Shrunken Apollo Moon Landing Keyboard Transforms into Chic Calculator Timepiece
Absolutely, you've likely heard that your smartphone has more processing power than the computers used to send the Apollo mission to the Moon. Fast forward 55 years, and a UK firm named Apollo Gadgetry has managed to reduce the size of the Apollo's computer in a different way.
They've developed a wristwatch, dubbed the Lunar Navigator, which mimics the APL (Apollo Guidance Computer). This watch sports the same layout as the briefcase-sized computers from the Apollo mission modules. The designers referenced the original blueprints from MIT's Instrumentation Lab to shrink down the panel and produce a wearable replica.
The original AGCs aided astronauts with guidance and navigation, functions you can't enjoy with the watch. But it does have its unique features. It boasts a built-in GPS, a digital screen, and a functioning keyboard. It's also programmable, based on an open-source framework compatible with Arduino and Python coding environments. So, if you want to incorporate specific features, you're welcome to input.
The watch also has an 8-channel digital I/O port, opening the door to using it to control or interact with "breadboard interfaces, development enclosures, and robotic devices," as per Apollo Gadgetry's product description. The company plans to release software updates and collaborate with community contributions, so if someone comes up with an interesting feature, you should be able to install it on your device.
In essence, the Lunar Navigator is more of a novelty item. Priced at £649 (approximately $812), it's not your average bargain. But at least it offers a fun interface and the possibility to add unique functionality. It may not provide all the features of a standard smartwatch or catch everyone's eye like a high-end timepiece. But at the very least, it's a unique calculator watch and an excellent conversation starter. So, there's that.
You can pre-order the Lunar Navigator from Apollo Gadgetry with a £240 ($300) down payment. The company expects to start delivery of the final product in the first quarter of 2025. And before diving into crowdfunding campaigns, it's wise to familiarize yourself with the risks associated with supporting such projects.
The Lunar Navigator, a wearable device from Apollo Gadgetry, is a testament to the advancements in technology, as it mimics the APL used in the Apollo mission. In the future, this tech-infused watch could potentially be used to control robotic devices, showcasing the limitless possibilities of tech.
