Intel closes wearables division but isn’t quitting the market yet

Intel's efforts in the wearables market took a hit after it closed the New Device Group.

Tech giant Intel's foray into the wearables market has taken a blow following its closure of the New Devices Group (NDG) wearables division, just months after announcing its Vaunt smart glasses. 

It confirmed the shutdown to The Verge, saying they were taking a disciplined approach as they invent and explore new technologies, sometimes making tough choices when market dynamics did not support further investment into a project. 

“Not all of these develop into a product we choose to take to market. The Superlight (the codename for Vaunt) project is a great example where Intel developed truly differentiated, consumer augmented reality glasses,” it said. 

Closure of NDG could also result in layoffs from the team of some 200 staff. 

In a later statement to Techcrunch, Intel denied it was exiting the wearables market. 

“Intel is in no way stepping back from the wearables business. In fact, we have several products in the works that we are very excited about, as well as prior launches that highlight our wearable technology such as the TAG Heuer Connected watch and recent Oakley Radar Pace smart eyewear,” it said.