Intel has announced a smartwatch of its own.   I’m Fred Fishkin with technology BootCamp, a report on gadgets and gear.   It’s called the BasisPeak, a two hundred dollar smartwatch with a focus on fitness.  The world’s biggest chipmaker acquired Basis Science six months ago.   That gave it a foothold in wearable technology with a band that could detect blood flow using light sensors.  The BasisPeak has improved sensors for that, will automatically detect whether a user is walking, running, cycling or sleeping and with an update down the road, will be able to display SMS notifications from smartphones as well.  About the competition with Apple, Intel General Manager of New Devices, Mike Bell, says….

“The fact that Apple introduced their watch I think is really great, it really has legitimized the space.  You know a couple weeks ago, people were asking me, will smart devices ever take off?   Overnight, the pundits are now saying of course they will and how long until everyone owns one.   Which is a much better conversation to have because I do believe there’s going to be a big market for these.”

The BasisPeak is due to arrive on Amazon and in Best Buy and REI stores in about a month.   You can find us at BootCamp.com.   I’m Fred Fishkin.