Sony Prepping Fully E-Paper Smartwatch (Report)
As smartwatches become more and more like mini-phones on our wrist, Sony's next move in the wearables space could be taking things back to basics. According to a report by Bloomberg, the Japanese tech giant is preparing a simplistic, fully e-paper smartwatch that prioritizes stylish looks over robust functionality.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, Bloomberg notes that the rumored watch's unique makeup will allow the entire wristband to act as a display, theoretically making it possible to change the appearance of the device at will. This description brings to mind Sony's recently released SmartBand Talk, which is a thin fitness band that uses a minimalist e-ink display.
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As mentioned by Bloomberg, a sleek, standalone smartwatch could help Sony stand out in a crowd of wearable devices that many consider unattractive. The report cites a recent Nomura Research Institute survey, in which participants claimed that the "general ugliness" of wearable devices is the main thing holding them back from buying one.
Products like Apple's premium-looking Apple Watch could help solve this problem, but using one will require at least a $350 investment, as well as an iPhone. Android Wear devices like the LG G Watch R and Motorola Moto 360 have also taken strides towards making smartwatches stylish, but both gadgets are held back by the currently barebones Android Wear software.
We know very little about the specs or features of Sony's purported e-paper watch, but the device would have to hit a sweet spot between good looks, affordability and useful functions to make a splash.
The company's most recent wearable is the Sony SmartWatch 3, an Android Wear-powered device built around Sony's fitness-tracking LifeLog software. It's also the first Android Wear watch with GPS built in.
Mike Andronico is an Associate Editor at Tom's Guide. Follow Mike @MikeAndronico. Follow us @TomsGuide, on Facebook and on Google+.
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