Tag: wearable technology

The new Access wearable technology is designed to combine tech and fashion in one device.

The Michael Kors smartwatch, called the Access, has launched. It has been anticipated for some time now and beyond the tech, many have wondered what it would look like. Now that its design has been revealed, there are a few things that stand out. The first is that it is quite attractive. The second is that it is very big.

Until now, most smartwatches have been a chunky gadget that could be customized with its strap.

There have been choices in wearable technology in which consumers can pick either nice band or a nice face. That said, no matter what, wearables tend to be a kind of fashion statement unto themselves. The Michael Kors smartwatch looks as though it might be among the first – if not the very first – to bring high levels of wearable technology and fashion into a single device. This gadget was created by the celebrated American designer in the hopes of bringing the tech into the fashion world.

The Michael Kors smartwatch runs on Android Wear and is currently offered in two different styles.

The “Bradshaw” is the smartwatch with the more feminine appearance. It has an all metal design. The “Dylan” is the wearable technology being marketed toward men. It has a sportier design. Both the Dylan and the Bradshaw are quite chunky and are definitely statement pieces. The Bradshaw is 44.5mm and the Dylan is 46mm. Both devices have a starting price of $350.

According to a Mashable report, Michael Kors created its smartwatch due to the fact that people feel that being connected all the time is crucial, regardless of where they are or what they do. A statement from the company said that their wearable technology devices provide “the best of both worlds — reliable technology and great design. We didn’t want our fans to have to choose between fashion and technology, so we’ve made it possible to have both.”

The two Michael Kors smartwatch designs come with additional options. The Dylan has three color choices and six possible straps. Of those straps, two are leather and four are silicone. The Bradshaw comes in a larger number of different metallic colors and strap possibilities. Furthermore, the faces can be customized for highlight colors, as well as dial and hand colors.

The popular mobile app is reportedly working on its first ever hardware product which will provide AR.

Snapchat is reportedly in the midst of developing its first hardware offering in the form of an augmented reality headset. Reports have stated that it will arrive in the form of AR glasses that will be comparable to the HoloLens from Microsoft or even Google Glass.

As of yet, Snapchat has yet to officially confirm that it is indeed pursuing this type of device.

At the same time, more fuel was added to the fire behind the claim that Snapchat was coming up with an augmented reality headset following a recent move. The disappearing photo app joined the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. That is a wireless technology industry body. It suggests that, at the very least, Snapchat is working on a device of some kind.

Moreover, this would not be Snapchat’s first foray into the world of augmented reality technology. It has already added a spectrum of new filters – called Lenses – within its mobile app.

The augmented reality headset would take the experience beyond accessorizing selfies.

While the Lenses make it possible to add drawings, masks and other kinds of alterations and accessories to photos, the device would take digital enhancements beyond pictures. The company would be able to take a similar concept to Lenses and apply it to wearable technology. It would be possible without needing to look at a smartphone screen.

The company has also reportedly been hiring from augmented reality departments of large tech firms. These include Google, Logitech and even Nokia. While there has been some interest in AR expressed by Apple, Google, Facebook and Microsoft, none of these giants have yet to launch a successful product based on that tech.

Google had a limited launch of its Google Glass wearable technology, having unveiled it in 2012. However, it halted its sales only three years later in part because of the criticism it drew regarding its hefty price and certain usage habits. For instance, drivers were being pulled over for being behind the wheel while wearing it. People were being questioned by police when wearing them into movie theatres. Moreover, the general public disliked the fact that they could be filmed by a wearer without knowing it.

In 2014, Snapchat acquired an augmented reality headset product making company called Vergence Labs. Ahead of the acquisition, the company launched a fashionable glasses range called Epiphany Eyewear which can record up to 32GB of footage and store it.