Introducing the Apple Pocket Watch aka iPhone Nano

[erihp]

Watch-ya think?

I always get questions and puzzled looks from cashiers when I use Apple Pay.

It also greatly confuses tech-addicted GenZ.

'What... is... that???'

My usual goto is:

'Oh, this? The new iPhone Nano? You havent heard of these? I thought you whiz kids were supposed to know about all this stuff...?'

As they study it in awe and intrigue.



The setup:
Visible Apple Watch Plan (included in Visible+)
A Cellular SE2 44mm (used; ~$125)
OMECKY Watch Band Connector ($3.50/ea)
iWatch Apple Watch Powerbank Case (good luck finding this in USA, ~$20)
TISUR Free Spinning Titanium Key Ring and D ring (~$20)
125Khz T5577 RFID Ring (~$20)



I can leave my house with just this and an Airpod and:

Use an HID badge controlled gate
Charge the Apple Watch via USB-C
Retain additional battery life stored in case
Stream Music
Use Apple Pay
Make and receive phone calls
Send and receive iMessage/SmS/<insert supported chat app here>
Use Homekit to Un/Lock front door
(you get it... everything the Apple Watch can do)


... and my favorite trick, not have to wear a watch! Or carry my phone!


Ideally, in this 'iPhone nano' use case, the rubberized outer case would be oriented vertically. This bummed me out at first, but the 'longways' approach actually works quite well in my hand with a finger in the ring.



Also, obligatory;
Tinypod, who?

 

[goldmac2006]

Great introduction to another alternative Apple Watch accessory. Although it is similar to the Tinypod we seen in the news recently and its reminiscence to the original iPod series for repurposing your old cellular Apple Watch Series 4 and later models, I have a few questions to ask.

This accessory you mentioned above is a power bank designed to charge the Apple Watch that goes inside it. Does it have the charging pick built in to the device or do we need to use an existing cable that is very short and house it in the battery pack?

I assume it is integrated due to its keychain size, so it has to be built in. There is no way it could use the hidden diagnostic port in the bottom band channel in Apple Watch Series 6 and earlier and Apple Watch SE due to it being phased out since the Apple Watch Series 7 in favor of additional water and dust resistance, and to use faster wireless connection instead. It also has been used for charging besides syncing and downgrading watchOS via iTunes before, but it has been eradicated from a watchOS 2 update after an accessory manufacturer created a charging band that connects to the diagnostic port in the device.

Do you need to remove wrist detection and keep the Digital Crown facing rightward, as well as other settings necessary to keep the Apple Watch functioning as a keychain or pendant?

 

[erihp]

Great introduction to another alternative Apple Watch accessory. Although it is similar to the Tinypod we seen in the news recently and its reminiscence to the original iPod series for repurposing your old cellular Apple Watch Series 4 and later models, I have a few questions to ask.

This accessory you mentioned above is a power bank designed to charge the Apple Watch that goes inside it. Does it have the charging pick built in to the device or do we need to use an existing cable that is very short and house it in the battery pack?

I assume it is integrated due to its keychain size, so it has to be built in. There is no way it could use the hidden diagnostic port in the bottom band channel in Apple Watch Series 6 and earlier and Apple Watch SE due to it being phased out since the Apple Watch Series 7 in favor of additional water and dust resistance, and to use faster wireless connection instead. It also has been used for charging besides syncing and downgrading watchOS via iTunes before, but it has been eradicated from a watchOS 2 update after an accessory manufacturer created a charging band that connects to the diagnostic port in the device.

Do you need to remove wrist detection and keep the Digital Crown facing rightward, as well as other settings necessary to keep the Apple Watch functioning as a keychain or pendant?

It does not use any cabling or direct pin connectivity. It has a form fitting hard plastic back with an integrated charging coil that is slightly magnetized and retains the Apple Watch from behind.

I did disable wrist detection and health monitoring, as the sensor never touches my skin. I figured it would help with battery life too.

1.0 of this experiment was the Watch pictured sans case. This allowed me to choose left or right crown, and simply move the watch band bar to the 'bottom'. However, due to the 90 degree rotation on the case, you almost have to use crown on right side.

This case was really designed to be used with normal watch bands effectively strapping the whole thing to your wrist!

That said, even with the turned orientation, I think it is a better design than the TinyPod lite. This has USB-c and a battery!

 

[goldmac2006]

It does not use any cabling or direct pin connectivity. It has a form fitting hard plastic back with an integrated charging coil that is slightly magnetized and retains the Apple Watch from behind.

I did disable wrist detection and health monitoring, as the sensor never touches my skin. I figured it would help with battery life too.

1.0 of this experiment was the Watch pictured sans case. This allowed me to choose left or right crown, and simply move the watch band bar to the 'bottom'. However, due to the 90 degree rotation on the case, you almost have to use crown on right side.

This case was really designed to be used with normal watch bands effectively strapping the whole thing to your wrist!

That said, even with the turned orientation, I think it is a better design than the TinyPod lite. This has USB-c and a battery!

Of course! Tinypod is cool but it is too expensive just to add in a little case with the mechanical parts to turn the Digital Crown and press the side button, excluding a backup battery. Btw is this accessory Apple MFi certified? The integrated charging coil is pretty cool 😎

 

[Bichon]

iWatch Apple Watch Powerbank Case (good luck finding this in USA, ~$20)

Challenge accepted:

For Apple Watch Wireless Charging Case For Apple Watch Portable Power Bank High Capacity Negative Ion Continuous Charging 1 X8Q3 - AliExpress 44

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.us

 

[Student of Life]

Does this work without skin contact? Does one need to put the pin every time you want to use it? Pretty interesting for non watch wearers, talk about the ultimate iPhone nano

 

[goldmac2006]

Challenge accepted:

For Apple Watch Wireless Charging Case For Apple Watch Portable Power Bank High Capacity Negative Ion Continuous Charging 1 X8Q3 - AliExpress 44

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.us

That link does not work anymore. Use this link from Walmart instead: https://www.walmart.com/ip/QHUDLV-W...-Smartwatch-Charging-Case-Portable/7860004295

Only available for larger Apple Watch cases from 44mm to 49mm, Apple Watch Ultra options are available as well. Also since the band channels are accessible you can still make use of your bands.

 

[erihp]

Btw is this accessory Apple MFi certified? The integrated charging coil is pretty cool 😎

I doubt it. It did not come in a retail package and there is no claim to MFi made on the product itself.

Does this work without skin contact? Does one need to put the pin every time you want to use it? Pretty interesting for non watch wearers, talk about the ultimate iPhone nano

You can choose to have a pin or not. I made a simple pin, and its not too obtrusive. If I were to lose it, a PIN would buy some time for me to realize it, and lock the device.

That link does not work anymore. Use this link from Walmart instead: https://www.walmart.com/ip/QHUDLV-W...-Smartwatch-Charging-Case-Portable/7860004295

Only available for larger Apple Watch cases from 44mm to 49mm, Apple Watch Ultra options are available as well. Also since the band channels are accessible you can still make use of your bands.

Good work! Looks like Walmart hasnt been pressured to remove it yet? Speculation, but I have ordered from two other sites and they have since been pulled. One ali listing disappeared, the other on ebay was taken down, and others found on ali exclude export to the USA. Someone is not happy these are sold to the American market.

 

[goldmac2006]

I doubt it. It did not come in a retail package and there is no claim to MFi made on the product itself.


You can choose to have a pin or not. I made a simple pin, and its not too obtrusive. If I were to lose it, a PIN would buy some time for me to realize it, and lock the device.


Good work! Looks like Walmart hasnt been pressured to remove it yet? Speculation, but I have ordered from two other sites and they have since been pulled. One ali listing disappeared, the other on ebay was taken down, and others found on ali exclude export to the USA. Someone is not happy these are sold to the American market.

Regulations regarding charging modules in Apple devices are constantly changing and these accessories that use different aspects of charging mechanisms such as an open magnetic coil in leiu of a charging disk that is MFi certified are usually not allowed to be exported to the US or sold there. I do not see these accessories pop up in the Apple Watch section of any dept. store, only charging pucks or power banks that are MagSafe and use a charging puck built-in.

Some US retailers like Walmart do not pull it off as they are reputable to sell lots of third-party and official Apple accessories for dirt cheap prices. That link is the one you have but only $10, for large 45mm/44mm S4 and later and 49mm Ultras. When you bought yours did they have an option for 41mm watches or is it only for big Apple Watch models due to the space needed for the battery pack?

Another link from a company that specializes in power banks, but 2x the price of yours: https://evolvedchargers.com/products/portable-apple-watch-power-bank

 

[erihp]

Regulations regarding charging modules in Apple devices are constantly changing and these accessories that use different aspects of charging mechanisms such as an open magnetic coil in leiu of a charging disk that is MFi certified are usually not allowed to be exported to the US or sold there. I do not see these accessories pop up in the Apple Watch section of any dept. store, only charging pucks or power banks that are MagSafe and use a charging puck built-in.

Some US retailers like Walmart do not pull it off as they are reputable to sell lots of third-party and official Apple accessories for dirt cheap prices. That link is the one you have but only $10, for large 45mm/44mm S4 and later and 49mm Ultras. When you bought yours did they have an option for 41mm watches or is it only for big Apple Watch models due to the space needed for the battery pack?

Another link from a company that specializes in power banks, but 2x the price of yours: https://evolvedchargers.com/products/portable-apple-watch-power-bank

Yes, good point about the charging pucks, I have noticed that as well. It's pretty clear they reverse engineered the charging 'dock' puck part for these types of accessories and created their own solution to minimally cradle the Watch. Something Apple would never certify.

When I ordered the case, the other sizes were available as well (but not the 41mm). I went with an SE2 with 44mm face as a low cost option, leaning toward a larger display.


Impressive GoogleFu!!! While clearly just a dropshipper/importer from China (9/20 estimated arrival), they really made the offering look slick on that fancy site! I guess thats where the extra $20 goes

I swear these were harder to find a couple months ago! The floodgates are spilling over

 

[macfacts]

But you can't even use the health and fitness features, the main point of the apple watch.

 

[erihp]

But you can't even use the health and fitness features, the main point of the apple watch.

Is it? Maybe health and fitness tracking the 'main point' of an Apple Watch for you? I wouldnt use such features even if I wore it.

I wont take your bet, but I would be willing to wager there are (arguably) better options for people who use health and fitness tracking as the 'main point' of their device choice.

I'd think most people would say the primary function of any watch is to tell the time, and for smart watches to receive and address notifications without using their phone.

But hey, thanks for your.... opinionated, not so constructive criticism?

 

[goldmac2006]

Yes, good point about the charging pucks, I have noticed that as well. It's pretty clear they reverse engineered the charging 'dock' puck part for these types of accessories and created their own solution to minimally cradle the Watch. Something Apple would never certify.

When I ordered the case, the other sizes were available as well (but not the 41mm). I went with an SE2 with 44mm face as a low cost option, leaning toward a larger display.


Impressive GoogleFu!!! While clearly just a dropshipper/importer from China (9/20 estimated arrival), they really made the offering look slick on that fancy site! I guess thats where the extra $20 goes

I swear these were harder to find a couple months ago! The floodgates are spilling over

Of course, I had researched the importance of MFi certification and the guidelines on developer.apple.com which outlines regulations of Apple Watch accessories. Apple has caught accessory manufacturers from using their proprietary ports like the diagnostic port and patch them in watchOS updates like this early charging band: https://www.theverge.com/2016/4/19/11460712/apple-watch-wristband-reserve-strap-accessory-loophole

That one used the diagnostic port in Apple Watch Series 3 and earlier models to allow charging and for the Apple Watch to continue measuring heart rate. Now the latest ones still do it but as that port got phased out in Apple Watch Series 7 and later, the charging puck is used inside the buckle of the band and still requires usage of a hidden USB c or USB A cable that opens from the underside of the band:

This is also a replica form of the trail loop found in Apple Watch Ultra bands which instead of one loop there are two to add the charging puck in the middle of the band. Some are not as reliable but still minuses having to carry an extra cord in your Apple device charging bag.

 

[The Apple Bitch]

So cute, love this!

The watch band looks fantastic, thanks for sharing!

 

[erihp]

So cute, love this!

The watch band looks fantastic, thanks for sharing!

Thanks! This setup really is great for leaving the house 'light', but still able to access almost every major phone feature.

 

[mk313]

That's pretty cool, and nice to see someone with something similar to the tiny pod out in the wild. I have an eye on the Tiny Pod for one of my spare watches, but I'm hesitant to buy while it still says 'Shipping this summer.' I've been burned on kickstarter before & am not willing to pre buy anything from any company that hasn't already shipped something.

And I get it about turning off the fitness stuff. While I'm sure most people buy the Apple Watch thinking the fitness stuff will be useful to them, it's not everyone. I'm the first group, but there is also a group of people who just want the smallest phone possible (that works with the apple ecosystem), and your solution fills that gap. People always want to have their phones with them to make sure that they are contactable should something happen (illness in the family, etc). your setup (and the tiny pod) gives you that, plus maps, music, email, calendar, calculator, etc in the smallest possible package.

Not having all of those sensors running all the time has to be much better for battery life. In fact, the tine Pod mentions that battery life (even without a battery) is days, since the screen isn't always on (& presumably the sensors are turned off).

You'll have to post an update in a month or so to see how it's working after the newness factor wears off. I think it's pretty cool. Good luck.

 

[erihp]

That's pretty cool, and nice to see someone with something similar to the tiny pod out in the wild. I have an eye on the Tiny Pod for one of my spare watches, but I'm hesitant to buy while it still says 'Shipping this summer.' I've been burned on kickstarter before & am not willing to pre buy anything from any company that hasn't already shipped something.

And I get it about turning off the fitness stuff. While I'm sure most people buy the Apple Watch thinking the fitness stuff will be useful to them, it's not everyone. I'm the first group, but there is also a group of people who just want the smallest phone possible (that works with the apple ecosystem), and your solution fills that gap. People always want to have their phones with them to make sure that they are contactable should something happen (illness in the family, etc). your setup (and the tiny pod) gives you that, plus maps, music, email, calendar, calculator, etc in the smallest possible package.

Not having all of those sensors running all the time has to be much better for battery life. In fact, the tine Pod mentions that battery life (even without a battery) is days, since the screen isn't always on (& presumably the sensors are turned off).

You'll have to post an update in a month or so to see how it's working after the newness factor wears off. I think it's pretty cool. Good luck.

Thanks! You definitely get it regarding the benefits of using a Watch in this way.

I am definately in that group wanting the smallest device possible! RIP OG iPhone SE. 13 mini when I'm choosing to carry

Battery life is pretty good with all sensors off. But if I want to squeeze as much battery life as possible, I make sure the case and watch are fully charged, bring a fully charged Airpods case, put the Watch on low power mode, and use one Airpod at a time.

I've been using this SE as a Pocket Watch since early June. This is somewhat of a 2.0.

1.0 was just the bare watch as shown in the above photo.

1.5 I found this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BXNYQM79
And this worked great to give me even more battery life when I needed it, and effectively not need the proprietary cable. But because this charger didnt retain the Watch, this had me considering some sort of enclosure with integrated charging for 2.0.

Around this time I became aware of the TinyPod, and started exploring options for mocking up something similar from various non-MFi miniaturized charging options found at various online sites, since, well vaporware, high cost, missing features (battery), etc etc

I eventually found the iWatch powerbank I call 2.0, as pictured.

The setup is pretty much perfect, but i still have ideas for the roadmap!

I have considered 3D modeling a replacement 'skin' (the rubbery part completely removes from the main hard plastic casing) and printing a vertical version in TPU. This would really make this feel like an iPhone Nano.

I suppose that would be 3.0.

I so rarely use the crown (and after using mine for a several weeks) I no longer see appreciable value in the TinyPod clicky wheel. It's a neat idea and cool throwback, but I would not trade a battery and USB-C charging for the wheel. I feel like both TinyPod models would be a downgrade for me at this point.

My thought for 4.0 is integrated magsafe charging! I would love to be able to plunk the thing onto a magnetic charger, since I use Magsafe all over for my phones. This might necessitate the need for a slightly wider body/bulge on the case.

More to come!

 

[mk313]

That's awesome. Glad to hear it's working out well. I wear mine on my wrist, but sometimes it's just nice to be able to be reached if necessary, but to not have my actual phone with me (also a 13 mini, haha!)

 

[sarcasticgamer]

The TinyPod

𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘆Pod

Your phone away from phone.

thetinypod.com

 

[ApplesAreSweet&Sour]

Cool.

I definitely see something like this as the best "dumb phone" out there.

 

[erihp]

The TinyPod

𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘆Pod

Your phone away from phone.

thetinypod.com

meh. and ive already explained why, above.

it did serve as good inspiration though!

 

[erihp]

Cool.

I definitely see something like this as the best "dumb phone" out there.

the smallest, smartest, dumb phone there could ever be! haha

 

[Parowdy]

I always wanted a worse phone and to put my wrist watch in my pocket.
Who needs a camera or an actually usable screen, or wants their health sensors to sense something?

But in all honesty, I don’t want to critique you, it’s a niche way to do things and if it works, great. Explore technology and use it the way you see fit, I appreciate you sharing your experience with us and giving a different perspective of the usability of gadgets that would usually never be used that way.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Love it! Super cool!

 

[erihp]

I always wanted a worse phone and to put my wrist watch in my pocket.
Who needs a camera or an actually usable screen, or wants their health sensors to sense something?

But in all honesty, I don’t want to critique you, it’s a niche way to do things and if it works, great. Explore technology and use it the way you see fit, I appreciate you sharing your experience with us and giving a different perspective of the usability of gadgets that would usually never be used that way.

I do have a phone too. I just like having options, and carrying a minimal pocket load. Very often I find myself not 'needing' said camera, 'useable screen' or health sensors.

I live in a walkable area, and often when i leave my house I know and take exactly only what I need.

And *shock* sometimes i have my phone -and- my watch, just like everyone else. Its really not that much of a stretch.

But I appreciate the feedback, especially the 2nd part Everyone is different. Thanks for checking it out.