Page 10 - BWM March 2013

10 | Business World Magazine | March 2013
Tech
timfor
From the buzz generated by Nike’s introduc-
tion of the fuel band or the innovative eye-
wear known as Google Glass, wearable tech
is increasingly capturing wonder in retail op-
portunities. Of timely things to come, look to
the smart watch. Recent reports indicate Apple
is developing such a device (basically a time-
piece that allows for data and notifications by
being paired with smart phone technology via
Bluetooth). Following such reports this month,
Samsung announced it too is working on a new
smart watch product line – and No! Their an-
nouncement reportedly has nothing to do with
the fact that its chief rival is doing the same.
Samsung Executive Vice President Lee Young
Hee told reporters the company has been work-
ing on the product “for a very long time.”
Of course, in the way of the smart watch,
other companies have had better timing. Prod-
ucts on the market already include Pebble , a
waterproof watch that retails for $150 and al-
lows for customization by varying styles of
watch face. The Pepple connects to iOS and
Android smart phones via Bluetooth and al-
lows for downloaded music and other Apps. It
also notifies users when they receive alerts from
calls, emails and text. The MetaWatch ($179
and up) is another water-resistant smart watch
which connects with both the iPhone as well as
Android devices. Marketed as a sports watch,
it monitors time, as well as pace and distance.
The watch starts at $179. The I’m Watch is an
aluminum model manufactured by an Italian
company. Retailing for $399, it is available in
a rainbow of colors and comes with a full color
touchscreen. The I’m Watch utilizes the Droid2