Swatch, one of the world's biggest watchmakers, is planning to take on
the upcoming Apple Watch launching its own smartwatch in roughly the
same time-frame - within the next 90 days. The Apple Watch will begin
shipping in April.
Speaking with Bloomberg, Swatch CEO Nick Hayek said the smartwatch would
rely on NFC to connect with smartphones, and that it would be
compatible with Android and Windows software. For now, there is no
indication of whether the smartwatch would be compatible with iPhones.
While the specifications of the Swatch's smartwatch are still a mystery,
its Chief Executive Officer Nick Hayek stated that the
Internet-connected wearable would not have to be charged. This might be a
huge plus point for the company, as all smartwatches from major
manufacturers till date, including the upcoming Apple Watch, need to be
charged separately. Some, like the Apple Watch, need to be charged
daily.
Bloomberg says Swatch has much experience with smartwatch-related
technology, which includes long-lasting batteries. Swatch's sub-brand
Tissot has been making touchscreen watches since 1999.
Swatch is also said to be competing with Apple on the grounds of mobile
payment system, Apple Pay. As per the report, Swatch is in talks with
Switzerland's two largest retailers, named Migros and Coop, for its
mobile payment system. However, the Cupertino firm seems to be strides
ahead of its Swiss competitor, with Apple Pay having seen much adoption
across retailers and banks already since its launch in September.
Rest assured, with both the tech giant and a major watchmaker releasing
their smartwatches, the months of April and May will definitely be the
most important months this year in the wearable-tech industry.
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