Qualcomm announces release date for Toq smartwatch

Qualcomm looks ready to come from behind the scenes with the announcement that its Toq smartwatch will be available from December 2nd.

The company, better known for its processors that power most smartphones, will sell Toq directly from its own website and cut out the middle-man.

The watch will interface with Android smartphones via Bluetooth and an app that will be made available from Google Play.

Perphaps the most unique aspect of Toq is its display; it utilises Mirasol, Qualcomm’s own low-energy screen technology, which should make it easier to read from in direct sunlight. The Toq has no buttons and, like most smartwatches, is primarily focused on putting smartphone notifications on your wrist.

Unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Gear smartwatch, which runs a version of Android, Toq has a lightweight OS that early testers report as being more responsive than the Korean manufacturer’s.

It will be priced at around $350 when it lands and Qualcomm describes the watch as a “limited edition” model; it’s not expecting a runaway commercial success from the Toq. Instead, it’s hoping the watch will be well received by users, and maybe inspire other companies to take up its Mirasol display tech.

Should the Galaxy Gear be worried? I think, maybe. Let’s see how HTC, Google, Nokia and Apple respond.

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