When it comes to wearable devices and haute couture, one would expect Apple to release yet another cool product for the young generation and receive public appraisal for it. Along the years, some independent companies also showcased a few innovative products and they were appreciated for their efforts. But it is safe to assume that nobody expected tech giant Intel to unveil a stylish, golden – plated, luxurious gadget dedicated to women, and yet, it did: the Intel MICA smarbracelet is a tech and fashion work of art.

Intel is not a company famous for its smartphones or tablets. Actually, the world’s top chipmaker was left behind on the mobile and wearable devices market by many other companies. However, playing the “surprise card”, just like Amazon does sometimes, Intel and fashion retailer Open Ceremony presented the world with the Intel MICA smartbracelet. According to those present at the event, MICA is a piece of hi – tech jewelry which doesn’t need an added smartphone.

My Intelligent Communication Accessory (MICA) is a snakeskin bracelet adorned with semi- precious stones, all complimented by an 18k gold coating. It comes in two luxurious versions:

“One style features black water snake skin, pearls from China and lapis stones from Madagascar, while the other style features white water snake skin, tiger’s eye from South Africa and obsidian from Russia”.

From a tech point of view, the Intel MICA smartbracelet features a curved sapphire 1.6 inch OLED screen and comes with an AT&T Sim card paid for two years in advance by Intel.

What else does the bracelet do? MICA sends vibration – based alerts, allows the user to accept or reject appointments, displays Google Calendar and Facebook event notifications, offers smart reminders and access to local search (with the help of Intel, TomTom and Yelp) and filters notifications and text messages by curating the VIP contact list. Security isn’t a concern either: the user can remotely access, locate and lock the bracelet, and work on its configurations via a web – based portal.

Since the Intel MICA smartbracelet is dedicated to connected, busy, sociable and highly fashion – conscious women, the bracelet comes with a high – end price too: it was launched at the sum of $495 and promised to hit the market in early December this year. This spectacular Christmas gift powered by Intel can be found in Opening Ceremony and Barney’s fashion stores.

The Intel MICA launch event represented a good occasion for the company to release other news: besides the partnership with Open Ceremony, Intel announced they acquired Basis, a smartwatch  manufacturer, and teamed up with Fossil in order to create hi – tech, fashionable accessories.