When smartphones first came out, most of us didn't imagine the kind of impact it would have on our daily lives. In humanity's search for more portability and convenience, it seems like companies such as Apple and Samsung are looking towards wrist devices.
Sony has released the Smartwatch 2, Apple is rumored to have an iWatch, and Samsung has presented the Galaxy Gear. If consumers adopt these devices like they've adopted the smartphone, we could be experiencing a whole new front in the patent war. As powerful companies scramble for dominance in the world of mobile devices, patent litigation is inevitable.
The article below is from The Guardian, which addresses the issue of smart watches.
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/aug/16/samsung-apple-smartwatch-galaxy-gear-release
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7iLKXnXb60
I do agree that it will be interesting to see how the new smart watch space ends up affecting the patent landscape. I personally don't see it ever replacing a phone, but I do think that innovation in smart watch technologies is very crucial for companies like Samsung.
ReplyDeleteI am slightly skeptical about the pick up of smart watches, despite all the speculations and analysis about them.
ReplyDeleteWatches are generally about the quality, craftsmanship and uniqueness of each watch. They are also a form of social symbol. Some people also have several time pieces to match with different outfits. Also, there are so many different brands of watches out in the market that are still highly desired that it will be a hard market to contest with. Given that a phone will be difficult to be replaced by the watch, the additional features on a watch might be unnecessary. Nevertheless, we never know how the market will react to it, but from a students' perspective I probably would not purchase the watch.
I do believe the simultaneous rolling-out of smart watches will lead to patent litigation cases only if the market responds favorably to it, perhaps after a quarter or two, to show that it is a segment worth contesting in.
If we look at wrist devices as merely futuristic watches, then we limit our perception of the potential they represent. The interesting thing about these new devices is that they aren't yet defined. We're still trying to figure out the best and most viable ways to make use of wearable technology.
ReplyDeleteIn less than a decade, the smartphone industry has led to the revolution of existing industries and the creation of whole new industries. Similarly, wrist devices may lead to rapid and unexpected innovations in how people interact with technology. In the next decade, we could see wrist devices and wearable technology being used in everything from gaming to the classroom.
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ReplyDeleteSell used LG smartwatches