WiFi detecting watch finds networks, social isolation

Now that most smartphones worth having sport WiFi, the need for wireless finders has dwindled somewhat, but we'll still give credit to the designers of this WiFi-detecting watch for cleverness. That's not to say we'd ever recommend wearing this fashion disaster -- check out that "WiFi" button on the bezel -- but if you're on a mission to consolidate your gear and you don't mind the mocking laughter of others, £20 ($39) is all it takes.

[Via digital-lifestyles]

[dervheid @ Apr 30th 2008 5:06AM]

Nice Legs...
Shame about the face!

[kicks @ Apr 30th 2008 5:22AM]

I just don't get it. The WiFi thing sounded alright until the word
'detector' came along.
Why put a WiFi DETECTOR on a frigin watch and make it look very very
ugly?
Surely your laptop or a mobile phone with WiFi or your nintendo DS
could DETECT it anyway.

[j_g_puff @ Apr 30th 2008 6:00AM]

"Hey, Guthrie, what's the time?"



"It's WiFi time."



In most cases I would mock such a redundant product, but for £20 it makes an ideal birthday gift for the geeks in my life.

[landin @ Apr 30th 2008 12:33PM]

I choked on my lunch after reading this comment...

[supermeerkat @ Apr 30th 2008 6:05AM]

Just!
Been!
Payed!
Must!
Resist!
Urge!
To!
Buy!

[Lloytron @ Apr 30th 2008 6:05AM]

Its been ages since I saw such an ugly and useless good for nothing piece of worthless trash. Not including looking in the mirror this morning.

[601210 @ Apr 30th 2008 6:30AM]

It's not as bad an idea as it seems. I think it would save a lot of time, as you can find a signal without having to turn your laptop on and scanning.

[DVO @ Apr 30th 2008 6:48AM]

a black sharpie could be quite handy for taming that WiFi button from screaming "nerd alert!"...

[MrGam3r @ Apr 30th 2008 7:52AM]

yeah i don't think i'd want to wear "this this" either. =)

[WhoKnows83 @ Apr 30th 2008 7:55AM]

just wondering if the "detector" shows open and secured WiFi networks and which security its using.

other question is how long the battery lasts if you push that wifi button every 5 minutes.

[Joe @ Apr 30th 2008 8:12AM]

Probably a long time since it's likely passive.

[Marco @ Apr 30th 2008 9:01AM]

Yeah, that detector is cool and all, until you bust out your four inch thick PII Acer lappie that takes thirteen minutes to boot only to find out your Dick Tracy watch found a WPA-PSK ad hoc network.

[foxdude0486 @ Apr 30th 2008 9:15AM]

It'd be nicer if the wifi button looked like it belonged on a watch... You know, like the other buttons on the watch? Instead of right in front with bigger lettering that screams: "I'm special!"

[jeicrash @ Apr 30th 2008 10:41AM]

This has been on thinkgeek for a while. It is ugly and does not show the ssid.

[Hinhale @ Apr 30th 2008 11:45AM]

That is one fugly Tag Heuer Microtimer replica.
http://www.professionalwatches.com/2007/01/tag_heuer_microtimer.html

[pika @ Apr 30th 2008 2:05PM]

I have no idea why you guys think this watch is "ugly". I personally think this watch is not as bad as what you said and it has a acceptable look. My university has wifi covered but not everywhere, and this watch would come in handy for me.
I know...I know...the "wifi" button...but is that really such a big deal?

[Lawrence Chen @ Apr 30th 2008 2:52PM]

It only tells you the presence of a WiFi signal...no SSID or whether its open/secure.

Pretty useless unless you're looking for somewhere that is completely devoid of WiFi. Not whether there's WiFi that you can use.