The Apple Watch still leads the way when it comes to wearables but this popular tech timepiece may soon be challenged by a radical new rival.
Sony has just announced the launch of its unique Wena device which is a range of clever straps which attach to your current watch face.
The concept is simple with all of the fancy tech trickery tucked inside the fashionable water-resistant band.
Once attached to a standard watch, the Wena can perform a swathe of tasks including monitoring your fitness, daily steps and heart rate – there’s even GPS to help provide exact calories burned and distance travelled.
Like a standard smartwatch you’ll also see all your notifications such as texts, emails and calls displayed right on the strap via an in-built screen.
And Sony has included a 7-coloured LED lighting and vibration system which can be customised making it easier to see and feel when you receive an alert.
Finally, with NFC technology hidden inside, the Wena can act as your credit card allowing you to pay at the till without needing your wallet in your pocket.
Sony has been working with Mastercard and NXP on this payment technology to provide the simplest solution to make payments but also the safest.
Global digital financial technology leader Wirecard will be the launch issuer for the UK and Ireland.
Using Wirecard’s boon app for iOS and Android, customers will be able to add a virtual card to the Wena app and set up automatic top-ups, providing a simple way for everyone to access funds, no matter who they bank with.
Sony says that “Wena stands for “Wear Electronics Naturally” and the strap has been designed exactly with this in mind.
“The interchangeable nature of the watch allows the technology to be isolated to the clasp of the watch strap, rather than being linked to the face.
“The design of the watch not only allows the wearer to choose any watch face, but it makes everyday activities easier to do.
“For example, when making payments with the watch, there is no need for the wearer to twist their wrist to tap the face onto the terminal, which many find uncomfortable and unnatural – instead it can all be done with one simple, easy movement.”
If you think you like what you see then there’s two options available to buy from today.
The silicone-style active strap is priced at £349 and the more classic metal pro strap is priced at £399.
Along with these clever straps, Sony is also launching a range of Wena watch faces to match with prices starting from £100.
The faces include Mechanical, Solar and Quartz designs with Sony boasting that it has worked with some of the finest Japanese watchmakers in the market to ensure premium quality.
There’s no official launch date for these the straps or faces buy the new Wena watch range is available to pre-order in the UK from today.