Bluetooth jewellery merges fashion with function

6th January 2014

CSR

Nat Bowers

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Datasheet

Demonstrating the future of wearable technology, CSR has developed a range of connected jewellery in conjunction with boutique jeweller Cellini. Powered by CSR's latest Bluetooth Smart solution, the pendant-style connected necklaces enable users to customise the colour and brightness emitted to suit their mood or to coordinate with a particular outfit.

The electronics integrated into the jewellery (including the CSR1012 which has been engineered specifically for the wearable technology market) have been designed to support a range of functions including alerting users to new notifications on their smartphones, an application that would be suited to a connected bracelet. Connecting directly to a small lithium battery, it allows the jewellery to connect to smartphones using a fraction of the power of standard Bluetooth. It's small form factor makes it suited for wearable accessories.

The CSR microprocessor within the necklaces supports the Apple Notification Center Service, a new feature released in iOS 7 which allows peripheral devices to access all notifications generated on an iOS device over a Bluetooth connection. CSR will also be demonstrating Android applications that enable the user to set the colour and patterns of the jewellery.

A recent survey conducted by CSR (an online survey of 1076 GB consumers in December 2013) found that 72% of consumers agree that it’s important that wearable technology devices look good, and 67% admit that it’s important that they fit with their personal style.

Paul Williamson, Director, Low Power Wireless, CSR, commented: “Many of the wearable technology devices hitting the shelves today offer great features but don’t take into consideration that consumers want beautiful, cutting-edge devices that complement their personal style. If wearable technology is to reach its potential it needs to appeal to more than just technology lovers. Devices like these connected pendants will help wearable tech go mass market. Although these prototypes have been designed to alert users to notifications on their smartphones they could be used for many other things. Developers could use the same printed circuit board to design more aesthetically pleasing activity monitors. They could even integrate scent capsules to allow users to release a spray of their favourite fragrance at certain times of day. We wanted to give our customers a glimpse of what they could do with this technology. The possibilities for truly wearable technology devices are endless and we’re looking forward to seeing what they develop with it in the future.”