HP's Chronowing smartwatch is compatible with Android and iOS

We're starting to see tradtional PC companies throw down in the wearables game. Microsoft's launched their Microsoft Band health tracker last week in the US and HP revealed its own cross-platform smartwatch that's designed for use with iPhones as well as a bevy of Android phones. The Chronowing can easil be confused with a sportswatch or even a more premium Casio G-Shock. 

Created in tandem with designer Michael Bastian, the The MB Chronowing will be available from Gilt on November 7 and in two editions; the standard one (leather, rubber or nylon strap) that will set you back $349, and 300 limited edition ones with an Apple Watch style sapphire crystal glass face and an alligator strap that costs $649. Battery life is rated for 7 days but that's because there are no health tracking feautures. It does run navigations, music app controls and has many basic electonic watch features as well.

Source: Wearable.com

HP and designer Michael Bastian prepping a luxury smart watch

HP is no stranger to collaborating with designers to create special edition notebooks. This time around, HP's going with designer Michael Bastian to create a luxury smart watch. The working outline for this device, which is an Android Wear compatible watch, goes as follows, " it will feature a circular, 44mm stainless steel case and three swappable bands: black rubber, brown leather, olive green nylon and a limited edition black."

Interesting to see HP, which doesn't do smartphones anymore, try and capture some of that sweet wearables market buzz. The design inspiration for this as of yet unnamed watch will be taken from automobile industrial design and interiors and HP  apparently differentiate the experience by adding to, "the watch's smart features, which will include notifications like email, text and calls, along with user controls for music and other apps." The HP smart watch is earmarked for a fall release.

Source: Engadget