CAR MAKER Nissan entered the wearable technology market by unveiling the Nismo Concept Watch on Monday, a smartwatch designed specifically for drivers of Nissan Nismo cars.
Nissan is the first automaker to build a smartwatch, although with a niche market of only Nissan Nismo drivers it's not going after Qualcomm or Samsung in the wearable technology market.
Instead, the firm is looking to provide its cars' drivers with real-time biometric data, as the bangle-like accessory enables users to monitor average speed and fuel consumption readings and access vehicle telematics and performance data. The gadget, which connects to the car using a smartphone app via Bluetooth, comes with a built-in heart rate monitor too, and will track and rate the user's social performance across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Nissan added that in the future its smartwatch will also be capable of tracking a driver's skin temperature and levels of concentration, enabling it to warn if a driver is feeling tired.
Gareth Dunsmore, marketing communications general manager for Nissan in Europe said, "Wearable technology is fast becoming the next big thing and we want to take advantage of this innovative technology to make our Nismo Brand more accessible.
"On [the] track, Nissan uses the latest biometric training technologies to improve the performance of our Nissan Nismo Athletes and it is this technology we want to bring to our fans to enhance their driving experience and Nismo ownership."
The Nismo Watch will be available in black, white, and black and red, and Nissan said the watch is secured on the wrist with a '90s style "snap-fit" mechanism. The watch is operated by two physical buttons and is charged via microUSB and offers a seven day battery life, getting one up on the Samsung Galaxy Gear.
There's no word on availability yet. µ
