The Swiss watchmaker Swatch reported on August 22, Saturday that it plans to add several new smartwatches to its wearables product line, each with a few basic features. Competition has become tough in the smartwatch market, which includes many watchmakers including Apple and Google.
Switzerland's Tages-Anzeiger newspaper reported that Swatch CEO Nick Hayek explained the naming of its Touch Zero One wearable. It gives it the ability to name future models Zero Two, Zero Nine, and so on.
Hayek noted that Touch Zero will be launched next year. That will be at the Summer Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, according to IBNLive.
The company's market strategy seems to be focused on adding specific tech features to various models. It will avoid creating a multi-purpose smartwatch that includes a cornucopia of different functions.
Hayak wants to avoid direct competition with models such as the Apple Watch and Android Wear. His vision is not a "computer for the wrist" or to team up with other companies.
In the past Microsoft jumped ship on its MSN Direct joint project with Swatch. The Swiss watchmaker wants to avoid a similar situation.
Swatch's Touch Zero One can track the wearer's distance traveled. The wrist wearable also allows beach volleyball players to measure how powerful the hits of their serves and spikes are.
Swatch also has plans to develop watches with a Near Field Communication (NFC) imbedded chip, which are payment-capable, according to Engadget. That will later this year.
It remains to be seen if Swatch's strategy will translate into a larger piece of the smartwatch market share. It might not, considering that other companies taking the same approach have not had put up huge sales figures. However, at least Swatch is looking for a niche market.