Despite all the attention that Samsung received when it released its Galaxy Gear device at its Unpacked event on September 4th, it’s not the only smartwatch to debut at IFA. Qualcomm released its own wearable, the Toq, a 1.55” device running a 200MHz Cortex M3 processor, the same one found in Sony’s SmartWatch 2 and the Pebble. What sets the Toq apart from other smartwatches is the inclusion of a Qualcomm Mirasol display. Mirasol displays do not need backlighting, and are therefore relatively frugal users of battery power; Qualcomm says that it should be able to go for three days between charges. The Toq incorporates Qualcomm’s WiPower wireless charging technology, is waterproof, and unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Gear, is compatible with all Android phones running Android OS 4.0.3 or higher. At one level the Toq is best viewed as a proof of concept, highlighting a range of Qualcomm technologies that enhance the wearables experience. Strategy Analytics expects to see other manufacturers’ license Mirasol and WiPower technology for their own wearable offerings. The Toq is also a fully-fledged product as well, and will go on sale in Q4 2013 for around $299, the same price as Samsung’s Galaxy Gear device.

Strategy Analytics’ Wearable Device Ecosystem service provides in-depth coverage of wearables including smartwatches. Additional insights into the smartwatch market can be found in the report Global Smartwatch Sales Forecast by Region.