"Smartwatches" that act as wearable computers are generally acknowledged as the next big wave in personal tech. Following Samsung's release last week of its Galaxy Gear smartwatch and Sony's recently updated SmartWatch 2, rumors are that Apple is readying a similar device.
Now, Nissan has introduced its own smartwatch specifically designed for drivers of the automaker's Nismo performance models, which include variants of the 370Z, Juke and GT-R. The Nissan Nismo Watch connects to a car via Bluetooth to allow drivers to gather telemetry data such as speed and fuel efficiency and keep tabs on track performance.
In addition, it receives "tailored car messages from Nissan" and will "track and rate the user's social performance across Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram via Nissan's proprietary Social Speed software," the automaker said in a news release.
The Nismo Watch also has a heart rate monitor, and Nissan plans to add other features that will provide drivers with "real-time biometric data."
These include an electroencephalogram to monitor brainwaves to assess drivers' concentration levels and emotions to help them get "in the zone," an electrocardiogram that measures heart health and helps recognize symptoms of fatigue and a skin temperature calculator to record core body temperature and hydration levels.
Nissan said that the Nismo Watch grew out of the Nismo Lab that the automaker unveiled earlier this year – "a bespoke, mobile laboratory that features the latest, advanced biometric training tools." One of these is JukeRide, an analysis tool that collects telematics data from Nissan Nismo race cars and biometrics from team drivers during races.
A YouTube video that Nissan released shows the Nismo Watch connecting to an iPhone app to access vehicle telemetry data as well as display a warning about icy roads and a message about scheduled maintenance. It also advises "You should slow the pace" after measuring a heart rate of 92 beats per minute.
Unveiled ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show this week, the Nismo Watch will be available in black, white and black and red. The sleek, circular timepiece secures to the wrist with a snap-fit mechanism and the user interface consists of two buttons. We can't see how the interface can be easily accessed, or even how the small watch display will be visible while a driver is twisting the wheel while on the track.
While Nissan hasn't yet announced pricing, we've seen free smartphone apps that perform some of the telemetry functions, albeit with a larger screen that can be positioned on the dash or windshield. Another potential drawback is the Nismo Watch's lithium battery; it can last just over a week on a full charge via a micro-USB cable. So you may want to wear it only on track day.
[Source: Nissan]
Source: MSN
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