Smart watch functions and capabilities. Are they afraid of rain and moisture? What are smart watches for - using smartwatch

We are a generation of electronics-obsessed people. Don't think this is an insult, I'm like that myself. Just recently, the films “Terminator” and “The Matrix” frightened us with the uprising of computers, and now we are trying to hang ourselves from head to toe with devices and shift all the work to them. And we do this for a reason. After all, modern gadgets really make our lives much easier. Do you remember the soap dishes that you had to take with you on your travels? And what about the CD players and books that took up almost half of the backpack?

Of course, one can discuss the fact that a paper book is a different sensation and we even have it. But the fact remains: gadgets have made our lives much easier. It all started with smartphones, followed by tablets and now we have entered new era. The era of wearable electronics. These include watches, glasses and other less popular devices. In this article we would like to dwell on smart watches and reflect on the topic, are they needed now?

Advantages

Let's first understand what functions a smart watch can perform.

Show new notifications. This way, you don't have to constantly take out your phone to see what you've received. All you have to do is look at your watch and decide whether this message is important or not.
Physical activity trackers. Many smartwatches can track your physical activity by measuring your heart rate, steps taken, running speed, and so on.
Time. And let us thank them for this!
Other. This may include voice control(not very usable yet), camera, weather, calendar events and other small functions.

We figured out the functionality. Modern smartwatches perform each of these functions quite well and do not raise any complaints about this.

Flaws

Let's think about what disadvantages these gadgets have and think about whether their advantages are comparable to their disadvantages.

Appearance. Almost all smartwatches look terrible. It's worth taking a look at the recently released Samsung Galaxy Gear or Sony Smartwatch, and you immediately understand that you don’t want to hang such creations on your hand. Of course, this is subjective, but the design and size of the watch definitely needs modernization.
Opening hours. We are used to having to charge our smartphone once a day. But charging the watch every day? No, thanks. Bye time battery life will not increase to at least 2-4 weeks, it is too early to talk about the convenience of such watches.
Uselessness. Considering that now almost everyone has a smartphone in their pocket, the usefulness of a smartwatch is reduced to a minimum. Reaching into your pocket and looking at the time or notification isn't a big deal, but it will save you $100-$300, which is the average cost of smartwatches on the market.

Why you should NOT buy a smart watch

Manufacturers have just begun to create smart watches, and people who buy them now are a kind of testers who try out different designs, features, functions, etc. If you are a geek and have been dreaming of something like this for a long time, then go and buy it. Even now, the choice of smartwatches is large and the most popular models you can look .

But if you're still on the fence, here are two reasons why you shouldn't buy this watch. Firstly, if you have managed without them for so long, you can continue to manage. Moreover, they can become a burden and unnecessary inconvenience for you. Secondly, the expected new items. IT giants such as Google and Apple have not yet shown their products in this area, but they will definitely show them in the near future. And it is from them that many expect innovation and a revolution in the entire wearable electronics industry. Therefore, is it worth spending money on smart watches now, knowing that in six months or a year gadgets that are an order of magnitude, or even several orders of magnitude cooler, will come out?

Using the Pebble watch as an example, I want to show how watch design has changed in less than a year. On the left is the outdated Pebble Watch, and on the right is the Pebble Steel, a watch that was shown at the recent CES. This suggests that the smartwatch industry is not yet established. Remember how the design of any modern flagship differs from last year’s model? Almost nothing.

And finally, the concept of the Hungarian designer Gábor Balogh, who showed his vision of a smart watch. Here's what to expect from Apple and Google. Let's believe and hope that they will show something like this. Compare this concept with what is on the market, and you will understand that it is really worth the wait :)

Why should your watch be the second phone on your hand? Why should glasses be a second computer on your head? I will repeat the first law of gadgets (in fact, there is no such thing): any gadget should simplify your life. Do you think smartwatches comply with this law?

Hello, our dear readers. Thanks to your feedback and preferences, we know what you are interested in reading in our articles. We tried to cover everything related to the topic of smartphones as much as possible, but many are interested in “smart” gadgets. Our article about turned out to be very relevant, we plan in the near future to prepare another material on more modern devices. But today we decided to focus on “smart” (and, probably, stop using this word in quotes :)) watches, which over the past 2-3 years have gone far ahead in their capabilities and combine both the function of a sports bracelet and the ability to have a mini version of a smartphone on your wrist. So, from the article you will learn what are the best smartwatches on the market at the moment, as well as how to choose a smartwatch.

First, let's figure it out how to choose smart watch, what to look for when purchasing. First of all, ask yourself the question: do you need this gadget? What functions will it perform besides a clock and an alarm clock, and will you use these functions? Do you have good eyesight? Even the most best smart watch have a number of flaws that make them not as attractive as they look in photos online or on store shelves. For example, smart watch It’s very difficult to use while on the move: small size, you need to hit the icon, read or reply to a message. All this can only be done in a calm state. And if a smartphone can be controlled with one hand, then, whatever one may say, you need to use it with both hands. Please keep in mind that for normal operation The device needs a smartphone that will “distribute” the Internet and thanks to which the watch receives 100% of its capabilities. But there are models with 3G support, as well as those that can synchronize with a program installed on the computer.

The next one is quite a lot important point— brand. Unfortunately, Chinese manufacturers have completely flooded the market with smart watches starting at $10. There are, of course, good options, but they are very few. The best smartwatches are products from Samsung, Apple, LG, Asus, etc. Among the Chinese ones, we note Xiaomi, Meizu, Doogee, Oukitel, Huawei.

When choosing a smart watch, you need to find out all the characteristics of the screen, what resolution (the higher the better), as well as how the image behaves in bright sun, otherwise using the device in good weather will turn into hard labor. Ask in advance whether there is protective glass, otherwise scratches or even cracks will appear with the first slight fall.

Please note that the strap can be replaced, as well as the material it is made of. In our opinion, the best option will be silicone, leather or nylon. Although stainless steel looks presentable, some are afraid of scratches and corrosion, plus it is cold on the hand in winter. In any case, it's up to you.

There were a lot of rumors and conversations around this watch, because... no one knew the exact release date of this gadget; sales dates were constantly shifting. But at the beginning of 2016, Huawei nevertheless demonstrated and released its development. We personally consider the design to be the main feature, Just one look at this smart watch is enough to make you want to buy it. Many will think that it is too strict, but thanks to a wide range of capabilities, the gadget stands out from the rest. In fact, the classic appearance of regular watches is what makes this model so popular.

The smartwatch screen is covered with sapphire glass with an oleophobic coating, allowing your finger to glide over the surface. The display is made using AMOLED technology with a diagonal of 1.4’’ and a resolution of 400×400 pixels, and is also scratch-resistant. Thanks to the high brightness reserve, the screen performed well in sunny weather.

The device is controlled using the screen; there is also a button on the case that performs the power-on function silent mode or opening the application menu.

The operating speed is ideal for devices of this type: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 with a 1.2 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal memory.

As for the functions, this watch naturally has the ability to display the dial, among the presets there are 40 options with different designs, only upon careful consideration stranger can understand that this is just an animation and not a complex mechanism. You can set your watch so that you receive notifications from social applications, which come to your smartphone (WhatsApp, VK, etc.) and there will be no need to take out your phone every time to view messages.

There is a sports tracker function that will show information about the number of calories burned, distance traveled, and measure heart rate. Using Huawei Watch, you can check the weather, read the news, control music playback on your smartphone, and do many other things.

A 300 mAh battery provides an average of 1.5-2 days of operation. Based on the totality of characteristics, this best smart watches on at the moment.

Price: from 300$

The 1.4" diagonal screen is made using P-OLED technology, the resolution is 480x480 pixels, but the pixel density is 348 ppi, this is a remarkable indicator.

Responsible for speed Qualcomm processor Snapdragon 400 frequency 1.2 GHz, RAM 768 MB.

Price from 450$

The gadget has all the modern functions that are inherent in smart watches, plus a fairly powerful vibration motor is built in, which can be set as an alarm clock or for some kind of notification from a smartphone.

A pedometer that also shows distances in segments. Can measure heartbeat using a sensor on inside, including while running. The measurement accuracy is quite sufficient; when running or fast walking, the measurement time increases, but the accuracy does not suffer. Measurements while running are automatic at a certain interval. There is a sleep monitoring function that tracks your sleep automatically.

The smartwatch has a Li-Pol battery with a capacity of 225 mAh. Charging time is about 45 minutes to one hundred percent.

Price: about 100$

Garmin Vivoactive HR

They do their job well if you decide to be lazy. If you sit still for an hour, the device will vibrate, encouraging you to move your legs. For office workers who spend hours in front of the monitor, this is a small incentive to take a short break and walk a hundred meters.

Among the advantages, we also note excellent autonomy(with GPS turned on 14 hours, and without navigation 8 days) and fast charging time (about 70 minutes).

Price: from 220$

The weak point of smartwatches is the battery. The built-in battery capacity of the Gear S2 is only 250 mAh (300 mAh in the 3G model). This is only enough for two days of work with a minimum of functions used.

By the way, the Samsung Gear S3 will go on sale in the near future, but there is still very little information about the new product.

Price: from 200$

In principle, it is now a stand-alone gadget that does not need to be constantly connected to the iPhone. Apple smartwatches are now more focused on fitness, but they cannot compete with FitBit yet. Disadvantages include no always-on screen feature, cinema mode can be annoying, and some users won't like the boxy design.

Apple has moved from being purely a fashion accessory with some smart functions to a gadget that supports many sports and activities.

As for the watchOS 3 system, I would like to say that the manufacturer did a great job, the interface is intuitive, everything is smooth and beautiful. Literally in a matter of minutes the principle of operation and understanding of how certain functions work becomes clear.

The watch has all the necessary capabilities, but, unfortunately, it only works in conjunction with the iPhone.

Price: from 400$

All that remains is to wait until the device appears on the shelves of our stores to get acquainted with the new product.

Price: from 150$

Inside, the LG Watch Urbane has a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with a clock frequency of 1.2 GHz and an Adreno 305 graphics accelerator, 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal memory.

The LG Watch Urbane has a 410 mAh battery. The battery capacity has not increased compared to the LG G Watch. With maximum brightness and the display turned off (in standby mode), the smartwatch drained to zero in about 30 hours. They lived the same 30 hours with average brightness and an always-on display.

In general, the device deserves attention, it works reliably, there are no freezes or slowdowns. It copes with its tasks excellently. Users note that if you disconnect from the phone, for example, going into another room, then when you return, the watch does not automatically connect to the smartphone.

Price: from 150$

And finally, another interesting, in our opinion, device with a futuristic design, which was released just recently. The best smart watches from Asus were presented at IFA 2016 and the company’s previous models are not at all similar. The device has a round display and runs on Android Wear. To control the clock, as many as three buttons have been added, which only add to the solidity of the clock. The buttons will be used to quick access to frequently used functions. For many, the lack of a heart rate monitor will be an unpleasant moment, but it is precisely because of this that the watch fits very well on the hand.

A magnetic cable will be used for charging, while ASUS has introduced a PowerBank for watches - a round battery of the same diameter, with which they can be recharged, for example, on the road. Also a characteristic feature is technology support fast charging, which allows you to charge the battery from 0% to 60% in just 15 minutes.

Any other details are not yet known. Just have to wait real tests and reviews of this interesting gadget.

Price: from 230$

Bottom line

Note that there are now a lot of smartwatches from various manufacturers. It is difficult to surprise with anything in this direction. Whether such a gadget is needed is up to you to decide. Personally, we liked the Huawei Watch. We hope that our list helped you make your choice. Ask your questions, we will be happy to answer them.

Many modern people may be wondering which smartwatch to choose. In 2018, Smart Watches overtook smartphones and fitness trackers in popularity due to their capabilities. This universal device, capable of replacing a mobile phone, heart rate monitor, etc. All this is provided by the manufacturer and is included in the functionality of the device. The article will tell you how to choose a smart watch, what it is and whether this device is needed at all.

What is a smart watch

Smart watches are a recent invention in the gadget world. The device owes its popularity to its versatility. Some expensive models replace sophisticated smartphones. Like mechanical products, the device shows the time. However, the built-in functionality of smartwatches cannot be compared to regular watches. The capabilities of the device are discussed in more detail in the paragraph below. Let's talk about the appearance and design of the gadget.

Smart Watch Design

The appearance of the device resembles a wristwatch. For 2018, many types of devices of various forms have been developed:

Rectangular
Square
Round

Some Smart Watches with a round case may distort the image near the frame. Manufacturers of expensive watches have solved this problem. The design of the devices is similar - a screen, a power button on the side of the case, a cord connector (or contacts for a docking station). Many smartwatches have a removable bracelet, which is an advantage.

Functions

To understand what a smart watch is, check out what they can do:

Calls and SMS are available for watches with a SIM card
Smartphone control - player, camera, settings, etc.
Track notifications, alerts and other phone events - available on all models
Health sensors – calorie counter, etc.

Working with a smartphone

Basically, smartwatches require connection to your phone. Without this, they present only a device with standard functions - date and time display, alarm clock, etc.

Autonomous devices have also been developed. Often these are watches with a SIM card. The ability to work with communications eliminates the need for a telephone. Most users do not take their smartphone with them, preferring a compact wrist gadget.

Value for money

The world's sales leaders - Apple, Samsung, Sony, etc. - produce high-quality products. The devices of these companies are distinguished by a high level of performance, a powerful battery and an abundance of functions. There are also good models among budget watches.

Regardless of the price, you need to check the operation of the smart watch when purchasing. Find out how cheap devices work from customer reviews. Some of them are presented in the paragraph below. Now let's talk about how to use a smart watch.

How to control your Smart Watch

Control features vary among smart watches. Manufacturers strive for a clear interface, so questions usually do not arise. Before you start, set up your gadget.

How to set up your Smart Watch:

Once turned on, look at the fields on the screen;
Select your time zone if your device prompts;
Enter the required information in the boxes - weight, gender, etc.

How to control a smart watch of a particular model is indicated in the instructions. Look there detailed characteristics. The manual is included in the package. If there is no translation into Russian, go to the official website of the developers and download it.

How to choose the right smart watch

Choosing a smartwatch is a responsible matter. The most important point is whether the gadget is suitable for your existing smartphone. Pairing with it is a useful and convenient thing, especially if you need to monitor notifications. For collaboration It is not necessary to select a device from the same company (with the exception of Apple and Samsung). Universal samples have been developed for 2018. Make sure to match the models when purchasing. How to choose a device and not make a mistake is described below. Let's talk about whether it's worth buying a smartwatch and why you need it.

Why do we need smart watches?

The question of why smart watches are needed is asked by many buyers. Without trying the device in practice, it is difficult to understand its usefulness and practicality. Most users note the convenience of working together with a smartphone, calling the device a watch phone. Let's talk about why people buy smart gadgets.

To figure out if you need a smartwatch, consider the following:

This is an innovative device for lovers of smart technology
The device is compact and is always on your hand, replacing your phone
You don't need to take the device out of your bag or pocket to answer a call or view notifications
The device monitors the user’s health by tracking sleep phases, counting heartbeat, etc.
Multidirectional devices have been developed - for training, golf, rock climbing, etc.

Device selection criteria

Choosing a smart watch is difficult for an inexperienced person. You need to know a lot of details regarding image, performance, memory, battery, etc. To make right choice, follow the criteria below. Descriptions are not always accurate, so please check your purchase in store.

Choosing the right gadget:

Turn on the device and look at the image - clarity of the text, brightness of the picture, visibility in the sun and in the dark;
Execute several commands - evaluate the speed and accuracy of the device;
Check the battery capacity - the more, the better;
Make sure there is a slot for a flash drive - additional memory will not be superfluous;
Prefer devices with a SIM card - eliminates the need for a telephone in terms of calls and SMS.

History, varieties, use cases, selection tips

The topic of smart watches is now trending. The media constantly write about them, companies announce new models, various accessory manufacturers produce straps, and developers create new applications. In the “Wearable Devices” section of the website, we regularly tell you about new models, but after almost every article, readers ask us the same questions: why are smartwatches needed at all? How do operating systems and models on the same operating system differ? What should you pay attention to when choosing a smart watch? We decided to make two materials that are designed to summarize our experience in testing smartwatches, answer the most frequently asked questions and suggest specific options for purchase. If you want details about the specific models mentioned in these articles, they can always be found using the links that lead to individual tests.

In the first material we will mainly touch upon theoretical issues. However, the information from this article will be very useful to those who really want to make an informed choice (even if they do not listen to the specific recommendations that will be in the second article).

1. What is a “smart watch”?

Let's start with the most obvious question to avoid confusion later. So, a smartwatch is a wrist gadget in a form factor reminiscent of a watch (that is, there must be a screen in the case and a narrower strap). The gadget can display the time, but also offers a number of features that are not typical for classic watches and borrowed from smartphones. Watches are usually equipped Bluetooth module to connect and synchronize with a smartphone, an accelerometer that allows you to track your activity, and a vibration alert. This minimum set. Otherwise, the set of hardware and software capabilities of smartwatches very much depends on the specific model.

2. When did smart watches appear?

The first smartwatches in the modern sense appeared back in 2010, when there was no such thing. The model was called Sony Ericsson LiveView. Two years later, Sony released the SmartWatch model (in fact, this is the first use of this word in a product name). And a year later SmartWatch 2 appeared.

The first smart watch - Sony Ericsson LiveView

Around the same time, rumors began to spread that Apple was going to release smartwatches. In 2013, everyone was waiting for the announcement apple watch, but they didn’t wait. However, in the wake of these rumors, interest in a new type of device went far beyond experts. high technology and tech geeks. Samsung decided to play on this and presented its Galaxy Gear watch in the fall of 2013, which immediately became the center of everyone's attention (despite a number of imperfections).

Samsung Galaxy Gear - Samsung's first smart watch

2014 turned out to be a real heyday for the smartwatch industry. Firstly, in the spring several new Samsung models were presented, already much more advanced than watch Gear the first generation, and secondly, the Android Wear operating system, developed by Google specifically for smartwatches, was released in the summer. And soon the first watches on this OS appeared on store shelves. It was the LG G Watch.

LG G Watch smartwatch is the first and currently the most cheap model on Android Wear OS

Unlike Samsung and Sony (and later Apple), Google does not release its devices on this OS, but licenses it to other manufacturers. This way, companies looking to launch smartwatches can avoid the headache of developing custom software. During 2014, several models on Android Wear appeared on the market, including the first smartwatch with a round screen: Moto 360.

Moto 360 - the first smartwatch with a round screen

And in the fall of 2014, another turning point took place: the long-awaited announcement of the Apple Watch. As expected, Apple came up with a lot of interesting things there, although some took the announcement with skepticism - inflated expectations worked out. But the main thing is that Apple has outlined a new trend: smart watches should now come in several sizes and case options, with many strap options. In general, it’s a stylish accessory, not a gadget for geeks.

Alcatel OneTouch Watch

Simply put, they can show notifications, contain an alarm clock, display the weather, and so on, but the operating system is severely limited to the few capabilities that are there initially, customizing its appearance is impossible (or minimally possible), and you cannot install applications on these watches third party developers.

The second subcategory is watches that have a full-fledged operating system. You can change watch faces and install new ones, download third-party applications, customize the order in which application icons are displayed... In addition to this, operating system updates can bring very serious changes to functionality.

4. What operating systems are currently available for smartwatches?

At the moment (winter 2016), there are three main operating systems for smartwatches. These are Android Wear, Tizen and watchOS. Android Wear was developed by Google and is used in their watches by LG, Sony (starting with SmartWatch 3), Motorola, Asus, and Huawei. Initially, Android Wear models only worked with Android smartphones, and the OS version on the smartphone had to be at least 4.3. But since the summer of 2015, Android Wear is partially compatible with iPhone. Partially because third-party applications cannot be installed. Of the existing Android Wear watches, we'd primarily recommend the Moto 360 and the first-generation Asus ZenWatch. In terms of price and appearance, these are the best options.

The first generation Asus ZenWatch smartwatch is beautiful and still relevant, but at the same time very available model on Android Wear

TIzen OS has a difficult fate - Intel, Samsung and other manufacturers had a hand in its development, but the TIzen version for smart watches is being developed by Samsung. Accordingly, the OS is used in Samsung watches, starting with the Gear 2. Currently, these are Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo, Gear S and Gear S2. Other manufacturers do not use Tizen. However, the Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo and Gear S are only compatible with Samsung smartphones. Wider compatibility was promised for the Gear S2, including with iPhone, but the update has not yet been released, and we could not evaluate the work of the Gear S2 with iPhone.

Samsung Gear S2 Classic: a wonderful model on the Tizen operating system, pleasing with its excellent appearance, round screen and innovative control mechanism - rotating bezel

Finally, watchOS is developed by Apple and is used in the Apple Watch. Apple traditionally does not license its OS to third-party manufacturers. Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhone. The watch is not intended to be used with other devices.

With some stretch, current full-fledged operating systems include Pebble OS, used in Pebble, Pebble Time and Pebble Round watches. There are third-party applications available there, and there is also wide compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones. But the capabilities of the OS itself and customization of its appearance are very limited. Here, of course, the round Pebble Rounds look most impressive.

Pebble Time Round is the latest model on Pebble OS with a round, never-fading color E-Paper screen

5. How much does the price of a smartwatch relate to its functionality?

The most surprising thing is that there is no direct relationship here at all. The $129 Asus ZenWatch 2 does everything the $350 Huawei Watch can do. At the same time, the functionality of a Huawei Watch for $350 is no different from the capabilities of a model from the same manufacturer for $800. The difference is purely due to design. But even if we take products on different operating systems, here the price is not at all an indicator of functionality: for example, Withings Activite costs 350 euros, but does much less than the already mentioned Asus ZenWatch for $129. And so on. Many such examples can be given.

6. How do different Android Wear models differ from each other?

For Android Wear watches, all the important differences relate only to design, screen and battery capacity. In terms of functionality, stability and other parameters, even the release date does not matter. The first generation Moto 360, released in mid-2014, performs just as well and can perform just as well as the latest Android Wear models. Moreover, if in the case of Android tablets and smartphones Google allows device manufacturers to install shells and make some changes to the interface, then in the case of Android Wear, the interface looks the same for all watch manufacturers on this OS.

Software differences are limited to a set of branded dials and a couple of additional ones pre-installed applications. But both watch faces and apps can be found in Google Play Store for every taste. So this can hardly be considered a serious difference.

7. How do different versions of the Apple Watch differ from each other?

Indeed, Apple has pretty much confused users with the abundance of Apple Watch options. We had an article where everything was explained in detail, but here we will write briefly - the most important things. First of all, in terms of functionality, all Apple Watch variants are absolutely identical. Without the slightest exceptions or nuances. This applies to both software and hardware inside (processor, RAM, etc.). The difference in price is due solely to the size (38 or 42 mm) and case materials. The cheapest modification, the Apple Watch Sport, uses aluminum and plastic, while the more expensive one (called simply Apple Watch) uses stainless steel and ceramics, plus the screen and round button are covered with sapphire glass. In the elite version of Apple Watch Edition(not officially sold in Russia) the case uses a gold alloy.

All three modifications are available in versions with 38 mm and 42 mm screens. The straps are suitable for any modification. That is, you can buy a cheaper Apple Watch Sport with an expensive leather strap or, conversely, a more expensive Apple Watch with a cheaper silicone strap. The main thing is that for a 42 mm case there is a strap designed for the 42 mm version, and for a 38 mm case, respectively, a 38 mm one.

8. How can smartwatches be useful in everyday life?

The simplest and most universal thing is displaying notifications from a smartphone (calls, messages, etc.) and tracking activity (number of steps, calories burned, duration of active physical exercise). In addition, watches on Android Wear, watchOS and Tizen have a voice assistant, which you can ask a question (for example, what is the weather now) and receive an answer in the form of brief information on the watch screen. Plus, of course, all smart watches can display the time (and synchronize it with a smartphone), so they completely replace classic watches.

After answering general questions It's time to move on to more specific tips that can help you make the right choice.

1. Decide why you need a smart watch.

First of all, you need to ask yourself: why do I even need a smartwatch? What do I want to get from them? As a rule, there are several most common options here. The first: “I’m just curious what it is,” “everyone is talking, so I decided to buy something like that.” In general, you don’t know why, but you’re interested in trying. That is, this is an experiment for you, a toy. In this case, if you have an Android smartphone, it makes sense to take some inexpensive model on Android Wear. For example, Asus ZenWatch 2 or Moto 360 first generation. Or even some Chinese craft on Android Wear. If you don’t like it, you’ll get tired of it - you won’t be so sorry for the money spent. But you’ll get an idea of the capabilities of smartwatches and play with them to your heart’s content.

Asus ZenWatch 2 - Android Wear OS, two body sizes and low price

If you have an iPhone, then, of course, first of all you will think about the Apple Watch, but they are very expensive (even the most affordable option), and not everyone will dare to spend that kind of money for the sake of an experiment. So if you want something more affordable, but at the same time revealing the potential of this class of devices, pay attention to Pebble. The first plastic Pebble can now be found in Russia for substantially 10 thousand rubles. Not to mention the options for buying second hand. Well, or the much more expensive and original Pebble Round (we mentioned them above).

Pebble: a very simple looking watch on Pebble OS that works great with notifications. In addition to this, the model lives on battery power for a whole week

The second answer to the question of why you need a smartwatch: “I want to receive notifications, see who is calling or writing to me.” Indeed, this is one of the main purposes of smartwatches. This is especially convenient when on the go or while driving: you don’t need to take out your smartphone, you can glance at your hand and understand whether you should react somehow or not. The third option: “I need fitness functions like step tracking, but I want a watch, not a bracelet or a clip-on fitness tracker.” And the fourth option: “I want a stylish wrist accessory that would not only demonstrate my taste, but also position me as an advanced person and not alien to high technology.”

If you chose the second, third or fourth answer options, then the design of the watch will be of fundamental importance to you, since you are buying something that you are really going to wear every day, and not just want to play with for a week or two. And here we can immediately give the second piece of advice.

2. Pay special attention to the appearance and materials from which the watch is made. You should really like the appearance of the watch, and not just “suit it”.

Of course, design is important for smartphones, tablets, and even laptops. But if you interact with these devices from time to time, then you have a watch on your wrist all the time, and you look at it much more often during the day than at a smartphone. A watch can be more functional or less functional, but it should definitely please you with its appearance. Ultimately, a smartwatch is not a necessity at all. Their presence will not affect (or minimally affect) your work productivity, they will not replace other devices. So it's not what they can do that matters, but how they look and feel to you. In general, listen to your taste. For example, if a smartwatch for you is primarily a fitness device, then you don’t even have to look at the characteristics and just buy the one that you like the most in appearance. Because the accelerometer works approximately the same for everyone. However, let us make a reservation that we are not talking about professional sports GPS watches here. This is a separate story that goes beyond the scope of the article.

In terms of appearance, the main problem with most smartwatches is bulkiness. It is clear that the case needs to fit all the electronic stuffing, various sensors and, if possible, a more or less capacious battery. Some manufacturers decided to play on this and emphasized the “brutality” of the watch. But by doing so, they clearly targeted their product specifically at men, and those with fairly large hands. Such models include LG G Watch R, LG Watch Urbane, Huawei Watch... And although LG and Huawei use both women and men in advertising these products, you need to understand that these are men’s models, and they are not for women. Most likely, they won’t fit and won’t like it.

Huawei Watch: an expensive and massive, but very impressive model on Android Wear is especially suitable for men

Which of the watches we tested (or studied at exhibitions and presentations) could we recommend to women in terms of design? Apple Watch (any version), Asus ZenWatch first generation, Withings Activite (this is a watch with physical hands and fitness functions), Samsung Gear S2 Classic, Moto 360 second generation (version with a 42 mm case). Of the current models available for sale, this is probably all.

3. Think about straps in advance.

Even the most beautiful watch that you really like can become boring one day. And then the question arises: how and what to replace the included strap with? And here the number of options varies greatly depending on the watch model. Therefore, the most prudent thing to do would be to think about this in advance, even when purchasing a watch. It is worth paying attention, firstly, to the very fact of whether the watch strap is removable or not (and here our reviews can help you, where this is always mentioned!), and secondly, to the availability of straps for a given model. For example, some watches have removable straps, but finding a suitable option in Russia is very difficult. You have to buy abroad.

Branded straps for Apple Watch

The situation with straps is best for the Apple Watch. They can be found in a wide range both online and in offline retail outlets. Almost all branded straps for Apple Watch are beautiful (especially if you don't get the color wrong). But - very expensive. Of course, there are already quite a few third-party straps available. However, there is already a high risk of buying something mediocre.

By the way, a well-chosen removable strap can radically change the feel of your smartwatch and its appearance. For example, with a leather strap, any model looks more serious and expensive, but with a silicone strap it is more convenient to play sports with the watch. Men may also be interested in models with a steel bracelet, but the choice here is still small: either the expensive Apple Watch (more precisely, the expensive bracelet itself, for which they ask almost as much as for a watch), or Moto 360, or Huawei Watch (this is also not cheap option, although much cheaper than the Apple Watch).

Moto 360 Steel: the most affordable and at the same time very nice smartwatch option with a steel bracelet

4. Ignore the processor, RAM and flash memory capacity.

"How so?" - you exclaim. And here it is. These are not smartphones or tablets. It doesn't matter here. At all. At all. In terms of performance, all smartwatches are the same. And if something slows down, it’s because of the software, and not at all because the processor is weak or there is not enough RAM.

5. Screen - better than AMOLED.

If in the case of smartphones there is still debate about which is better - AMOLED or IPS, then for smartwatches the answer is obvious: AMOLED is better. Since color accuracy is not so important in a watch (you won't watch movies and photos on a watch!), but the richness of colors, black depth and efficiency in displaying blacks are important, AMOLED seems to be the best choice.

On Apple Watch Apple company For the first time I used an AMOLED screen, which in addition is also protected by sapphire glass

However, an even more important parameter is the shape of the screen. Want a Moto 360 with a round IPS screen? Don't deny yourself because it's not AMOLED. When choosing a smartwatch, the screen shape is more important than the matrix and resolution used.

6. Don’t be afraid to take a model that’s a year old or even older if you like the look of it.

Watches become obsolete more slowly than smartphones. The performance race has not yet reached this market segment. Therefore, in many cases it is even more profitable to buy older models. For example, Samsung Gear S with its beautiful curved Super screen AMOLED (this model still retains the title of the wrist gadget with the largest screen!) can now be bought for 16-17 thousand rubles, that is, in rubles a little more expensive than a year and a half ago, despite the fact that the dollar exchange rate has increased approximately since then doubled.

Samsung Gear S: SIM card support and large screen turn the watch into a mini-smartphone on your hand

So, we shared with you general information about smartwatches and gave some non-obvious tips that will help you make the right choice and understand the variety of options on the market. Now it’s time to move on to practice and specific solutions, based on the available budget and specific tasks. Dedicated to this.

Anna Sokolova 2016-04-03

In addition to the standard time display function, “smart watches” or “smart watches” (from the English “smart watch”) are primarily positioned as an assistant or an additional screen/remote control for a smartphone.

“Smart watches can take on some of the functions of a smartphone, and advanced models can even completely replace it. Let's take a closer look at the characteristics that should be taken into account when choosing a smartwatch for purchase.

What can smart watches do?

The capabilities that smart watches offer us vary significantly depending on their equipment. Conventionally, we can distinguish three sets of smart watch configurations:

Basic option offers display of current time/date (main function), notification of incoming calls, SMS and e-mail messages via sound signal or vibration. There is no function for displaying message text on the screen in such models. Also in the basic version, the watch user will be able to control the smartphone, for example, put it into sleep mode.
Middle option. Such modifications display information not only about received SMS and e-mail messages, but also the information that the smartphone received from installed programs. These watches provide installation of additional applications, and they are also equipped with monochrome or color screens that allow you to play audio and video content.
Advanced option. This is a combined option that combines the previous two, plus the ability to search for information on the Internet and work with applications. Such models mainly have a color touch screen, and in terms of their versatility they are practically on the same level as smartphones.

Features supported by smartwatches

The variety of features in different smartwatch models is impressive. The most common of them:

Supports voice commands;
Stopwatch;
Timer;
Compass;
A smart alarm clock that goes off at certain moments of sleep, making getting out of a sleepy state more comfortable;
Monitoring sleep, physical activity and calorie consumption;
Sensors: accelerometer, heart rate monitor, gyroscope, thermometer, altimeter, light level measurements;
Multimedia functions – video and photo camera, microphone, FM radio, speaker, headphone jacks.

Unique smartwatch features

Some smartwatch models support special features that other devices do not have.

For example, the LG Watch Urbane LTE gadget has a Push-to-talk (PTT) function, which allows you to communicate with other devices on the same mobile frequency, or, in other words, use them as a walkie-talkie, maintaining contact with several subscribers at the same time.

And the Haier Smartwatch model has a small SOS button on the right side, which sends a text notification to three recipients in case of problems.

Compatibility of smartwatches with other devices

Direct connection plays a huge role in smartwatches. In most cases, smartwatches work quite well with smartphones that support the operating system. Android system. These are devices such as Motorola Moto 360, Sony Smartwatch 3, ASUS ZenWatch, Pebble Time and others.

As for the operating room iOS systems, then it can be supported by such family members as Apple Watch and Pebble Time. However, in the case of the latter, the functionality becomes a little limited.

Some smartwatches, such as the Samsung Gear S, operate on a specially developed Tizen operating system, which provides its own special capabilities for the watch and its synchronization with smartphones.

Compatibility of smartwatches with mobile platforms

When buying a smart watch, you should pay attention to the possibility of its compatibility with operating systems a smartphone you already have - Android, iOS, Windows Phone. Basically, when manufacturers indicate a supported OS, they mean its oldest version, which will definitely be supported in this gadget. That is, it is assumed that these devices will be “friendly” with all newer versions of mobile platforms.

Recently, there has been a popular trend among smartwatch manufacturers to produce models that can support multi-platform functionality.

Smartwatch case material

The classic version of the material used is, of course, metal. IN lately Most often in smartwatches you can find stainless steel. This material is quite durable and relatively inexpensive raw material. Although it is worth noting that over time, the stainless steel case begins to scratch, which leads to a deterioration in the appearance of the watch. But due to the optimal price/quality balance, this material is used for the manufacture of cases more often than others. Huawei Watch, Asus ZenWatch 2, LG Watch Urbane, LG G Watch R, New Moto 360 – all these models are based on stainless steel.

Quite often, plastic is used to make “smart watches” as a light and cheap raw material, which, of course, is an order of magnitude inferior to stainless steel in such important qualities as strength and durability.

Housings expensive models Made from polycarbonate - a very durable plastic. This category includes Moto 360 Sport, Sony SmartWatch 3 (plastic version).

Straps for smart watches

The owner of a smartwatch has the opportunity to change straps to suit different styles and colors of clothing. A variety of modern materials are used to make straps.

Plastic strap- hypoallergenic, moisture resistant and pleasant to the touch. At the same time, the quality of service has a weak indicator.
Silicone strap in most cases it has the same set of pros and cons as plastic.
Metal strap durable and resistant to external irritants. Among the disadvantages is that the metal is heavy in weight and has high thermal conductivity, and therefore can cause unpleasant sensations in winter.
Rubber strap combines inexpensive and durable material that can be easily given the desired color. This strap fits the wrist well, is resistant to moisture and has low thermal conductivity. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting that these straps can cause an allergic reaction such as redness and rash.
Leather strap- soft, elegant, but quite expensive material. Used in the manufacture of branded models.

Smart watches can be equipped with either replaceable or non-replaceable straps. Models that use replaceable straps include the same Huawei Watch, LG Watch Urbane, LG G Watch R, New Moto 360, Asus ZenWatch 2. In turn, Moto 360 Sport and Samsung Gear Live do not provide replaceable straps.

Screen matrix for smart watches

LCD— the liquid crystal version of the screen matrix in “smart watches” is most often found due to its relatively low cost and acceptable picture color rendering quality. There are several modifications of LCD technology: IPS, TN+film, Super LCD. The disadvantage of such a screen is the requirement for internal backlighting and the inability to read in bright sunlight. LCD display used in gadgets such as Moto 360 Sport, Sony SmartWatch 3 and others.

More and more modern gadgets are equipped with screens that are based on OLED- technologies based on organic light-emitting diodes, which effectively emit light when passing through it electric current. OLED technology combines greater brightness and color contrast than an LCD screen. Such a display does not need backlighting and consumes little energy. In addition, the OLED display is much thinner and weighs much lighter than an LCD screen. True, on the other hand, such a screen is more expensive, and at the same time less durable than a liquid crystal one.

AMOLED and SUPER AMOLED technologies offer simply fantastic colors and deep contrast conveyed by the gadget’s screen. These screens are perfect for reading in the sun. At the same time, the quality of color rendering of white and black colors in this technology is very far from ideal. Models with AMOLED screens- Huawei Watch, Asus ZenWatch 2, Haier Smartwatch.

P-OLED screens are new-fangled bendable screens that ergonomically follow the contours of the wrist, do not catch on clothes at the corners and do not get in the way. The curved screen allows for comfortable reading in any position. Representatives of smartwatches equipped with P-OLED screens include the LG Watch Urbane and LG G Watch models.

E-ink– an electronic paper screen, the characteristics of which allow you to display only text and graphic information exclusively in monochrome mode without the ability to play video. Yes, such screens cannot boast of being colorful, but the advantages of this technology are super-economical energy consumption and excellent readability in the sun.

Mirasol- displays have all the same advantages as E-ink, while being able to display images in color.

View of the glass screen of a smartwatch

The glass options used in smartwatch devices are different and depend on the cost of the watch. Ordinary plastic does not break, but quickly loses its decent appearance due to its susceptibility to scratches. Inexpensive, mostly sports, smartwatch models are equipped with plastic screens.

In branded modifications, the screen is equipped with mineral (Cristal Glass) or sapphire (Sapphire Class) coatings, which do not scratch, retain their appearance for a long time, but are not resistant to mechanical damage, that is, they often break.

The advantages of all types of glass are combined with combined glass, for example, with the Gorilla Glass marking, the glass characteristics of which include scratch resistance along with impact resistance.

Smartwatch interfaces

Common wireless interfaces in hours it is Bluetooth(up to 10 m) and WiFi. The most popular versions are Bluetooth 4.0 and 4.1, which can provide a reliable connection with a mobile phone, tablet and desktop when minimum costs energy in both transmitting and receiving gadgets. Wi-Fi technology is not so universal, since its coverage area is limited and “tied” to certain access points in public or private places.

A less common data transmission technology is NFC. To pair, you need to touch the two devices to each other. The maximum distance between devices should not exceed 10 cm. NFC is similar to Bluetooth, but requires a minimum amount of energy and provides almost instantaneous connection speed. The fly in the ointment is the transmission speed, since in this version it is lower, and the cost of a watch with such a port immediately changes towards becoming more expensive.

Another data transfer standard is ANT+, allowing you to connect smart watches and sports sensors with each other at a distance of up to 30 m. Widely used in sports trackers and medical gadgets. Plus, working via the ANT+ port requires 70% less energy than via Bluetooth. The disadvantage of this technology is that it shares the same frequency range with Bluetooth, so when two ports operate simultaneously, loss of information packets may occur.

Wired interfaces that are built into smart watches and used for charging and data transfer include standard USB, mini-USB and micro-USB ports.

Smartwatch batteries

Smart watches mainly have two types of batteries – Li-Ion and Li-Pol. Li-Pol is a more advanced battery model, the distinctive feature of which is its compactness and lightness, which is especially important for devices that are small in size. The battery charge can vary from 300 to 420 mAh. Used for recharging standard ports micro-USB, USB, or the manufacturer’s original connector, which will require an additional proprietary cable or cradle (frame with connectors).

In most cases, the hours are presented non-removable batteries, which allows you to expand their capacity. To replace such a battery, you will have to contact a specialist. There are also removable batteries, having a small capacity, which are mainly used in watches without a screen or models with an E-ink display.

Smartwatch battery life

The amount of time a smartwatch can last on a single charge varies depending on its hardware, such as its screen features and how much built-in functionality you use.

The number of hours of battery life should not be less than 24 hours. The optimal choice would be to choose a gadget that will need to be recharged once every 1-2 weeks.

"Smart watch" with a SIM card as a replacement for a smartphone

A revolutionary solution for many smartphone users is to replace the bulky one that resembles a “shovel” mobile gadget compact “smart watch” with a built-in SIM card. This is quite convenient, because now you don’t need to look for your phone in your bag or take it out of your pocket to make calls or send SMS. A smart watch is always with you, always on your hand, so it is more difficult to lose it.

Smart watches can support three types of SIM cards:

mini SIM card – regular SIM card size 25 by 15 mm;
microSIM card– compact SIM card measuring 15 by 12 mm;
nanoSIM card- the smallest SIM card measuring 12.3 by 8.8 mm, which is used in the most modern new devices.

Types and classes of protection for smart watches

An important characteristic is the degree of protection. There are 3 types of protection:

from dust/moisture;
from moisture penetration into the body;
from blows.

Dust/moisture protection is marked as IPXX, where the first X is the level of protection against dust, the second X is against moisture.

IP55 class– a housing protected from dust, as well as from jets and splashes of water in any direction. Immersion in water is not provided;
IP57 class– a housing protected from dust, from jets and splashes of water in any direction, as well as from contact with sea waves. Diving to sea depths up to 1 m is possible;
IP67 class – completely dust-proof housing, protection from jets and splashes of water in any direction, protection from sea waves. Diving to sea depths up to 1 m is possible;
IP68 class– dust- and waterproof housing. Diving to sea depths of more than 1 m is possible.

Protection of the housing from moisture penetration into the body of a “smart watch” is measured in the number of atmospheres of pressure and also implies division into several classes:

Class WR10-WR20 (1-2 atm.)– the weakest protection (protects from rain and when washing hands). This class protection occurs most often;

Class WR30 (3 atm.)– protection when taking a shower and while washing the car;

Class WR50-WR60 (6 atm.)– direct work with watches in water conditions. Most optimal choice for the buyer;

Class WR100-WR150 (10-15 atm.)– for people who engage in swimming and diving;

Class WR200 (20 atm.) and higher – professional protection class, used when scuba diving.

Information about water resistance is usually written on the watch case.

Impact protection is ensured by equipping the smartwatch case with a special shockproof device. Such “smart watches” will be useful for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, but they are much more expensive than ordinary models.

What to consider before buying a smartwatch

Watch screen diagonal can range from 0.5 to 2 inches and has great value. Larger size diagonals provide greater ease of use of the watch, but it should be taken into account that their energy consumption increases along with the price.
Smartwatches should not be bought without trying them on. The comfort of “sitting” on the hand is an important point that should be taken into account when buying a “smart watch”. It will be better if the watch strap is adjustable. If the strap is not adjustable, then the model should be selected with special attention and care.
Detachable strap– an undoubted advantage of the chosen smartwatch model. If the strap becomes worn or accidentally damaged, it can be easily replaced.
Smart watch brand. When choosing a smart watch, you should pay attention to well-known, trusted brands of manufacturers who have already proven the quality of their products. Such models guarantee wear resistance, long and trouble-free service.

Where can you buy smart watches?

The easiest way to buy a smartwatch is through the Internet, comparing prices, characteristics and choosing the best offer.

Now you know how to choose a smart watch and which ones quality characteristics they include. How did you choose a smart watch for yourself, based on what requirements and criteria you made the purchase - please share with us in the comments to this article.