Intel Brings Fashion Tech to CES with TAG Heuer Smart Watch
Intel is reportedly teaming with Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer for a smart watch launch at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next month in Las Vegas (Jan. 5-9).
Running on an Intel processor, the watch will reportedly look similar to a regular wristwatch—i.e., more like the Witherings Activité—and less like the flurry of warable monitors with touchscreens and rubberized bands already flooding the marketplace.
The move is the latest step in Intel’s pursuit of the Internet of Things, with wearables a top priority since Brian Krzanich took over as CEO in 2013.
To pave the way to bring "Intel Inside" other brands' wearable tech platforms, Krzanich launched the New Devices Group, acquired Basis Science (a builder of health- and fitness-tracking smartwatches) and launched the Basis Peak device as well as the Quark family for small, low-power systems-on-a-chip (SoCs).
As for why wearable tech makes sense of TAG Heuer and its parent, luxury goods group LVMH, CEO Jean-Claude Biver saw an opportunity for the brand given that (as he sees it) the looming Apple Watch has “no sex appeal” and looks “like it was designed by a student in their first trimester” (of school, not pregnancy, presumably).
This deal follows Intel's collaboration with Italian eyewear behemoth Luxottica to create premium, luxury and sports eyewear with smart tech. The first products are set to launch in 2015.
“Through our collaboration with Luxottica Group, we will unite our respective ecosystems and bring together Intel's leading-edge silicon and software technology with Luxottica's design innovation and consumer expertise," Krzanich said in a press release on the deal.
“We expect the combination of our expertise to help drive a much faster pace of innovation and push the envelope of what's possible."
Intel is also dipping its toe into fashion tech, partnering with the CFDA and indie boutique/fashion brand Opening Ceremony to launch MICA (short for My Intelligent Communication Accessory). The $495 wearable tech jewelry bracelet is now available for pre-order at OC boutiques (as part of its "tech nerds" gift guide) and Barney's New York.
In addition to looking chic stacked with other bracelets, MICA features alerts from Facebook and Google, Time to Go appointment reminders, "Near Me" powered by Yelp and directions via Garmin GPS, and 18k gold coating.
The cuff comes in two designs: "black water snakeskin, pearls from China, and lapis stones from Madagascar" on one; and "white water snake skin, tiger's eye from South Africa, and obsidian from Russia" on the other.
