Well long before there was the smartphone or even PDAs, Casio had been manufacturing their own smartwatches as early as 1980. The first Casio C-80 calculator ‘smartwatch’ was very popular among geeks and ‘smart alecs’ in schools back in the 80s. With its signature dial pad watch face, it is still an iconic device from the retro era.
And four years later in 1984, Casio created the AT-550 Janus that utilised capacitive screen technology to receive gesture input to perform calculator functions on its slim and chic watch face.
Including some honourable mentions like Casio WQV-1 (2000) which is the world’s first watch embedded with a digital camera, Casio Protrek PRT-1 (1999) world’s first watch with built-in GPS and the super rare Casio DBA-800A (1987) phone dialer which was banned by the government because it can be used to hack through the phone line to make outgoing free calls in some countries. And the list can go on and on. Those are just some of the many innovations that Casio has brought to the timepiece technology.
I was glad that I could see and try out these vintage timepieces that are still in working condition at the Toshio Kashio Memorial Museum of Invention in Setagaya before the exhibition ended in late July this year. The museum is the former home of Casio’s co-founder, the late Mr Toshio Kashio. The exhibition managed showcased the history, philosophy and vision that Casio have for innovation in technology. Casio loves new and original ideas, and bringing new experiences to consumers via their innovative products. Creating something from “0” to “1”.
Having gone through a rich history of Casio smartwatches, we would ask “Is Casio going to make a smartwatch that will compete with Apple Watch, Moto 360 and Samsung Gear S2?” Well, according to Mr. Yuichi Masuda, Senior Executive Managing Officer for Casio Timepiece Division, Casio has been making intelligent analogue smartwatches that link to the the smartphones and they formed a new division that has been working on the digital approach for awhile now.
Mr. Masuda also mentioned that based on Casio’s decades of experience in smartwatch manufacturing, they believe in making a smartwatch that features functions that are truly necessary during everyday life, easy to operate and yet aesthetically pleasing. These are the key characteristics of an everyday watch that consumers want. Casio is now ready to venture into wearable technology, and we will see the finished product in the market very soon.
Casio’s first calculator was built in 1957 and weighed 120kg. It was huge like a work desk. 26 years later in 1983 that technology has reduced to a 12grams card size solar powered calculator. We are amazed by the advancements of #retro technology. #tech #calculator #gadgets A video posted by SUPERADRIANME.com (@superadrianme) on
Even though I did not get a glimpse of the new product through my session with Mr. Masuda, but it kept my hopes high that Casio will be presenting an exciting product soon.
Because like many other consumers, I still have not found the reason why I need a wearable technology aka smartwatch in my daily routine. They are cool for the first week or so, then it becomes cumbersome from the charging & syncing.
So I do hope that Casio’s new digital smartwatch will be the answer to wearable technology for me. *Keeping my fingers crossed.
