Qualcomm Uncloaks Toq Smartwatch

Chip designer Qualcomm has confirmed its entry into the burgeoning smartwatch market with the Toq device, due for release sometime in the fourth quarter.

It comes with the much-anticipated Mirasol display, providing a touchscreen, reflective, low-power display that enables always-on viewing, as well as wireless charging.

Qualcomm tentative?

The Toq will come in a Premium Audio Edition, which comes with “the first truly wireless stereo headphones”. The device will be compatible with Android 4.0.3 and above mobile devices, but Qualcomm promised it would “closely collaborate with traditional ecosystem participants and new entrants”.

It will be a limited edition smartwatch, however, which will mean stocks won’t be in vast supply – a tentative move from a company that has done extraordinarily well in the mobile market.

“Toq’s always on, always connected, always visible wearable technology gives you a ‘Digital 6th Sense,’ telling you what you need to know, when you need to know it, with just a glance at your wrist or a whisper in your ear,” said Dr Paul Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Qualcomm.

“Toq not only represents a long history of technological innovation for Qualcomm, but it also demonstrates our commitment to delivering the breakthrough technologies that redefine the ways we interact with each other and the world around us.”

Qualcomm’s launch may have been somewhat overshadowed by Samsung’s launch of its own Gear smartwatch. But that device can only work with Samsung phones, not numerous Android-based mobiles.

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