PowerWatch 2 FAQ

Technology

What technology does PowerWatch use?

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.

What are thermoelectrics?

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.

How much power can PowerWatch Series 2 generate?

PowerWatch Series 2 requires a temperature differential with the ambient air or exposure to ambient light to charge its internal battery. It generates more power when the air is cooler. The charts below show how fast the PowerWatch charges its internal battery at different air temperatures and different ambient light levels.

How much power can PowerWatch Series 2 generate?

The PowerWatch charges its battery the fastest when you are active (walking or running), when the watch is exposed to bright ambient light, and when the ambient temperature is below 80°F (26°C). Above 90°F (32°C), the PowerWatch cannot charge its internal battery from body heat, while the solar cell continues to charge the battery.

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.

Apps / 3rd Party Integrations

Will PowerWatch Series 2 be compatible with third party health and fitness platforms?

Yes. It will be released in future over-the-air app updates.

For the Apple Health Kit, does PowerWatch Series 2 use the full activity from duration, heartbeat, and activity used?

Yes. It will be released in future over-the-air app updates.

Getting Started

Does PowerWatch Series 2 need a SIM card?

No, it does not require a SIM card.

How do I set up PowerWatch Series 2?

Download the mobile app, and simply hold the two buttons at the bottom of the watch for 7 seconds to turn it on. Follow the instructions in the mobile app to pair and set up the watch.

Settings

How do I switch to 24-hour clock?

All user preferences such as Language, Units (Imperial/Metric) and can be changed in the My PowerWatch section of the app. You may also change your watch’s language from the watch’s Settings menu, but at the moment the app will overwrite the language change on the watch, so we recommend to make the change using the app.

Will PowerWatch Series 2 automatically adjust the time when I fly to a different time zone?

Yes, it will be automatically adjusted by syncing with the mobile app.

Battery + Charging

Will PowerWatch Series 2 have a charger?

Yes, it comes with a wireless charger as a back up solution, but it's unlikely you'll ever need it.

Which kind of battery is inside PowerWatch Series 2?

A Lithium-ion battery.

Do you need to replace the battery?

No. There is no need to change the battery as the watch will be constantly charged by body heat or ambient light.

Does PowerWatch Series 2 work if the ambient temperature is higher than 90oF (=32oC ~)?

The battery is charged the fastest when users are active (walking or running), outdoors, and when the ambient temperature is below 80°F (26°C). Above 90°F (32°C), PowerWatch Series 2 cannot charge its internal battery from body heat, while the solar cell continues to charge the battery.

How many mAh (milliamp hours) does the battery have?

350mAh.

How long will the battery last for? Will the battery last for my 6-8 hours hike?

With the GPS constantly on, PowerWatch Series 2 can last at least 10 hours. We are continuously optimizing the power consumption performance, and the watch will last longer with future firmware releases.

How does PowerWatch Series 2 use electricity generated?

The PowerWatch Series 2 has a small battery inside that’s constantly charged whenever you wear the watch.

With new power-hungry features, are you sure the watch won't eventually die?

When using all user-initiated activity-tracking features (GPS and heart rate) every day for an hour in the daytime (beyond the always-on background activity and sleep tracking), you can expect months of battery life. Heavier usage of activity tracking will reduce battery life. We continue to improve power consumption and the battery life will improve with future firmware releases.

Exercise + Activity

What activities does PowerWatch Series 2 support?

PowerWatch Series 2 ships with running and cycling support. Other activities will be added later.

Does PowerWatch Series 2 have a feature to count steps? Does it require arm movement to accurately count steps?

PowerWatch Series 2 can track footsteps in different activities, with various degrees of arm movements.

Does this watch track swimming and bike data?

The watch can track outdoor biking and running. The swimming tracking is in the works but is not yet released.

Syncing + Bluetooth

How do I pair PowerWatch Series 2?

PowerWatch Series 2 can be paired using the QR Code screen of your watch. Navigate to the Settings watch screen by pressing the DOWN button (bottom left) 5 times then press the SELECT button (top right) twice. You can now scan your watch using the PowerWatch Series 2 mobile application. You will need to authorize the app to use the Camera for this. If you did not authorize the Camera you must go to your phone settings to re-enable this feature. Alternatively, you can also choose to manually enter the pairing code. On Android: make sure to hit “Pair & Connect” when prompted. On iOS: make sure to hit "Pair" and "Allow" when prompted.

Do I need to re-pair my watch after firmware update?

After your watch reboots after a firmware update, you will see the QR Code screen. You do not need to re-pair, you can just hit the Back button and the time should be correct. If the time isn't, please make sure to performing a pulldown sync on the phone.

Does the app support offline syncing?

Currently, the Android app supports offline syncing, but the iOS app does not - you should ensure you are connected to the Internet in order for sync to complete successfully with your iOS device. If you plan on logging in to your account on different phones, your Android phone needs to connect to the Internet if you want the data to get uploaded to our database or you will see discrepancies in your data.

How often should I sync my watch?

We recommend you sync regularly in order to avoid slow syncing. The more data there is to sync, the longer the sync will take and, for iOS, the greater chance a slight glitch in the Internet connection when syncing with the iOS app will result in a failure.

Can I disable bluetooth?

Yes. It will be released in future over-the-air firmware updates.

Is there be a bluetooth connection indicator?

Yes. PowerWatch Series 2 has an indicator to show the BLE connection status.

Can PowerWatch Series 2 auto-sync with the phone app?

This feature will be released in future over-the-air app updates.

What OS are you compatible with?

PowerWatch Series 2 is compatible with iOS and Android.

For how long can the watch track without connection to phone? If my phone is in flight mode during night (sleep tracking) and I run without my phone, will that be a problem?

The watch can measure and store background activity (pedometer) and sleep tracking data for up to 30 days without syncing. After 30 days the oldest data is overwritten.

How much data can the GPS store without syncing?

About 90 hours total for all activity data (outdoor and indoor).

Troubleshooting

Why are my notifications not working?

For Android: You must ensure you have hit “Pair & Connect” and authorized notifications. If you did not check the corresponding box at first pair, navigate to your phone settings to re-enable them and then on your watch in “My PowerWatch” section enable the notifications. Call notifications are only supported from Messenger and Whatsapp in addition to a regular call.

For iOS: Upon first pair, ensure to hit "Pair" (and "Allow" for iOS 13 and later) to enable notifications for the first time. After firmware update or watch power off/on, you may experience notifications no longer coming through. To resolve this, close the app, navigate to your iOS Settings>Bluetooth>click on the Info Icon next to PowerWatch Series 2>Forget device. Then force close the app and reload it. 3. Hit pair when the dialog screen appears in the app.

Why is my watch not updating?

Please ensure you have a good Internet connection, that your phone is not on “battery saver” mode, and the screen doesn’t lock during the update.

Why is my watch not syncing?

If you occasionally run into issues syncing (several attempts to sync fail), we recommend you close the mobile app, turn off your Bluetooth, wait a few seconds and turn it back on.

Why is my GPS not working?

You must ensure you are outside in a clear open space with view of the sky. For best results, please remain stationary. Your GPS should take 30-60s to lock. In the future, this process will be optimized further with assisted GPS.

Features

What is the highest and lowest temperature PowerWatch Series 2 can withstand?

-10°C to 45°C max.

Does PowerWatch Series 2 have alarms?

PowerWatch Series 2 will support alarms with future over-the-air firmware updates.

Does PowerWatch Series 2 have speaker or vibe?

PowerWatch Series 2 has both an audio buzzer and a vibe motor.

Is there be a charging indicator?

The wireless charging pad offers an LED indicator.

Does PowerWatch Series 2 support indoor activities?

PowerWatch Series 2 supports indoor activities.

Does PowerWatch Series 2 have an altimeter?

No.

Does PowerWatch Series 2 have a barometer?

No.

Does PowerWatch Series 2 show notifications and notification content?

PowerWatch Series 2 will support push notifications, such as showing messages and caller ID.

Does PowerWatch Series 2 have a stopwatch/timer function?

PowerWatch Series 2 will support stopwatch/timers with future firmware updates.

Does PowerWatch Series 2 have a compass?

Yes. This feature will be released in future over-the-air app updates.

Is PowerWatch Series 2 shockproof?

PowerWatch Series 2 has been tested against shock using standardized drop shock tests.

Can I change the brightness of the display?

The reflective display is optimized for outdoor viewing under bright sunlight. The backlight can be activated in low light or indoor conditions for better visibility.

How to turn on the backlight of the display?

You can push the bottom right button for 2 seconds.

Does the watch have an accelerometer?

Yes.

What is the depth range (for underwater use)?

PowerWatch Series 2 is water resistant to 200 meters.

How do I know how much energy is being created from body and solar heat?

The energy generated is shown in the smartphone app after pairing to PowerWatch Series 2.

Does the PowerWatch Series 2 use a silent vibrating alarm or an audible one?

This feature will be included in future over-the-air firmware updates.

Does the watch support media playback controls to remotely control a connected phone's music?

This feature will be included in future over-the-air firmware updates.

How durable is PowerWatch Series 2?

An aircraft-grade aluminum case with a sapphire glass face and hardened back give PowerWatch Series 2 extra strength --- it is made to fit and survive outdoor conditions.

What is the Real Time Display?

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!

How do I enable/disable app permissions?

On iOS: ensure to tick each grey checkbox so that it turns green and press "Enable" or "Allow" when prompted.

On Android: ensure to tick each empty box so that it turns green. If you skip this step, it is ok, you will be prompted again when selecting "Choose watch" in the pairing screen.

I denied a permission which I would like to enable again, what should I do?

For notifications, see "How do I disable notifications?". Other than notifications, some phones allow you to modify the app permissions in your phone settings, however we recommend deleting the app and performing a clean install.

How do I disable notifications?

Currently, there is no way to disable notifications from within the app, including if you accidentally checked the box on first setup. The "Do Not Disturb" and "Airplane mode" features on the watch's settings screen are not yet implemented and shall be in a future release.

On iOS: A workaround for iOS is to navigate to Settings>Bluetooth>click on the Info Icon next to PowerWatch Series 2>toggle off "Share System Notifications". Also, if your iPhone is set to Do Not Disturb, notifications will not come through to the watch (this may not necessarily be the case on Android and is hone specific).

On Android: You should be able to adjust this in the phone's settings. Go to Settings, look for "App permissions" and select PowerWatch Series 2. Each phone is different but should then offer a way to adjust the permission.

Does PowerWatch Series 2 keep time after power off?

If you powered down your watch, your watch shall not save the time. After starting it again the date shall indicate "Fri Jun 14". You must ensure to perform a pulldown sync in the app immediately after powering it back on in order to sync the right time and also so that your data records are matched with the right time. If you did not do this immediately, your data for that day (until midnight -- and until noon for sleep data) may not all show up in your app. You can perform a Factory Reset to correct this.

How does PowerWatch Series 2 accurately measure calories burned?

A calorie is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius. Scientists measure calories burned by measuring the amount of heat the body produces. This is the most accurate way of measuring calorie loss. The PowerWatch's thermoelectric technology measures calories burned in a similar fashion by measuring the amount of heat you produce. Sleep

How does PowerWatch Series 2 track sleep?

We have a proprietary movement algorithm to track sleep.

Do I need to do anything before going to sleep to set up sleep tracking?

Nothing. PowerWatch Series 2 automatically tracks your sleep when worn on the wrist.

How does the PowerWatch 2 differ from PowerWatch?

The PowerWatch 2 has a heart rate sensor, GPS positioning, and full-color LCD display. It also uses advanced solar-cell technology. Please see the comparisons graphic located on our product page for a full list of technical specifications.

How does the PowerWatch 2 backlight compare to PowerWatch?

PowerWatch 2 will have a much brighter and more uniformly illuminated backlight compared to PowerWatch.

GPS

Can users disable GPS?

The user can control the use of GPS. It is not enabled by default.

Can GPS be used indefinitely?

As GPS is a power-hungry feature, the battery life depends on the use case, such as the wind speed, environment temperature and exposure to sunlight.

Is the GPS function on the watch in Lat/Long or MGRS?

PowerWatch Series 2 GPS reports coordinates in decimal degrees of latitude/longitude.

What GPS system do you use?

GPS+GLONASS

What is the format of the coordinates?

The coordinates are reported in decimal degrees.

Heart Rate

How does the heart rate monitor work?

PowerWatch Series 2 uses an optical heart rate sensor. The optical heart-rate sensor flashes its green LEDs and uses light-sensitive photodiodes to detect volume changes in the capillaries. Our proprietary algorithm then calculates beats per minute (BPM) using the data collected.

How often is heart rate measured?

Your heart rate is logged at intervals throughout the day. During user-initiated activities, heart rate is measured every second.

Privacy + Safety

What are your privacy policies?

MATRIX is dedicated to protect user privacy, please see our complete privacy policy at the link below: https://www.powerwatch.com/pages/privacy-policy

Watch Hardware + Bands

What display does PowerWatch Series 2 use?

Full color LCD.

What strap does PowerWatch Series 2 ship with?

PowerWatch Series 2 comes with a tough, durable, 22mm silicone strap.

Does PowerWatch Series 2 work with other straps?

PowerWatch Series 2 is compatible with all 22mm straps.

What are dimensions of PowerWatch Series 2?

47mm in diameter, 16mm in thickness.

How do the three PowerWatch Series 2 models differ?

The PowerWatch Series 2, Premium Edition features a sleek silver case with a 22mm stainless steel metal strap and quick release butterfly buckle.

The PowerWatch Series 2 Luxe Edition features sapphire glass, a smooth titanium finish, and a quick release 22mm shark mesh Milanese strap in black.

Other

What OS does PowerWatch Series 2 use?

PowerWatch Series 2 uses a proprietary ultra-low power operating system.

Is watch display always on?

Yes.

Does PowerWatch Series 2 support changeable watch faces?

This feature will be included in future over-the-air firmware updates.

How does PowerWatch Series 2 maintain accurate time?

PowerWatch Series 2 uses a precise quartz crystal oscillator and refreshes its time reference with the app every time it syncs.

What’s the best way to show the PowerWatch to my friends?

Here’s our favorite 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 royal to see whose warm-hearted soul generates the most power?

What happens when I take off PowerWatch Series 2?

PowerWatch Series 2 runs off battery power where it draws a tiny amount of current. Put it back on and it resumes charging.

Can I exchange PowerWatch 1 for PowerWatch 2?

Unfortunately, you can't exchange your watch to the new version.

Will the app for PowerWatch 2 work with PowerWatch 1?

Yes.

SHIPPING, ORDERS, RETURNS & WARRANTY

How much is shipping? Is VAT included?

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.

What are the details of your satisfaction guarantee / warranty?

There is a one-year warranty for factory defects. For more on our return policy and limited product warranty, please visit Shipping & Returns.

Are refunds allowed after the Indiegogo campaign ends?

No, unfortunately, refunds will not be permitted after the campaign ends.

What’s considered “normal use”?

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

What is your return policy?

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.

Where’s the PowerWatch designed and manufactured?

The PowerWatch was designed in California. It is manufactured in China.

CONTACT US

How do I get in touch with someone at MATRIX?

Send tech support and product questions to support@matrixindustries.com

Send business enquiries to info@matrixindustries.com

Send editorial, press and product review enquiries to info@matrixindustries.com

How can I incorporate the PowerWatch’s thermoelectric technology into my own products?

Send an email to info@matrixindustries.com with details about your application. Visit matrixindustries.com for more information.

Where can I find you on social media?

Twitter @matrixpowered

Facebook @powerwatch

Instagram @matrixpowerwatch