For those truly inseparable from their tech toys, the trick’s in the wrist.
Actually, it’s on the wrist, as the early success of the Pebble smartwatch shows.
But whereas the Pebble is sporty and somewhat bulky, the new “smartbracelet” MEMI (pronounced MEM-ee) goes for a more elegant look.
Like the Pebble, the MEMI is compatible with the iPhone.
MEMI launched on Kickstarter Oct. 29 and raised $45,354 in a little more than a week and a half. The company’s goal is to raise $100,000 by the Thanksgiving holiday.
IT research company Gartner projects that the wearable-tech industry will reach an estimated $10 billion by the year 2016.
“We’re designing jewelry that happens to have technology in it,” says MEMI co-founder Margaux Guerard.
“We’re thrilled to see people embracing the wearables space.”
Leslie Pierson, 35, who previously worked in strategy consulting with Bain & Co., partnered with 34-year-old Guerard — who has a background in luxury marketing for women’s brands — to bring MEMI to life.
MEMI allows owners to select contacts within a dedicated app. Should any of the contacts get in touch with them, Caller ID information goes directly to the bracelet, which discreetly vibrates. Calls, emails and texts each have a different type of vibration.
The devices, which Guerard and Pierson say would likely sell for about $150 to $200, are operated by battery, rechargeable with a micro-USB cord. They anticipate having the MEMI on women’s wrists by summertime.