Pop star Will.i.am launches Android-based Puls smartwatch

Device will be available exclusively through O2

Music and fashion man Will.i.am has entered the smartwatch market with a cuff-like device called the Puls.

The smartwatch does not need an extra piece of hardware, like an iPhone, which could put it ahead of the competition, not least of all because of its speed to market.

Will.i.am, who was previously made a creative at Intel, introduced the Puls at Salesforce's Dreamforce user and customer conference.

He showed off the hardware to an audience towards the close of the event, and stayed relatively quiet on technical specs.

A price has not been revealed but the Puls is expected to be in stores by the holiday season this year.

It is likely to come with pre-loaded social networking, regular smartphone features and the Android operating system.

The device offers 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, along with 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, a pedometer and an accelerometer.

Operator O2 has already told V3 that it will offer the Puls to customers on an exclusive basis.

"Music and technology are in O2's DNA, which is why we're so excited to be giving O2 customers the opportunity to exclusively get their hands on the Puls in the UK," said Nina Bibby, marketing and consumer director at O2.

"We're committed to bringing our customers the latest and most innovative devices and with Puls they will be able to explore a whole new level of connectedness.

"By combining cutting edge technology with music and fashion, the Puls has the power to revolutionise wearable technology."