In the normal course of business, most product launches are one-day stories. Two days, tops, if they're really big and they're not from Apple or (sometimes) Google. In truth, that's fine; it's the rare product that deserves more. Will.i.am's Puls wristware deserves more, because the thinking behind it is so uncommon. First of all, the Puls cuff is unapologetically … [Read more...]
Forbes Says Microsoft Will Ship a Wristband This Year
Microsoft, by some measures, was the first company to sell a piece of wearable technology: the Data Link watch, developed with Timex, and first put on sale in 1994. Twenty years later, Forbes reports, the company is ready to ship another. The report is strikingly short on details, but does say that the device will be a smartwatch with a heart-rate monitor, will work with … [Read more...]
Intel, Opening Ceremony, Barney’s Show MICA Fashion Wristband
Back in January, we reported that Intel, designer Opening Ceremony, and the New York fashion store Barney's were collaborating on a bracelet. They introduced it yesterday: the MICA. MICA -- My Intelligent Communication Accessory -- will come in two versions: "One style will feature black watersnake skin, pearls from China, and lapis stones from Madagascar, while the other … [Read more...]
Gilt Group to Sell Michael Bastian-Designed Smartwatch from HP
We're not nearly hip or rich enough to have heard of menswear designer Michael Bastian, but that's entirely on us. The Gilt Group, the online luxury retailer, says they will be selling a Bastian-designed smartwatch built by HP come the Fall. Fashionista is reporting that the watch, which will be primarily a notification device, will work with both iOS and Android apps. The … [Read more...]
Tag Heuer Exec Bolts to Apple
If you want to bury news, the morning of July 4 three-day weekend holiday is pretty much perfect, and that's when the head of watchmaker Tag Heuer dropped word on CBNC that its sales director has headed off to Apple. Patrick Pruniaux, VP of Sales and Retail for the Swiss luxury watchmaker Tag Heuer, has quit and gone to Apple, said Jean-Claude Biver, head of watch brands at … [Read more...]
CNet Gets the Behind-the-Scenes Story on Samsung Gear Fit
CNet came up with a very nice behind-the-scenes look at how Samsung developed the Gear Fit wristband. Essentially, design work happened not in Kore, but with a design team based in San Francisco who drove some parts of the global conglomerate to do some things that were not strictly comfortable. It's a mid-length read, and worth the time as you're getting back into the swing … [Read more...]
Android Wear Opens the Door for the Luxury Watch Market
Like you all, we've been digesting the wearables news that came out of Google I/O last week, and puzzling a bit over its paucity. There was very little about Glass, which may or may not indicate that it's no longer a development project but may be about to be a project. (Remember, I/O is a developers' conference.) And we were kind of surprised about the muted reception for … [Read more...]
Withings Introduces the Activité, an Attractive Wrist Wearable
"The problem with fitness trackers," says nearly everyone, "is that they're ugly." Withings responds with the Activité, a remarkably good-looking Swiss watch that hides a fitness tracker. It looks like, well, a nice watch. Round analog face, in black or white, with a leather strap and a stainless steel case. Two hands for the time, and a third hand on a second dial marked … [Read more...]
Token Wristband Concept Puts Your Money on Your Wrist
The Seattle design studio Artefact Group has a neat design concept for a way to meld wearable tech with financial management. The Token wristband -- which is strictly conceptual and not something you'll be able to buy anytime soon -- presents hardware and interface ideas that simplify the processing of spending and tracking money. Think of it as Coin rethought. And since … [Read more...]
Acer Shows Liquid Leap Wristband
Only serious techies will remember that the big Computex show is going on in Asia right now. Acer released a raft of new products today, including the Liquid Leap wristband that it teased a little while ago. Engadget's got a good hands-on. Short version: it looks like the Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit, but will for now work only with Acer's Liquid line of phones. Availability in the … [Read more...]