French luxury group and watch maker, Tag Heuer, have revealed they will be launching a smartwatch towards the tail end of this year, combining Google’s Android OS in a project with Intel Corp to compete with the Apple watch, a reliable report has revealed.
Jean-Claude Biver, Interim CEO Tag Heuer, however, is keeping mum about any details regarding the design, functionality or price. Though, he hinted that the launch will be the first Android luxury smartwatch.
This ‘smartwatch’ rush seems to be connected to the unveiling of Apple’s watch, as Ben Wood, Chief Researcher at CCS Insight observed: “With Apple Watch hitting the market, it’s no longer viable for Swiss watchmakers to bury their heads in the sand. Now Tag Heuer has signalled its intention to enter the smartwatch market we are certain others will follow”.
Last year Intel entered into a partnership with a sizeable number of consumer good companies to advance smart wearable products –including Opening Ceremony, Oakley and Fossil.
“Tag Heuer’s decision to partner with technology companies to deliver a smartwatch … will likely be the first of many similar deals,” Ben added.
Don’t get it twisted though, some luxury executives have been doubtful about their involvement in this new fad to make smart watches. Jaquet Droz, Breguet and Blancpain (makers of Swiss Watch Brands) including Patek Philipe/Hermes, are some of the major players who have shoved the idea aside.
If the Apple watch is the reason why some luxury executives intend to delve into the world of smart watches, Marc Hayek (Head, Swatch Group), speaking to a news agency on Thursday, doesn’t share that enthusiasm: “The Apple Watch is not a real watch but a consumer electronic”.
