[HH] hack your smartwatch

[Tom Metro]

Ed Frankenberry wrote:
> Sony is opening up their smartwatch including a "Hacker Guide" and
> tools for updating the firmware...

Neat, but Sony has a well earned reputation of being hacker-hostile and
anti-open standards. (So much so that in the last 5+ years I don't even
consider Sony when buying electronics.)

The interesting bit here is that the D-I-Y movement has gotten so hard
to ignore, that even an organization culturally opposed to it, like
Sony, has been motivated to cater to that market.

The wording of the disclaimers still suggests this is something they
aren't wholeheartedly backing:

  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.

  Please note that you may void the warranty of your device and/or any
  warranty from your operator if you flash alternative firmware to
  SmartWatch. ... Additionally, due to the modified device software,
  Sony's repair network will likely have to replace key components
  before it can properly test, repair and verify your device using our
  repair tools and software. Consequently, if Sony performs a warranty
  repair, Sony will likely charge you a significant service fee for the
  additional costs caused by your modification of the software.

And it goes on with a bunch more similar disclaimers...

So a step in the right direction, but I personally wouldn't invest money
or time into this platform.

 -Tom