A watch, a pager & Internet messenger maker

Turning a watch into more than a time-telling piece seems to be a popular phenomenon these days.

Thanks to Timex (www.timex.com), the company has come up with the Internet Messenger that allows users to receive Internet e-mails, news, weather reports, sports scores and stock quotes on their watches.

Yahoo (www.yahoo.com) has joined the watchmaker with its Yahoo Alerts content and information.

“The Timex Internet Messenger isn’t just about bringing a lot of technology to the wrist, it’s about delivering real, useful innovations and features that makes everyday life a little easier,” said Jan Mladek, Timex Internet Messenger vice president of marketing.

She added that Yahoo adds the best of the Internet into the equation. Users can connect with other Web sites that offer mobile alert services. Wearers can configure their existing e-mail accounts to forward messages to the timepiece for anytime connectivity.

This wrist instrument technology is made possible by a partnership between Timex, Motorola (www.motorola.com) and SkyTel (www.mci.com). The same wireless technology that makes Web-to-wrist communications possible makes the Timex Internet Messenger watch a full-featured alphanumeric pager. It can receive and store up to 16 Internet e-mail, numeric or word messages. The wearer can choose both the speed and direction of the messages as they scroll across the watch’s display.

If you’re interested in purchasing the Ironman Triathlon sport watch that also serves as a mobile device, the watches are for sale at selected retailers and SkyTel outlets. They are available in three styles.

Samsung (www.samsung.com) is also dealing in watch wear. Its CDMA-based Watch Phone, currently a concept product, features a miniature duplexer and weighs 37 grams (48 grams with battery). Text-to-speech technology soon will be implemented, enabling audio access to SMS and e-mails.