This fall could bring the launch of the first ever Asus Smartwatch, which according to new reports could have serious mass-market appeal with a price of just $99.
One of the biggest problems with Smartwatches to date…of which there are more than a few…is the not-so small matter of convincing buyers to shell out $200+ for a simple curiosity. Does anyone really need a Smartwatch? The answer is of course a resounding ‘no’ and this counts double for those already in ownership of a decent Smartphone or tablet PC.
So while they might be fun toys to play with, $200 for a toy is too much for most.
As for the answer, most are heading down the desirability route…as in by trying to make their Smartwatches at least seemingly-necessary enough to convince folk to buy them. However, Asus may have a rather different plan of attack, which in their case is to build a Smartwatch that’s almost too cheap to say no to.
$200 for a novelty is too much to ask – $99 on the other hand is another story entirely.
Reports are doing the rounds that the brand behind the Nexus 7 has every intention of putting together and Android Wear Smartwatch in plenty of time for a fall launch, when it could touch down for as little as $99…certainly no more than $149. If accurate, it will go head to head with the upcoming Moto 360 and perhaps also the first iWatch from Apple – both of which are expected to come in closer to the $200 to $250 mark.
As such, those on the market for a simple stocking-stuffer this Christmas may find themselves tempted by the first big-name Smartwatch to come in under the $100 barrier.
In terms of specs ad features, details are thin on the ground to say the least at the moment, other than the tip-off of an AMOLED touchscreen. Still, with Asus at the helm and the firm’s reputation for putting together incredible pieces of kit for low prices…i.e. the Nexus 7 again…it wouldn’t be surprising if the Asus Smartwatch gave its rivals a serious run for their respective money.