The wearables category is primarily defined by devices with a strong emphasis on motivating and tracking physical health. But the Vatican’s ‘Click to Pray eRosary’ bracelet arrives with a more unusual, if not unique purpose: to inspire spiritual health and prayer.
The $110 wearable shares the appearance of a traditional rosary, featuring ten black agate and hematite beads connected to a brushed metal cross. But where the traditional rosary encourages a contemplative and tactile connection, the eRosary’s list of specifications are devoutly modern and reflect the habits of believers worldwide today, introducing haptic and app-enhanced interactions enabling spiritual activity.
Outfitted with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, 6 axis gyro sensors for gesture control, IP67 grade water and dust resistance, 15mAh lithium-ion battery audio prayer guidance app, physical activity monitoring, 15mAh lithium-ion battery good for four days of use between charging, and iOS and Android compatibility. The eRosary is in essence a Pope Francis endorsed activity tracker that happens to include prayer in its litany of recommended habits.
The eRosary includes a charging and display stand.
The eRosary activates when the wearer makes the sign of the cross across the haptic surface of the “smart” cross.
The Vatican’s first effort into the hardware realm has already run into some small software-related road bumps on the path toward app-aided salvation, but the device still stands out as an example of the growing scope of technology’s reach into everyday life and habits.
