Wearable technology like Google Glass, Samsung smart watches and the Misfit have captured consumers’ inner Dick Tracy and Maxwell Smart. Wherever you look, early adopters are clamoring to check messages on their watch or make calls via their shoe (not really). Amazon.com has taken it upon itself to compiles all these new wearable gadgets in a single Amazon wearable technology store that’s just gone live.
You can access the Amazon Wearable Tech Store
Currently the Amazon wearable technology store includes items like the aforementioned smartwatches, as well as activity trackers, a bunch of healthcare devices, wearable cameras (hello, GoPro) and even wearable pet trackers. Note that the pet wearable technology isn’t to track steps or exercise but their literal location. You know, in case you were confused about why Fido would need some shiny new wearable gadget.
Since the wearable technology scene itself is still filling out, Amazon’s wearable technology store is somewhat of a mish-mash of brands. For instances, wearable products from Samsung (the Gear 2 smartwatch) and Jawbone (the Up24 fitness tracker) are there, as is a new Misfit fitness + sleep monitor. Those products live alongside items from brands such as BodyMedia and Withings, which aren’t yet household names.
Emphasis on “yet.” By launching the new Amazon wearable technology store, the Seattle-based e-tailer is placing its chips squarely on the future of wearable gadgets. While Google’s gotten a lot of play for its Google Glass technology as of late — particularly its one-day public sale — there’s plenty of other wearable technology out there today, and much more is in store.
It’s clear that Amazon also wants to be the go-to resource for all things wearable tech. Sure, the company’s wearable technology store is front and center, but Amazon’s also provided a host of links for researching products based on details, customer reviews and Q&As. There’s also an online Learning Center with “buying guides” for each type of wearable gadget, as well as an “Editor’s Corner” area where Amazon-employed “experts” give advice on the latest and greatest wearable gear.
“We’re thrilled to bring our customers a store with the largest selection and great prices that helps eliminate the guesswork when deciding which wearable devices best fit their needs — whether that is tracking activity, staying connected through smart watches, or capturing their next adventure with wearable cameras,” said John Nemeth, Amazon’s director of Wireless and Mobile Electronics, in a statement.
That’s all well and good, but you can bet that if a featured product isn’t available for purchase immediately on the Amazon wearable technology store, it’ll either be there momentarily or not be mentioned at all. Amazon may sound altruistic with this wearable tech stuff, but it’s definitely in it for sales.