Google plunges deeper into smartwatch wars with WIMM

cnet ^ | | August 30, 2013 1:55 PM PDT | Joan E. Solsman

[BenLurkin]

Smartwatch maker WIMM went dark last year, posting a cryptic thank-you message on its Web site citing "an exclusive, confidential relationship" for its technology.

Similar to previous reports of a coming Google smartwatch, the latest says the company has the work on the product -- including WIMM's employees -- centered in the Android unit, rather than its X Lab. That could mean a Google watch comes to market faster than the wearable Google has been trumpeting all year, Google Glass, which was a product of X Lab.

[trisham]

I prefer the traditional clocks and watches. I’ve always wanted to have a grandfather clock, but have never had a place for one. I love the sound of a clock ticking, a clock chiming, and the sound of church bells.

[BenLurkin]

I buy my watches at WalMart.

[puppypusher]

“I personally don’t and never have for the past 10 years or so unless there’s a party or function I go to. You want the time? Take a look at your phone.”

Employers today are banning their employees from even carrying a cell phone while on the job.

If you get caught your toast.Especially with today’s obama economy.Management has all of the cards.

Use your watch and keep your job.

[SamAdams76]

A nice thin gold watch does go well with a suit. The one I have is too expensive to wear everyday so I put it with my wife's jewelry. I actually forgot I even had it until I saw this thread. I agree that any watch that looks like a "gizmo" or "gadget" does not present a professional appearance for anybody who is...a grown up.

I believe someday we will have "wearable" computing but I don't see it in the form of a bulky wristwatch or even that "Google Glass" - which has the fashion sense of a bicycle helmet. I believe fashion plays a big role in the success of technology products. Apple (Steve Jobs and Jonathon Ives) probably tapped into that better than anybody else as their products look "cool" to tote around.

Not so with the Segway and the obligatory bicycle helmet which combine to create a double feature of dorkiness that cannot easily be undone. For example, the kid below is not going to pick up that girl and he'll be home tonight binge-watching some lame sitcom all by his lonesome self.

[turducken]

That’s George Michael Bluth!

[Cyber Liberty]

My wife and I bought a nice GF clock a few years ago, but she hates the chimes. :^(

[trisham]

Can you relocate it to a different room? Or send it to me? :)

[Cyber Liberty]

I’m afraid we love the clock far too much for that. It’s an excellent curio case. But even though the chimes are off, she still ticks. We do turn the chimes on when we have company, so I have it play different tunes. Freaks ‘em out because they didn’t know you can do that. LOL.

[Sherman Logan]

Read(well, actually listened to) a book recently.

Written in 99, it made predictions about upcoming tech. Fascinating to see how extrapolations from only 12 years ago were spot on or wildly off.

They essentially predicted smartphones, apps, etc. in considerable detail.

Except their platform for the device was the wristwatch, not a phone. LOL

[max americana]

Thanks..but I’m a Hollywood producer. The only time I lecture my employees if I find out if they’re Dems.

[knarf]

[Revolting cat!]

They’re just checking what time it is.

[dfwgator]

"Yeaaaah Booooieeee!"

[trisham]

I’ve seen some beautiful grandfather clocks, and the outside doesn’t come close to the inside workings. Genius.

[Cyber Liberty]

I’d show you a picture of mine, but they don’t make them anymore. Sligh was sold to Bulova, who discontinued the design years ago....

[trisham]

I’m glad that you have one that you appreciate. Take care of it! I know that you will. :)

[BfloGuy]

25 or 6 to 4 last time I looked. And, yes, I do wear a watch. Can't be bothered with dragging the phone out of my pocket when I can just tilt my arm. Sheesh.