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Mutewatch now in production, set to silently manage your day by July (video)
We first caught wind of Mutewatch AB's eponymous sort of anti-watch -- a personal vibrating time management wristband, equipped with a hidden touch-activated LED display -- when it became available for pre-order back in August. It seemed unique, but back then we had no idea of how it looked in action or when we might finally get one strapped onto our wrists. It's a mystery no more, as the Swedish suite has just released a heavily stylized (and totally rendered) video showcasing the Mutewatch's various touch-enabled functions. Also in tow, a press release announcing retail availability in July. Although our cellphones can do pretty much the same thing as this spendy $259 timepiece, we can't hide our geeky (and guilty) lust for one. You can check out the video for yourself past the break, but be warned: a moderate case of GAS -- Gadget Acquisition Syndrome -- may occur after viewing.
Mutewatch aims to be a less watch-like watch
Watches that try do something really different aren't exactly all that common, but you can certainly say that about the just-announced Mutewatch. Described as a "silent alarm in the shape of a vibrating wristband," the watch features a hidden screen that activates on touch and lets you swipe to scroll between the timer, clock and alarm -- the latter of which simply vibrates rather than making a sound, and can be dismissed by pinching the watch. Best of all, this isn't simply a concept -- you can secure a pre-order for your choice of a white, gray or red watch now for €19, which will be deducted from the full €199 (or about $260) price when it eventually ships.
Microsoft releases Windows 7 Touch Pack as a free download
We're not quite sure why it's taken Microsoft so long to release it to the general public, but anyone with Windows 7 and a touchscreen will no doubt nonetheless be glad to know that the previously OEM-only Windows 7 Touch Pack is now available as a free download. That includes touch-enabled favorites like Microsoft's Surface Globe and Surface Collage, as well as a handful of games including the Pong-inspired Rebound and the "tranquil" Garden Pond. All set? Then hit up the source link below to find the 239MB download and the complete details on what's included.
Acer reportedly set to launch three touch-enabled, Windows 7-based devices
Another company producing yet more products that take advantage of Windows 7's much-vaunted touch capabilities? Amazing but true, at least according to DigiTimes, which is reporting that Acer is set to launch no less than three "touch-enabled products" loaded with Windows 7. That word apparently comes straight from a product manager in the company's mobile computer department, who also went on to say that touch-enabled netbooks might see "good market acceptance" if they're marketed as cheaper alternatives to tablet PCs, although it's not clear if the products in question are actually touch-enabled netbooks. In other touch-related news, Acer is also reportedly looking at using in-cell touch panel technology when it becomes widely available, which should be cheaper to produce than conventional touch panels that don't have all the necessary touch components built right in at the LCD panel level.
