X

Intel shows off the MICA smart bracelet (pictures)

The luxury women's accessory, to be sold at Barneys New York and Opening Ceremony stores, is part of the chipmaker's big push into wearable devices.

Ben Fox Rubin
Ben Fox Rubin was a senior reporter for CNET News in Manhattan, reporting on Amazon, e-commerce and mobile payments. He previously worked as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal and got his start at newspapers in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Ben Fox Rubin
intel-bracelet-7.jpg
1 of 8 Ben Fox Rubin

Women's jewelry as wearable tech

Intel kept up its expansion into wearable devices by unveiling this week the MICA, or "My Intelligent Communication Accessory," a piece of high-fashion women's jewelry built with Intel technology.

The chipmaker brought an early model of the device, which will go on sale by the holidays for under $1,000, to CNET's New York office Thursday.

intel-bracelet-8.jpg
2 of 8 Ben Fox Rubin

Curved sapphire display

The MICA includes a 1.6-inch curved sapphire touchscreen that sits at the bottom of the wrist.

intel-bracelet-9.jpg
3 of 8 Ben Fox Rubin

Used for notifications, reminders

The device can be used for calendar reminders, meeting alerts, and SMS messages. Also, a 3G cellular radio will be available to allow for data communication without the need to pair with a smartphone.

intel-bracelet-2.jpg
4 of 8 Ben Fox Rubin

Semi-precious gems, water-snake skin band

Two designs will be available: One (shown above) with white water-snake skin, tiger's eye, and obsidian, and the other with black water-snake skin, pearls, and lapis stones.

intel-bracelet-6.jpg
5 of 8 Ben Fox Rubin

Cuff-style bracelet

The cuff-style device, worn here by CNET's Bridget Carey, opens via a clasp hidden under the gemstone.

intel-bracelet-4.jpg
6 of 8 Ben Fox Rubin

High-fashion meets tech

A number of other companies have worked to make wearable tech more fashionable, including Google, with its Glass digital headset developed with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.

intel-bracelet-5.jpg
7 of 8 Ben Fox Rubin

Up-close with the MICA

Intel's strategy with wearables has been to develop devices that look like everyday items but include some added tech features, as with its headphones that also track a user's heart rate.

intel-bracelet-3.jpg
8 of 8 Ben Fox Rubin

A hidden USB port

The MICA can charge wirelessly or via a USB port fitted within the bracelet.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos