With Samsung on the brink of a big reveal, Google snapped up smartwatch maker WINN Labs to more quickly develop its own. August 30, 2013 1:55 PM PDT (Credit: Sarah Tews/CNET) Google, oft rumored to be working on a smartwatch, quietly bought WIMM Labs to light a fire under the effort. A Google spokeswoman confirmed to CNET that Google has acquired smartwatch maker WIMM. The takeover was first reported by GigaOm. Related stories Samsung Galaxy Gear specs emerge ahead of IFA debut Samsung to show off smartwatch next week Samsung's Galaxy Gear smartwatch to clock in Sept. 4 Smartwatch maker WIMM went dark last year, posting a cryptic thank-you message on its Web site citing "an exclusive, confidential relationship" for its technology. Similar to previous reports of a coming Google smartwatch, the latest says the company has the work on the product -- including WIMM's employees -- centered in the Android unit, rather than its X Lab. That could mean a Google watch comes to market faster than the wearable Google has been trumpeting all year, Google Glass, which was a product of X Lab. Though upstart tech companies have already introduced a slew of watches, giants are lumbering into the field too. Samsung is expected to unveil a smartwatch on September 4 called Galaxy Gear, and Apple has been rumored to be coming out with one.
With Samsung on the brink of a big reveal, Google snapped up smartwatch maker WINN Labs to more quickly develop its own.
(Credit: Sarah Tews/CNET)
Google, oft rumored to be working on a smartwatch, quietly bought WIMM Labs to light a fire under the effort.
A Google spokeswoman confirmed to CNET that Google has acquired smartwatch maker WIMM. The takeover was first reported by GigaOm.
Related stories
- Samsung Galaxy Gear specs emerge ahead of IFA debut
- Samsung to show off smartwatch next week
- Samsung's Galaxy Gear smartwatch to clock in Sept. 4
Smartwatch maker WIMM went dark last year, posting a cryptic thank-you message on its Web site citing "an exclusive, confidential relationship" for its technology.
Similar to previous reports of a coming Google smartwatch, the latest says the company has the work on the product -- including WIMM's employees -- centered in the Android unit, rather than its X Lab. That could mean a Google watch comes to market faster than the wearable Google has been trumpeting all year, Google Glass, which was a product of X Lab.
Though upstart tech companies have already introduced a slew of watches, giants are lumbering into the field too. Samsung is expected to unveil a smartwatch on September 4 called Galaxy Gear, and Apple has been rumored to be coming out with one.
