Sony is reportedly developing a new smartwatch that will use e-paper technology for greater battery efficiency, according to a new report.
Smartwatches are increasingly gaining momentum and wearable technology is on the rise, but for most smart gadgets currently on the market, battery efficiency is not the strongest aspect. Cramming a tiny battery in so little available space understandably entails having to charge the device every other day or so, but many consumers would like a more power-efficient smartwatch.
Pebble, for instance, has chosen to use e-ink types of displays that are more power-efficient, and its devices have proven to be quite popular. Sony is now reportedly planning to go for a similar strategy with an upcoming smartwatch.
"Sony Corp. is developing a watch made out of electronic paper for release as soon as next year in a trial of the company's new venture-style approach to create products, according to people familiar with the matter," Bloomberg reports.
This upcoming Sony smartwatch, however, will reportedly come with an intriguing twist: instead of using e-ink just for the display, it will reportedly use the technology for the whole wristband as well.
"The watch's face and wrist band will be made from a patented material that allows the entire surface area to function as a display and change its appearance, the people said, asking not to be named because it hasn't been announced," the report further adds. "The device will emphasize style, rather than trying to outdo more technological offerings like Apple Inc.'s watch and Sony's own Smartwatch, they said."
While an e-paper smartwatch is not something unheard of, e-ink technology over the entire device is definitely something else. This would make a smartwatch stand out from the crowd even if it doesn't boast top-end specs on board, and it will likely be the selling point of this smartwatch if it indeed makes it to market.
E-ink technology may not allow for the prettiest designs and experience, but it's definitely more energy-efficient, and perhaps more cost-efficient as well. It remains to be seen whether Sony will indeed launch such a smartwatch, but for now it sounds like an intriguing concept. We'll keep you up to date as soon as more details become available, so stay tuned.
