Tag Heuer unveils the $1600 Connected Modular 45, a fully customizable smartwatch and...

[midian182]

With the smartwatch market still not doing as well as expected, manufacturers are experimenting with different takes on the basic design. The MyKronoz ZeTime, one of our top picks from Mobile World Congress, features physical hands built into a standard smartwatch. Now, Tag Heuer has unveiled a wearable that can be both digital and mechanical: the Connected Modular 45.

Rumors surfaced last month that the luxury watchmaker would be releasing a follow-up to last year’s $1500 Connected device. As predicted, CEO Jean-Claude Biver announced the $1600 Android Wear 2.0 watch today, which, as the name suggests, is incredibly customizable; you can even swap out the smart module and replace it with a traditional, mechanical head – either the Calibre Heuer 02T or the Calibre 5.

The Connected Modular 45 comes with GPS, NFC, and is water-resistant up to 50 meters. There are 56 variations of the watch available, with customization options that include aluminum, ceramic, rose gold, diamonds, and steel finishes for the digital face, along with various types of buckles, bracelets, and lugs. No word yet on how many of them come with the base version of the device, though.

"For the choice of strap alone, there are no fewer than 18 references available, made from rubber, natural leather or anthracite gray leather, titanium or ceramic," said TAG.

The Connected Modular 45’s 1.39-inch AMOLED touchscreen is powered by Intel’s AtomZ34XX processor, a chip designed for smartphones and tablets. All that processing power will come in use when Intel adds AI features to the watch later this year through some new apps. It also features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and 4GB of internal storage. You'l get around 30 hours’ battery life and, thanks to Android Wear 2.0, it can be used with an iPhone.

Despite being an expensive luxury, high demand for the first Connected Watch forced Tag Heuer to increase production. It may be $100 more expensive, but the customization options, ability to switch between digital and mechanical faces, and the high-end hardware contained within could make the Connected Modular 45 an extremely sought after wearable.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/68509-tag-heuer-unveils-1600-connected-modular-45-fully.html

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

Yeah... I won't be placing any orders.

 

[Uncle Al]

I wonder how many people don't realize that a decent smart-phone has everything and more than these high priced toys? If you're so desperate to impress the next gerbil in your office, buy a Rolex! Or at least a good knock-off available for around $300 with Seiko guts ...... or so I heard in the bar when I was with my Grandpa ......

 

[Makson]

Another gadget for those want but don't need.

 

[sploders101]

The thing about smartwatches is that it's a convenience factor. A computer can do everything your phone can do, but you don't see arguments for that. Any successful smartwatch manufacturer will realize that it is merely an accessory. It doesn't try to be a phone, but merely presents your information without the need to take out your phone. You don't need to unlock your phone and open an app to see the information you want. Some people might not see the benefit, but I think it is very useful to have information at a glance when I am in social situations where it's more rude to pull out a phone than to look at your watch, and on bike rides, or anything that requires both hands, I can still see when people are trying to get a hold of me, and with the built-in voice assistant, respond to them. If you don't see it as useful, then you shouldn't buy one, because it might not be for you, but they do have a place.