Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V) has yet to officially announce its smartwatch, but the web is already filled with the new design concepts that definitely appear attractive. One of the Nokia smartwatch concepts has been developed by Jonas Dae, who goes by the Twitter handle @PhoneDesigner. The concept, developed on the basis of previous leaks, does not have any physical buttons and is a full touchscreen with notifications such as missed calls, messages/emails, music, Whatsapp and Skype, among others. The concept also includes wireless charging.
Nokia smartwatch a right step in growing segment
CES 2014 did not witnessed any significant product launches or announcements from the Finnish firm, and it is largely believed that MWC 2014 would also fall into a similar category considering the acquisition by Microsoft. However, experts are speculating that Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V) may soon come up with a smartwatch to challenge rivals like Sony, which has already launched a couple of smartwatches.
A week back, one of the tipster speaking to NokiaPowerUser, revealed that Nokia’s watch could be launched in the third quarter of 2014. The source also revealed that the smartwatch will be separate from the handset division acquired Microsoft. The smartwatch from Nokia is expected to have features noticed earlier in Nokia play, such as Kinetic technology and Nokia Morph, which will allow the device to switch forms to perform different functions.
If Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) (BIT:NOK1V) (HEL:NOK1V) unveils Lumia smartphones compatible smartwatch at MWC 2014, it would surely help the Finnish firm to take a leap in the growing segment.
iWatch facing production issues
Another highly talked-about smartwatch is from the iPhone maker, and was expected later this year, but appears to have been stalked by the manufacturing issues. A report from Digitimes, citing sources from an upstream Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) supply chain, says the problem is due to “difficulties applying surface treatments on their metal injection molded (MIM) chassis.” The report also notes that Qualcomm’s Toq smart watch for Android devices also faced similar issues. The all-white Toq smartwatch can be purchased through Amazon while at the CES the device is available for $299.99, a discount of $50. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (KRX:005930) has already released the Galaxy Gear, and one of the senior executives of the company has confirmed that Gear 2 may soon be launched along with the Galaxy S5 in April.
