Casio Computer has remained silent over its interest in exploring the modern smartwatch market in recent years. However, the Japanese electronics manufacturer has announced that it would be releasing its first smartwatch sometime next year.
Established in 1946, Casio recently announced the unveiling of its first modern-day smartwatch in March 2016. This is happening forty-one years after Casio produced its first electronic watch, and almost four decades prior to Apple's release of its own smartwatch brand.
In an interview with Megumi Fujikawa of the Wall Street Journal, Casio President and CEO Kazuhiro Kashio made the big announcement and said: "We are trying to bring our smartwatch to a level of watch perfection: a device that won't break easily, is simple to put on and feels good to wear."
Regarding the smartwatch's development and features, the CEO says his company is keen on creating a "more refined" watch.
Casio was one of the first companies to incorporate heart rate monitors, schedule organizers and other novel features into watches. Sadly, the features failed in terms of real-world practicality, as reflected in its sales summary. "At times we just showed off with quirky features and then pulled those products when they didn't sell well," Kashio remarked.
The more modern-day version, however, promises to take a path that is different from that of its predecessors. "We are trying to bring our smartwatch to a level of watch perfection: a device that won't break easily, is simple to put on and feels good to wear," Kashio said of the coming smartwatches.
The company president also revealed that their smartwatches would be designed for men engaged in outdoor activities.
When it comes out next year, the smartwatch is projected to be in the $400 price range and an expected $349 price tag for the US market. Whether the device gets powered by Android or Casio's own operating system has yet to be announced.
"I don't think the smartwatch will be an instant success, but we want it to grow in the long term," Kashio said.
