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Seiko TV Watch is now 20 years Old
TheGreatOrangePeel writes "In 1982 the Seiko "Television Watch" became available to buy. Now, 20 years later, the watch has become a bit of a rare item to find. When it was available new, it contained the following:
1-1/4" LCD Screen on wristwatch, Shirt pocket receiver, Case, Earphones, Owner's Manual." Apparently the small wonder is still the smallest TV commercially produced.
...and we haven't come up with any new ideas since.
I mean, it's a cool idea, but how long can you possibly stare at a tiny little screen for to watch something? And what would require such urgency that you need to carry a television around? I get enough eye strain staring at a 17" monitor a good chunk of the day, never mind doing the same thing on a small display.
If it's a sports event like hockey, forget about seeing where the puck is going. Academy awards results can come via text messages. 3G networks will make streaming video possible over phones anyway. Reception can't be that great on a little watch. For portable TV, I have my 4" Casio screen, and then only if it's used sparingly.
That's not to say that it's not interesting technology or that we shouldn't commemorate it. I used to have a Pac Man video game watch (the one with the joystick, not the buttons), and I wish I still had it because it was neat. But, like all thing in life, we have to move on to what's modern and better. I'll probably be playing video games on the go on my cell phone soon, and so will I be watching tv and video, if not on my multi-function multi-emulator PDA.