The Watch That Would Make Even Inspector Gadget Jealous

Heads up, tech geeks: the future is NOW. Like something straight out of a ‘90s sci-fi film, a team of young Canadian developers has invented a smart-device that functions like the high-end watches being sold by mobile companies today.

The device is called Glance and it’s probably the coolest thing since the iPad. But rather than forking over wads of cash for a fancy timepiece, once funded, Glance will only run you about $65. It’s enough to make Inspector Gadget jealous.

Like the gear that the Inspector and his faithful sidekick Penny sport, this device is much more than meets the eye. Available in three different sizes to fit individual watch-band or bracelet widths, Glance works in tandem with different Bluetooth technologies, including Android and iOS systems, laptops and motion capture apparatus. It can act as a point of reference for illustrating, scrolling and clicking ‘play’ on your favorite YouTube videos.

So it’s not exactly a “watch,” per se.

. . . It’s much cooler.

When synced up with your smart phone, it functions as your own personal Go-Go-Gadget: it flashes an alert when someone is calling you and can be turned off with the touch of a button. It displays incoming text messages and can even be used to find your phone.

One of the device’s coolest features is its ability to send out messages for you with the flick of a wrist: say you’re driving around town in your Gadgetmobile and don’t have time to respond to an annoying text message. Using standard accelerometer and gyroscope sensors, the device expertly reads your specific movements and sends out a pre-selected busy message, such as “On my way” or “On the road, will call you soon.” Rather than having to look away from your dash to text or answer a call (which you shouldn’t be doing anyway), all you need to do is lift your hand, yell “Go, go, Gadget watch” and flick your wrist. Alright, that second part is optional.

You can also control your smart TV by simply making a fist and tapping your thumb as if you’re pressing an invisible button. The movement allows you to adjust volume, select channels or open your Netflix, making a 10-hour Parks and Recreation marathon that much easier (bless you, Glance).

And that’s just the beginning. If you thought all of that was impressive, remember that the device can also act as a snooze button for your morning alarm, a world clock, an activity tracker and an air mouse. It’s also waterproof.

The Glance team is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to finance production and has raised about one-third of its proposed $150,000 goal so far (you can find out more here).

If you want in on the next wave of secret-inspector spy gear, this is one of the coolest ways to do it. Of course, you’ll have to find your own sidekick and mutant dog. There’s no Kickstarter for that . . . I checked.

Featured image and all device images via Glance/Kickstarter. Additional images via, via.