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A Case For Smartwatches
Watches

A Case For Smartwatches

April 8, 2015

A Case For Smartwatches

The wearable technology industry has had a heavy pause for the past several weeks as it awaits the launch of the Apple Watch. The device, launching on April 24th, is viewed by many as the bellwether of consumer interest, and perhaps understanding, of wearable connected technology. With mixed reviews starting to roll in for the Apple Watch, it is clear that these smart devices have an uphill challenge. A watch that displays all the same information that is presented in more detail inches away on your phone is a tough sell. Perhaps, though, we are thinking of a smartwatch through the same lens that we think about a smartphone, when the way we interact with it should be something entirely new and different.  

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by Doug Parker
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Pebble Time Kickstarter
Watches

Pebble Turns To Kickstarter To Launch Pebble Time

April 1, 2015

Pebble Time Kickstarter

Pebble has returned to its roots to launch the next version of the company’s smartwatch via Kickstarter. While it might seem like a bit of a cheat for a successful company to turn to Kickstarter to launch a product that they know will be a hit, that didn’t seem to put off interested buyers. In fact, Pebble Time broke its fundraising goal of $500K in 17 minutes and earned over $5M within 5 hours. The recently completed Kickstarter raised a total of $20.34M, shattering the previous Kickstarter record of $13.3M for The Coolest Cooler.

The Pebble Time utilizes a low resolution color e-ink screen (144 x 168) that is capable of displaying 64 colors. This screen affords the device an impressive 7 day battery life. It is important to note though that it is not a touch screen; you are restricted to the four buttons along the side and a microphone (that has limited use). Pebble Time will also bring the introduction of a new interface concept from Pebble.

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by Doug Parker
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Switzerland's Future
Watches

Switzerland’s Road To A Smart Watch

March 18, 2015

Swiss vs Smartwatches

Despite the smartwatch’s moderate success in the marketplace up until now, it is undeniable that the watch industry is changing. Smartwatch manufactures are trying to figure out if they are selling gadgets or jewelry and traditional watch makers are trying to decide if they are in the business of tradition or technology. Depending on the success of the launch of the premium-priced Apple Watch next month, that will likely dictate the direction other companies follow. If smartwatches do prove viable, Switzerland, a country synonymous with traditional, mechanical watch making, has a particularly turbulent road in front of them.

TAG Heuer is a great example of what is likely occurring behind the scenes at most Swiss watch producers. The company has had a rough past year between conflicting corporate communications, major personnel shifts, and executives who were bit too vocal. All of these combine to create a public display of how TAG Heuer is fighting to develop a strategy which embraces the future while continuing to appeal to their target audience.

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by Doug Parker
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TAG Heuer Smartwatch
Watches

TAG Heuer Announces Plans For Smartwatch

December 17, 2014

TAG Heuer SmartwatchSeems that luxury watch maker TAG Heuer has had a change of heart. Back in September, when Apple unveiled their Apple Watch, TAG Heuer’s interim CEO (and head of LVMH’s watch division), Jean-Claude Biver, was one of the first detractors of the device. Biver was not a fan of Apple’s design but, more importantly, not a fan of smartwatches. At the time Biver said that smartwatches will soon be outdated while “luxury always has something timeless.” What a difference a few months make. Biver has now changed his mind and sees value in TAG Heuer developing a smartwatch. Likely the company is starting to sense consumer demand for the devices and does not want to risk being left behind if the product category finds success. The watch industry already took a huge hit from smartphones and smartwatches could be the final nail in the coffin for a company not able to adapt. Biver says TAG Heuer started exploring the concept 4 months ago and has already formed partnerships with Intel and Google. They do not want to release anything unless it feels “first, different, and unique.” The device is expected to utilize traditional watch mechanics in addition to a bevy of sensors. TAG Heuer’s smartwatch is unlikely to launch before late 2015.

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by Doug Parker
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Asus ZenWatch
Watches

Asus’ ZenWatch Launches In The US on November 9th

November 8, 2014

Asus ZenWatchAsus has announced that its Android Wear ZenWatch will be launching November 9th in the US at Best Buy. The stylishly square Android Wear device has a more elegant look than a lot of its competition, closely resembling the Apple Watch. The $199 device features a 40mm face which houses a 1.56 inch AMOLED display. While the device does feature a heart rate monitor, it lacks built in GPS. The ZenWatch is the first Android Wear device that features a customized software set. For the first round of Android based wearables, Google wanted to tightly lock down the user experience. It will be interesting to see what Asus is able to do with that new found freedom. The ZenWatch will also be available through the Google Play store at a later time.

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by Doug Parker
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Watches, Wearable Technology

Apple Enters Wearable Market, Announces Apple Watch

September 10, 2014

Apple Watch

After years of speculation, Apple today announced the Apple Watch. While the wearable device will not ship until early 2015, the company likely wanted to get ahead of any potential product leaks and disrupt holiday sales of existing smart watches on the market. Marking a first for smart watches, the device will ship in multiple materials, finishes, and sizes with a large selection of interchangeable bands. Earlier we discussed how important individuality is for a fashion piece (which a watch is) to be successful, clearly Apple understands that. While Apple Watch’s varied product matrix is sure to make consumers happy, the general consensus is that the design could have been more unique. While competitors are releasing round and curved displays, Apple opted for a basic rectangular screen. Interestingly, the look is very reminiscent of the original iPhone. Hopefully the usability of the device makes up for any design shortcomings.

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by Doug Parker
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Watches, Wearable Technology

Watch Strap Batteries Could Be Headed To Smart Watches

June 20, 2014

Watch Strap Battery

Engadget has an interesting look at a flexible battery in the form of a watch strap that was being shown at this years Computex.  Able to be seamlessly incorporated into a watch, the battery offers between 300mAh and 500mAh of additional power.  This extra power could make a meaningful difference in a wearable device where battery longevity is critical.  To put things in perspective the battery on a Pebble is 130mAh and the battery of a Samsung Gear 2 is 300mAh.  The 300mAh battery strap would conceivably allow a Pebble to go 16 to 23 days without a recharge.  Safety has also been addressed, 

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by Doug Parker
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