Google, Intel to develop luxury Swiss smartwatch

 

 

BASELWORLD, Switzerland — Luxury watch manufacturer TAG Heuer, Google and Intel on Friday announced a partnership to launch a Swiss smartwatch powered by Intel technology and Google's Android Wear. 

 

The partners did not reveal any pricing strategies or functionalaties of the new watch, however. 

 

Toward the end of the year, the trio of companies will release a product that is both luxurious, and seamlessly connected to its wearer’s daily life — a culmination of innovation, creativity and design from Silicon Valley in California and the Watch Valley in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, the companies stated.

 

"Swiss watchmaking and Silicon Valley is a marriage of technological innovation with watchmaking credibility. Our collaboration provides a rich host of synergies, forming a win-win partnership, and the potential for our three companies is enormous," said Jean-Claude Biver, CEO TAG Heuer.

 

"The quality of Swiss watches is renowned worldwide. When this is allied with the creative technology and global power of two companies like Intel and Google, using the Android Wear platform and based on Intel technology, we can see the launch of a technological revolution in our industry, of which I am proud to be a pioneer today with TAG Heuer," added Guy Sémon, general manager of TAG Heuer.

 

“By fusing beauty with technology, the Swiss watch has inspired generations of artists and engineers alike — including us at Google," said David Singleton, director of engineering for Android Wear. "So we’re thrilled to be working with TAG Heuer and Intel to bring a unique blend of emotion and innovation to the luxury market. Together, and using the Android Wear platform, we can imagine a better, beautiful, smarter watch.”

 

“As we work to enable technology experiences that provide greater utility and value to people, Intel is confident that a collective approach will inspire new innovation in wearable technology. The collaboration with TAG Heuer and Google brings us closer to realizing the vision of wearable technology with a distinctive smartwatch that elevates the category,” remarked Michael Bell, corporate VP and general manager of Intel’s New Devices Group.