Wearable Computing & Fashion News - Page 28

The latest and most important Wearable Computing & Fashion news - Page 28.

Follow TweakTown on Google News

Introducing the nevo solar, the world's first solar powered smartwatch

Michael Hatamoto | Jan 5, 2015 4:06 AM CST

Smartwatch manufacturer nevo has announced the nevo solar, the world's first solar powered analog smartwatch for the consumer market. Even with frequent use, nevo partnered with Sunpartner Technologies, utilizing the Wysips solution to help generate electricity through exposure to light.

The nevo solar will be released in August 2015, but no pricing details were made available.

"When we developed nevo we made battery life a top priority," said Sebastien Druven, co-founder and CEO of nevo. "Our standard dual battery system and low-consumption technology freed users from the inconvenience of nightly charging and now we're taking that concept to its ultimate conclusion - solar power. With nevo solar we capture the unlimited power of light. Our users will never have to worry about charging."

Continue reading: Introducing the nevo solar, the world's first solar powered smartwatch (full post)

Vuzix receives $24.8M cash injection from Intel for next-gen wearables

Michael Hatamoto | Jan 4, 2015 2:14 AM CST

Intel has given Vuzix a $24.8 million investment, as the hardware manufacturer wants to help Vuzix possibly create fashion-based wearable glasses. Vuzix will use the Intel cash investment to accelerate fashion-based wearable display products directly to the consumer market, as Google Glass seemingly fell flat.

Intel missed the boat on smartphones and tablets, but is interested in making sure it has a major presence in the wearables market. The Silicon Valley company has already created a partnership with Opening Ceremony to create a wearable smart bracelet, catering to a higher-end market.

Meanwhile, Vuzix has had success in wearable development - and the enterprise market seems most appealing to manufacturers - but with Google Glass unable to appeal to most consumers, Vuzix has a unique opportunity to use Intel's investment to invade the market.

Continue reading: Vuzix receives $24.8M cash injection from Intel for next-gen wearables (full post)

FitLinxx AmpStrip fitness wearable for athletes hits Indiegogo

Michael Hatamoto | Jan 3, 2015 3:55 PM CST

CES 2015 - FitLinxx has taken its AMpStrip fitness wearable for athletes to Indiegogo, trying to raise funds for the wearable device. Financial support on Indiegogo ranges from $25 up to $10,000, with different level of support based on monetary contributions.

The waterproof, sensor-filled device is able to monitor heart rate, respiration, skin temperature and posture around the clock, able to stick to the wearer's torso.

"This is our first foray into direct-to-consumer products and we want to do it right," said Dave Monahan, president and CEO of FitLinxx. "We're excited to share our product on Indiegogo and get feedback from athletes. We know having them as part of our AmpStrip team will make our product that much better."

Continue reading: FitLinxx AmpStrip fitness wearable for athletes hits Indiegogo (full post)

Taser betting big on becoming body camera industry leader

Michael Hatamoto | Dec 23, 2014 2:00 PM CST

The market for wearable police body cameras is rising because of national interest, and investors expect Taser International to benefit from an "outperform" rating - as the company known for nonlethal weapons will benefit from interest in body cameras. Half of the US domestic police force currently use Taser's stun guns, and analysts believe wearable body cameras could outperform that number in the next few years.

"In a time where even the most minute news stories of excessive police force have the ability to instantly go viral, pressure will mount on police departments to provide video evidence that qualifies actions," noted an Oppenheimer report. "TASR shares surged 30 percent following the shooting in August of unarmed teen Michael Brown, and the lack of crime scene documentation."

The company's shares closed at $23.98 on Friday, and are currently trading at $25.96 - closing in on the Oppenheimer target price of $28.

Continue reading: Taser betting big on becoming body camera industry leader (full post)

TAG Heuer plans to compete in smartwatch market, create partnerships

Michael Hatamoto | Dec 16, 2014 4:34 PM CST

TAG Heuer plans to jump into the smartwatch market to compete with Apple and other competitors, as the wearable market accelerates. The company started on its wearables industry about four months ago, creating several partnerships, while also exploring potential acquisitions. TAG Heuer plans to wait until it has a working product to present to the public, which could take until late 2015 at the soonest, the company says.

"Smartwatches represent a challenge to the Swiss watch industry that is comparable to the appearance of quartz technology," said Guy Semon, Tag Heuer general manager. "We cannot ignore this tsunami that is coming closer."

The smartwatch market should increase in popularity next year, as more tech companies and watchmakers dive into wearables.

Continue reading: TAG Heuer plans to compete in smartwatch market, create partnerships (full post)

New Google Glass patents reveal four new slim designs

Paul Alcorn | Dec 8, 2014 9:50 AM CST

The initial Google Glass model was loved by all for its functionality and refreshing new take on mobile computing, but many also complained about the clunky design and poor battery life. The original version was more of a proof-of-concept design than anything, and technological advances are already in the works. The slim new design eliminates most of the sidebar and the box that hangs behind the ear.

Recent Google Glass patent applications reveal some of the new changes. News that Intel is going to power the next revisions of Google Glass came about last week, and this will provide Google the flexibility to address the bulky hardware. There is no word if there will be more storage capacity, but new 3D NAND designs could provide amazing density as well. A new processor and chipset will enable better battery life and much smaller designs. The original hardware was based off of a 2011 mobile processor that wasn't the best fit for slim applications. Other new designs (pictured below) break the mold entirely and utilize very tiny components.

Many of the press images released by Google conveniently use people with long hair, touching the side of the device, or clever picture angles, to hide the large bulky portion of the device that hangs behind the ear. Completely eliminating this piece of hardware is a big step on the quest to create a device with wide consumer appeal.

Continue reading: New Google Glass patents reveal four new slim designs (full post)

Intel to power next revision of Google Glass

Paul Alcorn | Dec 1, 2014 12:22 PM CST

Google Glass has revolutionized interaction with wearable computing devices, and many expect it to be the model for the future of wearable computing devices. The Google Glass concept is extraordinary, but the underlying technology has been a bit of a disappointment. The current models are based on the Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 processor, which is outdated to say the least. The processor first made its debut in the Motorola DROID RAZR back in 2011, and Texas Instruments has since vacated the mobile processor market. The old technology provided Google with a solid base of proven hardware, but falls short in computing power and battery life.

Industry insiders are reporting that Intel processors will power the next revision of Google Glass. Utilizing Intel's mobile processors will provide more computing power and better battery life, along with bringing in x86 functionality. More computing power will speed the interface and allow developers to create powerful apps that are in line with expectations for mobile devices. Current Google Glass models are also a bit bulky, and an updated processor and chipset will enable Google to significantly reduce the size and weight of the device.

The mobile market continues to expand and Intel has been struggling to break into the mobile market. Winning a Google Glass contract will be a big step for Intel's mobile processor division. Google Glass also hasn't had as many apps developed for the platform as hoped, and x86 functionality will also open the door for expanding the software app ecosystem. The initial Glass revisions are a proof-of-concept design that resonated well with users, and moving to a new Intel processor will help Google take the final step to making Glass a mainstream product fit for the masses.

Continue reading: Intel to power next revision of Google Glass (full post)

Cicret Smart Bracelet brings a tablet to your skin

Paul Alcorn | Dec 1, 2014 11:45 AM CST

The mobile market is not immune to trends and fads, and sometimes they can run counter to established norms. At first users wanted the smallest phone on the market. In the prehistoric pre-smartphone era some phones were so small they were almost impossible to dial. Smartphones changed that trend, and initial small versions have given way to phablets. Once again, bigger has become better. Cicret looks to solve the problem for us all with the largest useable screen packed into the smallest device possible. It seems a bit counter-intuitive, but the design is genius.

The Cicret Smart Bracelet debuted on Indiegogo and just finished its round of funding. The Smart Bracelet looks like a simple bracelet but has an embedded memory card, processor, accelerometer, vibrator, USB port, Bluetooth functionality, and Wi-Fi. The most important components consist of a pico-projector and an array of 8 proximity sensors. The projector beams the screen down onto the users forearm, and the proximity sensors track fingers to allow device interaction. The video below is simply amazing.

The Cicret brings about a number of amazing possibilities. The accelerometer will be used for user interaction, simply moving your arm could page through screens for instance. Bluetooth connectivity could allow the bracelet to be used as an accessory to an existing smartphone by simply mirroring the screen in your pocket. The video demo is impressive, but is based upon 'possibilities' and isn't representative of the working device. Initial revisions are likely to be short on processing power due to the small size, so using the bracelet in conjunction with other mobile devices would be a great fit. There are a few questions on how well it would work in blazing sunlight, projectors usually do not do well in bright conditions. Either way, we will know soon enough, models will retail for roughly $700 in the coming months.

Continue reading: Cicret Smart Bracelet brings a tablet to your skin (full post)

Razer Nabu smartband confirmed for release next week

Chris Smith | Nov 27, 2014 8:55 PM CST

We've just received confirmation that Razer's new smartband, the Nabu, is finally confirmed for release - coming next week, first to the North American market, followed by the rest of the world soon after.

We've covered the Nabu's specifications and features before. As quoted by Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan, the Razer Nabu is designed to work as "a cross between a smartwatch and a fitness band. It's a wearable device focused on helping you live smarter."

According to email contact between Razer's Australian promoters, Surprise Attack, the Razer Nabu release will begin next week. Coming at a price of $99.99, this new technology offering has been tested by "500 of Razer's most loyal fans" whom were given the ability "to buy the bands earlier in the year for a single dollar".

Continue reading: Razer Nabu smartband confirmed for release next week (full post)

Sony working on e-paper smartwatch, as innovation is critical

Michael Hatamoto | Nov 27, 2014 3:40 PM CST

Sony is reportedly working on a new watch that utilizes e-paper, and could be released as early as 2015, as the Japanese electronics company restructures and shuffles focus on select technologies. The watch face and wrist band will be made of e-paper and the surface area will be able to display time and its appearance can be modified.

Instead of being a next-generation smartwatch, Sony hopes that the watch will include style alongside functionality.

"The innovation program is very important, but it will take time and require some risk taking," said Sado Nagaoaka, Hitotsubashi University professor. "It's not that Sony ran out of new ideas, but rather, it's taking too long to restructure, and gigantic losses have starved new businesses of funds."

Continue reading: Sony working on e-paper smartwatch, as innovation is critical (full post)