Intel releases smart bracelet with sapphire screen

Intel has announced Mica, a smart bracelet with a sapphire screen designed in collaboration with a fashion company that can work independently of a smartphone. For the so-called Mica bracelet, Intel asks for 495 dollars, converted and including VAT around 477 euros.

Intel introduced the Mica on Tuesday in collaboration with fashion company Opening Ceremony and both companies hope to market the Mica as a fashionable accessory. Women would be the main target audience. The case is coated with 18-karat gold, snakeskin and precious stones.

Intel’s smart bracelet can work independently of a smartphone. This includes support for 3G networks, so that notifications and messages can be downloaded. The screen, with a protective layer of sapphire, is an OLED of 1.6″ diagonal with a resolution of 256×160 pixels. The software is based on a Linux distribution specially adapted for the Mica. Intel promises a battery life of around two days.

For now, the Mica seems to only be released in the United States. There, the device will cost $495 upon release next month, converted and including VAT around EUR 477. For that price, the user also gets access to AT&T’s 3g network for two years. It is unclear whether there are also plans for a European release.