Google is working on a smartwatch concept, according to a recent report, which will place it into yet more head to head competition with Apple and Samsung.
The report comes from the Financial Times, which cites “a person briefed on the project” as its source.
Interestingly, it’s claimed that Google is not developing the concept within its experimental Google X Lab division, as would ordinarily be the case. Rather, the task has been given to the Android unit.
The decision makes quite a lot of sense when you consider the report’s claim that a Google smartwatch would “act as an extension to the smartphones using that operating system.”
It’s pointed out that Google actually filed a patent application for a wearable computer back in 2011, which was then approved in 2012. This filing describes a “smart watch” with a dual-screen “flip-up display” and a camera.
The filing states that the purpose of such smartwatch devices would be to access key information from your smartphone (incoming emails, calendar appointments etc.) at inconvenient times.
Google Smartwatch Rivals
This report follows on from Samsung’s recent confirmation that it was
working on a new smartphone concept, but the FT source states that the
two projects are not linked.
This might suggest that Google has set its
own hardware company, Motorola, the task of producing its smartwatch
units.
It’s been reported in recent months that Apple is also working on its own smartwatch concept, and has set a team of 100 designers on the task. Some feel that the result could be ready as early as this year.
Whose smartwatch are you most eager to see – Google’s, Samsung’s or Apple’s? Let us know in the comments section below, or via the Trusted Reviews Twitter and Facebook feeds.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.