Lenovo became the world’s biggest PC seller last year, so now the company aims for the top spot in the wearable devices market. Hoping to eliminate Google Glass’s battery problem, the yet unnamed device from Lenovo features a separate power device. The collar-like device functions as a battery, thus solving the problem Google Glass had from the very beginning, namely a weak battery. Trying to find a spot in other markets, the company also created a system for connected devices, encouraging other companies to develop devices on their platform, called NBD. The company acknowledged their need of aid for having the Internet of Things released, so partnering with other companies seems to be the best idea.
“Right now there are too many kinds of devices you can develop for the Internet of Things. It’s too rich. Not one company can do it all,” said Chen Xudong, senior vice president at Lenovo.
The Internet of Things is a system that allows objects like smartphones, TV’s and even fridges to be connected to the internet. Controlling devices that can react to their surroundings with apps is one of the main ideas in developing a connected house. Things like tuning on/off the lights or heating the house, will be from now on the sort of things you’ll never have to think about. Lenovo’s only problem in successfully creating a connected house has been the lack of compatibility due to the different systems and standards, meaning devices developed by different companies could never work together properly.
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Trying to solve this issue as well, Lenovo developed the NBD together with a Smart Glass that’s also working with Vuzix, while working on a air purifier that can be controlled through a mobile app. Lenovo’s Glass will turn out to be Goggle’s biggest rival, because it took in consideration the possibility of a battery dying too soon, and created a wearable battery that ensures a better life. Apart from showing off their smart glass and the battery solution, Mr. Xudong didn’t say much about the project, so we’ll have to wait until October for further details. From what we’ve seen in the pictures, the wearable battery is quite similar to an ordinary pair of glasses that’s worn backwards on the neck, but of course, it has no lenses, just a smooth white surface with a hole, where the charger for the Glass is to be inserted.
Talking about being a rival for Google Glass, which in entirely possible, Lenovo’s attempt to create this new system will be a tough blow to Google, who just purchased Nest, a smart thermostat device. Google is not the only company interested in smart home devices, Apple also invested in the Internet of Things an recently announced their HomeKit system, in which developers will write programs that allow users to control smart devices around their homes. Truth be told, if we are ever to live in a smart house, we’ll have to be extra careful what smart devices we purchase, because not all of them can “talk” to each other, mainly because there are a bunch of companies all developing their own devices and systems, and it’s clear they have no intention of working together. So let the smart competition begin.