I’m sure you’ll all be aware that Will.i.am is a massive fan of technology and back in 2011 was named as “Director of Creative Innovation” at Intel Corp, having input on the development of smartphones, tablets and laptops. The Black-Eyed-Peas band member also had a dab in iPhone accessory development, showing off a camera enhancer named “i.am+” that would “dramatically enhance the clarity and definition of iPhone photographs,” Now, if you happen to be a fan of BBC’s The Voice where Will.i.am is a judge, there is a good chance you would have seen the newly announced wearable in use. In addition, early on this year Will appeared on Alan Carr: Chatty Man, where he talked about his intentions of releasing his own Smartwatch.
Today, the successful music producer has unveiled said wearable, although insists that it’s definitely not a watch, but a smart cuff.
The wearable smart cuff, as Will.i.am refers to it, features 3G connectivity via a SIM card slot, just like the recently announced Samsung Gear S, as well as providing 3G data, it’s also capable of making and receiving call too; albeit via AT&T and O2 in the UK who have exclusivity on launch day.
The wearable runs on Android, although it’s not known at the moment if it’s Android Wear, or perhaps some customised version. Other specs include a Snapdragon SoC along with 1GB of RAM, 16GB of built-in storage and also GPS. The battery used on the PULS is quite unique as it wraps all the way around the entire bracelet.
Additional features of the wearable are said to include a music streaming service, along with a voice assistant and a fitness app will also be available. When released, PULS will have a number of accessories, including a wireless charging device, backpack which features built-in speakers and also a step counter too.
While we know that both AT&T in the US and O2 in the UK will be the first to sell the PULS when it’s released later this year, there is still no word on how much it will cost.