Tissot have launched a new watch that uses Microsoft’s SPOT (Smart Personal Objects Technology) platform – allowing the US$725 (€595) wristwatch to receive email, news and schedule information through the MSN Direct service.
There are now seven SPOT watches in the market, with two manufactured by Suunto and four by Fossil.
MSN Direct sends information to SPOT devices through part of the FM spectrum. The service is not available in Europe yet, though Chris Schneider, programme manager for SPOT said: “We are looking at expanding into Europe and other geographies where it makes business sense. However, we are focused on the North American market for this holiday season.”
Indeed, since the vast majority of all watches are sold from October to December, this autumn will be a good indicator of whether the public are ready for SPOT. Thousands of watches have already been sold, so Christmas may be a bumper time.
Microsoft are expanding the information and services on MSN Direct to draw more subscribers, and will be featuring information on films and sports, and manufacturers like Citizen are planning to add more watches to the range.