Intex launches iRist watch at MWC Shanghai

Intex Technologies, the Indian handset-manufacturer, on Wednesday launched their own Android-based wearable smartwatch named 'iRist' at a price of Rs.11,999.

The new device, which will run on Android KitKat, will be one of the few devices that will have a SIM card facility, which means there will be extended support for voice calling features.

"The device can be operated without a SIM card and is compatible with any other Android smartphone," Keshav Bansal, director of Intex Technologies, said at the launch at the Mobile World Congress.

The iRist, which will come in three colours - black, orange and pink - has a 4GB ROM (1.3 GB usable) and a 32GB extendable memory which is rare in smartwatch category. iRist is packed with a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, a 512MB RAM unit and has an in-built PlayStore App.

"We are stepping into a new era of innovation with the launch of iRist. Today, through this platform, we have established our brand as a global dimensional entity that believes in bringing the best-in-class technology through its products," Bansal said.

"With the announcement of this new wearable by Intex, we are introducing a different category of products to our audience. We aim at taking home the advanced technology by our brand in order to familiarise the masses with the feature-rich products which add convenience to their lives," he added.

The device is supported by a 600 mAH battery and a 5-megapixel camera which is a first in the smartwatch segment. The camera will have face detection feature as well. The device will also come with a Bluetooth headset out of the box for answering calls and listening to music.

"We have always believed in improving the quality of life of people by empowering them with latest technological products at affordable price," Bansal said.

iRist also has a special feature - the voice assistant that can send emails, messages, dial numbers, open and close apps at the command of the user's voice. There is also a fully functional keyboard that further adds to the ease of use and is also a first in the smartwatch category.

The device, which has a sturdy and scratch-free Sapphire glass, sports a 240x240 resolution display that reproduces 16 million colours. The watch will also have a GPS navigation module and a pedometer to help the user track fitness.

Intex, which already has four manufacturing units, is also adding over 20 lakh square metres of space in Greater Noida to expand its operations.

Currently, the company has 10.7 percent market share in India and is the second most dominant domestic brand. The company is expected to do another smartphone launch on Thursday in partnership with Sailfish OS.

(Anirban Ghoshal can be contacted at anirban.g@ians.in)