The fashionable Guess Connect Smartwatch, powered by a Japanese quartz movement and backed by smartwatch technology from Martian Watches, will be launched in late 2015. Photo: © Guess Watches
The Guess Connect smartwatch, slated for launch in the later part of 2015, comes in a form that many will find way much easier to “connect” with as it is unlike the typical box-shaped, techy-looking and mostly non-elegant smartwatches already available in the market.
After all, the Guess Connect smartwatch is designed like any other fashion watch. Guess Watches need not even need to go with the flow and label its product a “wearable tech”.
At first glance, the aesthetics of the Guess Connect smartwatch appears to be deeply-inspired by at least two well-known luxury watch brands.
Before going any deeper on this design issue, we are mindful that a spokesperson from Guess Watches had explicitly declared: “We are not in the watch business; we are in the fashion accessory business.”
Guess Watches were first launched in 1983 and the worldwide exclusive distribution rights are held by Sequel AG which is based in Zug, Switzerland.
Ok, the Guess Connect smartwatches, available in both 41mm and 45mm versions, do look fashionably stylish, but what technologically “smart” features are on offer?
This is where Martian Watches, a developer of smartwatches and based in California, comes into the picture. Guess Watches have partnered with Martian Watches for their Guess Connect smartwatches.
Housed in the watch is a Martian Watches module that has a microphone and audio speaker, and with Bluetooth, users can connect to their smartphone’s voice command app. This allows them to give hands-free voice commands, communicate (make and take calls) and reply to texts and emails with their Guess Connect smartwatch via their smartphone.
For example, one can speak with a friend through the Guess Connect smartwatch à la Dick Tracy (the detective from the American comic strip of the same name) when the connected smartphone is in one’s bag.
The Guess Connect smartwatch has the basics covered and the smartphone is key, notably for the image resolution for the camera feature. With free iOS and Android apps, setting and features can also be customised. The power for the smartwatch features can last between 3 and 5 days after a full charge while the battery for the analog watch can last up to 2 years. Photo: © Guess Watches
The Guess Connect smartwatch can also take images and when asked about the resolution, the answer is: “It depends on the resolution offered on your smartphone camera”. Video imaging is currently unavailable and it is a matter of time, so we were told.
With free iOS and Android apps, users can also customise notifications and alerts by tapping the glass of the watch.
Are Guess Connect smartwatches sustainable? Well, Martian Watches will also be the technology provider for future updates and replacements in Guess Connect smartwatches.
Will the Guess Connect smartwatch, positioned as a fashion accessory, be a success? “Even in difficut times, fashion will sell,” says the Guess Watches spokesperson.
Targeted mainly at the young, the basic functions required have been covered and with stylish models in 41mm and 45mm that are suitable for both gents and ladies, let’s just say it can be anyone’s guess (pun obviously intended).