Google buys smart watch maker WIMM to boost wearable device initiative [update: Confirmed]
Last year, Google acquired Los Altos, Calif.-based WIMM Labs, all but assuring that the search giant is preparing to make a big move into wearable technology beyond what it has already revealed.
Rumors that Google was working on its own smart watch device broke soon after similar rumors emerged surrounding an Apple "iWatch", and now sources tell to GigaOM that Google purchased WIMM Labs in order to pump more life into its existing smart watch efforts.
The acquisition is thought to have occurred some time last year, when WIMM ceased sales of the WIMM One smart watch, shuttered its Twitter account, and said on its website that it had "entered into an exclusive, confidential relationship for our technology."
The WIMM acquisition, observers note, gives Google a highly developed pool of talent from the wearable computing segment. Reportedly, Google had considered handing the smart watch project to the Google X division, which developed Google Glass and Google's self-driving cars. Instead, WIMM is working within the Android division.
Any Google watch product that would emerge would enter an increasingly crowded field. In addition devices already on the market, such as Sony's SmartWatch 2 and an offering from Pebble, Google would face competition from its top Android manufacturing partner, Samsung. The South Korean conglomerate has already confirmed that it will show off its new Galaxy Gear watch early next month in Berlin.
Beyond those, there is the ever-looming possibility that Apple may enter the segment with its own offering. The most recent rumors surrounding a possible iWatch have it pegged for a 2014 debut. Apple's device is thought to have a large focus on biometrics and sensors. Such a device could be more in line with the thinking of Apple CEO Tim Cook, who previously hinted that "[changing] somebody's behavior" would be Apple's focus were it to enter the smart watch segment.
Update: Google has confirmed the buy to AllThingsD, but would not offer any further comment regarding what it plans to do with the company or its technology.
Rumors that Google was working on its own smart watch device broke soon after similar rumors emerged surrounding an Apple "iWatch", and now sources tell to GigaOM that Google purchased WIMM Labs in order to pump more life into its existing smart watch efforts.
The acquisition is thought to have occurred some time last year, when WIMM ceased sales of the WIMM One smart watch, shuttered its Twitter account, and said on its website that it had "entered into an exclusive, confidential relationship for our technology."
The WIMM acquisition, observers note, gives Google a highly developed pool of talent from the wearable computing segment. Reportedly, Google had considered handing the smart watch project to the Google X division, which developed Google Glass and Google's self-driving cars. Instead, WIMM is working within the Android division.
Any Google watch product that would emerge would enter an increasingly crowded field. In addition devices already on the market, such as Sony's SmartWatch 2 and an offering from Pebble, Google would face competition from its top Android manufacturing partner, Samsung. The South Korean conglomerate has already confirmed that it will show off its new Galaxy Gear watch early next month in Berlin.
Beyond those, there is the ever-looming possibility that Apple may enter the segment with its own offering. The most recent rumors surrounding a possible iWatch have it pegged for a 2014 debut. Apple's device is thought to have a large focus on biometrics and sensors. Such a device could be more in line with the thinking of Apple CEO Tim Cook, who previously hinted that "[changing] somebody's behavior" would be Apple's focus were it to enter the smart watch segment.
Update: Google has confirmed the buy to AllThingsD, but would not offer any further comment regarding what it plans to do with the company or its technology.
Comments
We never heard a word about smart watches. Then a rumor arrives that Apple is making one. Suddenly Samsung and Google are frantically trying to make one. And after the iWatch is released, Samsung and Google will throw out their designs and will copy the iWatch.
Google and Samdung wants to flood the markets with their cheap junks. They are just racing towards eating Apple business rather than focusing on quality products.
I wonder when will Apple release Search!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin Huber
Please, Apple, leak a rumor that you're working on a the iPlane just to watch Google buy Boeing.
Love it. That's the comment of the day.
I wonder when will Apple release Search!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jd_in_sb
We never heard a word about smart watches. Then a rumor arrives that Apple is making one. Suddenly Samsung and Google are frantically trying to make one. And after the iWatch is released, Samsung and Google will throw out their designs and will copy the iWatch.
I'm not sure that that is correct.
The Pebble smart watch concept went thru Y combinator several years ago, before sourcing additional crowd funding on Kickstarter.com (2nd most successul capital raising ever on that site). Nike (and other companies) then launched Nike Fuelband and other wearable wrist devices that include biometric sensors.
Then we started hearing rumours about an Apple iWatch that sounds as though it will (hopefully!) seamlessly merge these two emerging tech categories.
As is often the case, Apple will likely produce a best in breed device that elegantly combines and makes use of existing technological platforms.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ameldrum1
I'm not sure that that is correct.
The Pebble smart watch concept went thru Y combinator several years ago, before sourcing additional crowd funding on Kickstarter.com (2nd most successul capital raising ever on that site). Nike (and other companies) then launched Nike Fuelband and other wearable wrist devices that include biometric sensors.
Then we started hearing rumours about an Apple iWatch that sounds as though it will (hopefully!) seamlessly merge these two emerging tech categories.
As is often the case, Apple will likely produce a best in breed device that elegantly combines and makes use of existing technological platforms.
Sony and Samsung have also been in the smart watch industry for years now. That's not to imply that they've been wildly successful, just that the idea isn't as new as some here seem to believe.
Oh, Please! STOP this nonsense.
I doubt people will care for this thing.
Google apparently bought smartwatch developer WIMM last summer. Google patent applications for a smartwatch go back much farther than that. When did a possible Apple smartwatch rumor first start making the rounds? It doesn't look like a reaction to a piece of Apple vaporware but maybe it is.
I think a wearable pocket watch that could also be a clip on would be a practical rumour feed by Apple. Details such as size and thickness would help the rumour. With such info FacsimileSam could come out with one bigger but slimmer than the purported Apple pocket watch/broach.
For fun I pulled out my old watch and wore it for a week. I could not get used to the thing. Now an Apple pocket watch or maybe an Apple nipple ring, I'd give it a try.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mhikl
I think a wearable pocket watch that could also be a clip on would be a practical rumour feed by Apple. Details such as size and thickness would help the rumour. With such info FacsimileSam could come out with one bigger but slimmer than the purported Apple pocket watch/broach.
For fun I pulled out my old watch and wore it for a week. I could not get used to the thing. Now an Apple pocket watch or maybe an Apple nipple ring, I'd give it a try.
I do not have a phone. My iPod fits in my pocket quite well.
If there is anything, it will not be a watch, in my ignorant opinion. You may have to wear it, tho.