Apple (AAPL) Eyes Nike's FuelBand and Google Glass to Develop Wearable Gadgets
Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted that the company is looking to produce more wearable computing devices. Following the release of Google Glass, the interest of wearable gadgets has increased. Can these be the game changer that the company is looking for?
It has been stale for the tech giant. Supposedly one of the world's leading brands, Apple is suffering from a drought. Gone are days when the hype is all about just one company and its products. As Apple struggles to cope up with the loss of their most innovative personnel, Tim Cook faces the challenge of bring game changers to the table just like the previous CEO, Steve Jobs.
These game changers that the new CEO is looking at are on the same ground as Google Glass: wearable gadgets. This area of production is "ripe for exploration" according to Cook.
"I think wearables are incredibly interesting. I think it could be a profound area for technology," Cook discussed at D: All Things Digital. This is an actual conference held by All Things D, a popular technology website. The website is under Dow Jones, the people behind the Wall Street Journal.
Cook did not discuss whether Apple is investing on more areas of computing but he did hint at development of products that caters specifically to the younger generation. He indicated that these products could be successful particularly with people who wear accessories out of habit - glasses and watches are a possibility.
"I think the wrist is interesting," Cook explained.
"For something to work here, you first have to convince people it's so incredible that they want to wear it.
Apple's CEO pointed at Nike's FuelBand. The sports apparel manufacturer recently released a rubberized wrist band that allows users to keep track of their fitness workouts. The wrist brand can monitor oxygen and speed. Cook said that devices with specific functions and relevant are great to explore. It is best to focus on specific functions because products integrating several functions have not been successful for many companies.
"There's nothing [on the market] that's going to convince a kid who has never worn glasses or a band or a watch or whatever to wear one," Cook said.
"There's lots of things to solve in this space."
Apple will be exploring wearable devices and sensor technologies. Cook sees these as one of the greatest opportunities to date as it wearables and sensors are increasingly incorporated in many of people's lives today.