Tag Heuer, Google, Intel (Photo : Photo: Facebook)
Tag Heuer is aiming to rival the Apple Watch, with a little help from the search giant Google and microchip market-leader Intel.
At the Baselworld trade show in Switzerland, Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Tag Heuer said, "Silicon Valley meets Switzerland. What a great moment!"
The San Jose Mercury News has reported that the maker of mechanical chronographs, Tag Heur, will manufacture the watches that will run on Intel processor and use Google's Android wearable technology platform. The Tag smartwatch will hit the markets between October and December, the Tag Heuer CEO informed.
Google said in 2014 that it would partner with watch manufacturers and chipmakers in making Android-powered smartwatches. The new announcement means that Google is now ready to enter the smartwatch battle.
For Intel Corp., this looks as a natural extension of its "Internet of Things" dream. The Intel CEO Brian Krzanich has been cuddling the idea right since his appointment in 2013.
The Financial Post reports that Switzerland has been one of the most popular and favored watch-making countries, exporting 28.6 million timepieces last year. Apart from Tag, there are numerous other popular brands, such as Swatch, Montblanc, Breitling, Frederique Constant, Mondaine and Festina.
The Swiss watch industry that has been eyeing the promising and affluent smartwatch market for the last few years, but it cannot ignore the huge potential any more. According to Strategy Analytics, nearly 28.1 million smartwatches will be sold in 2015 only.
Apple will start rolling out its wearable technology gadgets in April this year. The watches will be able to exchange data and make phone calls. Apple smartwatches will also aim to make keys and credit cards obsolete.
Meanwhile, Google's David Singleton, director of engineering for Android Wear, said in the largest watch and jewelry trade fair, in Basel, that the trio is aiming to "bring a unique blend of emotion and innovation to the luxury market."
