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What is ZSWatch

· 3 min read
Jakob Krantz
Jakob Krantz
Senior Software Engineer and ZSWatch Creator and Maintainer

If you have not heard of ZSWatch before, here is an intro!

Built on the Zephyr™ Project RTOS, hence the name ZSWatch - Zephyr Smartwatch.

ZSWatch is a free and open source smartwatch you can build almost from scratch - including software, hardware, and mechanics. Everything from the lowest level BLE radio driver code to PCB and casing is available and can be customised to suit your needs.

How ZSWatch looks like today.

Video walking through some of the UI and features.

Software​

Short feature overview:

  • Bluetooth LE communications with GadgetBridge Android app.
  • Multiple Watchfaces showing:
    • Standard stuff such as time, date, battery
    • Weather
    • Step count
    • Number of unread notifications
    • Environmental data
    • ...
  • Pop-up notifications
  • Application picker and app concept
    • Setting menu system, with easy extendability
    • Music control app
    • Settings app
    • Compass app
    • etc.
  • Step counting
  • Gestures
  • iOS support (limited)
  • And much more ...

Hardware​

ZSWatch is equipped with a range of powerful hardware components that make it a versatile and capable smartwatch.

Components description

  • nRF5340 BLE chip (u-blox NORA-B10 module): The watch is powered by a 128 MHz dual-core nRF5340 BLE chip, providing high-performance processing capabilities.

  • Nordic nPM1300 PMIC: The power management integrated circuit ensures efficient power delivery and battery life estimations.

  • 240x240 round display: ZSWatch features a vibrant and responsive 240x240 round display with a capacitive touch screen, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience.

  • IMU Bosch BMI270: The integrated IMU allows for advanced features such as gesture-based navigation and smartwatch wake-up by arm movement.

  • Bosch BME688 Environmental sensor: The BME688 sensor provides AI-enhanced environmental data, enabling the watch to monitor air quality and other environmental parameters.

  • Bosch BMP581 High-performance pressure sensor: The BMP581 sensor offers accurate pressure measurements with a precision of approximately 20cm.

  • ST LIS2MDLTR Magnetometer: The magnetometer enables the watch to detect magnetic fields, opening up possibilities for compass and navigation applications.

  • Macronix MX25U51245GZ4I00 64 MB external flash: The external flash provides large storage space for data and UI resources.

  • Broadcom APDS-9306-065 Light Sensor: The light sensor enables automatic brightness control.

  • Micro Crystal RV-8263-C8 RTC: The real-time clock module ensures accurate timekeeping and supports alarm functions.

  • Knowles SPK0641HT4H-1 I2S microphone: The built-in microphone allows for audio recording and voice control capabilities.

Option to not mount sensors: ZSWatch offers the flexibility to exclude certain sensors, allowing for cost optimization based on specific requirements.

This powerful combination of hardware components ensures that ZSWatch delivers a rich and immersive smartwatch experience.