FAIRFAX, Virginia – Hitachi is planning to launch a wearable computer by the end of this year. The Japanese consumer electronics group has teamed up with Xybernaut, which specializes in developing wearable technology. A mass-market version of Xybernaut’s Wearable Internet Appliance (WIA) will hit U.S. stores before Christmas.
Under terms of the agreement Hitachi will manufacture and sell the product and OEM it to Xybernaut, who will also sell and market it. The cost of the unit will be kept under $2,000 depending upon the configuration.
A newly developed superscale Hitachi 32-Bit 128 MHz RISC processor with companion coprocessor will power the 10.9-ounce WIA and will run Microsoft’s Windows CE 3.0. The WIA incorporates a Compact Flash slot, USB port, 32 MB of RAM and a removable internal rechargeable battery.
The WIA provides users with instant on/off Internet access and a SVGA (800×600) head mount display that provides a desktop-like viewing experience. The new hands-free PC can be worn while on public transportation, in the office, shopping or relaxing at home.
Among the suite of services that Xybernaut will target for the new product will be entertainment in the form of distance learning, music, video and games, GPS, cellular voice communications and paging, interactive banking, shopping, and stock market trading.
“We expect that our new product line will completely change the way people live, work and play. The applications we envision will offer up all kinds of new business opportunities,” said Shigeru Matsuoka, CEO of Net-PDA Venture Company, Hitachi, Ltd.
“Hitachi’s reputation and reach in the consumer space, as well as in the commercial and industrial sectors is unparalleled,” stated Edward G. Newman, chairman, president and CEO of Xybernaut Corporation.
A Note About Xybernaut Corporation
Xybernaut Corporation is the leading provider of wearable computing hardware, software and services, bringing communications and full-function computing power in a hands-free design to people when and where they need it. The Mobile Assistant V (MA V), Xybernaut’s patented wearable PC, runs all major PC operating systems, including Windows 98/2000/NT, Linux and SCO Unix. Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, Xybernaut has offices and subsidiaries in Europe (Germany) and Asia (Japan).
