Gemio’s smart friendship bracelets can recognize a ‘high five’

Gemio is now accepting preorders for its high-tech friendship bracelets, which represent the latest in connected wearable devices.

The smart jewelry combines self-expression with the ability to connect with friends in-person. It uses networking technology to connect people, lighting up when friends are nearby.

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Seattle-based Gemio has created interchangeable “Gemsets” that can be snapped on and off. The Gemsets are backlit by a palette of millions of colors of light and special effects. That lets you create a new look every time you wear them.

“We felt it was time to update the timeless tradition of friendship bracelets by using technology to add new layers of meaning and connection, while still preserving its personal and symbolic value,” said Michael Bettua, CEO and cofounder of Gemio, in a statement.

The social bracelet uses Bluetooth connectivity, an accelerometer and a gyro for motion detection, and light-emitting diodes (LED) to connect to a smartphone and then create connections between friends.

“Light is becoming an integral part of fashion design,” said Christy Saito, vice president of product and merchandising at Gemio, in a statement. “We have created the first wearable to bring it off the runway and onto people’s wrists.”

Gemio lights up when your friends are nearby, and plays a signature “light tone” (a personalized ringtone). You can also use the LEDs as a form of chat, by using light signals. It recognizes gestures (such as a ‘high five’) and allows users to assign light effects to them. You can wave hello, and Gemio can play a light show. Or, thanks to the motion detectors, you can twist your wrist to make the bracelet sparkle.

The bracelets can also do color and music matching. If you point the bracelet at a blue shirt, it will change the backlighting on the Gemset to match the color. You can wear it at a concert or party, and it will flash to the beat of the music.

You can control the appearance of Gemio and its functions from the bracelet or by using the MyGemio App. Gemio is available for pre-order at www.gogemio.com. Bracelets start at $80 and swappable Gemsets start at $20. The bracelets are expected to ship in the second quarter of 2016.

Gemio was founded in 2014. Its backers include Tricia Black, who was the first vice president of sales at Facebook.

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