Omate’s TrueSmart is a standalone, water-resistant smartwatch that hit its $100,000 Kickstarter funding target on the first day (at press time, the project had raised $249,722 since August 21). The Android-powered TrueSmart — which will compete with upcoming devices from Samsung, Apple, Microsoft and others — features a TFT by LG display, multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 2G/3G data connectivity abilities.

“The device, powered by a 1.3GHz dual core processor, runs Android 4.2.2 and incorporates a 1.5-inch touchscreen,” reports Digital Trends. “Gesture and voice controls and GPS support are also part of the package with the TrueSmart, which comes with 4GB of internal storage, though a microSD card slot means this can be increased by up to 32GB.”

Omate is marketing the device as “a genuine standalone smartwatch” that can also operate independently from your smartphone.

The new smartwatch will retail for $299 and is expected to ship as early as October, which could give it a much-needed leg up against a growing field of competitors. Marketing the device as durable and water-resistant could also prove a smart move.

“Black metal casing with silicone strap — protective and durable, encases the entire smartwatch phone in a watertight seal according to IP67 water-resistant and dustproof standards,” explains the TrueSmart Kickstarter page. “Even the charging connectors are special water-resistant connectors.”

In addition to the watch, phone and camera basics, the project page lists a wide array of functionality, including: text messaging, social media messaging, sports apps, notifications, Android apps, LBS tracker, monitoring, GPS navigation, voice-to-text, weather, music player, world clock functions, calendar alarms, voice notes and much more.

“At Omate, design is a mindset, not a department,” explains CEO Laurent Le Pen in the company’s introductory video. “It’s the synergy of beauty and brains, simplifying complexity. Omate TrueSmart is the clear representation of these goals.”

Related News:
A Look at Every Smartwatch Currently in Development, Digital Trends, 8/22/13