Technology innovator combines attractive design with high-tech features to meet consumer demand for truly wearable tech

Cambridge, UK and San Jose, California, USA – 6 January 2014 – CSR plc (LSE: CSR; NASDAQ: CSRE) has developed a range of connected jewellery, powered by its latest Bluetooth® Smart solution, to demonstrate the future of wearable technology. The pendant-style connected necklaces contain integrated electronics that enable the user to customise the colour and brightness emitted to suit their mood or to coordinate with a particular outfit. The electronics integrated into the jewellery have been designed to support a range of functions and so they can also alert users to new notifications on their smartphones, an application that would be suited to a connected bracelet. 

CSR recently surveyed consumers on their views on wearable technology and found that 72% agree that it’s important that wearable technology devices look good and 67% admit that it’s important that they fit with their personal style.

“Many of the wearable technology devices hitting the shelves today offer great features but don’t take into consideration that consumers want beautiful, cutting-edge devices that complement their personal style,” says Paul Williamson, Director of Low Power Wireless at CSR. “If wearable technology is to reach its potential it needs to appeal to more than just technology lovers. Devices like these connected pendants will help wearable tech go mass market.”

The jewellery, which was designed in conjunction with boutique jeweller Cellini, combines top-quality design with connectivity powered by CSR’s innovative Bluetooth Smart solution – the CSR1012™. The platform, part of the proven CSR µEnergy® range, is engineered specifically for the wearable technology market. It allows the jewellery to connect to smartphones using a fraction of the power of standard Bluetooth by connecting directly to a small lithium battery. It’s also designed to enable a small form factor, making it ideal for wearable accessories.

Those wearing the jewellery can be alerted to any new notifications from their iPhone. This is because the CSR microprocessor within the necklaces supports the Apple Notification Center Service (ANCS), a new feature released in iOS 7 which allows peripheral devices to access all notifications generated on an iOS device over a Bluetooth connection. CSR will also be demonstrating Android applications that enable the user to set the colour and patterns of the jewellery.

“Although these prototypes have been designed to alert users to notifications on their smartphones they could be used for many other things,” concludes Williamson. “Developers could use the same printed circuit board (PCB) to design more aesthetically pleasing activity monitors. They could even integrate scent capsules to allow users to release a spray of their favourite fragrance at certain times of day. We wanted to give our customers a glimpse of what they could do with this technology. The possibilities for truly wearable technology devices are endless and we’re looking forward to seeing what they develop with it in the future.”