FAQ
FAQ.
Please select a PowerWatch version below
A thermoelectric is a device that converts heat to electricity. They have been used for decades in niche applications to power NASA satellites. MATRIX has developed a thermoelectric technology that is highly efficient and can convert low grade heat from a person's body to power a smartwatch. MATRIX not only has the most advanced thermoelectrics but the world's most efficient boost converter that is required to run the watch electronics. You can learn more here: www.matrixindustries.com.
The PowerWatch uses a thermoelectric generator (TEG) that senses body heat and converts it into energy. TEGs need to have a hot side and a cold side to operate. The hot side is the circular black aluminum plate on the back of the watch. The cold side is the entire metal bezel and body of the watch. The hot and cold sides are separated from each other by a layer of insulating thermoplastic. The TEGs harvest the heat flowing from the hot side to the cold side and turn it into electricity.
The PowerWatch has a small battery inside that’s constantly charged whenever you wear the watch. This battery maintains the time and fitness data when you are not wearing the PowerWatch for up to one year.
The Real Time Display is the arc of display bars around the outside of the watch face. The Real Time Display indicates how much power is being harvested from your body heat. The bars around the display rise and fall depending on how much heat you provide.
When PowerWatch is turned on and worn on your wrist, the bars activate. They’ll appear from the 12 o’clock position and move clockwise around the watch face. For most people, the Real Time Display will stabilize at around 6 and 9 bars. Exercise and other body heat-inducing activities increase this value – all the way to 11!
The PowerWatch requires a temperature differential with the ambient air to charge its internal battery. It generates more power when the air is cooler. Also when your skin is warmer from being active. The chart below shows how fast the PowerWatch charges its internal battery at different air temperatures.
The PowerWatch charges its battery the fastest when you are active (walking or running), and when the ambient temperature is below 80°F (26°C). Above 90°F (32°C), the PowerWatch cannot charge its internal battery.
In conditions where PowerWatch is unable to charge, it will work for up to one year. Boost the rate of energy production by wearing the watch snugly on the wrist, allowing your arm to swing naturally during physical activity, and ensuring your clothing doesn’t obstruct or cover the PowerWatch.
Here’s our favourite way to do it…
- Remove the PowerWatch and wait for the Real Time Display to show zero bars. This could take a minute or two. Shorten the time by setting the PowerWatch down on a cool surface
- Ask your good buddy to hold out their wrist
- Set the PowerWatch against their wrist and show them the Real Time Display bars suddenly increasing
- Say the magic words: “Thank you, your body heat just charged my battery!”
- Repeat this with several friends. Why not start a battle royale to see whose warm-hearted soul generates the most power?
You need to download and launch the MATRIX iOS or Android app directly from your mobile device. From the welcome screen on your PowerWatch, press SET.
(When you turn on your PowerWatch for the first time, you must pair it with your Android or iOS device. You only need to do this once for setup. Once it’s paired, you don’t need to use the app again if you so wish.)
To set the time and date manually, go to the Watch Settings screen, then press SET. Use the SCROLL and SET buttons to set the time and date.
You can set the date and time automatically using the MATRIX companion app.
Press MODE until the Daily Activity screen appears. Turn the SCROLL to read Steps, Calories and Sleep.
The step, calorie and sleep counters all reset every night at midnight, local time. Each day’s totals are synchronized with your Android or iOS device so you can track your progress over time.
Just hold the MODE button for two seconds.
Press MODE until the stopwatch screen appears. Press SET to cycle through Start, Stop, and Reset. In some cases the display may update slowly, but the result is accurate.
Be aware that running the stopwatch for long periods of time may lead to increased power consumption.
Only the PowerWatch X offers an alarm at this time. It can be set from within the MATRIX companion app.
The PowerWatch can track the data for every run you take. Simply press MODE until the Running Mode screen appears, then press SET to cycle through Start, Stop and Reset.
The PowerWatch automatically senses when you sleep and wake up.
Press MODE until the Daily Activity screen appears. Turn SCROLL to read today’s sleep data.
Power Save keeps PowerWatch in a state of low power hibernation. After about 45 minutes of inactivity, the PowerWatch will automatically turn on a screensaver. Moving the watch or pressing any button will clear the screensaver.
After one week of inactivity, the PowerWatch will enter Power Save mode and its screen turns off. If it’s fully charged, your settings should be saved for one year or more. When you’re ready to use your PowerWatch again, turn it on by pressing MODE and SET simultaneously.
Your PowerWatch charges whenever you wear it. It charges even faster on the inside of your wrist.
The notifications available for PowerWatch X are...
- Incoming call
- Message received
- Activity goal met
- Alarm
Every single PowerWatch is tested for water resistance at the factory before shipping.
The PowerWatch is tested to 50 meters, while the PowerWatch X is tested to 200 meters.
The back of the PowerWatch needs to be in tight contact with the inside or outside of your wrist. It will not work if it is loose enough to slip around. As long as the back stays touching the flat part of your wrist (inside or outside), the PowerWatch will charge.
We currently support English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese and Korean.
For iOS users
- Beginning from a state where the watch cannot pair with the app, double-click on your smartphone’s home key and swipe up to force-quit the MATRIX companion app.
- Open the app and start the pairing process by going to Profile > My Device > Add Device.
- On the app, select the PowerWatch X. Press NEXT on the upper right corner of the app until “Searching for PowerWatch” is shown.
- Perform a soft reset by holding both buttons on the PowerWatch X down for 8 seconds until the MATRIX logo appears. As soon as the MATRIX logo appears, immediately release. If you see spinning bars, you have pressed for too long and need to repeat step 4.
- The app should detect the PowerWatch X as soon as it resets and will pair immediately.
- Click on Pair, then on the Bluetooth Pairing Request dialog once it appears.
For Android users
- Beginning from a state where the watch cannot pair with the app, tap the square key and swipe left to force-quit the MATRIX companion app.
- Open the app and start the pairing process by going to Profile > My Device > Add Device.
- On the app, select the PowerWatch X. Press NEXT on the upper right corner of the app until “Searching for Powerwatch” is shown.
- Perform a soft reset by holding both buttons on the PowerWatch X down for 8 seconds until the MATRIX logo appears. As soon as the MATRIX logo appears, immediately release. If you see spinning bars, you have pressed for too long and need to repeat step 4.
- The app should detect the PowerWatch X as soon as it resets and pair immediately.
- Enable the Notifications Service on the permissions screen that appears.
We augment step count using thermoelectric and temperature data to provide an estimated calorie count. This is inherently more accurate than fitness monitors that calculate calories based on counting steps and other activity-based approaches.
No. It will show a screensaver after about 45 minutes of inactivity. After one week of inactivity, it will enter Power Save mode and its screen will turn off. Your settings will be saved for one year or more. For more information, read our FAQ about Power Save mode here.
The PowerWatch keeps one week of fitness data in its memory, so we recommend syncing at least once a week. The time and date is retained for at least 6-12 months when fully charged. It can save other settings for up to one year or more.
Yes and no. You need to first pair your PowerWatch with its MATRIX companion app for its first use. After that, you can discontinue using the app if you choose. However, any step, running and sleep data will disappear after one week if not synced with the app.
For the PowerWatch X, you’ll need to pair it with your smartphone to receive push notifications.
Download the MATRIX app from the Google Play store to your mobile device. Launch the app, and its step-by-step tutorial will guide you on pairing your PowerWatch to your Android device.
Download the MATRIX app from the iTunes app store directly from your iOS device. Launch the app, and the step-by-step tutorial will guide you on pairing your PowerWatch to your iOS device.
Not at this time. We will keep this in mind for future updates.
Not at this time.
No.
From the profile screen, scroll down on the lower half until you see the logout button. Tap the logout button to successfully log out.
There is an unpair button located under your profile on the app. To reconnect, follow the pairing instructions above.
The PowerWatch keeps one week of fitness results in memory. You don’t have to sync with the app more than a few times per week.
We recommend limiting Bluetooth activity to one sync event per day while wearing the PowerWatch.
The app stores as much data as you want, so you can track and compare your progress in running, step count, sleep, etc.
Not at this time.
The PowerWatch uses standard watch band spring pins for attachment.
You can attach any 22mm band to the Powerwatch and 24mm band to your PowerWatch X.
The PowerWatch uses a metal buckle on a nylon strap.
The PowerWatch Black Ops uses a long Milanese-style strap with a strong magnet that adjusts to your wrist size.
The PowerWatch X uses a metal buckle on a silicone rubber strap.
The portion of the PowerWatch that touches your skin is made of anodized aluminum.
The materials we use, including the straps, are non-irritating to most people.
The watch won’t generate much power when the temperature is very high.
The PowerWatch has been tested extensively. We’ve applied different tests depending on the requirements of the country where it is sold.
These tests include water resistance, RF interference tests, drop resistance, strain tests and flex tests.
Please visit our product page here.
The PowerWatch and PowerWatch Black Ops ship in 3-5 business days.
Custom engraving was briefly available to Indiegogo backers as an exclusive thank you when the PowerWatch first launched. This is no longer available.
Shipping is calculated at checkout and depends on your location. Tax will be collected if you reside in California, USA. VAT, import duties, taxes and other charges are not included in PowerWatch’s price or shipping cost.
There is a one-year warranty for factory defects. For more on our return policy and limited product warranty, please visit Shipping & Returns.
No, unfortunately, refunds will not be permitted after the campaign ends.
The MATRIX PowerWatch will charge under normal use as follows
- Adjusting the watch to stay in direct contact with the user’s wrist
- Limiting backlight and Bluetooth activity while wearing the watch
- Not activating the watch unnecessarily or repeatedly when not being worn
Our return policy is 14 days and subject to a $35 restocking fee. The customer is responsible for shipping costs to send the watch and packaging back to MATRIX. All returns must be in the original packaging with all original content included. There is a one-year warranty within the United States, and a two-year warranty within the EU. For more, please visit our Conditions of use.
The PowerWatch was designed in California. It is manufactured in China.
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Send an email to info@matrixindustries.com with details about your application. Visit matrixindustries.comfor more information.