HP, Gilt, and Michael Bastian partner for stylish new smartwatch

August 3, 2014

HP's rushing to pre-empt the iWatch with a smartwatch partnership with designer Michael Bastian and online luxury retailer Gilt. Details of this smartwatch will do are slim, but we do know that they're aiming to have it work with iOS and Android — nope, it's not Android Wear — and that there will be companion apps for both platforms that allow users to customize the watch's interface.

The partnership with Bastian is meant to make a smartwatch that looks as good as it's likely to cost, though HP's going to have a lot of competition in that space, including but not limited to the Pebble Steel, Withings Activité, Moto 360, and the long-rumored iWatch. What we know about this watch focuses more on that design, with a 44mm stainless steel case, multi-layered finish, "distinctive bezel bolts", a physical lighted chronograph, and three interchangeable bands. The design is said to be inspired by luxury automobiles.

Is a collaboration between old-school Silicon Valley giant HP, lauded fashion designer Michael Bastian, and luxury goods flash sale site Gilt just what the smartwatch world needed? Or is it yet another attempt at building a smartwatch that will bring you bits of information like notifications, music control, and updates on stocks, sports, and weather but no real smart features?

Source: Gilt; Via: Engadget, Fashionista