Sony is currently in the process of using the Makuake crowdfunding website to gauge the interest in a new E-paper watch in the form of the Sony FES Watch.
The Makuake crowdfunded Sony FES Watch has currently surpassed its initial pledge goal of 2 million yen or $17,000 in just three weeks and has already attracted over 3.5 million yen from more than 150 supporters since the campaign launched.
Sony explained the reason they removed their name from the funding project saying : “We hid Sony’s name because we wanted to test the real value of the product, whether there will be demand for our concept,”
The WSJ explains a little more about Sony’s plan to use E-Paper technology :
“Sony’s idea is not limited to watches, as the team is also developing e-ink-based bow ties, hat accessories or paper holders. The idea behind the project –being carried out by five Sony engineers who are mostly in their 30s and with assistance from an outside design company–is to re-define the electronic paper as a fabric, the person said.
Under an initiative of Sony Chief Executive Kazuo Hirai, the electronics company is encouraging its employees to come up with new product or business ideas by providing financial and advisory support. Sony Real Estate, the real-estate service company launched in April, was another fruit of the initiative. The Japanese firm also launched the Sony Seed Acceleration Program earlier this year to foster creative ideas through auditions.”
For more information on the new Sony FES Watch jump over to the Makuake crowd funding website for details and to make a pledge if possible from your country.
Source: TNW : Adafruit : Wall Street Journal : Makuake
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