearable, which links up add-on units to make a custom smartwatch.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
blocks-design-3watches-no-logo.jpg
1 of 7 Blocks Wearables, modified by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Introducing Blocks

What are the building blocks of a great smartwatch? Startup Blocks Wearables thinks it knows. Its module device, Blocks, starts with one of three displays, but you can snap in modules to add more power and capabilities.

blocks-core-module-electronics-qualcomm-snapdragon-400-soc.jpg
2 of 7 Blocks Wearables

Inside Blocks

Diving in, this circular option has a processor, Bluetooth and battery, in addition to a touchscreen panel and other sensors.

blocks-core-module-encased1-qualcomm-snapdragon-400-soc.png
3 of 7 Blocks Wearables

Low power

The Blocks modules run on ultra-low-power ARM processors.

blocks-core-module-encased2-qualcomm-snapdragon-400-soc.png
4 of 7 Blocks Wearables

Casing

Another look at Blocks' internal wiring.

blocks-peripheral-module-electronics-with-ultra-low-power-arm-processors.jpg
5 of 7 Blocks Wearables

A chip off the old Blocks

These next two slides take a closer look at the processors that go into smart devices.

blocks-peripheral-module-encased-with-low-power-arm-processors-nologo.jpg
6 of 7 Blocks Wearables, modified by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Processing power

The Blocks is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset.

blocks-design-round-display-on-launch-nologo.jpg
7 of 7 Blocks Wearables, modified by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Hot-swapping

Conveniently, you won't have to power the watch down to swap out modules.

Learn more about the Blocks wearable here.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos