RSSSony Ericsson, Fossil Merge Watch with Phone
By Ed Oswald | Published September 28, 2006, 1:10 PM
Convergence took another step forward Thursday as mobile phone maker Sony Ericsson announced a partnership with watchmaker Fossil to produce watches that integrate with the company's phones. Through a Bluetooth connection, the watch would connect with the cellular phone.
An LCD screen on the front of select Fossil watches enables consumers to view Caller ID information and text message alerts. In addition, the watch would alert the user of new voicemails, and allow for one touch muting and rejection of incoming calls.
Fossil said that the timepieces would be marketed until the Abacus MobileWear and Fossil Caller ID brands. The first watches to arrive would be available beginning in mid-October.
"Our goal for the Bluetooth watch was to create a product that enhances the lifestyle of the wearer without compromising style or usability," said Bill Geiser, Vice President of Watch Technology at Fossil. "Watches are evolving with technology and Fossil is at the forefront of that revolution."
The first watches would feature an analog watchface with a digital LCD readout at the bottom of the watch. It is here where information from the user's cell phone would be displayed. While Fossil's entrant would be available exclusively in the US, the Abacus watches would appear in the UK as well, Fossil said.
The Fossil Caller ID features a black ionic plated stainless steel case and bracelet-style strap, and will retail for $250 USD. The Abacus watches come in two styles, both priced at $200 USD: one with a stainless steel case and bracelet, and the other with a stainless steel case and black PU strap.
Other features include an out of range warning where the watch would alert the user that it can no longer receive a signal from the phone (approximately 10 meters), phone time/date view, two button pairing, and rechargeable battery. The watches are also water resistant.
Both Sony Ericsson and Fossil said the companies would roll out additional models in the future.
"The Bluetooth watch represents the best of both the world of fashion in its classic attractive design and the world of technology in its innovative functionality," Sony Ericsson product planner Daniel Sandblom said. "That synergy will change your relationship with your mobile phone."
Phones and watches are emergency use items, unless you're a very needy person.
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Next they could embed a camera with the LCD screen on the watch and you can video chat. IT'LL BE LIKE D1CK TRACY!!! (Sorry, filters on BN don't appreciate classic movie titles) That would be pretty cool...
Sorry, I had to take it to the next level. I better patent the idea before Sony runs off with it!
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I guess the question here to ask i WHY???
The range check is a VERY nice feature - however everything else is icing on the icing on the icing, on the cake. Great gimmick, but I don't see the utility.
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you know what ever happend to a good old fashion house phone?...im prety sure they work as well as a cell phone
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Wow! This is good for people who always lose mobile phones at public places. The watch would serve as an alert once it goes out of range.
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lol....how long before Sony and Bass come together to bring us the "shoe phone"?
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I thought the shoe phone was invented in the 60's. Remember GET SMART? Would you believe...
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That was a prop. I'm talking about the real thing.
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Awww... and here I was thinking they'd made a watch you could talk to! :( Seemed very... 'trekkie'.
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I can see it now ...
--- Man/woman's hand blown off by exploding Sony Watch ---
"The Fossil Caller ID features a black ionic plated stainless steel case and bracelet-style strap, and will retail for $250 USD. The Abacus watches come in two styles, both priced at $200 USD"
Nice price, whats it got in it ? BluRay player ?
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I don't wear a watch now, but if they came down to less than $100 I might consider it.
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my cell phone is annoying enough... i dont need a watch to anoy me aswell.
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"The Bluetooth watch represents the best of both the world of fashion in its classic attractive design and the world of technology in its innovative functionality," Sony Ericsson product planner Daniel Sandblom said. "That synergy will change your relationship with your mobile phone."
Not that I don't think it is a cool idea; but the blatant marketing shpiel really makes me wanna smack that guy.
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