Released in 2015, the Tag Heuer Connected was one of the first premium Android Wear devices at $1,500. Noting the surprising success of the first model, CEO Jean-Claude Biver revealed that a second generation is expected in May with Wear 2.0 and a number of other improvements.
Launching with Wear 2.0, the devices will continue to be powered by Intel and feature NFC to take advantage of Android Pay. Gaining GPS, the smartwatches will also have a longer battery life and a better display.
Designed like traditional Swiss watches, the new series will feature a smaller variant for women and a model larger than last year’s 46mm case. Additionally, there will also be more colors and finishes, rather than just different colored watch bands. For example, a rose gold variant of the watch was released in October of last year.
Besides the storied brand name and longer warranty, Biver also makes reference to the unique ability for Connected owners to exchange their device for a mechanical Carrera watch after two years. It’s likely that Tag Heuer will retain that aspect for the new series.
The first model was only expected to ship 20,000 units, with Tag having to quickly ramp up production by late 2015. In all, 56,000 units have been sold in a span of 14 months. The Swiss watchmaker is now aiming for 150,000 units in 2017, and especially targeting the Asian markets.
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