Plantronics, a pioneer in wearable technology, Monday introduced its latest wearable prototype offering from PLT Labs, Wearable Concept 2 (WC2). According to the company, this concept device builds off of its predecessor, Wearable Concept 1 (WC1), by adding several new capabilities for developers to explore and use as the base for future applications.
Plantronics said that WC2 incorporates an always-on low power state that enables hands-free voice commands to interface with a variety of applications and devices, plus enhanced motion-tracking capabilities to enable comprehensive capture of device orientation in three-dimensional space. WC2 also features an NXP A700x secure authentication microcontroller which allows the headset to serve as a wearable multi-factor authentication device.
Plantronics added that combined with a wealth of sensor data like compass heading, angular velocity and acceleration, and supported by a broad range of SDKs for mobile and desktop platforms, developers can explore and create real-world apps across a range of industries and verticals
The company demonstrated a number of key features of Wearable Concept 2 at the CES 2015, including integration with KUBI, a telepresence robot from Revolve Robotics, where head tracking in WC2 can be used to enable hands-free remote multi-media collaboration to enable a variety of use cases such as telemedicine, distance learning, and unified communications. Plantronics also showcased a voice command solution with Lockitron, a leader in contextually-aware keyless entry, to enable secure device-based identity, which helps to create a safer, more intuitive experience for managing entry for homes and controlled sites.
Cary Bran, Vice President, New Ventures and Innovation, Plantronics
We are pleased to improve upon the work we did for the original WC1. The WC2 adds new enterprise focused capabilities to our platform. Our goal is to identify and build solutions with our partners and developer community that improve the workplace by joining enterprise infrastructure with our wearable technology. Our demonstrations with KUBI from Revolve Robotics and Lockitron are great examples that showcase the vast potential of the WC2 platform.
