imoo Watch Buds on Kickstarter Combine Earbuds and Smartwatch in One Device
- Jonathan H.
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
imoo Watch Buds on Kickstarter start from a very simple observation: our daily tech setup keeps getting heavier, not smarter. A smartwatch on one wrist. Earbuds in a pocket or bag. A phone that never really leaves your hand. Each device works fine on its own, yet together they create small but constant friction. With $25,328 pledged by 164 backers and 16 days still to go, imoo proposes a calmer alternative — a single wearable that combines audio, fitness tracking, and notifications. Offered as a Super Early Bird at $139 (30% off the $199 retail price), Watch Buds position themselves as a practical attempt to reduce everyday tech clutter without asking users to radically change their habits.
Quick Verdict
Who it’s for
People who want fewer devices, not more features
Users who listen to music and take calls throughout the day
Anyone looking for a lighter, more integrated wearable setup
Main strengths
Genuine smartwatch and open-ear earbuds in one system
Built-in 64GB storage for phone-free music
Comfortable open-ear clip design with secure fit
Clear calls with ENC noise reduction
Battery system designed around daily use, not constant charging
Main limitations
Dot-matrix display favors function over visual richness
Fitness tracking focuses on everyday activity, not advanced analytics
Bottom line: imoo Watch Buds are built for people who want their tech to step back, not constantly demand attention.
When everyday tech starts to feel heavier than helpful
Most people don’t feel overwhelmed by technology because it lacks features. They feel it because it keeps adding layers. Another device to carry. Another battery to watch. Another moment where you stop what you’re doing just to manage your gear.
imoo Watch Buds are rooted in that feeling. The campaign openly talks about those small daily interruptions: searching for earbuds before a call, deciding whether it’s worth bringing your phone on a short outing, or realizing one more device needs charging before you leave. None of these moments are dramatic, but together they add up.
The idea behind Watch Buds is not to impress with complexity. It’s to quietly remove steps from your routine.
Integration done with restraint, not shortcuts
Putting earbuds and a watch together sounds simple until you actually try to do it well. Most hybrid attempts end up making compromises somewhere — bulkier straps, awkward designs, or earbuds that feel like an afterthought.
imoo took a different route. Instead of hiding earbuds inside the watch body, the earbuds wrap around the watch. This preserves their shape, their comfort, and their sound performance, while keeping the watch itself slim and wearable.
It’s a subtle design decision, but it reveals a lot about priorities. The goal is not to prove that two devices can be merged. The goal is to make sure neither of them feels diminished once they are.
Open-ear audio that fits into real life
The open-ear clip design plays a central role in how Watch Buds are meant to be used. By sitting outside the ear canal, the earbuds reduce fatigue and keep you aware of what’s happening around you. That matters when you’re commuting, walking, or moving through shared spaces.
The adjustable clip adapts to different ear shapes, aiming for stability without pressure. Whether you’re moving, sitting in a meeting, or heading out for a quick run, the earbuds are designed to stay in place without demanding constant adjustment.
Audio quality is handled seriously as well. The earbuds use dynamic drivers, support Bluetooth 5.4, and include ENC call noise reduction, focusing on clear conversations rather than isolating you from the world.
Music and communication without reaching for your phone
One of the strongest ideas behind imoo Watch Buds is reducing phone dependency. With 64GB of built-in storage, music lives directly on the watch. Short runs, workouts, or walks no longer require carrying your phone just to have audio.
The system also supports dual device connection, allowing smoother transitions between calls, music, and notifications. Add AI translation, handled through real-time audio capture and the companion app, and the Watch Buds begin to feel like a communication layer rather than just an audio accessory.
Everything revolves around access. Music, calls, and information are available the moment you need them, without digging into pockets or screens.
Fitness and health, kept intentionally simple
Watch Buds include five built-in sports modes, covering walking, running, and riding, both indoors and outdoors. Activity tracking focuses on essentials rather than overwhelming metrics.
Health monitoring extends to steps, calories, heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep, using a built-in PPG sensor. All data syncs to the imoo Buds app, compatible with both Android and iOS, offering clear reports and long-term tracking.
Notifications complete the loop. Fitness reminders, call alerts, heart rate warnings, and alarms appear directly on the watch, reducing the need to constantly check your phone.
Battery life designed to fade into the background
Hybrid devices often fail when battery anxiety enters the picture. imoo Watch Buds try to avoid that trap by designing battery life around normal behavior, not ideal scenarios.
The earbuds offer up to 18 hours of playtime when paired with the watch, while the watch itself delivers up to three days of mixed use. Fast charging adds flexibility, with 10 minutes of charging delivering around 1.5 hours of listening time.
With IP54 splash resistance, a dustproof silicone cover, and a durable build, Watch Buds are meant to be worn daily without careful handling or constant worry.
imoo Watch Buds, a different way of thinking about wearables
imoo Watch Buds are not trying to reinvent how wearables work. They are quietly questioning why something as simple as listening to music or taking a call still requires managing multiple devices. By merging open-ear earbuds and a smartwatch into a single, coherent system, imoo focuses on ease, awareness, and everyday continuity rather than feature overload.
At a $139 Super Early Bird price point, with a stated $199 retail value, the proposition feels grounded and accessible for what is essentially two daily-use devices combined into one. For users who care less about flashy specs and more about simplifying how technology fits into their day, imoo Watch Buds offer a thoughtful balance between convenience, comfort, and value.
FAQ about imoo Watch Buds on Kickstarter
Do the earbuds automatically charge when they are attached to the watch?
Yes. The earbuds charge directly while they are attached to the watch body, without requiring a separate charging case. This design allows users to keep the earbuds powered throughout the day as long as the watch itself has battery.
Can I use only one earbud at a time?
Yes. The Watch Buds support single-ear use, allowing you to take calls or listen to audio with just one earbud while the other remains docked on the watch. This is especially useful for short calls or situations where awareness is important.
Does the AI translation work without an internet connection?
No. AI translation relies on the companion app and requires an internet connection to function. The earbuds capture the audio, but the processing is handled through the connected smartphone app.
Are imoo Watch Buds suitable for children or only for adults?
The Watch Buds are designed for general daily use and are not positioned as a kids-only product. While Imoo has experience in child-focused wearables, this device is clearly aimed at everyday users who want an integrated audio and smartwatch solution.
What kind of audio control can I use without touching my phone?
Imoo Watch Buds support touch-based controls directly on the earbuds for managing playback and calls. Combined with on-watch controls and notifications, this allows users to handle most audio interactions without taking their phone out.
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