HP has announced a partnership with Titan, the fifth-largest watch manufacturer in the world, to produce a new smartwatch that will "infuse technology seamlessly into the way consumers live, providing them with smart accessories that are productive and responsive, but not intrusive."
The move will mark the first time India-based Titan has entered the smartwatch market, and the finished device is expected to be the first in a range from the company. Details about the product are thin on the ground; we still don't know what it will look like, how much it will cost and what operating system it will use.
An HP spokesperson suggested that we may have to wait a while before the final product goes on sale. "The announcement today was to unveil the relationship between HP and Titan only, and that a watch is on its way to official availability."
It has been just over a week since HP announced a similar partnership with Swiss watchmaker Movado to produce the Bold Motion smartwatch. The wearable is currently available to reserve for $695 and compatible with iOS 8 and later.
In all likelihood, the Titan watch will follow the Bold Motion's design, mixing the classic looks of a stylish, traditional watch with the functionality of a smart device. HP hinted that this might be the case, referring to the upcoming smartwatch as a blend of tradition and technology.
Unlike many modern smartwatches, the Bold Motion has an analogue face rather than a touchscreen. It uses a combination of colored LED lights and haptic feedback to tell users what kind of notification they have received. While this may be a bit simple for some people, HP suggested that its new wearables will have more features and capabilities.
"Engineered by HP is reinventing the experience consumers have with everyday accessories by making existing objects smarter through innovative materials, design and technology, to keep people connected to the way they live today," said Sridhar Solur, General Manager, Wearables and Smart Platforms at HP Inc.
Titan now joins other traditional watchmakers, such as Tag Heuer, who are expanding into the smartwatch business. "As a brand we are known for our design, manufacturing capabilities, innovation and quality. Moreover, our endeavor has been to always provide our consumers with something new. Our entry into the smartwatch market is another step in this direction," said S. Ravi Kant, CEO of Titan's watches and accessories division.