Forget smartwatches, or other wearables like Google Glass, as an Indian startup by the name of Ducere Technologies is targeting an entirely different area of the body for "smart" functionality -- the foot.
Yes, the Lechal is a smart shoe or "interactive haptic footwear" which buzzes to give you feedback and directions on where you're going, among other functionality.
The shoes are hooked up to your phone (Lechal is compatible with iOS, Android and Windows Phone) and the Google Maps app via Bluetooth, and they then deliver directions from the app straight to your feet with haptic feedback. If you need to turn left on a street corner, your left shoe will buzz.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Ducere was founded by two Indian engineers, and is based in Secunderabad with 50 staff. Krispian Lawrence, one of the co-founders and CEO, commented: "The shoes are a natural extension of the human body. You will leave your house without your watch or wristband, but you will never leave your house without your shoes".
Well, not unless you're very drunk indeed...
The smart shoes can also record your path taken and distance traveled, and will be useful for joggers, being able to record the amount of calories burned just like a traditional fitness wristband.
From what's shown in the promotional video (below) you can also tag your location by stubbing your toe onto the ground.
The shoes were originally developed as a navigation aid for the visually impaired, before Lawrence realized there could be other applications for the smartwear in terms of the sighted.
You'll either be able to purchase the full Lechal shoes, or smart in-soles for your existing footwear (again, as shown in the video above), with the price expected to be pitched around the $100 to $150 mark.
Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.
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