Sony SmartWatch 2: A second chance at getting it right
Sony's first SmartWatch didn't quite live up to expectations. It's expensive and has poor functionality; you need to install multiple apps to enable basic features such as notifications from calls or messages. And it isn't even water-resistant.
The original SmartWatch made competing products, such as the Pebble Watch, interesting choices for those hunting for smartwatches. The Pebble works with both iOS and Android, and is water-resistant.
However, with the introduction of the SmartWatch 2, Sony has made some modifications and improvements. Here’s a quick look at some of its features.
Design
The SmartWatch 2 is made of aluminum, unlike the plastic Pebble. This gives it a nice, premium feel that the Pebble lacks. It features a removable 24mm wristband, so you can swap in other standard bands to customize to your liking. (Sony's press materials suggest that the default wristband is "stainless steel," but that seems counterintuitive; we're asking for clarification.) A big, round power button is found on the side, much like the power button that you will find on Sony Mobile's 2013 Xperia lineup.
The SmartWatch 2 is made of aluminum, unlike the plastic Pebble. This gives it a nice, premium feel that the Pebble lacks. It features a removable 24mm wristband, so you can swap in other standard bands to customize to your liking. (Sony's press materials suggest that the default wristband is "stainless steel," but that seems counterintuitive; we're asking for clarification.) A big, round power button is found on the side, much like the power button that you will find on Sony Mobile's 2013 Xperia lineup.
The very identifiable Xperia power button makes an appearance on the watch.
Like the original SmartWatch, the SmartWatch 2 features a 1.6-inch touch-screen display, but unlike its predecessor’s OLED screen, the SmartWatch 2 uses a transflective LCD panel instead. This should give it good visibility outdoors. In terms of screen resolution, the watch has 220x176 pixels.
Physically, the SmartWatch 2 is slightly larger and heavier compared with the original. However, I don't think the difference is noticeable -- at 23.5g, you'll barely feel the 8g difference over the first SmartWatch.
Another key improvement in the SmartWatch 2 is its water-resistant properties, meaning it’s protected against accidental spills and splashes. Do note that you can't take it in the shower with you, though I don't see why you need to read e-mail while shampooing your hair. You also can't go swimming with this watch.
Instead of the custom charging port used by the first SmartWatch, the SmartWatch 2 comes with a standard Micro-USB port. This makes it easier to charge the watch, especially now that Micro-USB cables are readily available.
The SmartWatch 2 can be charged with any Micro-USB cable.
Features
The company ensures that this watch is way easier to set up than its predecessor; for example, the SmartWatch 2 includes near-field communication capabilities built in. Upon pairing via NFC, your smartphone will download the SmartWatch app, which allows you to select the various apps you'll need to install. By default, you'll only be getting an alarm and timer app (in addition to the watch faces that come preinstalled).
The company ensures that this watch is way easier to set up than its predecessor; for example, the SmartWatch 2 includes near-field communication capabilities built in. Upon pairing via NFC, your smartphone will download the SmartWatch app, which allows you to select the various apps you'll need to install. By default, you'll only be getting an alarm and timer app (in addition to the watch faces that come preinstalled).
Here's a digital clock face that you can switch to.
Sony has made the SmartWatch 2 compatible with apps from the first SmartWatch, so it can run apps such as Runtastic, Twitter, and Facebook.
Surprisingly, Sony did not choose to use Bluetooth 4.0 in the SmartWatch. Instead it runs on Bluetooth 3.0, which does not have the new Bluetooth low-energy protocol found in the 4.0 release. Since Sony is already claiming a three- to four-day battery life for its high-tech watch, I'm guessing the company didn't see the need.
Lastly, the SmartWatch works with almost any Android handset.
Outlook
Due out in September this year, the SmartWatch 2 looks set to tap into the growing interest in the wearable tech category. This space is likely to get even bigger by the time September rolls around -- especially if rumors about Apple's iWatch are true. While the next bit is pure speculation, Samsung will also likely have something waiting in the wings. The company likes to dip its collective fingers into every pie, and smartwatches are something it is likely to compete in, as well.
Due out in September this year, the SmartWatch 2 looks set to tap into the growing interest in the wearable tech category. This space is likely to get even bigger by the time September rolls around -- especially if rumors about Apple's iWatch are true. While the next bit is pure speculation, Samsung will also likely have something waiting in the wings. The company likes to dip its collective fingers into every pie, and smartwatches are something it is likely to compete in, as well.
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