Sony Set To Challenge Apple Watch As It Crowdfunds For A Premium Smartwatch

by The Verge | Mobile Marketing Association

As the wearable tech industry hots up, Sony spices the arena with proposal to introduce a premium Smartwatch for which crowdfunding is already in progress in Japan.

* The proposed Wena Premium SmartWatch by Sony

Sony is crowdfunding - on its own platform called First Flight, launched as `Japan-Only' Crowdfunding Platform in July where it hopes to promote new business ideas as it tries to drive itself back to profitability.

The Wena Wrist watch is a new premium smartwatch with which Sony encourages the public to "wear electronics naturally". The new piece takes the form of a fairly traditional-looking watch.

According to a report by the Mobile Marketing Association, "The Wena Wrist focuses on three main features — an NFC wallet compatible with the Japanese Felica standard; notifications through vibration and a customizable LED light on the band; and activity tracking, which seems to work the way you'd expect except that the app is only for iOS."

The "Chronograph" model, according to MMA tells time with three separate hands and dials for hours, minutes, and seconds, while the "Three Hands" model just has a regular watch face.

Both models are 42mm across; the Three Hands watch itself is expected to run for three years, while Chronograph should last for five. The band, however, is rated for a week before it needs to be charged via a cradle. The Wena Wrist is expected to ship in March and April next year.

And the Price range isn't very different from current price plans by other competitors. Starting from $287 (£188) for a silver Three Hands model and up to $576 (£384) for the Chronograph in black.

Published three days ago, the YouTube video has already been viewed more than 156,000 times. See the video below - (sorry no English sub-title: