Car manufacturer Nissan has entered the fledgling smartwatch market with the release of its own wearable technology aimed specifically at drivers.
The device, called the Nissan Nismo, simultaneously monitors the performance of the vehicle and the driver.
It analyses a motorist’s heart rate and body temperature as well as a number of other biometrics, but also looks at a vehicle’s fuel consumption and average speeds.
Analysts believe the Nismo represents a vital step towards greater connectivity between driver and vehicle.
The editor-in-chief at What Car? magazine called the subject of connectivity the ‘new battleground’ for the world’s leading car manufacturers, adding:
“In-car internet is coming and now with consumer electronics focusing on watch-based connections, Nissan is getting ahead of the game and joining the two together very cleverly.”
As well as receiving data on the vehicle’s performance and the body’s vital signs, wearers will also benefit from tailored messages from Nissan.
Smartwatches have fallen into the spotlight recently as a number of rival tech giants have released devices or revealed plans – including Apple, Google, Samsung and Microsoft.
Google arguably stands out from competitors with its innovative Google Glass – futuristic specs that allow the wearer to access apps, capture images and play games using their eyes. Additionally, Samsung caused a stir when it unveiled its Galaxy Gear smartwatch at the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin last week.
While analysts are still uncertain as to whether or not the timepiece will catch on, any developments will likely see the sharpest website marketing specialists and news content providers adapting their services as people access their favourite sites in new ways.
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