Epson, which has had some success in the enterprise wearables market with its Moverio eyewear, has decided it likes the space and is getting into the sports tech business with a new series of consumer-level wearables. The Epson Active product line has three pieces: the Pulsense continuous heart rate monitor, Runsense GPS sports and running monitors, and the M-Tracer golf … [Read more...]
CES Day 1: New Garmin Smartwatch Updates
Garmin changed up its smartwatch line at CES, introducing three new devices. The Vivoactive is the most watch-like of them, a lightweight GPS-enabled watch with running and golf apps. It pairs with other fitness devices such as heart-rate monitors. It'll ship this quarter for $250. The epix is less a fitness device than a GPS map on your wrist. With a 1.4-inch color … [Read more...]
CES Day 0: Is Android in Trouble at Home? (Updated)
Monday was Press Day at CES: the day that most companies spend setting up their booths and the big boys corral the press at a hotel miles away from the show floors. Press Day is when companies like Samsung, LG and Sony sum up their successes, bury their mistakes, and set their agendas for the year ahead. Wearables, for companies like that, are barely rounding error. As sexy … [Read more...]
CES: Lenovo VB10 Wearable Unveiled
There were reports in October that Lenovo (the Chinese company that first bought IBM's Thinkpad line, then most recently swallowed Motorola's phone business) was coming out with an activity monitor. The company officially announced the product today at CES. The Vibe VB10 is essentially a notification device that features an e-ink display, which helps with seven-day battery … [Read more...]
CES: Misfit Gets the Swarovski Crystal Treatment
What fitness trackers apparently need is some bling, and Misfit and Swarovski will give it to you. The companies announced today a new line of Swarovski Shines: a clear crystal model and a violet one that can do solar charging. (Misfit Shines, it should be noted, use watch batteries and run for the best part of a year.) You can pre-order now at misfit.com; retail sales … [Read more...]
CES: Withings Activité Pop Smartwatch
Withings pretty much created a high-price segment for the smartwatch business last year with its $450 Activité watch. At CES, the company has now moved to claim a piece of the value market with a $150 Activité Pop. The original Activité is an elegant timepiece with a dial that tells what percentage of your daily fitness goal you've achieved. The Pop uses essentially the same … [Read more...]