Intel seems to be shelving plans for wearables

Intel may be slowing down or even canceling its plans to release wearables altogether. Rumor has it that layoffs are falling within the wearable arm of the company and the planned release of products is being cancelled.

That reports TechCrunch, which claims to have unspecified sources close to Intel. According to these sources, the chipmaker plans to lay off a large part of the employees within the New Devices Group. Some employees are said to have already been informed, and the intention is to complete the layoffs before the end of the year. TechCrunch states that this may also mean the end of the New Devices Group within Intel, although that is not yet certain.

Intel’s new strategy also likely means that planned products will no longer be released. One of the devices mentioned is the Basic Ruby fitness device, which was previously rumored to have been rumored. Intel itself has not yet responded to the reports.

In 2014, Intel acquired Basis, a popular maker of fitness bracelets. After the acquisition, Basis was integrated into the newly established New Devices Group. As a result, it seemed that Intel would have big plans with the release of wearables. However, the release of the Basis Peak fitness bracelet caused problems when it turned out that the device was getting too hot. The sale was subsequently stopped.