Diesel to Launch New Line of Touchscreen Smartwatches

Smartwatches continue to evolve with each passing year. Characterized by functions going beyond more than just timekeeping, they live up to their namesake of being “smart” in multiple ways. A typical smartwatch, for instance, may feature Bluetooth connectivity, apps, games, a camera, etc. Furthermore, a new line of smartwatches being developed by Diesel is reported to feature a touchscreen interface.

Of course, this isn’t the first time that Diesel has released a smartwatch. In 2016, the company launched hybrid smartwatches as well as fitness trackers. However, this new line of smartwatches will feature a bold, moto-inspired design along with a fully functional touchscreen interface.

Dubbed the “Diesel On,” the new diesel smartwatches features seven customizable dial configurations, allowing users to customize their smartwatch in hundreds of different ways. And according to a press release by Diesel, the new smartwatches support unique dial effects for increased personalization, including the appearance of cracked glass when the user receives a notification or when the weather changes. These are just a few of the countless ways that users can customize their Diesel On smartwatch.

Not surprisingly, the new Diesel On smartwatches are compatible with Android smartphones and tablets, allowing users to connect their smartwatch to their smartphone. In addition, the new Diesel On smartwatches are also compatible with Apple iPhones and iPads. Whether Android or Apple, the Diesel On smartwatches will connect via Bluetooth connectivity. To connect the Diesel On smartwatch to a smartphone, however, you must download the Diesel app from the app marketplace.

Some of the features included in the Diesel On smartwatches include the following:

• Voice-controlled Google Assistant (e.g. speak commands to get directions, reminders, etc.).
• Track how many calories you’ve burned, speed, distance, and other fitness measurements.
• Stream music directly from your Diesel On smartwatch.
• Customizable straps with more than half a dozen options such as leather, silicone, denim or canvas.

“We worked on interpreting the smartwatch world with a Diesel attitude, adding technology to the classic watch to create a new, digital accessory,” said Andrea Rosso, creative director of Diesel Licenses. “The idea is to have many different watches in one to match the mood of every moment of the day—always with an ironic touch.”

We still don’t know, however, what type of touchscreen technology the new Diesel On smartwatches will use. It’s presumably either resistive or capacitive. Most smartphones, for instance, use capacitive touch-sensing technology, while resistive technology is often used in touch controls for machines.