Smart watch with contactless payment. Smartwatches with NFC technology accessible to everyone
Wearable devices can do more than just show notifications, track physical activity, and display the time. An increasing number of them allow you to pay for shopping in shopping centers, purchases in grocery stores or bills in restaurants.
Agree, it’s very tempting to be able to not carry a wallet or credit cards with you, but instead simply bring your smart watch or fitness tracker closer to a contactless terminal to pay for purchases.
Considering that services Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, bPay and Google Wallet are gaining more and more momentum, terminals that support payments using wearable devices will appear in stores more and more often. This is also evidenced by the cooperation of the Mastercard payment system with Ringly smart jewelry and Nymi bracelets.
At this rate, the ability to pay using wearable devices will become more and more accessible and everyday, similar to payments using credit cards - plastic card terminals are now available in all supermarkets, boutiques, restaurants, etc.
Services such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet already allow you to link several accounts to one account at once. Instead of rummaging through a bunch of plastic cards, you just need to select a payment method on the device screen and bring it to the terminal.
Unfortunately, not all manufacturers have yet equipped their gadgets with this technology. We will look at the best wearable devices that support contactless payments and the features of their functionality.
Jawbone UP4
Jawbone is one of the strongest modern companies for the production of wearable devices. They compete staunchly with brands like Samsung and Apple, especially in the health tracking space. In addition to extensive fitness tracking functionality, Jawbone UP4 also allows you to make payments from your American Express account.
To use this feature, you must verify your American Express card in the Jawbone app on your smartphone. After this, you can pay for purchases at any place equipped with a contactless payment terminal. And these are not some highly specialized stores - the number of places that support this technology is growing every day.
Currently, Jawbone UP4 only supports contactless payments in the US.
Apple Watch
Apple needs no introduction. Their Apple Watch is one of the best wearables on the market.
However, you might not know that Apple Watch also supports contactless payment technology. This is done thanks to Apple service Pay, uniquely designed for this smartwatch. Apple Pay is currently only available in the US and UK.
To start using the technology, you need to link payment cards to your iPhone and confirm your identity. A special application on a smartphone allows you to manage payment methods.
Samsung Gear S2
Another leader in the wearables market, Samsung's smartwatches feature the exclusive Samsung Pay contactless payment service. For now it is only used in the Samsung Gear S2, but will most likely be supported as the Gear S3 approaches its release.
All variants of the Gear S2 are equipped with an NFC chip, whose many functions include the ability to make contactless payments. This technology works similarly to Apple Pay, but Samsung Pay is currently only compatible with Android smartphones.
Nymi Band
Nymi Band is a promising development by a Canadian startup. The bracelet is planned to be used for quick authentication of the wearer in various systems, including contactless payments. It is currently at the testing stage.
However, Nymi Band has a serious scope. The startup has secured the support of the international financial corporation MasterCard, which services plastic cards around the world. This means that Nymi Band can be used wherever there is a contactless MasterCard terminal.
It is also worth noting Nymi Band's unique and advanced approach to security. The bracelet will recognize the owner using biometric data, checking the heart rate pattern for authentication.
Release will begin in the US and UK in the near future. Then we will be able to look at the operation of the service and at the speed of emergence of points that support contactless payment technology and other systems using Nymi Band authentication.
You may not know, but Sony has its own crowdfunding platform in Japan called First Flight. And it was there that they announced Sony Wena.
What immediately catches your eye is that these smart watches are made in the traditional style of wrist chronometers, which already makes them unique from other “geeky” wearable devices.
Sony Wena has three main features: notifications using various vibrations and 7-color LEDs on the bracelet, physical activity tracking using the watch and iOS application, NFC chip for contactless payments using the Japanese payment system FeliCa.
Apparently, Sony intends to seriously gain a foothold in the wearable device market in Japan, in particular by supporting contactless payment technology through a popular payment standard in this country. However, you should not expect Sony Wena to enter the markets of other countries with this function in the near future, since developers will have to adapt the device for other payment systems, as well as compete with other companies.
Alibaba, a Chinese online commerce portal, and Chinese wearables brand FiiSmart have jointly developed Alibaba Pay Watch, a smartwatch for contactless payments.
Alibaba Pay Watch runs on the YunOS operating system, which is based on Android Wear. This means that they provide the rest of the smartwatch functions, although they focus on payments.
Alibaba's mobile payment system is used by about 900 million users. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the device will be in great demand in the Asian market. Also, both companies that created Alibaba Pay Watch plan to expand their influence in global markets.
Wearable devices with bPay support
Barclaycard (bPay) is a mobile payment standard similar to Apple Pay and Google Wallet. There are several different wearable devices that support the bPay service. It is likely that their list will be expanded in the future.
A special feature of Barclaycard is the ability to link a card from any bank to your account. Which, undoubtedly, is an advantage of this service, which allows you to unite users in a single contactless payment system.
Wearable devices are not just smart watches, bracelets and other items worn on the wrist, right?
A prime example is the Lyle & Scott bPay Jacket. This is nothing more than a stylish jacket with an NFC chip sewn into the sleeve. You just need to link the chip to your bPay account and make purchases with literally a wave of your hand.
The jacket retails for $229.00. You can buy it in the Lyle & Scott store in London, and in the online store. However, the bPay service currently only works in the UK.
bPay Band is a bracelet for making contactless payments; it has no other functions. And the purchase of such a device may well be justified, because in the UK more than 300 thousand retail outlets already support payments using bPay. The price of such a bracelet makes it affordable for those who just want to enjoy the delights of contactless payments without buying a smart watch for this.
bPay keychain, sticker and loop
Barclaycard is committed to providing a variety of wearable technology options that enable contactless payments. In addition to the bracelet, there is also a keychain with an NFC chip, a sticker for your phone and a special loop that can be put on the strap of your watch (including smartwatches that lack this technology).
The main idea is to provide every user with accessible, simple and convenient ways to make contactless payments.
All larger number smart gadgets can be used to pay for anything, be it paying utility bills or paying at grocery stores.
This was to be expected, especially since the heyday new era payment systems were to be expected given the growing popularity of wearable electronics.
It would be nice to be able to grab a cool drink or two after your morning run without having to carry your wallet around with you, wouldn't it? Imagine paying your gas or water bills using your fitness tracker or NFC-enabled smartwatch!
With platforms such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, bPay and Google Wallet gaining popularity, it is likely that this technology will be increasingly used in stores and markets.
Not to mention the fact that the large credit company MasterCard is now working closely with smart technology manufacturers Ringly and Nymi on the implementation of contactless payment chips in gadgets.
Soon, paying at the checkout using wearable devices will become commonplace.
This is an amazingly convenient way to pay for anything without having to search painfully for a long time in your wallet or purse to find the debit or bank card you need. credit card.
Most payment platforms like Apple and Google Wallet allow you to store multiple payment sources under one account, and you can switch between them easily with the click of a button.
The Best Top Wearables That Help You Pay Your Bills
Unfortunately, even the best smart devices don't come equipped with technology like contactless payments. How can you be sure that the device you buy will allow you to pay your purchases or bills?
That is why it was decided to compile a list of models of smart gadgets with the ability to pay bills and purchases.
Jawbone UP4
One of the best wearables for tracking fitness and activity levels is Jawbone. Jawbone fitness trackers can be compared to Fitbit and Apple devices and several other brands.
Jawbone UP4 came into the spotlight precisely because Jawbone UP3 was actively discussed in the blogosphere. Moreover, the criticism was ambiguous, although not without reason. In addition to the usual functions of tracking your activity level, you get the ability to pay from your American Express account.
You can view the Jawbone UP3 here:
In order to use the feature, you must first authenticate your American Express card account through the included Jawbone app, which is downloaded to your smartphone. Once you are verified, you can pay any bill at any retailer that accepts American Express.
Of course, wherever you plan to pay contactless, there should be proper equipment to facilitate contactless payments. But as this kind of technology becomes more popular, you'd be surprised how many places will accept contactless payments implemented through smartwatches or fitness trackers.
UP4 contactless payment support is currently only available in the US, but is planned to be rolled out to other countries in the future.
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch needs no introduction. Moreover, not a single device from the category of wearable electronics can compete with them on equal terms - they will always outweigh them in some way.
But you probably didn't know that Apple watches can accept contactless payments at some retail stores. And all thanks to the exclusive service under called Apple Pay, which is currently being actively implemented in the US and UK.
The system sends requests to iPhone and Apple Watch, which allow payments directly from the devices.
First, you add credit and debit card information to the app on your device using your phone, and then you have to verify your identity. You can also manage payment sources through your iPhone app.
Once you're ready, you can make a payment with a swipe of your wrist while wearing your Apple Watch. The watch screen displays a preview of the payment source you've selected, which will also show you whether your payment has been processed or declined.
All you have to do is set everything up once, and then pay your bills with peace of mind at participating retailers. And you don't even have to take out your wallet or rummage through your purse.
The list of stores that allow you to pay using Apple Pay is growing every day. There are now a huge variety of brands to choose from, including Best Buy, Disney, GameStop, McDonalds, Sports Authority, Staples, Subway and more. For a detailed list of participating stores, visit Apple's website.
Samsung Gear S2
Following Apple and Google, Samsung has introduced an exclusive contactless payment service, implemented on the best models of wearable electronics, called Samsung Pay.
Samsung Pay is supported on the Gear S2 line.
You can look at this model here:
All Gear S2 models include built-in NFC chips that can be used to make contactless payments - the same technology used in Apple watch and other smart gadgets.
This chip works similarly to other payment systems. You add payment sources through the app on your smartphone and then simply make payments from your watch. Currently, Samsung Pay is only available on select Android devices, with iOS support planned in the near future.
To take advantage of this service, simply select Samsung Gear S2 models that support contactless payment technology, in particular, the Gear S2 Classic.
Nymi Band
For the Nymi Band fitness bracelet to begin accepting payments in all retail stores. This is because the Canadian startup company that developed this device is currently testing this technology.
After all, Nymi Band was developed with the support of MasterCard, the main sponsor. This means that with Nymi Band you can pay your bills with the support of an NFC chip that allows you to make mobile payments using your MasterCard account.
In the near future, a pilot is launching in the US and UK, which means you'll soon be able to see how the service works as many retailers support contactless payment technology.
Moreover, Nymi Band has another very important function— biometric security system. The fitness bracelet measures your pulse, creates a picture of your heart rate, which allows the system to determine that you are the owner of this device. This way, your heartbeat will act as an authentication system.
This is amazing.
Sony Wena
Believe it or not, Sony has its own crowdfunding in Japan called First Flight. Sony FES smartwatches were one of the first to appear on this platform, and Sony Wena followed suit.
The first thing you will notice about Sony Wena watches is their visual splendor and style. In style, they are more reminiscent of a traditional watch than a smart gadget.
The Sony Wena watch line is focused on three main elements - vibration notifications and seven multi-colored LEDs; tracking your activity level and fitness achievements using an iOS app; and finally, the most important element is the NFC chip, which is designed to process mobile contactless payments through the FeliCa payment system.
Useful reading material:
It is the last function that will interest you the most. FeliCa is a popular payment system in Japan, similar to Barclaycard, which is actively used in the UK.
It's possible that Sony will soon move Wena to the States, but don't forget that this will require a lot of work with the mobile payment standards that are used for payments. But don't expect this to happen any time soon.
Alibaba Pay Watch
Alibaba, a well-known trading platform from China, teamed up with FiiSmart, a Chinese wearables manufacturer, to create Alibaba Pay Watch, a contactless mobile payment system.
Both of these Asian companies are looking to strengthen their positions in the US and UK in the near future, so it is possible that these watches will soon be available in the US. In the meantime, this is nothing more than a pipe dream.
But it is worth discussing.
Alibaba Pay Watch supports customized Android version called Yunos or YunOS, which allows you to do a bunch of “smart” things.
Alibaba Pay Watch with 1.63-inch AMOLED Display, Dual-Core CPU (video):
Alibaba's mobile payment system is estimated to have more than 900 million users. So, this thing will certainly be very popular among those in the know.
The best models of wearable devices with bPay support
Barclaycard or bPay is a mobile standard, similar to those used by Apple or Google, that was created to standardize mobile payments. Because of this, there are several different wearable devices that take advantage of bPay's mobile payment services.
Additionally, it is likely that we will see many more wearable devices supporting this technology in the near future.
Lyle & Scott bPay Jacket
When you think of wearables, chances are the first thing that comes to mind is either a smartwatch or a fitness tracker. However, not all of the best wearable technology is designed to be worn on the wrist.
Take the Lyle & Scott bPay Jacket for example. This is nothing more than a stylish jacket with an NFC chip built into the right sleeve. You can link this chip to your bPay account and pay for goods or services by swiping your right hand over the payment system device.
Jonathan Briggs, innovation project manager at Lyle & Scott, explains what inspired him and his company to create a contactless payment jacket.
“We are proud to partner with bPay and be able to launch the world's first contactless payment-enabled trigger. The jacket can be used to pay at any contactless terminal for transactions up to £30.”
The jacket costs about $150, and for now it can only be purchased at the company store, which is located on Carnaby Street in London, or you can order it through the online store.
bPay Band
One interesting fact you might not know about Barclays bPay technology is that you can register a debit or credit card with any bank to use the service. You don't have to be a Barclaycard customer to take full advantage of the technology.
This information will be especially useful to you if you purchase the bPay Band as a bracelet for making contactless mobile payments.
Given that bPay is primarily a UK service, it is logical to assume that there are around 300,000 retailers in the UK that accept payments through it. It is not so popular in the USA, but has every chance of conquering the overseas market.
So if you're looking for a more versatile smartwatch, there are other models to consider. However, if you want a great fitness bracelet option for making contactless payments without all the bells and whistles, take a look at the bPay Band. This payment system will not reach Russia soon, but if you often visit Foggy Albion, it might be worth purchasing this gadget for yourself (or at least for your collection!).
bPay Fob and bPay Sticker
We can’t help but mention two more amazing bPay-enabled devices that allow you to make contactless payments: a key fob and a universal sticker.
Ultimately, the key fob can be attached to a key ring and used as a payment key. The sticker can also be stuck anywhere and used as a universal means of payment.
There are many ways to use these contactless payment tools. For example, you could put a sticker on your hat. And then, when you need to pay for something, all you have to do is take off your hat and swipe it across the terminal. If the idea of putting a sticker on a hat seems silly, you can come up with something more original.
The point is, you can use these tools to create your own brand that mimics even some of the very best wearable tech on this list—at least when it comes to mobile payments.
Widget from SocialMart Thank you for liking the site! Be a happy, sporty and active person always! Write what you think about this, what gadgets do you use and why?Choosing an Android Wear watch is in many ways similar to choosing a regular one. wristwatch. Unlike your phone, which mostly lives in your pocket, an always-on smartwatch should match your personal style, and in this case appearance may be much more important than technical characteristics.
Google does not allow Android Wear smartwatch makers to rebuild the operating system to a greater extent, rather than adding multiple apps and design styles, so that you essentially get the same operating system on all watches. Everyone's smart Android watch Wear shows the time, tracks your physical activity, receives notifications and reminders using the same navigation and interface, and finally, they are all compatible with absolutely any smartphone.
But there are still differences. Some smartwatches are initially more aimed at athletes. Others are designed to be as phone-independent as possible. And, of course, there are watches with maximum emphasis on a stylish look.
Unlike other buying guides, we didn't single out a single "winner" in our review. There are too many factors to consider to dare recommend a single model for everyone, so we've broken down our selection into several options depending on your motivation for purchasing.
The most stylish Android Wear smartwatches
Over the past, probably, a couple of years, Huawei Watch remains the most beautiful and stylish wristwatch Android watch that you can only buy. While modern Android market Wear 2 watches are full of massive, bulky watches designed for powerful wrists, Huawei Watch looks sophisticated and elegant. Their sleek design pairs convincingly with any outfit.
At 42mm in diameter, with a 1.4-inch screen across, the Huawei Watch can still be a little large for some wrists (and the festively decorated women's version is even larger, at 44mm). But their slim body significantly contributes to visual reduction in size. You can replace the metal bracelet with any 18mm watch strap. Plus, this watch is light and comfortable enough to wear on your wrist while jogging or taking a long walk.
Of course, you shouldn't expect the latest technical developments from Huawei Watch, and the Android Pay system is not available to you, since there is no NFC chip. However, you will get a decent battery and heart monitor. In addition, with the Android Wear 2.0 update, your Huawei Watch will catch up with the modern times, gaining the Google Assistant voice assistant, the Google Fit application and the ability to use the Play Store.
So, if looking stylish is your top priority, you're better off sticking with the first generation of Android Wear watches, at least for now. Sure, the LG Watch Style is a nice-looking watch with Android Wear 2.0, but it doesn't have the same NFC chip or even a heart rate monitor, so it's hardly worth taking seriously. We believe that for most people interested in good design, the original Huawei Watch will be more suitable.
The most budget-friendly Android Wear watches
Majority Android smart watch Wear are priced between $250 and $300, and the ability to use mobile communications with them pushes the price above $350. However, the manufacturers of ZTE Quartz managed to not only develop a well-equipped Android Wear 2.0 watch for less than $200 (more precisely, $192), but also equip it with a 3G chip. Even if you never use them for mobile communications, you won't find an Android Wear 2.0 watch cheaper than these.
Like many Android Wear 2.0 watches, the ZTE Quartz smartwatch is quite large, but its body isn't as bulky as many of its rivals. Their metal body belies the low price, and the quality of the speaker for listening to music and taking phone calls is a pleasant surprise. Quartz watches only have a 3G chip, not LTE, but you won’t notice much of a difference in the quality of telephone service or application speed.
ZTE Quartz still has several noticeable disadvantages. The most significant is the difficulties that you will have to face in order to acquire them. Also, you will have to sacrifice the Android Pay feature as there is no NFC chip in this watch. You also won't find a heart rate monitor in them. However, if none of these problems stop you, you won't find a better deal on an Android Wear 2.0 watch.
The best Android Wear watches for fitness
Every Android Wear 2.0 watch comes native with Google app Fit is for counting steps taken and calories eaten, but not all of them are so focused on sports. Well, put aside your fears, Huawei Watch 2 is entirely tailored for amateurs active image life.
In addition to a heart rate monitor, GPS and NFC, Huawei has packed its Android Wear 2.0 watch with unique fitness apps. Heart Rate- a special application for cardiac monitoring - will show not only your current heart rate, but also all its indicators over the past six hours. The Daily Tracking app organizes your activity data into a series of easy-to-use graphs, while the Workout app lets you create a comprehensive workout plan that includes tracking a wide variety of data.
The coolest feature of the Huawei Watch 2 is not directly related to sports, but it will come in very handy on long walking routes: it is a special battery saving mode that turns off almost all functions of the smart watch, leaving only the time display and, if necessary, the pedometer working. In fact, you can last a good few days on this mode, so if you forget to charge on a long trip, your watch will not immediately turn into a useless brick.
Putting all these advantages together, you get best hours Android Wear for active people. Whether you enjoy running, biking, long walks in nature, or playing basketball, an electronic personal trainer fits comfortably and usefully on your wrist.
The best phone-independent Android Wear watches
Android watches will never be as “smart” as our phones, but they have already reached the point where they can still replace the phone for quite a long time. And if you'd rather leave your device at home without having to worry about missed calls and messages, LG Watch Sport will become your best companion.
The LG Watch Sport is great for keeping you connected even when you don't feel like taking your phone with you. You can answer and make calls yourself, receive and send messages on the go, and a wide selection of sensors and applications will allow you to track your physical activity, choose directions, buy different things - in general, it will help you spend some time without getting bored at all on your phone.
The LG Watch Sport is the coolest smartwatch at the moment, chock-full of all sorts of bells and whistles: here you have LTE, GPS, NFC, a heart rate monitor, and even IP68 water resistance. And, like other “colleagues” of Android Wear 2.0, these watches are quite massive, so those with fragile wrists may have to wait for smaller LTE Android Wear 2.0 watches to appear on the market.
If you're happy with its size, the LG Watch Sport will significantly reduce your dependence on your phone. With this watch on your wrist, you won't have to die in horror if you forgot your phone at home during a long trip.
How to choose a smartwatch on Android Wear
Before you buy any Android Wear smartwatch, it's worth answering a few useful questions. While speed and memory may not factor into your decision, there are still a few factors to consider before you settle on a specific model.
Are you planning to use your smartwatch without your phone?
If you are looking for complete independence from your smartphone, you need to buy a watch with LTE, which immediately narrows your choice quite significantly. Here are the most interesting models with mobile communications available today:
- LG G Watch Urbane Second Edition (LTE)
- LG Watch Sport (LTE)
- Huawei Watch 2 (LTE)
- ZTE Quartz (3G)
Unfortunately, smart watches do not support all mobile communication standards accepted in different countries. Some will only be able to work in the USA, and not with every operator, while others, on the contrary, will not work there. You need to carefully study the characteristics of the phone and the offers of your mobile operator to find out which smartwatches you can use in your country and with your operator and under what conditions.
Are you planning to use Android Pay?
If you want to use a smartwatch to pay for purchases in stores, you can't do without a built-in NFC chip. This crosses the entire first generation of Android Wear watches off our lists, with the exception of the LG G Watch Urbane Second Edition. Among Android Wear 2.0 watches, NFC is missing from the LG Watch Style and ZTE Quartz, most of the fashion models from Fossil and others. And, by the way, despite the fact that the Wear 24 watch has an NFC chip installed, Android Pay is not yet supported in them. So the selection of watches with Android Pay now looks like this:
- LG G Watch Urbane Second Edition
- LG Watch Sport
- Huawei Watch 2
- Huawei Watch 2 Classic
- Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45
It's also worth keeping in mind that prices for the Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45 start at $1,650, so it's not an option for every budget. Still, I would like to hope that NFC will soon be standard for any Android Wear smartwatch.
Prefer to track your heart rate?
Many smartwatch models come with a heart rate monitor, and here is a list of the best ones:
- Huawei Watch
- Huawei Watch 2
- LG Watch Urbane Second Edition
- LG Watch R
- LG Watch Sport
- Moto 360 (Second Gen)
- Moto 360 Sport
- New Balance RunIQ
- Polar M600
The main thing about Android Wear 2.0
What is Android Wear 2.0?
Version 2.0 is the general version of Android Wear from Google, introducing a lot of interface and firmware changes to the operating system for smart watches. After several delays, it was released in February 2017, and since then it has been slowly making its way to older watches. Below we'll discuss all the new Android Wear options.
What watches are produced with it?
Any smartwatch released after February 8, 2017 comes pre-installed with the Android Wear 2.0 update. Some of them are on sale. We've shared some of our favorites here. You can also check which devices support Android Wear 2.0 on Google's Android Wear site.
Which watches from the first generation will receive this update?
Here is a fairly large list of smart watches to be installed Android updates Wear 2.0, with the exception of LG Watch Urbane Second Edition and Moto 360 Sport, on which this update is already installed.
- Asus ZenWatch 2
- Asus ZenWatch 3
- Casio WSD-F10 Smart Outdoor Watch
- Fossil Q Founder
- Fossil Q Marshal
- Fossil Q Wander
- Huawei Watch
- LG Watch R
- LG Watch Urbane
- LG Watch Urbane Second Edition LTE
- Michael Kors Access Bradshaw
- Michael Kors Access Dylan
- Moto 360 (Second Generation)
- Moto 360 Sport
- New Balance RunIQ
- Nixon Mission
- Polar M600
- Tag Heuer Connected
How can I update my old watch?
Slide your finger down from the top edge of the screen and tap the Settings icon. Scroll down to About and select System Updates. If an update is already available, follow the prompts. Then give the watch time to download and install the firmware.
Will they work with my iPhone?
Yes! One of the new ones Android capabilities Wear 2.0 brings better iPhone compatibility, so crooked-faced haters have a whole new world of possibilities. You'll need an iPhone 5 or later, with iOS 9 or newer installed - and, of course, you need Google account. Please note: iPhone users will not be able to take advantage of all Android features Wear. The main losses are Android not working Pay (even on those equipped with a chip NFC watch) and read-only access to Apple Messages.
Will this smart watch work with my Samsung smartphone?
They get along great! Although Samsung abandoned working with Android Wear a few years ago in favor of using Tizen OS on the company’s own smartwatches, any watch on Android Wear will work perfectly well with the Galaxy S8 or any other Samsung smartphone.
Android Wear 2.0 features
New interface
In the second edition of Android Wear, Google developers have successfully modernized and simplified many things, and now this system seems much more mature. The most noticeable is the new circular interface for selecting applications, which makes it much more convenient to both select them and scroll through long lists. Notifications are now just a finger swipe away, and it's just as easy to change personal screens with the same swipe of a finger - instead of the previous tedious journey into settings.
Screen personalization
Your smartwatch display is like your home screen, and with Android Wear 2.0, Google has taken personalization even better. It has become easier not only to install new screens - just swipe left on the current screen, and then up to “Add more watch faces” to expand your collection of screens - now you can complete them with third-party add-ons to your taste. You just need to long press on the current screen to start editing it, or slide your finger to the left and tap the gear icon at the bottom to enter the personalization menu. After this, you need to open the “Data” section, there you can see which function icons can be added to your personal screen.
Smartwatch Play Store
Version Android Wear 2.0 is all about making your smartwatch independent from your smartphone, and this is further facilitated by communication with the Play Store. Open your list of applications, scroll to the Play Store - you can now buy, download and install all the applications available for Android Wear 2.0 on your smartwatch. And if you have an LTE model, you will be able to do this any time such a thought comes to you.
New fitness options
Android Wear 2.0 brings a pair of new fitness apps, Google Fit and Fit Workout. Google Fit lets you set your goals, track your steps and calories burned and, if your smartwatch has a sensor, monitors your heart rate. The Fit Workout app understands the specifics of your current physical activity, understanding exactly what you're doing - walking, running, cycling - to better refine your exercise gains. A cheat sheet for abdominal exercises and push-ups will teach you how to do them correctly (using small pictures on the display of your watch). And the Strength Training option, automatically turned on on most watches, will calculate and describe the results of your strength training.
Google Assistant voice assistant
Smart watch Android Wear has been equipped with voice control since day one, but Android Wear 2.0 will bring significantly more skilled and useful voice control to your wrist. Google Assistant Assistant. To call it, just say “Okay, Google!” or press the power button for a couple of seconds. You can then ask questions, send messages, launch and close applications - in general, control your smartwatch using your voice in exactly the same way as you would with a smartphone.
Android Pay e-wallet
Also, Android Wear 2.0, through the introduction of Android Pay, gives you the ability to pay in stores with just a casual flick of your wrist. Of course, for this you need a smartwatch with an NFC chip. If you have it, enter your payment card details in Android app Pay. Now you just need to bring your watch to the payment terminal at the checkout - and the purchase will be paid for, even if your phone is left at home.
Hi. Today I am sharing my impressions of buying a smart watch. We are already familiar with this manufacturer, I bought their bracelet for me, and so far it has been a pleasure to use it. A new watch was ordered as a gift for a 12 year old boy. Looking ahead, I’ll boast that the watch is excellent, with standard functionality for a smartwatch. And remarkable NFC function(pleasant first acquaintance). Everything seems to be good, but I have two feelings about the strap: it’s great that it’s removable, because this manufacturer in earlier models it did not provide such an opportunity, but there is also disappointment: in this model the bracelet is just as unsuccessful, in my opinion, as it is ideal, for example, in no.1 f1. This concerns the rigidity of the material; leather is very hard. And I really wanted everything “out of the box” to be perfect. However, online shopping often does not live up to expectations.
But first things first.
Specifications
Additional information
Packaging and accessories
Nothing special: small mailing envelope -> branded box -> sponge holder.
![](https://i0.wp.com/img.mysku-st.ru/uploads/images/05/76/09/2017/04/01/5cb219.jpg)
![](https://i2.wp.com/img.mysku-st.ru/uploads/images/05/76/09/2017/04/01/c33252.jpg)
Included:
- Watch
- USB to micro USB charging cable
- The instructions are multilingual, there is no Russian language
![](https://i0.wp.com/img.mysku-st.ru/uploads/images/05/76/09/2017/04/01/78ef07.jpg)
First impressions
We waited for the parcel quite calmly: we ordered it long before the festive event. We are familiar with the company, the reviews are good, the model is, however, new, untested. Don’t be surprised, the only reason we ordered this model, and not one of those already reviewed, is that our dad is a lover of technical innovations (as far as the budget allows), he is aware of all electronic innovations, his smartphones are not delayed, home devices and gadgets are updated. Therefore, when the choice of watches for a gift came up, he unequivocally said: “You need to take a new one - it’s interesting to touch it.” Regarding my requests to wait, he sharply replied that the company was proven, everything would be fine. I had to agree.
So, the watch is pleasant in appearance, light, with a medium-sized dial, perfect for men or teenagers with medium-sized hands.
I like the packaging, the box is cheerful and looks like a gift.
Paired with the smartphone instantly.
Appearance
The watch doesn't seem big. They are compact. Nothing extra, calm classic design. The case size is average. They are not tall, look great from the side, and do not stick out. Good sizes to wear with a shirt.
The body is metal, painted, matte black and gray. Case diameter – 44mm, screen diameter – 31mm.
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On the left side of the case there is a microphone hole and a micro USB connector for charging, hidden under a silicone plug. The plug opens terribly awkwardly.
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On the right are 2 buttons: the top one performs the functions of turning on and starting the heart rate monitor, the bottom one performs on/off functions.
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From the inside: a cover that is attached to the body with 4 bolts, a speaker, a heart rate sensor and glass (on the rim with a description of the main functions: heart rate monitor, pedometer, support for bluetooth calls, an indication that this is still a smart watch, performance monitoring health, data synchronization).
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Strap
The manufacturer advertises the watch as a luxury watch: well, what is luxury without a leather strap? I will not undertake to refute whether it is leather, but there is definitely a slight smell of a leather product. All the ends are processed and painted, but if you are curious, you can take a closer look at the cuts in the holes of the strap: there is no fraying, no layers of gluing materials are visible. The strap is quite hard, “standing up”, I don’t like those, I like it when the strap is soft and seemingly imperceptible. White stitching - tear your eyes out, not for everyone. I think that the watch case itself is interesting: buttons, carvings around the circumference (does not rotate), and the dial can be installed stylishly, and there was no need to hang this old-fashioned design here with white thread stitching. This is my personal opinion, and this concerns the black-white combination.
Length (case + strap) – 247mm.
In progress
Long pressing the bottom button turns the watch on/off with vibration and sound signal, we are greeted by the inscription “No.1”, and later the dial appears. If they have previously been paired with a Bluetooth device, then a list of previously connected devices opens; if there are no visible Bluetooth devices, they write: “There is no connection.”
The watch runs its own operating system, which affects the limited list of applications that can be installed.
The controls are touch-sensitive, we move through the menu in the usual mode for such watches: right/left: go to menu items, up/down – return to the dial.
Let's look through the menu, there are only 6 pages with functions:
1. Fitness functions
- Pedometer. When you log in, the following indicators appear on the screen: Goal; Lost kcal; Number of steps taken; Distance traveled. Standard: information about past measurements in the journal; personal settings. The pedometer works in background constantly.
- The heart rate monitor works plausibly. When measuring pulse on a tonometer and a watch, the difference is up to 5 beats per minute.
- Sleep monitoring: night, day.
- Warm-up reminder
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2. Service functions
- Vibration (can be run for testing)
- Alarm about the loss of a Bluetooth partner
- Energy saving (starting economy mode)
- Change the dial. There are 5 watch faces stored in the watch’s memory, the list of which can be accessed by long pressing on the screen. But you can install additional dials. To do this, you need to go to the application page by reading the QR code from the watch screen (menu item " ") mobile device, having downloaded the FunDo SmartDevice application in advance by reading the next QR code from the “App” menu item. We are interested in watch faces with vxp resolution. We download everything we like, after which we need to write the necessary files into the program folder (appmanager folder). Next, we need to launch the FunDo SmartDevice program again, and there we will see new dials. Everything is quite simple.
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However, the built-in memory is very small (maybe the memory allocated for this application has not been sorted out), so when I tried to record more screens, the watch gave an error. But I didn’t find information about the built-in memory of the watch in the technical description :(
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3. Call and SMS function panel
- Dial a number. You can make a call from a smartwatch when a device with a SIM card is paired to it. The numbers for dialing are large and convenient to dial. Excellent audibility during a call from both interlocutors.
- SMS
- Contacts
- Call log of the connected device
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4. Multimedia functions panel
- BT (4.0 support). Pairing happens, well, very quickly. In memory – a list of previously connected devices
- BT camera, captures frame from a smartphone
- Audio player control – the built-in player allows you to control the music being played only from a mobile device
- Notifications – the ability to receive information about missed messages and notifications from various applications (the list of applications is selected when using a specialized FunDo mundo). There is a “new notification” on the screen, but without indicating the name of the messenger. When viewing or viewing in the log, the notification data indicates the source, but, unfortunately, the text of the messages cannot be viewed.
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5. Various settings menu: QR code for downloading the application, settings (BT settings, clock menu, sound, volume, language and a little more), gestures and themes.
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6. Among the functionality of the watch You can note the presence of a calendar, alarm clock, calculator, stopwatch.
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+ in the header of the screen of the installed dial there are icons: bluetooth (lights blue if the connection is established), charge indicator.
The names of menu items are not displayed in their entirety on the screen. When you go to a specific section, the name of the running section is presented in the form of a creeping line.
If the screen goes dark, when you turn on the screen, it displays information that says “it’s your own fault.”
Speaking in general about the Russification of the interface, a double feeling is created: the translation is generally good, but sometimes shortcomings slip through.
And speaking in general about the screen response to touches, something needs to be done with the reaction; sometimes it starts the second time.
So, the basic functions work well, and they are more than enough for a child’s first smartwatch. And also, I made this a separate point, I really like this function in smartwatches: when you turn your hand, the screen is automatically activated. And this watch gets an extra plus from me for this (the “gesture settings” menu).
And now about the main thing. Of all the features of this watch, NFC is the only one that has aroused great interest.
C NFC I have to figure it out for the first time.
Reference
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a high-quality technology wireless communication with a short range (no more than 10 centimeters), which allows contactless data exchange between a pair of devices located nearby.
Goal: You can, for example, turn your phone into a virtual bank card, use it as a pass to a swimming pool or business, quickly exchange files and links, and even, using special applications, read and write information to programmable NFC tags or NFC smart cards.
Why do you need NFC if you already have Bluetooth?
Firstly, due to its large range, BT is in the red (there is a possibility of interception of your payment data). And secondly - the connection between the two NFC devices, unlike Bluetooth, occurs almost instantly.
There is no NFC item in the watch menu at all.
So, let's check how it works... no, not like that, let's figure out whether it works at all.
It worked like this: Play Store Using a search and at random, I found and downloaded programs (such that the word NFC was present in the name) - NFC Tasks, NFC Tools. Did you look closely at the screen? And there will be no continuation... in the applications everything is available in Russian. I’d rather add a few screenshots: I was surprised myself, having rummaged through the settings and menu items, what you can do with this very NFC.
I didn’t delve deeply, but for the sake of the test I launched the simplest thing: when the smartphone contacts the watch, the smartphone calls the subscriber specified in the settings. Let me clarify:
- the contact is very close (you almost spend hours on back cover smartphone);
- “if NFC worked and was recognized” or “if it worked and was not recognized” - a sound signal is given from the smartphone;
- BT is disabled at this time.
Checked: the call is coming!
Great. The function of the future is already in this watch. Great.
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Charger
I like this charging method via a USB connector. There are watches in the house that are magnetically charged, and there is always the worry that someone will touch the cable, and the next morning the watch will remain hungry.
I tested the watch all day, but now I’ll seal it “as it was”, as a gift after all. I can say that with intensive use with Bluetooth connected and the smartphone not shutting down from notifications and calls, with fitness functions running periodically, an attempt to establish a connection via NFC and downloading dials, the charge lasted for a day and a little more. Later, I periodically turned on the “vibrate” mode in order to specifically drain the battery for a battery test. The results were not encouraging; out of the declared 380, they only contained 197 mAh. A bit weak. And it's a shame.
Charging time for the watch is approximately 40 minutes.
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Display
The screen resolution is small, 240*240 pixels. For this reason, small elements on some tested dials are difficult to read or cannot be read at all. But the dials, which do not have small details, look very decent. Viewing angles are good. In bright daylight, the information on the screen is readable.
Fitting
on my hand
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Conclusions
The manufacturer positions the watch as a luxury business series watch: metal case + leather strap + functionality. Yes, in my opinion, it’s a stylish classic watch (we’ll omit the luxury) with standard functionality for smartwatches + of course, an unexpected working bonus, NFC.
I don’t think it’s worth hinting that this is clearly a male series. I think this watch is interesting as a gift for a young man or guy. And I think we were not mistaken in choosing a gift for a teenager: he will be interested in delving into them: monitoring his daily routine, health, calculator, alarm clock, AntiLost, and even changing dials is worth it... It’s convenient that they interface with a smartphone, during classes, for example , you can silently receive notifications and cancel calls; while driving (for drivers), on the contrary, answer the call. It would be nice to have a more powerful battery (or at least put the promised 380mAh in them), because teenagers often forget to charge their devices. AND internal memory It would be more voluminous for those same dials. Russification is not bad. There are no complaints about the packaging, it corresponds to a gift.
Overall, Justified! yes, their most... expectations. It was interesting to feel the very “function of the future” in the watch, and at the same time I checked the performance of my smartphone. In a word, I think the child will be happy and satisfied with the gift, all that remains is to explain to his child that he already has a smartwatch;), damn, but there is no such feature.
Advantages:
- yes, there is NFC
- support from Android systems and iOS
- pairing with a mobile device and acting as a companion
- USB charging
- Anti-Lost function.
- medium-sized screen with good viewing angles
- readable information on the screen in bright daylight
- ability to change watch faces
- possibility of changing the strap
- high-quality execution
- yes, in my opinion, this is an advantage - the case is round (since it called itself a watch, have a classic appearance);
- and don’t argue, the price is reasonable
Flaws:
- own OS
- the declared battery capacity does not correspond to the real one, unfortunately
- low memory (tested on watch faces)
- I can’t claim that the material of the strap is leather, I just didn’t like that it was hard
- the plug in the charge connector is terribly inconvenient to open
- there is no way to connect a flash card, although I understand that this would affect the price
P.S.: professionals and just amateurs, don’t scold me for the terminology and maybe the incompleteness of the women’s review, I tried
Progress brings not only smart technologies, but also concepts associated with them. Terminology is not always clear to the audience. Today's review relates to one of the proposed features in smartwatches. Smart watches with NFC in the article.
What is NFC
Manufacturers offer many gadgets with this function. Initially it was only in smartphones, and then smoothly moved to more mobile watches. Initially, the development belonged to three technology giants: Nokia, Samsung and Philips. It was planned to develop an interface that would trigger when two devices were close to each other.
NFC – short-range contactless communication within one information field. The technology allows data to be transmitted over short distances.
Peculiarities
Performs three functions:
- The watch functions as a plastic card;
- The tags are read (as is the case with interactive advertising);
- Bluetooth data transfer function.
Where is it used?
Spheres for payment
- Pay for purchases in the store
- Book a ticket or hotel room
- Pay for parking and even public transport.
All you need to do for this is to bring the watch to the payment terminal and wait until the operation takes place. The owner will then receive a success notification. From the user's point of view, this is very convenient, since no password is required.
Requirements
- Android pay app;
- An active account, possibly from Google;
- Binding bank card, from which payment for services will be made;
What is the difference between NFC and Bluetooth?
What is smart about the technology that distinguishes it from the bluetooth that many are used to? In fact, the differences are dramatic. Bluetooth is designed to communicate from one device to another. This is where its functionality is limited. The connection speed using NFC technology is 0.1 seconds.
Read also:
Apple Watch Sport 38mm: review and customer reviews
D7 smartwatch: consumer-oriented functionality
Chinese company No.1 launched into the smart market new model smart gadgets - watch No.1 D7. The model has a round touch display with a diagonal of 1.3 inches. The body of the device is made of metal.
Technological characteristics:
- Operating system: Google. Android4. – simple, used in budget smartphones, does not require a lot of energy resources, which prolongs operation.
- RAM capacity: 1 GB;
- Flash memory capacity: 8GB;
- Battery capacity 500 MA;
- Interface support: wireless connection, Bluetooth, NFC;
- Synchronization with smartphone;
What they can do:
- Smart watch D7 is equipped with all standard smartphone applications: alarm clock, stopwatch, timer, calendar, gallery, etc.
- Sleep monitoring;
- Motion sensor;
- Heart rate measurement;
- Reception and transmission of SMS messages;
- Weather notifications;
- Voice control.
Sony 3s WR50
Although these watches can hardly be classified as budget watches, they are quite interesting for electronics lovers. The body is made of plastic. The peculiarity is that the device can work autonomously from a smartphone if it is forgotten at home or is dead. Display rectangular shape It looks stylish, does not stick out, and is complemented by a beautiful strap. The device runs on Android wear, analyzes the current situation and the user’s route, gives useful recommendations, displays useful information. The owner of such a gadget will never miss anything interesting.
Let's take a closer look at the technical side:
- Control: touch and voice input;
- Processor: ARM -47. Clock frequency: 1.2 GHz, number of cores: 4.
- RAM capacity: 512 MB;
- GPS navigation;
- NFC function;
- Battery capacity: 420 MA.
- Screen diagonal: 1.6 inches;
- Detachable strap.
- The device is equipped with a built-in microphone.
Read also:
What they can do:
- The watch includes a gyroscope;
- Motion sensor;
- Compass;
- Light sensor.
- Physical activity tracking;
- General monitoring of the body's condition;
- Player;
- Building routes;
- Synchronization with a smartphone via the LifeLog application;
The cost of smart watches is on average 12,000 rubles.
Huawei Watch 2 sport
This sports watch is as ergonomic as possible. They are distinguished from the developer's first model by lowered ears. For users, this solution will make it more convenient to carry the device on their hand and play sports in comfort. From the technical side, the innovation is also useful: the heart rate monitor works more clearly during training. When working in normal mode The device can work up to 2 days without recharging.
Specifications:
- Operating system support: Android from version 4.3. OSI-9 support;
- Display: touch;
- Number of microphones:2;
- Protection from water and moisture;
- Support wireless connection and NFC;
- RAM capacity:
- Total memory: 4GB;
- Battery capacity 420 MA;
- Implemented noise suppression;
- SIM card support;
- Model design: black;
- The belt is replaceable, plastic;
- The case is plastic;
- Mobile Internet is not supported.
Possibilities
- Choice of dials;
- Installation of applications is allowed;
- Pedometer;
- Heart rate monitor;
- Motion sensor;
The leader among watches with NFC
What are the best smartwatches with NFC? The gold in the rating rightfully goes to the Apple wath 2 smartwatch. Their first appearance dates back to 2015. Over the past time, the company has worked diligently on the shortcomings and removed the “crude” aspects. The model is thought out to the smallest detail, simple in functionality and well assembled. Touch display rectangular in shape, but all corners are impeccably smoothed.
Sapphire crystal remains traditional; it protects the watch from scratches. By the way, in this model not only the watch is smart, but also the screen itself. It detects pressure. The large round factory button is not an empty decoration. She returns home. By scrolling through it, the user can edit the image scale to his taste, as well as scroll down and up the displayed lists. On the side you can find another button. She adjusts the volume and calls up the contact list.