While many wearables today connect to our smartphones, as the Internet of Things (IoT) takes off, they will be able to communicate with a greater range of devices and platforms. Google is already exploring this integration in the automotive industry with Android Auto introduced last year at Google I/O 2014. It is not alone in doing so – Microsoft offers its Sync platform on a number of cars already and Apple is working with a number of manufacturers on its own CarPlay platform. What if a car manufacturer decided to support or even offer a companion smartwatch with your new car? That’s the premise behind Andrea Ponti’s Smartwatch A concept.
The Smartwatch A is “designed to create a new level of connection between driver and car.” For example, it can provide the driver with an update on battery levels and charge status. While this information may be of little value while driving as it would presumably also be presented on the dashboard or overhead display perhaps, other notifications could be more useful. For example, should the watch detect that you’re dozing, it could vibrate to get your attention and suggest that you pull over before you get into an accident.
The device could also give you diagnostic information before you even get in the car. For example, you could get a warning him that you will need to fill up the car if you plan on going more than a certain distance.
While hardware specifics of the Smartwatch A are not provided, it sports a digital touch panel and an aluminium knob on the side. It also offers expandability through the addition of plugin modules. It’s not quite clear what functions these offer but they would presumably offer a selection of additional functions though interchangeable modules.
If the Smartwatch A’s design with large aluminium bar on the side is not your thing, Ponti also came up with a more traditional design called the Smartwatch B.
Very similar in terms of overall design language to the Smartwatch A, it features a less unusual square design but presents the same kind of information as its sibling.
As for the Smartwatch A, the concept is different enough, especially with the unique dial on the right side, that it could stand on its own without the need to offer specific vehicle functionality.
Sources : Behance (Smartwatch A) // Behance (Smartwatch B)