Casio has unveiled their new Bluetooth wireless functionality for connecting watches to cell phones. It uses Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) technology, so the battery life is excellent (2 years with 12 hours of Bluetooth use per day). The prototype will be on display starting today at CES. These watches allow two-way communication with your smartphone, so you can receive notifications for calls and messages, as well as setting alarms and other features. The new model should go on sale in 2011, and will likely find its way into other lines of watch, like G-Shocks, in the coming years.

Casio Watch with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Technology

CASIO DEVELOPS WATCH THAT COMMUNICATES WITH SMARTPHONES VIA BLUETOOTH® LOW ENERGY LINK

Prototype Features the Latest Wireless Technology with Very Low Power Consumption

LAS VEGAS, JANUARY 5, 2011 — Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced today that it has developed a watch using Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) technology, the new low-power-consumption version of the short-range wireless networking standard*. A prototype of the watch, sharing a two-way data link with a smartphone, will be exhibited at Casio’s booth (#11006) at the International Consumer Electronics Show to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 6-9, 2011.

Casio has been redefining the wristwatch for years by applying the latest technologies. Now, Casio’s application of BLE positions the company to create new possibilities for the way people use their watches. Taking advantage of the low power consumption of BLE, the new watch powers wireless communication functions with a single, ordinary button-cell battery, and without consuming any more battery life than a conventional wristwatch. Users can wear it every day just like they normally do, without the hassle of recharging which is required by typical mobile devices. Battery life is estimated at approximately two years based on the prototype model, assuming that the Bluetooth wireless communication function is used for 12 hours per day.

Casio’s new prototype communicates with BLE-equipped smartphones, which will be available in the near future and will connect to networks of various kinds of devices. As the wireless link between smartphones and watches gains in adoption, and as the universe of smartphone applications continues to grow, Casio expects to see new possibilities for watches in everyday life.

Casio aims to produce its first Bluetooth Low Energy Watch in 2011. Meanwhile, Casio will call for partner companies to develop applications compatible with smartphones and other household devices in such areas as sports, health, home entertainment, security, and communication with family and friends.

Overview of Casio’s Prototype Bluetooth Low Energy Watch
Main features:

* Wireless communication is powered by the button-cell battery used in small devices and watches
* Battery life with the communication functions is the same as previously released watches
* The watch case measures a comfortable 53.4 (D) x 44.4 (W) x 12.8 (T) millimeters

Main functions:

* The alert signal notifies the wearer of calls and e-mail messages arriving on the networked smartphone
* Alarm and vibration functions of a smartphone can be activated using a watch button
* A smartphone’s ring and vibration alerts can be stopped by tapping the watch
* Accurate time information can be transmitted from a smartphone to the watch to ensure correct time

Casio’s demonstration of the Bluetooth Low Energy Watch uses a prototype of a Bluetooth Low Energy smartphone. The demonstration will be conducted at Casio’s Booth (#11006) at 2011 International CES, in cooperation with NEC Casio Mobile Communications.

Main Specifications of the Prototype Bluetooth Low Energy Watch

Communication Specifications
• Data Transfer Rate: 1 Mbps
• Signal Strength: 0 dBm (1mW)
• Signal Range: 2–5 m (may differ depending on surrounding conditions)
• Encryption Method: 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

Communication Functions
• Time Correction: The watch can be synchronized with time information transmitted from a smartphone
• Incoming Call and E-mail Alert: The watch alerts users of incoming calls and e-mail messages sent to a smartphone
• Finder Function: Alarm and vibration functions of a smartphone can be activated using a watch button

Watch Functions
• Alarm: 5 independent daily alarms; hourly time signal; vibration function
• Stopwatch: 1/100-second; measuring capacity: 23:59’59.99”; split time
• Countdown Timer: Measuring unit: 1 second; Input range: 1 minute to 24 hours
• World Time: 100 cities (35 time zones, daylight saving on/off) and Coordinated Universal Time
• Light: Electro-luminescent backlight with afterglow
• Other: Full auto-calendar, 12/24-hour format; sleep mode

Other Specifications
• Power Source: CR2032
• Approx. Battery Life: Approx. 2 years (assuming the communication function is used for 12 hours per day)
• Size of Case: 53.4 x 44.4 x 12.8 mm
• Total Weight: Approx. 50g