Montblanc unveils e-Strap watchband for traditional watches

The watch industry regards the burgeoning smartwatch segment with much suspicion. But it would seem one of the traditional watchmakers want to get in on the game somehow. Montblanc unveiled a new e-Strap watchband that adds a 4-centimer widget to the inside of a watchband. It has a screen and a notification system that is connected to a smartphone app. It isn’t as advanced as other fitness trackers or smartwatches but it will give you standard notifications and accelerometer data to track your steps.

Since this is a luxury brand, it is made out of Florentine leather and the device is made from a carbon material they call “diamond-like carbon.” Yes, terms like will turn things into expensive, luxury items. Montblanc is making the e-Strap an add-on for its watches but they will sell it as a standalone product for about US$300.

Source: TechCrunch | Via: The Verge

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