Fusing style with substance, Opening Ceremony has jumped on the wearable tech bandwagon, launching MICA (My Intelligent Communication Accessory) with Intel. “The modern woman maintains selectivity and exclusivity when choosing accessories, and MICA embodies a beautifully unique statement piece,” says Humberto Leon, co-founder and creative director of Opening Ceremony. Premium finishes include water-snake skin, pearls, precious stones such as lapis lazuli and tiger’s eye, and 18-karat gold, all for the fashion-conscious who don’t want something that screams tech. While the cuff doesn’t offer fitness tracking, it allows the wearer to discreetly receive notifications from Google Calendar and Facebook, as well as text messages. www.openingceremony.us
MICA by Opening Ceremony and Intel
APPLE WATCH
In what seems like the brand’s most obvious foray into street fashion, Apple previewed its Apple Watch for one day only to a stylish crowd that included Karl Lagerfeld, in the midst of Paris Fashion Week last September at Colette. Available in myriad metals from stainless steel and space grey aluminium to 18-karat rose gold, and in two sizes (38mm and 42mm), the watch comes in three distinct collections: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition. Its specially designed
Digital Crown offers a new way to scroll, navigate, and access Siri. Answer calls, send and receive messages, or even send a friend your heartbeat. Store.apple.com/my
Apple Watch
FITBIT CHARGE AND SURGE
This brand of fitness trackers entered the fashion scene last year when it collaborated with Tory Burch, who designed a bracelet and pendant to be worn with Fitbit Flex. Now, Charge, Charge HR, and Surge tracks all-day activity (even sleep quality) and provide caller ID on the OLED display. “Our mission is to deliver innovation through exceptional, wearable design to empower consumers with knowledge of their overall health,” said James Park, CEO and co-founder of Fitbit. www.fitbit.com
Fitbit Charge
NIXIE
Taking wearables to the next level – literally – is Nixie, a camera-equipped quadcopter that straps on like a watch, flies off to take HD photos or videos, and then comes back to you, boomerang-style. It doesn’t need controlling, so you can take pictures in difficult situations such as when rock climbing or mountain biking. Currently still under development, Nixie won the top prize at Intel’s Make It Wearable competition last November. The team won a USD500,000 cash prize, which should boost
development and make Nixie a reality. Who knows? 2015 might just be the year of drone selfies. www.flynixie.com
Nixie
GARMIN VÍVOSMART
A follow up from the Vívofit, the Vívosmart pairs easily with any smart device via Bluetooth and has added vibration alerts displaying notifications of incoming texts, e-mails, calls or reminders. An added bonus? A vibration alert can also be set on timer to let the wearer know how long they have been inactive, encouraging them to stay active throughout the day. “With its activity-tracking features, additional workout support including timed activities, and smart notifications, Vívosmart is
like having a personal coach and assistant right on your wrist,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “It challenges and motivates users to stay active and create lifelong healthy habits, while keeping them connected to family, friends, work, and more.” www.garmin.com.my
Vivosmart
JAWBONE UP3 AND UP MOVE
Forgoing a display screen, Jawbone UP3 is a discreet fitness tracker, the brand’s most advanced to date. Sensors within the rubber band, such as the bioimpedance sensor, allow it to measure resting heart rate, indicating overall heart health. Sleep activity is more accurately measured throughout REM, Light, and Deep Sleep stages. Said Travis Bogard, vice president of product management and
strategy at Jawbone, “Our advanced, multi-sensor platform delivers new health data, backed by smart algorithms and our highly personalised Smart Coach system.” The UP Move tracks sleep and activity and can be worn either as a clip or with a wrist strap. www.jawbone.com
UP3
UP MOVE
SAMSUNG GEAR S AND GEAR CIRCLE
Rivalling the iPhone and Apple Watch pairing is Samsung Gear S, a watch that aims to further enhance the smartphone experience. Its two-inch curved Super AMOLED display allows for personalised screens and notifications via Bluetooth or WiFi. Easily receive or make calls and read messages, even as you track your run with fitness monitors and GPS. More widgets include FastFT, a
24-hour news service from The Financial Times to keep you updated on the go. The Gear Circle,
earphones that vibrate with each incoming call and notification, even looks good as a cool neckpiece. www.samsung.com/my
Gear Circle
Gear S
