watch band
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Apple patents watch band with adjustable built-in camera
Companies have tried smartwatches with cameras built into their bands before (hello Galaxy Gear), but the fixed position usually leads to you contorting your wrist to get a good shot -- and you can forget about video chats. Apple might have a solution to the problem. The company just received a patent for an Apple Watch band whose built-in camera is designed to be positioned almost any way you like. It looks like one of the company's loop bands, but includes an extended segment with at least one camera on the end. You'd just have to pull, retract and twist this section to capture your ideal shot.
Hex Vision Classic Leather Watch Band for 6G iPod nano: Good-looking, reasonably priced
When the first watch bands started appearing for iPod nanos, I really thought the idea was ludicrous. After all, what kind of person would spend a minimum of US$129 on a touchscreen watch when they have a really good clock in their pocket -- an iPhone -- already? I felt that way until a friend of mine gave me a 6G iPod nano a few weeks ago and I coincidentally received a Hex Vision Classic Leather Watch Band (US$49.95) to review. Now I'm hooked on the idea of the 6G iPod nano as a watch, and this classy and inexpensive watch band has had a lot to do with my change of heart. Design There's not much to say about watch bands. Basically, they're what hold the mechanical or electrical gadgetry onto your wrist. In the case of the watch bands that have been designed for the sixth-generation iPod nano, they hold the nano into place either using the clip on the back of the device or through some other mechanical means. Some of the designs I've seen so far have been bulky affairs that encase the entire nano. More often, the watch bands use a mechanism that is like that of the Vision Classic -- a stainless steel (or other material) plate that the nano clips onto. I like this more open design, as the nano doesn't need to be removed from the band for syncing or charging. %Gallery-149242% The Vision Classic is indeed a take on the classic leather watch band. The stainless steel clip makes it easy to add or remove the nano while being unobtrusive. The leather band is comfortable and topstitched for added flair, and comes in four different colors: black, white, British tan, and grey. Functionality The Vision Classic does what it's designed to do: hold an iPod nano to your wrist while looking good. It feels great, it's easy to get the nano in and out of the watch band, and -- most importantly in my opinion -- it's inexpensive for a non-plastic nano band. Yeah, you can get crappy-looking polycarbonate watch bands from a number of manufacturers (including Hex) for less money, but when it comes to nice looking bands that don't cost an arm and a leg, the Vision Classic Leather Watch Band is a winner. Be sure to check out the gallery of photos to see the Vision Classic and my mighty arm in action.
Motorola considering Nike+ SportWatch contender?
It looks like Motorola might be prepping to give the Nike+ SportWatch a run for its money. An intrepid tipster sent along a screenshot from a recent survey showing off what looks like a tricked out nano watch. Described as an "all-in-one fitness and music personal fitness device" (redundant much?) that packs a GPS for "accurate performance tracking," the as of yet unnamed gadget also sports a "smart music player" that compiles a list of songs based on the tunes that help you sweat your best. It also lets you wirelessly sync to your PC for workout analysis, and apparently does the same for Android devices. Among the possible names listed in the survey is the MotoActive, hinting at, but certainly not pinning down, Motorola branding. Of course this is just an online survey, so we wouldn't get too excited about your new running mate just yet. [Thanks, Anon]
HEX debuts iPod nano watch band compatible with Nike+
Sure, you can get a Nike+ SportsWatch, or a simply pair an iPod nano with Nike+, but those looking to use their iPod nano as a watch with Nike+ have so far been left with few options beyond the DIY route. Watch band-maker HEX now looks set to change that, however, with its new Sports Watch Band that's set to debut in April. As you can see above, there's not a whole lot too it -- just a reasonably stylish wristband with a "port" that's able to accommodate the Nike+ attachment. No word on a price just yet, nor is there any indication that it will come in colors other than white -- though that seems a safe bet if the company's previous watch band is any indication.
