It turns out there is already an iWatch very publicly in the works — only it’s not coming from Apple.
A little known Fresno, Calif., company called OMG Electronics has moved to trademark the “iWatch” name and is working on bringing a mobile device to market, according to papers filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office.
The move by OMG may be news to Apple CEO Tim Cook, who this week, according to reports, led an effort to win the rights to the iWatch name in Japan, Russia, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico and in other countries abroad.
Apple experts expect the company to develop a smartwatch to run apps and Internet connectivity from the wrist. The hot wearable-tech market is booming, with Google developing Glass, Sony pushing its smartwatch and Samsung, among other players, active in the sector.
Then there’s OMG Electronics, which has a website that hawks smartwatches, including some that the company claims run Google’s Android software.
The owner of OMG, when reached by The Post, identified himself as Jim Lee. “We are working with companies to create the ultimate device,” Lee said in a telephone interview. “It is not something we jumped into or a name we just got.”
OMG has a YouTube video that shows a concept pitch for the device to raise money through crowdfunding site Indiegogo — but it didn’t go so well. It raised just $1,434 nine months ago.
In the video, a spokesman named Mike does his best Steve Jobs impression to lure consumers to the watch idea.
“The power and fun of a smartphone can now be on your wrist,” he says. “I’m Mike, and this is the iWatch. It’s an amazing blend of form and function.”
Apple has previously fought to trademark names with an “i” before them — like “iBooks,” “iCloud” and “iFone” (as well as “appstore”) — with mixed results.
The company declined to comment yesterday.