Sources have discovered that Sony is working on a new smartwatch that focuses on fashion over function. The watch is going to be constructed out of a new e-paper display from Sony that spans not only the watch face, but the band as well. This means users will be able to change the appearance with a tap or two. The smartwatch is not only unique in eschewing functionality – it only provides the time and date – but development of the device has revealed a new business unit within Sony that is part of an effort to get the company back on track financially and in terms of innovation.
The new watch is actually out in the public already, but no one realized it until recently. Sony created a new division called Fashion Entertainments and their first product is the FES Watch, which turns out to be the Sony e-paper device. This new division within Sony reports directly to CEO Kazuo Hirai so that new, innovative products can be fast-tracked to market.
Although no one from Sony has officially commented on the FES Watch, it is seen as a bit of a litmus test for Sony's new division. The FES Watch is not only the first real product to come out of the division, it is taking on the small but ready to explode wearable technology market. The success or failure of the device may help manufacturers determine whether they have to get on the spec-race treadmill to grab part of that market or whether consumers are looking for alternative goods.
sources: Mobile Syrup, Bloomberg
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