MainTool aims to “make existing watches smart” – and believes there is a market gap

(c)iStock.com/cacaroot

Meet MainTool. This startup, based in Paris and Madrid, offers a different take on the smartwatch argument by providing a ‘smart’ strap allowing users to keep the more traditional yet dumb watch interface.

The inspiration for MainTool is straightforward enough. A survey released today from analytics platform provider First Insight argued that among consumers, while many liked the designs of the Apple Watch, the Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire and the Motorola Moto 360 in particular,...

By James Bourne, 20 September 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Fashion, Smartwatches.

Microsoft Band finds employment in helping epilepsy sufferers

(Image Credit: Microsoft

Despite rumours of the demise of the Microsoft Band, the original wearable is being employed to aid epilepsy sufferers in predicting upcoming seizures and help to ensure their safety.

A new program called MyCareCentric is being used for the pioneering epilepsy research developed by a range of partners including Microsoft, the Epilepsy Care Alliance, the University of Kent in the U.K., Shearwater...

Chinese wearable shipments ‘soar’: Xiaomi still on top but market lead reduced

(c)iStock.com/danielvfung

Shipments of wearable devices in China have soared with Xiaomi still at the top of the tree – but more and more competition is coming up fast, according to the latest figures from IDC.

IDC’s China Wearable Device Market Quarterly Tracker, 2016Q2 report shows that the country shipped 9.54 million wearable devices in Q2-FY2016, which was a 13.2% quarter by quarter and 81.4% year over year increase. Shipments of basic wearable devices such as wristbands, children’s...

By Wearable Tech, 19 September 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Devices, Research, Smartwatches.

Android Wear passes 5 million downloads

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/maislam)

Android Wear hasn't taken off as much as Google would have liked at this stage – hence the company doesn't share exact sales – but the platform now seems to be growing much faster if downloads of its companion app provide any indication.

Back in March last year, the Android Wear app passed the one million downloads mark. As of yesterday, Google switched over the...

By Ryan Daws, 13 September 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Android, Google, Smartwatches.

TIM and Samsung team up for first eSIM smartwatch in Italy

(c)iStock.com/ROMAOSLO

Leading ICT group TIM and Samsung, along with digital security firm Gemalto, have launched Samsung’s Gear S2 Classic 3G Smartwatch, the first smartwatch in Italy that has an integrated embedded SIM (eSIM).

The Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G is also the first wearable in the world that features an eSIM, marking a huge step forward in IoT and mobile devices. With the eSIM, the smartwatch can immediately and simply connect to TIM's mobile network with a QR code.

The Gear S2 Classic...

By Wearable Tech, 09 September 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Smartwatches.

Michael Kors launches smartwatch in fashion wearable play

Picture credit: Michael Kors

Lifestyle brand Michael Kors is set to launch its Michael Kors Access display smartwatch, in another move which aims to put wearable technology in the category of fashion accessories.

The company has partnered with Google for the Android Wear smartwatch platform, with the Access watch being compatible with both iPhone and Android phones.

Features of the smartwatch include changeable display, social media updates, and app notifications. The watch also offers magnetic charging,...

By Wearable Tech, 08 September 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Devices, Fashion, Smartwatches.

Jim Beam launches ‘drinkable wearable’ Apple Watch equivalent

Picture credit: Jim Beam

Whiskey brand Jim Beam has launched its own equivalent of the Apple Watch in what the company describes as “the most anticipated tech release of the year.”

The Jim Beam Apple Watch claims to be the world’s most innovative ‘drinkable wearable’ with the capability to open up a 1.5 ounce shot glass on the user’s wrist. The watch, which is available for a limited time, also boasts a ‘streamlined interface’.

“Critics may ask,...

By James Bourne, 08 September 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Devices, Smartwatches.

Advanced wearables falter while basic wearables soar – as market climbs 26.1% in Q2

(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/ivo Gretener)

The wearable market is growing admirably, with over 26 percent year-on-year growth, but this is being led by single-function wearables such as fitness trackers while advanced devices with third-party application support have stagnated. 

"Fitness is the low-hanging fruit for wearables," said Jitesh Ubrani, senior research analyst for IDC...

By Ryan Daws, 07 September 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Devices, Research, Smartwatches.

Amazfit launches ceramic-based wearable to combine fitness and fashion

Picture credit: Amazfit

California-based firm Amazfit has introduced its first ceramic-based wearable activity tracker, which assesses biomechanical signals and daily activities.

The device connects the user's daily activities and biomechanical signals with smart data. It tracks a user's steps, distance travelled, sleep quality and calories burned. It also receives and transmits incoming call alerts through vibration.

Amazfit is a lightweight and slim activity tracker designed like a fashion...

By Wearable Tech, 26 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Devices, Fashion, Fitness, Smartwatches.

How wearable tech can help children with autism

(c)iStock.com/123ducu

Wearable tech has grown in leaps and bounds with new features added all the time to make everyday life easier and more fun. But this new technology isn’t just fun – for children with autism, it can be a game changer. Can a bracelet, glasses, and shoelaces ensure a child is safer and happier?

Wearable tracking devices

GPS tracking is nothing new; we have it...

By Rick Delgado, 17 August 2016, 0 comments. Categories: Eyewear, Health Monitoring, Health & Wellness, Smartwatches.