Photos: Smartwatch links directly to satellites to send distress signals from remotest areas

The O-Boy smartwatch, developed by Brussels-based design studio Futurewave, is a groundbreaking wearable device that enables users to send emergency distress signals directly via satellite, bypassing traditional terrestrial networks. Designed specifically for use in remote and isolated environments such as mountains or open water, the watch provides a critical safety tool for travelers by maintaining communication capabilities where conventional mobile networks are unavailable. This is achieved through the integration of complex satellite hardware into a compact, durable, and water-resistant wearable format, ensuring reliable transmission even in the most challenging conditions. Futurewave's multidisciplinary team of electronics engineers, antenna specialists, and product designers focused on optimizing antenna placement and embedded systems to maintain signal integrity within the watch’s small enclosure. The device features a rugged yet comfortable design, with standardized emergency colors (black and red) to clearly convey its purpose. Full-scale prototypes using pre-industrial materials were developed to refine the structural and technical aspects before final manufacturing. By bridging gaps in global network coverage, the O-Boy extends emergency connectivity