The car that knows when you're feeling sleepy: Latest Mercedes concept will take over the controls if you doze off at the wheel

• Self-driving car will use LG's Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS)
• This technology uses stereo cameras to plot and monitor the road ahead
• It can automatically dim lights, apply the brakes and keep the car in lane
• Elsewhere, biometric systems monitor eye movements and alertness
• If it thinks the driver is falling asleep it can take over, and sound an alarm
• Car will be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas 
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By VICTORIA WOOLLASTON FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 13:20 GMT, 29 December 2014 | UPDATED: 14:27 GMT, 29 December 2014

Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with LG to create a concept car capable of taking over if it thinks the driver is feeling sleepy.

The futuristic car will use LG’s Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) technology to automatically dim headlights, brake and stay in lane.

While biometric systems will monitor the driver’s eye movements and alertness to make sure they don’t fall asleep at the wheel.

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Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with LG to create a concept car capable of taking over if it thinks the driver is feeling sleepy. 

The futuristic car will use LG’s Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) technology to automatically dim lights, brake and stay in 

lane. While biometric systems will monitor driver eye movements

The concept car is expected to be unveiled during the firm’s keynote presentation at next month’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. 

LG’s ADAS uses a stereo camera setup, fitted with two lenses that watch the road ahead.

It can plot the location of lane markings, to make sure the car doesn’t drift out of lane.

The camera’s also spot when cars are approaching and will automatically dim the headlights to avoid dazzling the oncoming driver.

HOW LG'S ADAS SYSTEM WORKS

LG’s Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) uses a stereo camera setup, fitted with two lenses that watch the road ahead.

It can plot the location of lane markings, to make sure the car doesn’t drift out of lane.

The camera’s also spot when cars are approaching and will automatically dim the headlights to avoid dazzling the oncoming driver.

Elsewhere, the system brakes automatically if it spots potential dangers such as cyclists and pedestrians.

The biometric systems will track the wideness of the driver’s eyes, as well as how much they are moving and taking in the road ahead.

This system will link with LG’s ADAS and could either take over the controls if it thinks the driver is about to fall asleep, or will use light and sound alerts to wake them up.

Elsewhere, the system brakes automatically if it spots potential dangers such as cyclists and pedestrians.

The biometric systems will track the wideness of the driver’s eyes, as well as how much they are moving and taking in the road ahead.

This system will link with LG’s ADAS and could either take over the controls if it thinks the driver is about to fall asleep, or will use light and sound alerts to wake them up.

The car won’t be fully automated, however.

Instead, the driver will be able to take over some control of the car by touching the steering wheels, or pressing the pedals.

Mercedes-Benz provided a virtual preview of its future concept car at the TecDay Autonomous Mobility event in November.

‘Autonomous vehicles will be commonplace and socially accepted in the cities of the future,’ said Mercedes.

‘With the new luxury-class interior concept, the car of the future will be more than purely a means of transport - rather, it will become a variable and private area of retreat in increasingly dense urban traffic.’

LG’s Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) uses a stereo camera setup (pictured right), fitted with two lenses that watch the road ahead. It can plot the location of lane markings to make sure the car doesn’t drift out of lane. There is also a single camera sensor 

module available (left)

Mercedes-Benz provided a virtual preview of its future concept car at the TecDay Autonomous Mobility event in November. The front 

seats of the car can be turned around and passengers can spend their time relaxing or working, while screens can show films - or live camera feeds from the outside world (pictured)

The main feature of its future car is a ‘variable seating system’ that features four rotating lounge chairs that let people face each other.

This means the front passengers can turn and talk directly to the other passengers while on the move, when the car is in autonomous mode.

Or they can focus their attention towards the front when driving manually, and an extendable steering wheel gives the driver more options.

Mercedes added that the interior becomes a 'digital living space' which is comprehensively networked as an integral part of the 

intelligent vehicle system

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The concept car will also feature Intelligent Driver technology (illustrated) currently being developed by the German firm to power its 

range of semi-autonomous cars. One such feature is Stop-and-Go Assist, which automatically follows traffic and helps the driver steer

Elsewhere, the interior will become what Mercedes calls a ‘digital living space’.

Drivers and passengers will be able to interact with the car’s controls, temperature, music and more using gestures and touch displays.

The concept car will also feature Intelligent Driver technology currently being developed by the German firm to power its range of semi-autonomous cars.

One such feature is Stop-and-Go Assist, which automatically follows traffic and helps the driver steer.

When parking with the aid of Active Park Assist, the technology chooses a suitable parking space and takes over the steering.

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When parking with the aid of Active Park Assist, the technology (illustrated) chooses a suitable parking space and takes over the steering. The driver only needs to accelerate and brake. ‘We are convinced autonomous driving will be a central factor on the way to comfortable, accident-free driving,’ said Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz's car won’t be fully automated, however, unlike Google's self-driving vehicle. Instead, the driver will be able to take over some control of the car by touching the steering wheels, or pressing the pedals. The first working version of Google's car (pictured) was revealed last week 

The driver only needs to accelerate and brake. 

‘We are convinced that autonomous driving will be a central factor on the way to comfortable, accident-free driving,’ said Professor Dr Herbert Kohler, Head of Corporate Research & Sustainability and Chief Environmental Officer for Daimler AG.

‘Autonomous driving relieves pressure and stress in driving situations usually regarded as tedious – for example in tailbacks, in inner-city areas or on long journeys.

‘With our innovative interior concept of a luxury lounge for an autonomous vehicle of the future, we are giving a specific outlook on our ideas of future mobility.’

This interior concept is part of an overall vehicle concept the firm is expected to unveil at CES in Las Vegas next month.

THE MERCEDES-BENZ FUTURE TRUCK 2025

Mercedes hints at self-driving semi, the Future Truck 2025

In September, the German car maker took the covers of its Future Truck 2025 prototype.

The truck features a 'Highway Pilot' that scans the road ahead, stereo cameras and radars that keep the truck on track, as well as reclining chairs and a tablet remote control.

The prototype truck was originally put through its paces on a German Autobahn in July, during a trial carried out in front of executives from truck-maker Daimler.

On the front of the truck is a series of LEDs, which illuminate the front fascia and headlights when the engine is started. 

When the lights flash orange, it alerts fellow drivers to the fact the truck is driving itself, and these lights turn blue when a human driver is back in control. Images of the Future Truck 2025 also reveal a wooden cabin fitted with a reclining driver's seat, tablet computer controls and 'mirrors' and a chill-out space. 

The driver’s seat can also be turned by 45 degrees, to make it more comfortable on long journeys, and the tablet can be removed and used to watch films, for example, when the truck is in autonomous mode. 

The truck is also equipped with radar sensors and camera technology that helps the autonomous driving system, called Highway Pilot, plot the road ahead.

The technology is similar to how an autopilot on an aircraft works, and in the Future Truck 2025, the stereo camera scans the road 328ft (100 metres) ahead; 45 degrees horizontally and 27 degrees vertically. 

These cameras can identify single and two-lane roads, obstacles including moving and stationary objects, pedestrians and more. The camera is fitted to the instrument panel behind the windscreen. 

Future Truck 2025 also makes fuller use of features already found in current production models, by networking on-board sensors with automatic braking, stability control and lane-warning systems. 

As the vehicle's name suggests, the intention is to launch a roadworthy version by 2025.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2889996/The-car-knows-feeling-sleepy-Latest-Mercedes-concept-controls-doze-wheel.html#ixzz3NJHTPV00 

AMAZING - Audi's automatic driving for parking

MALAYSIA - Proton's new compact car (PCC)

Motor Trader Malaysia

Not to be outdone by Perodua, Proton has released exterior images of its upcoming global small car, which should break cover next month.

While a lot of attention is focussed on Perodua’s all-new model, the Axia, which will be launched in the near future, Proton too has been teasing the public with its upcoming hatchback that it calls the Proton Compact Car (PCC) and which is widely rumoured to have the name of ‘Iriz’. Like Perodua, Proton’s teasers have not revealed the complete shape of the model, instead highlighting some of the features that will come with it.

Earlier, Proton’s Hari Raya video had shown a single image of the headlamp and now, on Merdeka Day, the full exterior view is being revealed – but it requires a bit of effort to see the whole car. 

On the same website, there’s an overhead ‘see-through’ shot of the car which highlights its 6 airbags and other panels also show a reverse camera, pushstart ignition button, touchscreen, and sharper detail of the headlight elements. Traction Control and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) will also be present, it appears, which means that this Proton model could score maximum stars in the ASEAN NCAP tests.

Recent information suggests that it will have a 1.3-litre engine with possibly a turbocharged variant for extra performance, and almost certainly, the gearbox will be a CVT which is the best choice for this class of cars. Though an AMT (like that used in the Savvy) is a low-cost option, it has never been liked by motorists due to its unusual operation and Proton already has experience with CVTs in the Saga.

With its indirect support from the government, Proton would be able to price the new model lower than what other carmakers would have to charge for a car in this class. However, its Chairman has hinted that Malaysians should no longer expect to pay low prices for Proton products in future. “Now Proton wants to produce cars that are of world standard, but you have to pay a higher price. You can’t have a good car and pay a ‘bad’ car price,” said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad last month.

While Proton will probably do a public unveiling of the car next month, it is also believed that mass production might not start only towards the end of the year and deliveries will begin in 2015. This move, unusual in the local market but often done by global players, may be a tactical one to capture attention for the upcoming model at a time when buyers will be looking at the new Perodua offering.

[Chips Yap]

Source: Motor Trader

Source of this article: https://my.news.yahoo.com

TECHNOLOGY - Samsung unveils its curvy smartwatch that makes calls and sends texts without using a mobile phone

Samsung unveils its curvy smartwatch that makes calls and sends texts without using a mobile phone

• Samsung's Gear S and has a large 2inch curved AMOLED screen
• Watch is large enough for users to read messages at a glance
• They can make and receive calls by holding the watch near their face
• Wearers will use an on-screen keyboard or voice recognition for messages
• Watch will offer turn-by-turn navigation with built-in GPS
• LG also debuted a new smartwatch - the G Watch R
• It has a circular plastic OLED screen, stainless steel frame and leather strap
• Watch is intended as an accessory - not a replacement for a smartphone
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By SARAH GRIFFITHS FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 13:03 GMT, 28 August 2014 | UPDATED: 14:23 GMT, 28 August 2014

The race is on to create a smartwatch that makes calls and offers the functionality of a smartphone, while looking good and being cheap enough to have widespread appeal.

Attempts so far have been bulky and lacked functionality, but now Samsung has unveiled the world’s first smartwatch that can make and receive calls without the aid of a nearby smartphone.

LG has also debuted a more traditional-looking timepiece. Its G Watch R has a circular plastic OLED screen, stainless steel frame and a leather strap.

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Samsung has unveiled what it claims is the world’s first smartwatch that can make and receive calls without the aid of a nearby smartphone. The Gear S and has a larger curved AMOLED screen than its predecessors at two inches (5cm). It is designed to fit comfortably on the wearer’s wrist

All eyes will also be on Apple’s iPhone 6 launch in two weeks, to see whether the Californianfirm will also announce its own version of a smartwatch.

Samsung, the world’s biggest smartphone manufacturer, was early to launch a range of smartwatches and bands in a bid to counter slow earnings in its mobile division. But their appeal and functionality was limited.

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Its new watch is called the Gear S and has a larger curved AMOLED screen than its predecessors at two inches (5cm). It is designed to fit comfortably on the wearer’s wrist.

The watch is large enough so that users will be able to read messages and notifications at a glance. The screen can be customised – as well as the colour of the straps.

It will offer 3G, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, so that users can receive notifications from social networks, calendars and apps, without needing to use their smartphone.

People wearing the device will be able to reply to messages by using an onscreen keyboard or ‘S voice functionality’ so they can dictate a message.  

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LG has also debuted a more traditional-looking timepiece. Its G Watch R (pictured) has a circular plastic OLED screen, stainless steel frame and a leather strap

SAMSUNG GEAR SPECIFICATIONS 

Screen: 2inch Super AMOLED

Chip: Dual core 1 GHz

Memory: 4GB /512 RAM

Operating system: Tizen

Communications: 2G, 3G call and Bluetooth call, contacts, messages, email and QWERTY keyboard

Health features: S Health, Nike+ Running

Media features: Music player and photo gallery

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth 4.1, USB 2.0

Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Heart Rate, Ambient Light, UV, Barometer

Dimensions: 40mm x 58mm x 13mm

Release date: October

Price: Net year confirmed 

Critically, they will also be able to make and answer phone calls.

Turn-by-turn pedestrian navigation is on offer with built-in GPS, and because the watch includes sensors, it will be able to be used as a health and fitness device.

The South Korean company said the Gear S ‘expands the smartphone experience to the wrist’.

‘Through 3G connectivity, the Samsung Gear S offers a new, powerful wearable experience and gives consumers the freedom to live their life on the go.’

Samsung said that the Gear S will go on sale in October, but it is not yet known how much it will cost and whether it will be available in the UK.

LG’s watch is set to launch slightly later – sometime in the fourth quarter. No price has yet been revealed.

The company said: ‘The LG G Watch R will be the world’s first watch-style wearable device to feature a full circle Plastic OLED (P-OLED) display that utilises100 percent of its circular display.’

‘With an artisanal elegance, the LG G Watch R boasts a refined aesthetic that is reminiscent of traditional timepieces.’

The display is 1.3 inches in diameter and promises clarity when viewed from any angle, including in direct sunlight.

LG teases the launch of it's wearable smart device G Watch R

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Samsung – the world’s biggest smartphone manufacturer - was early to launch a range of smart watches and bands in a bid to counter slow earnings in its mobile decision. The Gear Fit (pictured left) and Gear 2 (right) had limited appeal and functionality

LG G WATCH R SPECIFICATION 

Screen: 1.3inch P-OLED display

Chip: 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400

Memory: 4GB / 512 RAM

Operating system: Android Wear

Sensors: 9-axis

Colours: Black only with leather strap

Release date: October

Price: Not yet confirmed

It will run on Google’s Android operating system, so wearers can access apps on Google Play.

Like Samsung’s offering, the watch will use voice recognition and has sensors to monitor a user’s heartbeat so that it can be used with fitness apps.

Notifications will inform users of events, missed calls, reminders and messages – but unlike Samsung’s offering, a smartphone will be needed to make a call, making the watch an accessory and not an alternative to a phone.

Dr Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics, said: ‘What we’ve noticed in the year of the wearable is that this is a category that can’t be compared to smartphones and tablets.

‘Wearables are also accessories and consumers will want more than one to choose from.’

A spokesman from Carphone Warehouse told MailOnline: ‘While many mobile manufacturers have now shown their hand with at least their first foray into the wearables space, Samsung’s device marks the beginning for the next generation of smart wearable technology, in which manufacturers are beginning to really respond to evolving customer needs for more practical yet stylish devices.

‘We are getting more and more customers enquiring about smart watches and similar devices and with more sophisticated and mainstream devices coming onto the market, we anticipate that even more customers will be looking for a wearable device that resonates with their needs.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY - Time for the iWatch: Apple's wearable set to be revealed on September 9th alongside iPhone 6 - and it could control your house as well as monitor your health

Time for the iWatch: Apple's wearable set to be revealed on September 9th alongside iPhone 6 - and it could control your house as well as monitor your health

• Wearable gadget will monitor wearer's health
• Expect to launch alongside larger iPhone 6 handsets
• Could act as a remote for home appliances
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By MARK PRIGG FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 20:16 GMT, 27 August 2014 | UPDATED: 23:05 GMT, 27 August 2014

Apple will launch its much anticipated wearable device next month alongside the new iPhone 6 handsets, is has been claimed.

Tech blog Re/Code said the firm is preparing to reveal the gadget, which is believed will be called iTime, alongside larger 4.7inch and 5.5inch handsets.

The wearable device will be able to monitor it's wearer's health, as well and show them alerts from their phone.

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Reports have previously claimed Apple's iWatch could double up as an activity tracker. This concept image reveals how the rumoured device and health tool might look. Dubbed the Diet Watch, it could track calories and steps as well as heart rate. It could launch at an event in October, alongside Apple's next iPad range

TWO YEARS OF IWATCH RUMOURS

Speculation around Apple's iWatch began at the end of 2012 and a rumoured release date was initially set for the fourth quarter of 2013.

Chinese websites reported in December 2012 that the computer giant was working with chip-maker Intel on a wrist-worn gadget.

It was said to have a 1.5inch screen and use Bluetooth to communicate with other devices, including an iPhone.

Other rumours suggest the iWatch will feature Siri voice controls that let users dictate messages, rather than use the tiny screen.

The watch could also be used as a remote control to change music tracks or pause video, on the phone or tablet.

In July last year, reports in the Financial Times said Apple was hiring outside help to tackle design problems with its iWatch.

It could also act a remote for 'smart' home gadgets.

'Apple plans to unveil a new wearable alongside the two next-generation iPhones we told you the company will debut on September 9,' Re/Code said.

Apple has already hinted at the wearable in the latest update to its iOS software, which includes health tracking capabilities.

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'The new device will, predictably, make good use of Apple’s HealthKit health and fitness platform,' Re.Code says.

'It will also — predictably — make good use of HomeKit, the company’s new framework for controlling connected devices — though it’s not clear how broadly or in what way.'

Earlier this month one analyst claimed Apple's iWatch had been delayed and will not go on sale until 2015.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says difficulties with manufacturing the new device will likely be the cause of the delay, according to 9to5mac.

'We reiterate our view that iWatch, as compared to existing products, and as Apple’s (US) first attempt at a wearable device, represents a much higher level of difficulty for the company as regards component and system design, manufacturing and integration between hardware and software, he said.

'While we are positive on iWatch and believe that the advantages of the design and business model behind it are difficult to copy, we think, given the aforementioned challenges, that the launch could be postponed to 2015.'

Mark Bell's iWatch concept complete with round face design

Apple recently  poached a senior executive from Swiss luxury watch brand Tag Heuer, which could be to help it with the launch of its iWatch expected this autumn.

Tag Heuer, part of luxury goods group LVMH, said on Friday its vice president for sales, Patrick Pruniaux, who had been with the brand for seven years, was leaving on Monday to join Apple. 

It did not say what his new job would be, and Apple declined to comment.

The iWatch will be the closest the U.S. company has come to selling a fashion accessory and marks its first foray into the personal luxury goods market.

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The new claims about a rounded design contradict previous reports the iWatch would have a curved screen, as seen in this concept by Todd Hamilton

It is in a race against Samsung Electronics and Google to turn computers into wearable fashion and must-have items as smartphones, increasingly becoming commoditized items, start losing their appeal.

Apple has plucked several executives from the luxury sector in recent months. 

Burberry ex-Chief Executive Angela Ahrendts started as its new head of retail and online sales in May, and former head of French fashion brand Yves Saint Laurent Paul Deneve was hired last year to work on special projects.

'I think he was probably head-hunted,' a Tag Heuer spokeswoman said of Pruniaux, adding a replacement had already been found.

Analysts and industry executives say the jury is still out on whether smart watches will disrupt the luxury Swiss watch industry.

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The Tag Heuer Mikrotimer watch: It has emerged Apple has poached the firm's head of sales for its iWatch product

'I don’t believe that an iWatch will be a threat to luxury Swiss watches,' said Jon Cox, analyst at Kepler Cheuvreux in Zurich.

'But where I do see some potential impact is at lower, for example below $1,000, price points where there could be a temporary dislocation if there is super high demand for iWatches.'

Jean-Claude Biver, head of watch brands at LVMH and chairman of watch brand Hublot, said he believed the threat of smart watches had to be taken seriously by the Swiss watch industry.

'The iWatch will have the same status symbol power as many other Apple products, especially at the beginning,' he said. 

'I personally believe it has the potential to be a threat for the industry, and it should not stay with its arms crossed.'

Apple applied for a trademark for the "iWatch" in Japan, a patent official said earlier this week, signaling the iPhone maker could be moving ahead with plans to launch a watch-like device soon.

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Google announcement comes just a week after sources revealed Taiwan's Quanta Computer Inc will start mass production of Apple first smartwatch in July, and the much anticipated timepiece will be revealed in October. Pictured is a concept design of what the iWatch may look like

Speculation has been mounting that Apple was preparing to launch an iWatch which would include multiple health and fitness sensors and access to features such as messages and notifications through integration with the iPhone and iPad.

A sweat sensor is believed to one of at least 10 sensors on the watch.

It has also been revealed Apple has signed up a host of sports star to try the wearable - including basketball star Kobe Brant, who was recently spotted at Apple's Cupertino campus.

According to laoyaoba.com, the sweat sensor has been developed in house by Apple. 

Although the watch is shrouded in secrecy, players from the MLB, NHL and NBA have believed to have been approached about the fitness aspects of the watch.

One of these athletes is reportedly Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant, who was spotted on Apple's Cupertino campus last month. 

According to 9to5Mac's source, Bryant met Apple's design boss Jony Ive and his team, to discuss upcoming products.

Apple is also believed to be working with Los Angeles Kings' Dustin Brown and an unnamed player from the Boston Red Sox, according to 9to5Mac.

However, laoyaoba.com also claims the watch may be delayed as it must be certified as a medical device with the Food and Drug Administration.

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Last night, Samsung revealed a new smart wristband and announced plans to let manufacturers use the same core components - much like the mobile phone market. Ram Fish, Vice President of Digital Health for Samsung is pictured displaying the Simband

Apple has already revealed it is working with Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and the National Institutes of Health on its HealthKit app, which is believed to work in tandem with the iWatch.

Earlier reports say the watch will includes more than 10 sensors to take health measurements and other data.

It is also set to come in multiple sizes - and is expected to go on sale in October.

The much rumoured watch is believed to be about to begin mass production in Taiwan.

The Wall Street Journal also said that Apple is planning multiple screen sizes for the device, and previous rumour have claimed a male and female version will be released.

Rumours still differ as to whether the watch will be round or rectangular.

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Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (pictured) was spotted on Apple's Cupertino campus last month, and is believed to have met Apple's design boss Jony Ive and his team to discuss upcoming products - including the iWatch.

Samsung, Sony, Qualcomm and others have already released smartwatches, but the gadgets have mostly functioned as companions to smartphones, offering email notifications, clock functions and the like. Samsung's Gear 2 line, released this year, added fitness-related apps and has a heart rate sensor.

But the market is growing fast, with data firm IDC saying that worldwide shipments of wearable computing devices - a category that includes smartwatches - will triple in size this year over 2013.

Apple has already dropped hints of its plans in this arena, hiring the former chief executive of French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent, a unit of Kering SA, and proclaiming that it will introduce 'new product categories"' this year.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk