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Bluetooth Watch Allows Discreet Caller Screening

Watch designer Fossil has announced the availability of the Caller ID wristwatch. Incorporating Bluetooth wireless technology, the watch will simplify how people interact and engage with their mobile phones. Combining fashion forward technology with added functionality and efficiency, the Bluetooth watch enables users to stay connected without compromising style. The watch designs were adapted from top selling Fossil models.The analog/digital watch links effortlessly via Bluetooth to certain cellular phones allowing users to view incoming caller ID information on the watch face. Users are notified when their phone rings and when a text message is received. When users are unable to answer their phone, a single button press can mute or reject an incoming call. When a voicemail or text message is received, users are alerted by an icon of an envelope that appears on the watch accompanied by a slight vibration.

“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.”

Partnering with Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, a global leader in the mobile handset industry, Fossil’s new wireless product boasts a fashion- forward design that is as attractive as it is capable. “Combining Fossil’s fashion and watch expertise with Sony Ericsson’s Bluetooth technology expertise helped us to create a smart, dynamic and fashionable watch that keeps you connected in all situations and eliminates the need to fumble through your pocket or handbag each time someone calls,” adds Geiser.

The new Bluetooth watch is available in two different brands, FOSSIL® and ABACUS(TM). The FOSSIL branded product, Fossil Caller ID (style FX6001), with black ionic plated stainless steel case and bracelet-style strap, will be available exclusively in the United States at http://www.fossil.com . The FOSSIL Caller ID is priced at an MSRP of $250.00 USD and will be available in late October.

The ABACUS branded product (MobileWear(TM) by ABACUS) comes in two styles: one with a stainless steel case and bracelet (style AU6001) and the other with a stainless steel case and black PU strap (style AU6002). The watches are expected to be available in mid-October and are priced at an MSRP of $200.00 USD. The ABACUS MobileWear watches are available in the US through Comp USA, Germany through _dug Telecom AG and in the UK through Widget UK, LTD. A full list of retailers is available at http://www.abacuswatches.com .

Additional features include a two-hand analog for easy timekeeping, vibrating alert of incoming call or SMS/MMS, Caller ID or number displayed, out of range warning (after 10 meters the watch vibrates when phone goes out of range), view phone’s time/date, simple two-button auto pairing operation, bright OLED display, reject/mute incoming calls (one button push mutes the phone’s ringer, two button pushes rejects the call), water resistant to 3 ATM, and compatibility with most Sony Ericsson Bluetooth phones. The watch also features a lithium rechargeable battery that lasts approximately 5-7 days based on conditions of use. The battery can be recharged through a USB or universal AC adapter.

Add comment September 30th, 2006

Zune and iPod Face Off At $250 Mark

Microsoft has revealed that its Zune portable media player will cost $250, give or take a cent, when it arrives in US stores on 14 November.The price point appears to have been set to match that of the 30 GB Apple iPod, so how do the two devices stack up against each other?

Firstly the capacity is identical – 30GB. That’s mid range these days, and you can get an 80GB iPod, but at this stage, Zune and its more established rival are neck and neck.

Zune nudges into the lead with its 3 inch colour display. The iPod lags behind with its paltry 2.5 inches. 30-15 to Bill Gates.

Weight is a little tricky to judge as Microsoft have been very cagey about it. This would naturally lead one to believe that Zune is a little on the dense side, but then that brown model does resemble a brick, so perhaps it’s just reverting to type. Bloggers who have actually held the thing say that it is not appreciably different to the iPod, so let’s award the benefit of the doubt and call it a draw. 40-30 to Zune and game point against the 30GB iPod.

Looks can kill as the saying goes, but Zune won’t have a lot of bodies trailing in its wake. The white and black models aren’t too bad, but that brown one is a bit of a market research mystery at the moment. It’s going all the way…..deuce.

Features is where Zune nails the iPod and finishes it off. Wireless capability enters the fray and it’s advantage Zune. Remember that it has an FM tuner and the 30GB iPod is down and out.

So, for $250 Zune just shaves the iPod. However, the one thing it doesn’t have is brand awareness. The iPod has become iconic and any amount of undercutting of the iPod doesn’t change that.

Add comment September 30th, 2006