Is it time for a Google Smartwatch?

Google is exploring the idea of making a smart watch according to a Business Insider source mentioned on Gigaom. They suggest that "Google is researching how to market such a device and BI notes certain relevant patents Google has that would support such a product. Even with the report, which I’d consider a rumor at this point, now’s the time for a Google smart watch for a number of reasons I can think of. The biggest one? Google already has a smart watch on the market." Continue reading on Gigaom. Smartwatches like this would be great as a companion device to your smartphone where the watch displays glance-able data and timely information that is important to see if you are unable to take your phone out. The watch would not be ideal for consuming a lot of content or interacting with apps that have a lot of functionality. Leave the more advance interaction and content consumption to your phone.

I'd like to see Google and Apple duke it out with a smartwatch offering. Which do you think would be the better experience? Read more about the apple rumor at Is iWatch in Apple's future?

Check out Google's smartwatch patents here. Image and more info at Gizmodo.

Is iWatch in Apple's future?

Smartwatches have been squeezing their way into the wearable consumer electronics market like Pebble, i'm watch, Sony Smartwatch, inPulse and WIMM (to name a few). And much speculation has been around for years that Apple may be a major player in the smartwatch race. Well, the old rumor has surfaced again. According to MacRumors, "Apple and Intel are currently working together on a Bluetooth-enabled smart watch. Full details on Apple's smart watch are unknown, but the report compares Apple's project to Sony's SmartWatch, although it notes that Apple's Siri voice assistant will provide for greater integration with the iPhone in allowing users to take phone calls directly through the watch."

With Siri integration, Apple has the potential to offer a game changing voice-enabled experience that could even replace the need for touch. Imagine a small wearable device that you wear on your wrist that works with your iPhone. Simply talk into it to get important and timely information without having to sift through your purse or pocket to take out your phone. "This could result in a device with a conversation-based interface. ... A connected iPhone would do much of the processing; the watch would record your voice, transmit it to your iPhone, and relay Siri's response. A small touch screen would also allow for limited visual/kinetic interaction, including notifications and basic apps." (Gizmag)

Sounds like they could actually give us a true Dick Tracy experience ...

Image from cultofmac.com