Casio module sets watch by using radio waves, internet

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Casio Computer Co Ltd has developed a new module that can set a watch not only by using standard waves and GPS satellite waves but also by connecting to a timeserver via a smartphone.

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The module, Connected Engine 3-way, is the world’s first module capable of setting a watch by using three methods, Casio said. The company will release the first wristwatch using the module, GPW-2000, on May 19.

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Along with the development of the new module, Casio announced that it will release a module capable of connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth Low Energy to set a watch and update data in the watch as “Connected Engine” in the global market.

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The new module is defined as a “3-way module” developed by adding the function to receive standard and GPS satellite waves to the Connected Engine. Casio said it aimed to realize a “perfect automatic wristwatch” that always shows accurate time anywhere in the world.

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The power consumption of the GPS receiver of the Connected Engine 3-way is 1/4 that of Casio’s previous GPS receiver, making it possible to reduce the size of rechargeable battery. Also, the company reduced the size of GPS antenna by 20% while improving its sensitivity. And the company employed a structure that mounts an antenna and a battery on the same plane so that three three reception systems can be efficiently mounted without interfering with one another.

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Furthermore, there is an antimagnetic plate in the module, realizing the JIS Type-1 antimagnetic performance. The module is equipped with six motors including two dual-coil motors but is 0.76mm thinner than the company’s previous GPS hybrid radio-controlled solar-powered module.

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The GPW-2000 (G-Shock) is a new product in the Gravitymaster series, whose concept is “aviation.” Its dial plate derives from the meters of airplanes. Based on obtained location data, latitude and longitude are shown on a dial on the side of nine o’clock and in a small window on the side of six o’clock, respectively.

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Also, the GPW-2000 has a function to display location information, which is shown by pressing a button on the watch, on the map displayed on a smartphone screen along with current time (“flight log” function). Its price is ¥100,000 (excluding tax).

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