For better or worse, developers always want access to more. More API’s, more SDK content, and the holy grail if possible, more control over the devices firmware. Be it an iOS or Android device, firmware is usually one of the areas thats blocked off from developers in order to keep device performance at a certain threshold. Many of the devices we own are capable of more if the firmware is tweaked but such things can equally have a negative consequence like diminished battery life.

Much in the way that PlayStation is betting on indie developer, so is Sony by granting devs access to the SmartWatch firmware with the Open SmartWatch Project.

Hoping to woe in developers, Sony has announced that devs will be able to create and their own custom firmware for the Sony SmartWatch. Sony hopes that such a move will help their SmartWatch initiative gain more traction and inspiration. To help kick things off, Sony on Friday hosted a hackathon in Malmö, Sweden with Arduino who put together a tool chain enabling Arduino firmware to run on the SmartWatch.

It’s worth noting that developers are not immune to the side effects from custom firmware like a voided warranty. According to Sony, there are also other limitations from a custom firmware.

 Please note that by flashing alternative firmware to SmartWatch it will no longer work as intended. You will no longer be able to use SmartConnect or any compatible SmartWatch app available on Google Play™. 

Despite a voided warranty, the above move seems like a smart move on Sony’s part and a small price for developers to pay if they can put together something unique.

Discuss:

Are you interested by the Sony SmartWatch and or other similar devices?

[Via Sony]