Qualcomm Releases A Smartwatch

Despite the hype surrounding Samsung’s Galaxy Gear, it is not the only company to release wearable tech. Qualcomm has arrived to the market with a device called Toq, a touchscreen smartwatch that is designed to be used with android devices.

The Toq is showcasing Mirasol, Qualcomm’s low-energy display technology, which the company claims makes it easier to read the colour display in direct sunlight as well as improves battery life.

The smartwatch downloads a Toq app from the Google Play Store  and then links to a smartphone running Android 4.0.3 or higher. It carries out the same tasks that other smartwatches claim such as: accepting calls, reading text messages and reminders, and controlling music playback.

Qualcomm have been keen to emphasize the long battery life, which should last between three to five days (the Galaxy Gear claims to last a day). You’d be forgiven for thinking that with such superior battery life, the charging unit would be the size of a car battery but the Toq actually has a clever charging solution. There is no need for plugs or cables, just put the device down on its case to charge.

It has been reported that the device will also have different watch faces available for when the owner wants to have a change. Qualcomm are calling this device the “limited edition” and say it will be available sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. The price is said to be around $300.

With the smartwatch market quickly filling up, it will be interesting to see if Qualcomm can stand out from all the rest.

[Images via Qualcomm & idigitaltimes]

SOURCE: http://www.theverge.com/2013/9/4/4694470/qualcomm-enters-the-smartwatch-game-with-toq