As more tech companies are announcing "smartwatches," Nissan is already jumping on the bandwagon. It says it will be the first automaker to create its own smartwatch that will add functions that let drivers keep tabs on their cars and do other things.

The announcement is further proof that smartwatches are likely to become the next tech craze, following tablet computers and smartphones. The watches pack onto your wrist most of the functions that can be performed with a smartphone. Samsung and Qualcomm have already unveiled smartwatches. Apple may follow, and Google is in the wings.

But the idea of a special-purpose device from a company like an automaker — rather than just another app for someone else's device — is new.

Nissan unveiled its "concept" for a smartwatch in conjunction with the big auto show in Frankfurt this week, and said it would be aimed at drivers of its Nismo performance line of cars.

So not only will drivers be able to monitor their average speed and fuel consumption from their watch, but they can use its heart-rate monitor and get other biometric data. The watch is, after all, strapped to your wrist, where a pulse is easy to gauge. Whether drivers were actually going to use driving data off their watch is yet to be seen, but the data also can be displayed on the dash screen. And the watch certainly works for making a splash and as a fun marketing gimmick.

The reason companies like Nissan, rather than just tech companies, are interested is because the watch also could lead to new revenue. Nissan can use it to remind drivers when to take their cars to dealerships, offer advertising announcements or other advantages of having their own smartphone network.

"Wearable technology is fast becoming the next big thing, and we want to take advantage of this innovative technology to make our Nismo brand more accessible," says Gareth Dunsmore, marketing spokesman for Nissan in Europe.

Oh, and the smartwatch actually does also tell you the time.

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