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Ressence's $48,800 connected mechanical watch arrives in April
If you like the thought of wearing a classic mechanical watch but wish it had some of the conveniences of the connected age, your dream wristwear is here... so long as you're willing to pay dearly for it. A year after unveiling a concept, Ressence has unveiled the finished version of its Type 2 watch. Like before, the timepiece (co-designed by Tony Fadell) uses an "e-Crown" that can set the watch to different time zones or check its 36-hour power reserve by either tapping the face or using a mobile app. You only have to set the watch the conventional way when you first take it out of the box. Solar cells hidden under the dial keep the e-Crown powered, and it relies on a true automatic movement that will keep ticking even if the digital side runs out of power.
Nest co-founder Matt Rogers is leaving Google
It's been a little more than four years since Google acquired Nest for $3.2 billion, and now both co-founders have left the company. Former CEO Tony Fadell departed in 2016 to be replaced by former cable exec Marwan Fawaz, followed today by co-founder and chief product officer Matt Rogers. In a tweet, Rogers said that after nine years spent building Nest he's "decided to begin my transition to dedicate more of my time to Incite.org, as well as to start thinking about the next adventure."
Lawsuit claims Essential stole modular accessory tech
Andy Rubin's Essential Products is facing more legal troubles. The ex-Android chief's company previously found itself in hot water with smartphone accessory maker Spigen over its use of the "Essential" name. Now -- less than two months since the release of the Essential Phone -- it's getting sued for allegedly stealing trade secrets relating to its modular connector, reports Reuters. Keyssa, the company behind the lawsuit, is best known for developing a wireless standard that lets you make gigabit-sized transfers in seconds. Its backers include Nest co-founder Tony Fadell, Samsung, and Playground Global (the venture fund Rubin heads).
Samsung, Foxconn back 'Kiss' high-speed wireless transfer tech
Samsung, Foxconn and other smartphone industry firms are backing a new standard that would let you wirelessly download large files in seconds. Called "Kiss," it was developed by a company called Keyssa, which has investors like former Apple and Google exec Tony Fadell, along with Samsung, Dolby, Intel and other companies. By placing two devices equipped with the tech close to each other, you can do "gigabit-sized" transfers in seconds, Keyssa says.
The Arrow Smart-Kart is a joy rider that parents can control
If you grew up in the '80s or '90s, you might have been lucky enough to own a Power Wheels car. Even if you didn't, anyone who watched TV knew the jingle. (You're probably humming it right now.) But Power Wheels are slow and not intelligent. The Arrow Smart-Kart from Actev Motors, available today, tackles some of those shortcomings. It's faster and WiFi-connected, and it has the expertise of Nest co-founder Tony Fadell behind it. But even though Fadell has been talking about building a car for a while now, the Arrow is aimed squarely at kids and their parents. Kids will appreciate the thrill of driving their own mini electric car while adults will relish the control the Arrow app gives them. Parents can set limits on the kart at the tap of a screen, making desperate screams at their offspring to "slow down!" no longer necessary.
Nest co-founder and CEO Tony Fadell steps down
The CEO of Google's home automation company, Nest, is leaving. Tony Fadell made the announcement today in a blog post, saying he will remain as an advisor to Alphabet and CEO Larry Page. Marwan Fawaz, a former exec with Adelphia, Charter and Motorola Mobility and chairman of CableLabs, will step in as the new CEO. Fadell is most well known for leading the engineering team that developed the iPod, before he left Apple to co-found Nest with Matt Rogers in 2010, which focused on home devices like its connected thermostat. Google bought the company in 2014 for $3.2 billion before Nest itself acquired Dropcam a few months later.
Nest's co-founder is releasing a smart go-kart for kids
Nest co-creator Tony Fadell isn't focused solely on making intelligent thermostats and smoke detectors. He recently unveiled Actev Motors, a company whose inaugural Arrow Smart-Kart promises to give kids a taste of what smart cars are like. The electric go-kart includes GPS, a and WiFi to keep junior drivers safe. Parents using a mobile app can geofence the kart's driving area, limit the top speed or hit a stop button in an emergency. In other words, even younger kids (5- to 9-year-olds are the main targets) can motor around without getting in over their heads. There's also a proximity sensor to automatically prevent accidents.
Apple thought about making a car back in 2008
The possibility of an Apple-made car isn't anything new -- as it turns out, it's practically old news. iPod co-creator (and Nest CEO) Tony Fadell tells Bloomberg that he and Steve Jobs had "multiple" discussions about a car in 2008. They asked each other high-level questions, such as what the dashboard would look like and what the power plant would be. The idea didn't progress beyond that point due to a combination of tight resources and a lousy economic climate. Apple was swamped with iPhone work, and the American car industry was "almost dead." Why get into cars at a time when the field's heavyweights were asking for bailouts?
Tony Fadell volunteered to rescue Google Glass
Google's decision to 'graduate' Glass from Google X in January was coupled with the announcement that the team would start reporting to Nest co-founder Tony Fadell. Glass was never a roaring success -- privacy concerns and the "Glasshole" label scuppered public adoption -- so some wondered whether the iPod designer had been saddled with the project. Apparently not so. In a BBC interview, Fadell has clarified that he actively asked for the role. "It wasn't handed to me and said, 'Tony, clean it up,'" he explained. "I offered and said, 'this is important.' I remember what it was like when we did the iPod and the iPhone. I think this can be that important, but it's going to take time to get it right."
Google Glass' new boss wants to redesign the headset 'from scratch'
If you suspected that Google Glass' change of leadership would also lead to a big change in the wearable technology itself, you made a pretty good guess. As part of a tell-all about Glass' troubles, the New York Times is claiming that project lead (and Nest CEO) Tony Fadell plans to redesign the head-mounted computer "from scratch." And unlike the original, you aren't likely to see any public beta testing -- in keeping with earlier pronouncements, one tipster says that Fadell won't release this next-gen device "until it's perfect." Just when that might happen is still up in the air, but the Nest exec's historical focus on shipping over experimentation hints that you won't have to wait years to try Glass 2 for yourself. [Image credit: AP Photo]
Google Glass experiments are done, Nest CEO now in charge
Despite slips in consumer release windows and a sort of manufactured distaste for the people who wear it, rumors of Google Glass' death have been greatly exaggerated. If anything, Google's moonshot wearable just got another lease on life: Fortune reports that the Google Glass team is being spun out into a division of its very own, and that the long-running Glass Explorer program will eventually get the axe as a result. And the person in charge of the future of Glass? None other than Nest co-founder Tony Fadell, to whom current Glass team leader Ivy Ross will soon report.
Nest stops selling Protect smoke alarms, says they can be accidentally silenced
If you're one of the connected home buffs that owns a Nest Protect smoke detector, do yourself a favor and turn off its wave-to-dismiss feature just in case. According to an open letter from Nest CEO Tony Fadell, the company is concerned people could activate that feature without knowing it. Worst case scenario? It gets quietly enabled and doesn't warn people of a fire as quickly as it should. Fadell's missive was a little light on detail, but a FAQ shared by the company explains it a little better. Because of some quirks in its sensing algorithm, "movements near the product that are not intended as a wave can be misinterpreted" as a command to disable the alarm. The Wave feature was one of the Protect's little luxuries -- who likes getting up on a chair to push a tiny button on a blaring alarm? -- so it's a little surprising to see it acting so sketchy. As you'd expect, Fadell was quick with the assurances: Nest hasn't heard of anything like that happening in the wild, and the company is temporarily halting Protect sales until the team has worked out those algorithmic kinks. Meanwhile, Protect owners who have their units connected to the internet can expect the wave feature to be disabled automatically within the next 24 hours. On the off chance that this whole thing leaves a bad taste in your mouth, you can contact Nest for a full refund too.
Apple reportedly built wearable visor prototypes, 'didn't have time' to bring them to market
Considering that Apple's patented nearly every tech concept under the sun, the revelation that it dabbled with a wearable display of some sort is hardly earth-shattering. According to Tony Fadell, Nest CEO and former Senior VP at Apple, Cupertino built a bunch of wearable tech prototypes but "didn't have time" to further develop them. Fadell describes Apple's approach as "visors, so it's like you're sitting in a theater," which sounds decidedly more like a VR headset or head-mounted display than something like Google Glass. Still, Apple dismissing one of Google's the year's most hyped concepts in favor of focusing on its streamlined device lineup? That's quite a burn to Mountain View.
Tony Fadell details his journey from Apple to Nest
Tony Fadell may not have the same level of name recognition as, say, Jony Ive, but Fadell was unquestionably an important cog in Apple's climb to greatness in the early 2000s. Sometimes referred to as the "father of the iPod", Fadell helped churn out 18 different generations of iPod models before leaving Apple in 2008 and subsequently re-emerging on the tech scene with the Nest Learning Thermostat. In a recent article written for the New York Times, Fadell himself details his journey from a young kid growing up in Michigan to an important member of Apple's executive team, and everything in between. Fadell notes that his fascination with computing began in grade school after taking a summer programming class. From there on end, he was hooked. Always looking to create, he started his first company in high school, a little outfit that resold Apple II hardware and wrote software. Fadell began studying computer engineering at the University of Michigan in 1987. Interestingly, Fadell notes that his dream, upon graduation, was to go to California and work for General Magic, a famed company with strong Apple roots founded by Bill Atkinson, Andy Hertzfeld and Marc Porat. I knocked on their door until they hired me later that year. I spent four years there, developing hardware and software to create personal hand-held communications devices, including Sony's MagicLink. Following that, Fadell proceeded to work for Phillips before leaving to start Fuse Systems. Fadell joined Apple in 2001 as a consultant and the rest, as they say, is history. Fadell played an instrumental role in the development of the iPod and stayed at Apple until 2008, playing a direct role in the development of many iPod models and the first few iterations of the iPhone. Eight weeks later, I approached Steve Jobs with the initial iPod concept and was put in charge of building and leading the development team. One iPod led to another, eventually becoming 18 generations of iPods - and then three generations of the iPhone. My wife also worked at Apple. Eventually I wanted to spend more time with our two children, and I also wanted a break. So in 2008, I stepped away as senior vice president of Apple's iPod division and became a strategic adviser to Mr. Jobs. He was an incredible influence on how I think about bringing products to market. Upon leaving Apple, Fadell took some time off but reemerged with a new venture, Nest Labs. Having spent many years at Apple and a number of other tech companies, Fadell has an interesting perspective as to what ingredients are necessary for a consumer electronics company to thrive. In January of this year, while speaking at the Bloomberg Design Conference, Fadell articulated that one of the reasons Apple is as successful as it is is because the company ships 99% of its products that reach internal milestones. Fadell contrasted this "develop to launch" ideology with the culture he experienced at Phillips. "Nine times out of ten, or 99 times out of 100, they would kill the project, either at the beginning, the middle or right before the product was supposed to be shipped," Fadell explained. "When you're in a culture that has a point of view, and drives to launch everything it does, you know you're on the hook and you better bring your best game every time."
Tony Fadell discusses inspiring designers
Tony Fadell, the CEO of Nest and former designer on Apple's iPod team, has revealed his list of secrets that inspire designers to make amazing products. Speaking at the Bloomberg Design conference this week, Fadell said it was important for companies to try to create a culture where everyone is striving to tell the same story. Fadell was asked about the differences between Apple and Philips. He said at financially driven companies like Philips, a majority of the products a designer works on will never be shipped -- and the designer knows that. It's customary for new project managers to come in, not understand a product, and scrap it entirely. Fadell says this type of corporate culture doesn't spur designers to do their best work since nine times out of 10 a product would be killed no matter how far along it was. Apple, on the other hand, virtually always ships nine out of 10 products that get to a certain point, according to Fadell. And because those workers were trying to tell the same story with a product -- no matter if they were in design, or programming, or marketing -- a product isn't totally derailed if a new manager comes in. "When you're in a culture that has a point of view, and drives to launch everything it does, you know you're on the hook and you better bring your best game every time," Fadell said. [via GigaOM]
Nest home monitoring device pops up at the FCC with ZigBee, greater ambitions
Thermostat makers aren't exactly known for their rapid update cycles, so we've been wondering just when a company as unusual as Nest would try its encore. If a new FCC filing is any indication, Tony Fadell and company aren't resting on their temperature-controlled laurels. While we don't know if it's a thermostat as such, the "home monitoring device" at the US agency sports Nest's familiar circular shape while tossing in some previously unseen ZigBee wireless -- a clue that there's home automation harmony afoot, either with other Nest units or with third-party devices. It's also apparent that Nest is keeping WiFi and won't venture far from its internet-friendly roots. All of the firm's secrets will be revealed in March, although we'll side with Zatz Not Funny and leave the possibility of an earlier announcement that helps us lower our heating bills.
Amazon becomes the latest retailer to sell the trendy Nest Learning Thermostat
Frankly, we all knew it was only a matter of time before the renowned online retailer, Amazon, would start offering the trendiest thermostat known to man. Joining the likes of Apple, Lowe's and, naturally, Nest's official site, Amazon is the latest shop to welcome the famed Learning Thermostat onto its shelves, with availability expected as soon as tomorrow (June 8th). As for pricing, that won't be changing much, which means you'll still have to shell out $249 -- though, you could see it hit your doorstep sooner without paying extra if you have one of those fancy Prime accounts. In any case, folks looking to grab one of these notorious Nest thermos can do so from either of the source links below.
Online Apple store now selling Nest thermostat
Apple's online storefront went down for maintenance last night, and when it came back up the Nest thermostat from iPod "godfather" Tony Fadell had been added to the store's inventory. The thermostat retails for $250 and lets you control your house's heating and cooling systems from your iPhone, iPad or Mac. Thanks to everyone who sent this in. [Via Engadget and The Verge]
Apple Store now selling Nest Thermostat: automated toastiness to cost $250
Apple liked it so much, it's decided to let the Nest Thermostat share shelf-space in its bricks-and-mortar stores and online. Following rumors that Tony Fadell's latest project would appear at his former employer's store, it's now been confirmed with an online listing. Following some brief downtime on the Cupertino corp's retail site, the unit is set to retail for $250. Aside from sharing some design DNA, the thermostat unit can also be controlled from iPhones, iPads, iPods and Macs -- we presume that Android functionality is still there. Those that like their summers extra comfortable can hit the store link below.
Apple Stores rumored to be carrying Nest thermostats, we play it cool (to exactly 71F)
Tony Fadell might have left Apple to make the Nest Learning Thermostat, but it may be the case that Apple hasn't completely left him. If we go by a pair of rumors, Nest's Internet-savvy climate control could soon be in Apple Stores, presumably across the US, for the same $249 as it costs to splurge for one through Nest itself. We're definitely skeptical -- home appliances and automation aren't really Apple's strong suits, and Nest has already declined to comment -- but 9to5 Mac has heard that the thermostats are already in Apple's inventory system. If the reports are at all true, there won't be long to wait before you can buy a smart energy system while you're shopping for a new iPhone case.
