Casio develops low energy bluetooth prototype timepiece
Last week, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Casio announced a new low energy link equipped watch prototype that communicates with smart phones via bluetooth. The big difference from all other previous bluetooth equipped timepieces, is that they use too much energy and need to be constantly recharged, this new low energy technology eliminates that major drawback. And it really makes this type of watch, a more viable solution for people who want control of their phone, while it is in a pocket or in a bag.
The digital readout of this watch is not as aesthetically appealing as a timepiece with an analog display, but that is alright because considering this watch is all about functionality.
The readout notifies the wearer of incoming calls, texts and emails. It allows the wearer to silence smartphone sounds via the watch, without having to dig into your pocket. That's not all, though, it also has a phone finder, for locating a lost phone. It features a Global Time Sync feature that keeps the time set correctly at all times, with no effort. And if that is not enough, it can also sync with a variety of applications that: track your distance, speed, direction and altitude; alert emergency services via call/e-mail through your watch, use your watch as a motion sensing, remote control.
The functionality of this timepiece is impressive. If it works with most smartphones, as opposed to just a few, and is priced corectly -- it should sell well. I hope that Casio considers making two models if they do decide on actually going into production with this prototype. I would like to a see a regular version (shown above), and higher-end Edifice Black Label version (Edifice is Casio's higher level watch collection - that was recently introduced in the United States) for those buyers interested in a stainless steel case (as opposed to a resin case).
Retail TBD