wearables |

Apple Watch Might Tell You What To Shop

So far the Apple Watch has been designed to screen your wellbeing and let you purchase things with Apple Pay, but the gadget promises to change the way you do your shopping as well. The secret is Apple’s iBeacons, which send area- based signs when you’re near to them.

iBeacons ar already supported by the iPhone. For instance if users stroll by an iBeacon at a historical center, it could advise their iPhone to open the exhibition hall’s app to the specific relic they are passing by. This is how iBeacons could function with the Apple Watch to push individuals into using specific apps.

inMarket, which helps organizations create iPhone applications that work with iBeacons has come up with a new software innovation unit that allows the Apple Watch do some fascinating things with iBeacons. Beginning today, designers will have the capacity to coordinate their Apple Watch applications with List Ease, inMarket’s shopping agenda app.

What exactly does this imply? For examples, users might have a shopping list added on their smartphone List Ease. When they pass by an iBeacon in a shop, it could send the Apple Watch a ringing alert saying the shopper is near to one of the things noted in the shopping list. Then the watch would display a “short look” alert. When wearers lift their wrist it would indicate the relevant close-by goods with a “long look.” Furthermore, users can choose to see the whole shopping list.

It’s not difficult to envision different situations also. For example, the Watch could show a limited- time special offer for an item users have purchased before, when they are near to it in the store.

inMarket is mindful that individuals would prefer not to be besieged with alarms, so clients utilizing an Apple Watch application backed by inMarket will just get one alarm/ for app/for visit.

The main organization to exploit the new SDK is Marsh Supermarkets, a chain of around 60 stores in the Midwest. Only around twelve application developers are working with inMarket at this point. However that number may increase once the watch is really out. Different partners incorporate Conde Nast, Webmd, and Gannett.

Even if this is a single-case use, it demonstrates that the Apple Watch can alter every day habits. It was difficult to envision all the applications that the iPhone would support when it first rolled out. The Apple Watch will probably step into the same footsteps.

Image Source: Business Insider

The Intel MICA Smartbracelet Will Win All Women’s Hearts

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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.

The New Samsung Gear S Smartwatch Acts As A Standalone Phone

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Earlier today, the world welcomed yet another Samsung device, the much expected new Samsung Gear S Smartwatch, a gadget that can make and receive phone calls independently of a smartphone, as it has its own 3G connection. This piece of smart technology has been long rumored so far, and it is clear that Samsung would do anything to hold its ground in the wearable devices market.

With the new LG G Watch R smartwatch making its debut, the Moto 360 round smartwatch making waves among tech specialists and the freshly rumored iWatch to show up holding hands with the new Apple iPhone 6 on 9 September, you can realize that Samsung runs the race of its life.

According to the South Korean company’s officials, Samsung will

deliver the most advanced wearable experience yet. The device offers a new and powerful wearable experience with 3G network connectivity, giving users the freedom to carry out their day-to-day lives without interruption, allowing them to be active whilst always being able to access their smartphone information.

So what does the new Samsung Gear S Smartwatch do exactly?

First of all, the device sports its own 3G connectivity, which allows users to make and receive phone calls and connect to social networks without a paired smartphone.

The smartwatch also features turn-by-turn pedestrian navigation, courtesy of Nokia’s HERE service, Nike+ Running and several other Samsung apps, together with a built – in GPS.

Of course, the smartwatch can be paired with a smartphone, and this will in turn allow customers to synchronize information. As many reporters noticed, one of the first things you will notice about the new Samsung Gear S Smartwatch is the curved 2in Super AMOLED screen sporting a 480×360 resolution embedded in a flexible and interchangeable wrist band.

Perhaps you won’t jump at it the second it will hits shelves in October, especially because nobody has details on the price yet, but it is important for you to know a few tech specs, just so you have a basis for comparison with other similar devices:

– 2 inch curved display
– Dual-core 1GHz processor with 512MB of RAM
– 4GB of storage
– Samsung’s Tizen wearable operating system (OS)
– A 300mAh battery
– Heart-rate monitor- UV sensor
– WiFi
– Bluetooth
– A water-resistant IP67 rating- Gear Circle – an accessory unveiled together with the smartwatch meant for

the users to listen to music, make more private phone calls and issue voice commands without needing to shout at the watch. It pairs with a smartwatch or smartphone over Bluetooth and features a magnetic closure that clasps around the user’s neck when not in use. There’s also a vibrate function to signal incoming calls and notifications.

All in all, this is a very interesting device Samsung is very proud of. The new Samsung Gear S Smartwatch will start selling in October and the minute we find out the price, we will share that info with you!

Apple iWatch and Apple iPhone 6 To Launch Together on 9 September

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The forthcoming Apple iPhone 6 is going to be released this fall, on 9 September, as we reported before, backed up by dozens of other similar reports. It is going to be the event of this autumn, without a doubt, and the media, together with analysts and tech experts are counting days until the big reveal. But more recent reports and opinions suggest that on 9 September we will witness a double revealing event, as the tech behemoth will release both the Apple iWatch and Apple iPhone 6 together!

John Paczkowski from Re/Code is behind this hot piece of news, and he is one expert whose predictions on Apple’s releases and events proved to become true along the years. If this is true, the world is going to have a lot to deal with, as the smartwatches market is going to be flooded with fresh similar wearables: recently, LG announced a very fashionable round LG Watch R powered by Android, and Apple’s main competitor, Samsung, just unveiled

what it said was the first smartwatch capable of making and receiving calls without a mobile phone nearby

We will talk about Samsung’s big event later on, but back to the Apple iWatch and Apple iPhone 6, we have to admit they are probably the most expected and talked – about new devices on the market.

While there is some solid information related to the Apple iPhone 6, such as the fact that it will show up in two versions, one of 4.7 inches and a 5.5 inches one (although we will believe it only when we will see these exciting toys with our own eyes), the iWatch still gives plenty of room to speculations.

One of the most important such debates is whether or not the iWatch will be revealed together with the iPhone 6 or, to add more confusion to the lack of details, if we will even see it this year. As you know, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, another big name when it comes to Apple products, said more than once that the company would have the iWatch ready to roll not earlier than 2015. There is a long time between 9 September and next year, but we guess we will just have to wait.

What is so great about the future Apple iWatch? Since Apple can’t be considered a pioneer in the field, as the competition is fierce and smartwatches seem to pop up over night, the new product will have to rely on something new, different and spectacular, something that yells “innovation.”

It may be the long rumored HealthKit platform and the medical – related features, but it’s not the time to make even more assumptions. What is certain is the fact that the Apple iWatch and Apple iPhone 6 are going to be this fall’s VIPs, if they show up together hand in hand.

Garmin Vivofit Fitness Tracker Will Keep You Fit For A Whole Year

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Wearables are the latest invention as far as smart gadgets go. Either smartwatches or fitness trackers, these little pieces of technology can help us with our process of staying fit (or wanting to stay fit). The latest wearable device is the Garmin Vivofit fitness tracker that promises something we all wish from a wearable device: long battery life. The Garmin Vivofit fitness tracker’s most important feature is that its battery lasts for a whole year. That’s right! Not seven days like Fitbit, not three days like the Samsung tracker, but one whole year. As you know, a fitness tracker is useless if you don’t use it. And just when you’re in the middle of your jogging, having to find a place to plug it into a USB slot to recharge it can be a little discouraging.

The Garmin Vivofit tracker is also waterproof. You can shower and swim with it you want. This means that you can wear it all the time for a better tracking of your exercise program.

Another great feature that Garmin offers is its clasp mechanism. It’s basically a rubber strap (of different colors) that overlaps itself and can be held tight with holes and pegs. They snap together very easily and in a secure way. The clasp mechanism is another very important feature when you’re looking to buy a wearable device. It needs to be secure and sturdy since it’s meant for a whole day wearing.

Garmin Vivofit fitness tracker – great battery life

Garmin Vivofit fitness tracker has a screen where you can press a button and it will show you the miles you’ve walked, the steps you’ve taken, calories burned, time and date, etc. The screen also has a motivational feature that will help: when you’re standing still for too long, the bright red bar on the screen grows longer. You need to do some walking in order to reset the bar to zero again. It’s a great reminder to put us back on track when we tend to get lazy.

The Garmin Vivofit fitness tracker works with wireless heart-rate monitors, the one that you can strap around your chest while you exercise. In order to keep the battery going for so long, the Garmin tracker had to compromise a little: the screen doesn’t light up, you can only see it when there is enough light in the room. Something like the Kindle E ink.

Samsung Gear Fit Smartwatch: The Best Wearable Device

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It seems like every device is getting smarter. It all started with smarter phones and from then on every piece of gadgetry wants to compete with each other when it comes to features and design. The latest in smart devices is the smartwatch. Nowadays a watch is not only used for telling time and setting up an alarm. It’s also a device that watches our weight and displays emails.

Smasung Gear Fit smartwatch is no exception. It looks and feels amazing. It’s part of the smart wearable devices, a combination between a watch and a fitness band. A smartwatch usually displays app alerts from a smartphone and controls the music players. You can also use it for typical watch stuff like setting up an alarm and for displaying time and date. A fitness band usually counts steps, it measures the activity and encourages its users to be more active and exercise more. Smasung Gear Fit is more of a smartwatch than a fitness band.

The Gear Fit features a curved AMOLED touchscreen and comes with a black bezel around the display. It also has a faux chrome edge around its entire front side that resembles the new Galaxy S5’s design. This comes as no surprise because the devices were first made public side by side.

You can customize the Samsung Gear Fit with 19 wallpapers in seven colors. If you don’t like any of these wallpapers you can choose a photo from a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and use it as a wallpaper on the smartwatch. The device comes with a plastic watchband which is kept from rotating by the ribs on the inside of the watch.

You can bring up the home screen by pressing a button on the side of the Gear Fit and if you double press it, it brings up your choice of screens to choose from. You can set it up to bring you all the notifications you want right on its screen.

Samsung Gear Fit Smartwatch – other features

The display is narrow and small and it requires tapping and swiping to navigate between options and menus. The Samsung Gear Fit is set up by default to be read horizontally which can be problematic since you cannot bend your arm to line it up horizontally with your eyes. It’s a good thing that Samsung took notice of this inconvenience and updated it so that the smartwatch can be set up to be read in a vertical position. With the vertical setup it’s much easier to navigate and read on the device but you’re still limited to only 10 characters per line. But for a watch 10 characters are more than enough.

Razer Nabu is a new smart band, blending fitness band and smartwatch features

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Razer’s CEO Min-Liang Tan is excited about wearables, but his company is not in it to make a smartwatch or fitness band, instead they want to make a “smart band”, something that will be able to make mobile life easier.

The Razer Nabu has three core components, first is the dual-interface, one that shows a notification symbol and the other “private” screen to reveal all the information on the notification. For instance, if a call is coming in, the public interface will show the symbol and the private will show the caller ID.

Second is tracking, the Razer Nabu is able to track steps taken in a day and sleeping patterns. This is done through the various sensors in the smart band and will be available to look at through Razer’s utility application, which they will be providing on iOS and Android.

The third is gestures and this is where the Razer Nabu really tries to differentiate itself from other wearables. Razer has imported various gestures, allowing the user to dismiss calls, swap information with other Nabu users and has a “pulse” finder, where it will actively search for other Nabu users in an area.

Social features and gestures can be the future of wearables and the Razer Nabu is a keen step in the right direction, but we cannot see this becoming a widespread product and the social features may become a little redundant.

It is quite odd to see Razer step in on the wearables market, considering they are best known for laptops and gaming gear. The company has been trying to change the look of its products to the standard of Apple in terms of design and has been working hard on getting their edge in the PC market.

The question is will the smartwatch and “smart band” market become saturated, before the big players like Apple, Google and Microsoft even step in to show their own concepts.

Nokia drops Android smartphone and tablet plans in favor of wearables

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The past few weeks have been home to some weird news on Nokia, we have seen numerous prototypes of Android low-end smartphones and even an Android tablet, pointing to the Finnish company looking into the Android platform before the Microsoft acquisition.

According to a new rumor from Chinese publication C Technology, Nokia has moved on from the Android platform, at least in the smartphone and tablet markets. The company is now focusing their attention on wearables and smart glasses, two areas ripe for exploration.

The report also says Nokia’s Android plans and vibrant side are based in the part that will not move to Microsoft, even though the split company will not be able to build any smartphones or tablets until 2015, unless Microsoft makes another deal in the two year wait.

It looks more and more like Microsoft made this $8 billion acquisition out of fear and desperation, after finding out Nokia was planning to skip away from the Windows Phone only contract to a more lucrative double-edged partnership with both Android and Windows Phone.

Microsoft may look to work on the Android project with Nokia, but we cannot see it being the same as it was previously. Microsoft will likely want all their services integrated, removing the core function of Google’s Android OS in the first place: their store.

The wearables project is an interesting idea, we have seen some odd “smart” patents flying around in the past few months from both Nokia and Microsoft, but the smart glasses is in Google’s ball park for now and every other company looks like they are just following the trail.

Nokia will still be a company when the acquisition is finished, but they will not be able to make smartphones. That mechanical side is being moved to Microsoft and the software side is staying primarily in Finland.

Google smartwatch in development for early 2014 launch

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Google is apparently preparing to bounce up production on its smartwatch in the coming months for an early 2014 launch. The new report from The Wall Street Journal seems to point at insider knowledge of the smartwatch and when it should be getting released.

Mountain View is currently in talks with Asian suppliers who would be able to mass produce the device and the smartwatch is in its final stages of development. Previous rumors only pointed at the possibility of a smartwatch, it is quiet big that WSJ would report Google is almost ready to produce the device.

The main feature on the smartwatch will be Google Now, the personal assistant running on Android. Google has funded a lot of money and time into Google Now, creating a service that is intelligent but also works perfectly with the vast amounts of services. Google Now does more than just listen to users questions, it can offer recommendations and display information to the user by using location and Google services.

It is questionable how well a Google smartwatch would work, we are still awaiting a device that ideally works to benefit the user in more ways that “viewing information one second quicker” as the Galaxy Gear and Pebble seem to offer. Fitness is a place Google could try to invade, but FitBit and Nike are already in this space and have a lot of happy customers.

Google is a company all about wrapping Android and Google into the device. The basis of Android is Google services, including search, maps, Chrome, Hangouts, YouTube and the Play store. We believe Google will add a Play store area for smartwatch apps and start adding their own onto the device to get the ball rolling.

The smartwatch market is still cloudy and yet everyone wants to make a stance. Samsung has already pushed out their Galaxy Gear, hit with almost no positive reviews and the Sony Smartwatch 2 has not even been looked at by reviewers. The Pebble still stands to be the best smartwatch out there, until Apple and Google step in to change the market.