14 DAY TRIAL // When it comes to wearable electronics, smartwatches are the main topic of discussion right now, and in 2014, they will probably give way to wearable displays like Google Glass. Intel wants in on that, so it has invested in a company that specializes in such things.
Intel could have probably set up its own subsidiary for such things, but after its motherboard business pretty much failed and with its SSD collection not doing all that well, it probably decided not to bother.
Maybe in a few years, it will try to take Google Glass on directly, and all others like it, but in the meantime, it will be supporting the concept from the sidelines.
Most recently, Chipzilla participated in an investment wave for Basis Science, the company that made the Basis health tracker (a gadget that keeps watch on your state of health while you exercise).
Other investors include Mayfield Fund, DCM and Norwest Venture Partners, plus iNovia Capital, Dolby Family Trust, Stanford University and Peninsula-KCG.
It's not really the same level of sophistication as an augmented reality headset or smartwatch, but with help, Basis may eventually get there.
“Wearable computing enables a data-driven approach to managing healthcare and fitness,” said Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital and Intel executive vice president.
“By collecting heart rate, skin and ambient temperature data along with movement tracking, the Basis multi-sensor band opens up opportunities for data analytics driving deeper insights into health and personal behavior.”
Market analysts expect wearable gadgets to go from 14 million in 2011 to 171 million in 2016. The basis itself has a price of $199 / €199 and does, in fact, look like a smartwatch, although it's not near the level of, say, Samsung Galaxy Gear.
“We now capture billions of heart beats each week and our users remain more engaged with our system versus other options in the category. With this new support, we’ll be able to continue to build on our strong foundation and offer a great experience for many more people looking to build healthy habits,” said Jef Holove, chief executive officer of Basis.