According to Japan-based Casio Computer Company, Wall Street Journal reported that with the calculator business barely breathing, Casio is betting on their ton of experience in entering the smartwatch market and are experimenting in smart functions in watches like heart rate monitor, Bluetooth connections. Casio have sold smartwatches before, however, the current news sounds more appealing and is worthy of notable attention.
Casio reported that its G-Shock brand is heading towards the disruptive smartwatch market, a new industry with bottomless association with the smartphone business. Companies like Apple Inc., and Samsung Electronics have long been selling smartwatches.
It is still unclear what kind of software Casio will choose for their smartwatches, whether it’s custom or a version of Android Wear remains to be seen. It is interesting to guess that the company has the possibility to settle down with both Google and Apple in designing a smartwatch that will operate with both major mobile operating systems.
Company authority stated that the upcoming watch will be affordable, awaiting its release next year with the same price as the Apple Watch Sport.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Casio has been studying on a smartwatch for the better part of four years. Kazuhiro Kashio, Casio’s new president is leading the team operating on the smartwatch business. He stated that Casio’s smartwatches will be released by March 2016, just slightly behind from the Apple Watch’s one-year anniversary. Pricing and specs are still awaiting its publication.
Casio is eager to aid for $80 million in sales with its initial unveiling. Although the company will be competing against some of the fiercest rivals, it’s likely that the Casio brand recognition could lure buyers. Over-all, the smartwatch market is anticipating to grasp around 101 million shipments by 2020.
That being said, even Casio is watchful: “I don’t think the smartwatch will be an instant success but we want it to grow in the long term,” Kazuhiro Kashio reported.
