In 1994, Timex and Microsoft launched a wristwatch computer, which preceded the Apple Watch by 30 years. At the time, watches were jewelry, not tech, and people didn’t understand why they needed a computer on their wrist. Unlike modern smartwatches there were was no ecosystem to support it including no smartphones, no internet, no cloud syncing, and no wireless data. It had limited functionality being able to only store small amounts of data as well as keep time, alarms, and schedules. It couldn’t communicate, update information automatically, or replace paper planners. It was also socially awkward to wear and required frequent battery changes. Overall it was too technical for consumers, too weak for professionals, and too expensive for a novelty.
