Swiss Swatch Group is currently developing its own smartwatch OS to rival Apple and Google’s operating systems, requiring less battery power and better data protection.
End of 2018
It will not be until the end of 2018 that Swatch’s own OS hits the market, with a Tissot model as the first to boast the new operating system, according to CEO Nick Hayek. With this move, Swatch moves into uncharted territory with the aim to take on two of the world’s largest companies.
Its competitor, LVMH, does things differently and decided to join forces with Google and Intel to create their own TAG Heuer smartwatch, powered by Android 2.0. However, Swatch is convinced it is on the right track, with the world’s smallest Bluetooth chip already developed in-house.
“There’s a possibility for wearables to develop as a consumer product, but you have to miniaturize and have an independent operating system”, Hayek said, who also firmly believes that battery drain is the biggest issue to tackle.
