Nearly one year after launching a crowdfunding campaign for its smartwatch, Wena Wrist, electronic giant Sony announced it is using the funding method once again to raise funds for its new timepiece, FES Watch U. The company recently debuted the initiative on its platform, First Flight.
The FES Watch timepiece hit stores in Japan for the first time last year and the new FES Watch U is described as an “e-ink watch,” and features both e-ink display and an e-ink band. Users can control the watch’s design by pairing it with a smartphone. The FES Watch U is also scratch-resistant (thanks to the sapphire glass) and its premium model will come with a stronger surface coating. Unfortunately, while the first FES was sold for only $242, the FES Watch U is starting at $438. The watch will be shipped with 12 different face and band designs and users will reportedly be able to store 24 designs on the watches.
Sony first debuted First Flight in June 2015 and it is dedicated to projects that are being done inside its company. The platform is said to not explicitly promote its relationship with Sony and it helps employees to get an accurate estimate of the potential of their ideas. Those involved with the platform stated teams that make it through the quarterly contests will be eligible to use the website, or if they prefer, a non-Sony crowdfunding platform, like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. The platform also functions as an online retail store for projects that are successful. Once it opens products by Sony teams, that were successfully funded earlier through other platforms, will be on sale to residents of Japan.
The campaign, which is looking to raise ¥20 million, is set to close at the beginning of October. Unfortunately, the watch seems to be only available for Japan-based backers.
Have a crowdfunding offering you'd like to share? Submit an offering for consideration using our Submit a Tip form and we may share it on our site!