Intel unveils the MICA fashion-conscious smart bracelet

Intel and Opening Ceremony have unveiled the MICA (My Intelligent Communication Accessory) smart bracelet.

Designed as a luxury fashion accessory, as well as a competitor to other wearable devices in the market, MICA aims to join together fashion and tech in a new way, with the concept and design worked on by both a fashion designer and the global technology company.

Intel first announced its intention to create a smart bracelet at the Las Vegas CES conference back in January, and the first details and images of the device have now emerged.

The MICA has a 1.6-inch sapphire-glass touchscreen and most of the features present in other smartwatches and wearable devices, such as SMS messaging, calendar integration and other notifications, with additional features set to be revealed soon. It also has wireless charging support and Intel XMM6321 3G connectivity.

Intel spokesperson Ellen Healy told PC World: "This bracelet is a fruition of our efforts and we've been making progress in wearables for about a year now.

"We aren't limiting ourselves to fitness or health or fashion there's going to be more to come from us in the coming months."

In a report on the future of wearable technology, Beecham Research pushed for a union between the fashion and technology industries, with image, branding and consumer needs high on their list of priorities.

Claire Duke-Wooley, fashion technology analyst at Beecham and co-author of the report, said: "There is a real difference between making technology wearable versus making technology products that are desirable and genuinely engage with consumers through good design practice.

"The market is still wide open for trail blazing products that deliver desire, image and perceived value," she added. "And it is greater knowledge share between technology and fashion industries that is the key to success."

Apple's much-anticipated iWatch is tipped to be unveiled on 9 September alongside its two new iPhones.

There is no specific release data for MICA yet, but Opening Ceremony and Intel have promised it will be available in select Barneys and Opening Ceremony stores across the US by the end of 2014.