Gucci Timepieces revealed at Baselworld today that it has agreed a partnership with musician Will.i.am for the development of an innovative concept in terms of wearable technology.
The luxury brand is teaming up with the Black Eyed Peas’ star’s company i.am+, which was set up to develop connected lifestyle products based on new technology and popular culture.
Gucci will work with Will.i.am, who is a judge on TV’s The Voice, to launch a device which operates as a standalone smartband, untethered from any smartphone.
Functionalities will include the ability to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages and emails, music, maps, calendar, fitness and a sophisticated personal assistant activated by voice command.
Stéphane Linder, president and CEO of Gucci Timepieces, said during the announcement: “Through this innovative collaboration with i.am+ and will.i.am, Gucci Timepieces is fully embracing the future of wearable technology that is now ahead of us, with the objective of launching a wearable device concept that is a fashion accessory, incorporating the most comprehensive and advanced technological functionalities.“
Details regarding pricing, distribution, and launch timing will be announced in due course, Linder said.
Will.i.am himself added: "i.am+ and Gucci Timepieces are setting the pace with our vision for a untethered wearable. In creating a device that is both fashionable and technologically advanced, we aim to define this category. I coined the term “fashionology” …a merging of the worlds of fashion and technology, and that is exactly what this collaboration with Gucci represents."
i.am+ is headquartered in Los Angeles, California with additional offices in Singapore and Bangalore, India.
