Gucci and will.i.am launch new 'smartband'

Gucci Timepieces and Will.i.am have joined forces on a new wearable "smartband" device, unveiled during the luxury watch salon Baselworld.

The fashion house enlisted the help of the musician in creating the device, which will feature the ability to make and receive phone calls, send text messages and emails, play music, monitor fitness and more, even providing users with a personal assistant activated by voice command.

The star commented: "i.am+ and Gucci Timepieces are setting the pace with our vision for a untethered wearable. In creating a device that is both fashionable and technologically advanced, we aim to define this category. I coined the term 'fashionology' ...a merging of the worlds of fashion and technology, and that is exactly what this collaboration with Gucci represents."

A retail price and launch date has yet to be announced.