The Latest in IT Security

Best known for making printers and other staid office equipment, Epson is this year entering a new field of consumer electronics with the introduction of its Pulsense fitness trackers. Joining the horde of wearable tech purveyors at CES, the Japanese company debuted the $199 Watch and $129 Band, and — in another break with tradition — directed anyone interested in pre-ordering them to a new web service called Prelaunch. The brainchild of former Fossil Tech VP Donald Brewer, Prelaunch wants to apply the winning formula that’s made Kickstarter such a success to the pre-order process employed by established brands. The popularity of Kickstarter and other crowdfunding websites is built on a sense of authentic human interaction between the buyer and seller.