Emporio Armani launches first smartwatch

Emporio Armani is making its debut into the world of wearable technology with the launch of a hybrid smartwatch collection.

The Italian fashion house is debuting the watches -- which will sync up to their owners' smartphones -- today.

"Today, technology decisively influences our daily lives," said the brand's founder Giorgio Armani, of his decision to jump on the connected wearables bandwagon. "There's an app for everything, and I find that in many cases they're inventions that actually improve our lives."

The watches will resemble the house's traditional timepieces, coming in a choice of rose gold tone, black, gunmetal, and stainless steel, featuring the Emporio Armani character on the face and offering either a three-piece link or leather strap. However, they will also offer various technological features, such as automatically changing time zones, activity and sleep tracking facilities, a camera, an alarm and the ability to control music playing on the corresponding smartphone, as well as notifications for calls and messages.

The hybrids are part of a wider Emporio Armani smartwatch project set to culminate in 2017.

The Emporio Armani Connected line of hybrid smartwatches is available in store and online at www.emporioarmaniconnected.com, priced between $245 - $395.