 "Google, LG reportedly making smartwatches too")
Another company to join the now popular “smartwatch” bandwagon is none other than Google. CNET reports that the search giant is looking at making its own smartwatch “based off its Android operating system”. Since the word is quite nascent at the moment, there is nothing more to go by. But it will be interesting to sit back and see what it has to offer.
Not the one to be left behind, LG Electronics too is developing its own smartwatch, a source familiar with the development has informed The Korea Times. Not only smartwatch, the source informed the publication that LG’s long-term strategy includes developing a product similar to the Google Glass to “keep its competitiveness”.
The Korea Times quoted the source as saying, “It is one major part of many currently non-commercialized products under development by LG Electronics. The company has spared no efforts to invest in products that it believes are must-haves to stay ahead technology wise in the market, whatever the situation maybe.” That being said, the source refused to divulge details on whether the smartwatch will run on Android or Firefox OS; though it sees both as viable options.
After a “smart” Glass, a smartwatch
Samsung has also revealed its plan about a smartwatch. Lee Young Hee, Executive Vice President–Mobile Business, Samsung, recently confirmed that a smartwatch is definitely in the pipeline. Lee made the revelation during an interview in Seoul. He said, “We’ve been preparing the watch product for so long.” Lee elaborated that “the company was preparing products for the future and the watch is definitely one of them.”
When screenshots of Samsung’s rumoured Galaxy Altius smartwatch leaked recently, the company had not acknowledged that such a project is underway.
However, Lee did not say about the features of the wristwatch, or its cost or launch timeline, for that matter. Samsung’s rival Apple too has been in the news for its iWatch. Lee said, “The issue here is who will first commercialize it so consumers can use it meaningfully.”
As per the Bloomberg report, Apple is toying with the idea of allowing users to make calls using the iWatch. Among other features under consideration is introducing caller ID capabilities and the ability to check map coordinates. Interestingly, the report suggests that the watch would come with a pedometer and sensors to keep a track of health-related data, like heart rates. Will Stofega, Program Director, International Data Corp., Framingham, Massachusetts, makes an interesting point here. The report quotes Stofega as saying that Samsung may be able to “undercut Apple on price”, since it makes its own displays and chips.
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