Anyone who has been near a television on the last several months is likely familiar with
Samsung recently unveiled its version of the bendable screen. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), which has been neck-and-neck with Apple in many respects for some time, already has a version of the smart watch, although everyone seems to be only vaguely aware of its existence. As much of the tech world begins a discussion of wearable computers, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) should be at the center of the conversation.
Samsung dazzled onlookers at this year’s CES when it demonstrated its bendable OLED technology. The company presented prototypes of curved screens, flexible handheld devices, and demonstrated a unique design advantage of the Youm technology. One possibility for devices that utilize this technology is that they can incorporate displays that wrap around the edge of the devices they protect. In the exhibition by Samsung, the company rep demonstrated how even with the device’s cover closed, a text message could be displayed on the side of the device. By this estimation, it appears that Samsung is well ahead of anyone in bringing such a device to market; that is good news for Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), since the leading Galaxy devices operate on the Android OS.
Hello, Moto
Another area in which Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is already arguably ahead of the pack is with the release of a smart watch. The company’s Motorola division already sells the Motoactv sports watch. Not only does this device combine a GPS tracker, smart MP3 player, and heart rate monitor into a single device, it is capable of communicating with a linked smartphone running the Motoactv Android app. You can receive texts, calls, tweets and other posts right on your watch. The phone also features Corning Gorilla Glass, the precursor to Willow Glass.
While the Motoactv is not the full-feature smart watch that the Apple folks may be working on, this is an integrated product that is already on the market. To be fair, you cannot browse the web on the tiny screen, but now that the device exists, upgrades are always an option. Given the fact that the device already utilizes Corning technology, the ultimate inclusion of Willow Glass does not seem unreasonable.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, FitBit co-founder Eric Friedman discussed some of the applications of wearable technology. In you are unfamiliar with FitBit, it is a small, wearable device that you attach to your clothes and wear throughout the course of the day. The device collects data that can then be downloaded to your smartphone or computer and analyzed. The FitBit collects what Friedman refers to as “wellness” data, covering information like calories burned, steps taken, and sleep patterns.
