Sony has released the new smartwatch, "wena 3," equipped with a transit IC card function like Suica, multiple electronic money functions, Amazon's Alexa, and activity logging capabilities that track steps, calories burned, and estimate maximum oxygen intake (VO2 Max). The lineup includes three band models with smartwatch functions integrated into the buckle, two head models designed by Shunji Yamanaka and Giugiaro, and three collaboration models that combine band and head units. The "wena 3" and its three collaboration models, along with the Shunji Yamanaka-designed head unit, will be available starting Friday, November 27, 2020. The Giugiaro-designed head units will be available starting Friday, March 12, 2021, on Sony's e-commerce site "First Flight," Sony Stores, and other retailers.

The "wena" series, launched in 2015 after achieving the highest crowdfunding amount in Japan at the time, was commercialized based on a concept developed by its originator/developer Teppei Tsushima since his student days, with general sales beginning in 2016.

The third generation, "wena 3," operates under the concept "Wear Freedom." All smartwatch functions are concentrated in the watch buckle, which is a mere 6.9mm at its thinnest point. This wearable device also features a large touch display for viewing notifications and performing swipe operations.

A key feature is its ability to transform your favorite or cherished watch into a smartwatch by integrating all functions into the buckle, allowing you to keep the original watch head.

In terms of functionality, it supports electronic payment services like Rakuten Edy, iD, and QUICPay™, as well as the transit IC card Suica, available from late November 2020. Simply by holding the buckle near a reader, you can use it for train and bus fares, as well as shopping payments.

The wena 3 app allows you to check your Suica balance and transaction history, with support for both iOS and Android versions. It also features the voice assistant Alexa; by pressing a button and speaking, you can check the weather or even turn on/off smart home devices. Furthermore, you can use it remotely to turn on your air conditioner, leveraging the capabilities of a mobile device.

Operations for various functions are easily accessible via the large touch display on the buckle. Swiping up, down, left, or right allows quick access to applications for notifications, schedules, weather forecasts, alarms, and more, enabling you to check essential daily information without taking out your smartphone.

In addition to steps and calories burned, it can track maximum oxygen intake (VO2 Max), analyze sleep patterns across four stages, monitor stress levels, and gauge energy reserves (Body Energy). The dual optical heart rate sensor on the wrist, combined with Sony's proprietary algorithm, facilitates easy daily activity tracking.

"wena 3" is compatible with the smart lock Qrio Lock for controlling your home's locks, and will also support the loss-prevention service MAMORIO Inside at a later date. You can easily lock and unlock Qrio Lock from "wena 3" without needing to take out your smartphone. In the event that "wena 3" is lost, its location can be tracked using the MAMORIO Inside function.

To suit various watch heads and personal preferences, three types of bands are available for this product. These include the "wena 3 metal" in silver and premium black, offering a premium watch aesthetic; the "wena 3 leather" in brown and premium black, providing a casual impression; and the "wena 3 rubber" for a sporty look. These are offered in a total of five variations. Additionally, the "wena 3" module (buckle part) will be available for corporate customers.

Furthermore, two head models designed to complement "wena 3" will also be released. These designs are by industrial designer Shunji Yamanaka and Italian automotive designer Fabrizio Giugiaro.

The "wena head designed by Shunji Yamanaka" features a distinctive design with three sub-dials embedded into the bezel, and a ring encircling them that is vapor-deposited on the underside of the glass, creating a unique three-dimensional structure. It incorporates four movements and is available in three finishes: a matte silver inspired by Tokyo, a mirror-finished silver evoking California's clear skies, and a black finish reflecting the formal and academic atmosphere of Oxford.

The model designed by Mr. Giugiaro features a structure that allows the head unit to rotate 30 degrees to the left and right, conceived for use in motorsports. This model is available in two finishes: silver and premium black.

Both models are manufactured in Japan by Kyowa Seiko, a company with extensive experience in producing high-end watches and possessing advanced technical and development capabilities.

Additionally, three collaboration models are available, featuring the "wena 3" buckle paired with an originally designed watch head. The "wena 3 -PROMASTER Edition-" is a collaboration with CITIZEN's professional sports watch brand, "PROMASTER." The watch head is based on a multi-function world time radio-controlled watch inspired by motorsports, with original "wena" design elements. It incorporates CITIZEN's proprietary Eco-Drive light-powered technology and a world time function for quick switching between 24 cities, combined with PROMASTER's metal bracelet.

The "wena 3 -BRIGHTZ Edition-" is a collaboration with SEIKO's "BRIGHTZ" brand, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. "BRIGHTZ" offers a new standard for globally-minded business professionals with a discerning sense for quality. This model utilizes BRIGHTZ's "World Time" solar radio-controlled watch, featuring dual-time display and a retrograde day-of-the-week indicator. The design incorporates subtle gold accents and a "LIMITED EDITION" inscription on the case back, paired with an elegant black leather strap unique to wena.

The "wena 3 -SEIKO Mechanical Edition-", a collaboration with SEIKO's mechanical watches, features an original design inspired by the popular Japanese "Seiko Divers" watch. This unique model merges the heritage design of Seiko Divers, which has supported numerous adventurers and explorers, with Sony's cutting-edge technology. A blue leather band, matching the accent color on the bezel, gives it a sporty impression.

This "wena 3" has received the Good Design Award. The judges commented: "This product answers the need for a smartwatch with the appeal of an analog watch. It's a novel concept that allows users to transform their favorite wristwatch into a smartwatch, enabling them to continue using cherished timepieces for longer. While smartwatch screens are typically on the front, this product takes a supporting role, housing all smart functions within the inner band. Furthermore, by breaking down corporate barriers and enabling B2B sales to other watch manufacturers, it has significantly expanded business opportunities within the watch industry, earning high praise."