HP has unveiled its smartwatch called the MB Chronowing. First teased by the company in August, the MB Chronowing is a result of a collaboration between the American tech company and fashion designer Michael Bastian, and carries a $349 (about RM1150) price tag.
Contrary to its looks, the MB Chronowing looks to be more similar to a traditional chronometer-style watch rather than a smartwatch – what with the 44mm diameter and large bezels. Rather than employing a touchscreen like most smartwatches, HP’s device will use a monochrome LCD screen for the watchface, which will push notifications such as email, text messages and calendar updates. In terms of battery life, HP claims that the smartwatch will last up to seven days and will work with Android and iOS devices.
HP has also included the option for users to purchase a limited edition variant of the MB Chronowing which features sapphire-glass crystal and an aligator strap as compared to the standard option of a leather, nylon and rubber strap. The upgrade comes at a hefty price of $649 (about RM2150) – a $300 (about RM1000) difference from the standard edition. That being said, there will only be 300 units of these watches available.
It would definitely be refreshing to see how HP’s take on the smartwatch will fare in a market of wearables dominated by more tech-centric features. It most certainly seems that this smartwatch is geared towards those that prefer the aesthetics of a traditional chronometer-style watch with a modern touch of technology.
