HP partners with Indian watch brand, plans range of smartwatches for later this year

[Wireless News]

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/1mMyK8UXOMDIbn6_LjKdmw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztmaT1maWxsO2g9ODY7cT03NTt3PT EzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/homerun/digital_trends_973/f4118dba477b6cbfefa76217a06e01cb (http://news.yahoo.com/hp-partners-indian-watch-brand-145142809.html)HP has partnered with watch maker Titan to produce a new smartwatch it says will be innovative, filled with custom technology, and use a software platform that won’t intrude on our lives. Neither HP nor Titan are big names in the world of smart wearables yet, but this is the second such announcement from HP in a short space of time — it recently teamed up with watch brand Movado to make the Motion and Bold Motion smartwatches. India-based Titan is the world’s fifth largest watch maker, and sells its products in 27 countries. The smart watch is expected to be the first in a range from Titan, and they’re described as a ‘unique lifestyle offering,’ but we’ve yet to see what the first finished device looks like. Exactly what it will do, the operating system being used, and the final price are also a mystery. Related: Read our review of the gorgeous Vector Luna smartwatch The press release gives us a hint of Titan and HP’s plans, referring to the new product as a blend of tradition and technology, so owners can still wear a beautifully styled watch that has smart functionality. It’s hardly a new approach, and certainly the same ethos that drove TAG Heuer to make the newly unveiled, $1,500 Carrera Connected smartwatch. TAG Heuer chose Android Wear for its watch, but that may not be the route Titan and HP take. The Movado, and HP’s last push into smartwatches — the MB Chronowing made with designer Michael Bastian — use proprietary operating systems, that while compatible with Android and iOS devices, often lack apps and continued support. Browsing Titan’s website shows its watches vary in price, but most hover between $100 to $200, although some basic models are less. There’s a strong chance the Titan smartwatch will cheaper than TAG Heuer, Huawei’s or Apple’s smartwatch models. The Titan watch will launch before the end of 2015, and it’ll be sold in India along with other international markets, the names of which haven’t been confirmed. We’ll keep you updated. Also watch: Huawei Talkband B2 - Hands On Please enable Javascript to watch this video



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