Confused about smartwatches? Here’s your easy, handy guide from Tech Storm
Everyone is either talking about or already owns a smartwatch. So, what’s so great about a smartwatch?
Well, for starters, smartwatches do more than just tell the time in style. Here is a quick seven-point guide to everything you need to know about the smartwatch.
The Basics of Smartwatches
A smartwatch functions exactly like a smartphone but it sits on your wrist. Both gadgets are seamlessly connected via Bluetooth, and keep you constantly connected but hands free!
The smartwatch prompts you of notifications in real-time with a small vibration and responds to voice commands. In general, it allows you to be connected to social media, view and reply snippets of messages, make and answer calls directly, on top of just telling time.
Photo: Samsung Mobile
Smartwatch and Smartphone Compatibility
Not every smartwatch is compatible with every smartphone. Yes, they are selfish. Android smartphone companies such as Samsung, ASUS and LG produce smartwatches that are only Android compatible.
Similarly, the soon-to-be launched Apple Watch is only compatible with iOS. However, not all smartwatches are as petty – certain brands such as Pebble are compatible with both Android and iOS.
Smartwatch Display and Battery Life
Most smartwatches come with vivid full-colour display. However, this also means that the battery life of smartwatches is rather short.
Most smartwatches have an average battery life of nine hours, depending on the usage and particular model of smartwatch. However, Pebble has found a way to tackle this with the use of e-ink technology.
This novel technology allows the screen to remain always on without draining the battery, allowing Pebble’s smartwatch to last up to seven days with a full charge!
Smartwatch Apps
Every smartwatch comes with its own app store. Smartwatches, whether Android-specific or Pebble, have over 1,000 apps that are now available for download.
These apps include heart rate monitors, location-sharing apps, as well as games.
it’s about time you figure them out!
Photo: Samsung Mobile
Fitness Tracking
Most smartwatches have also packaged themselves as a gadget perfect for the fitness fanatics. Smartwatches such as Samsung’s Gear 2, Motorola’s Moto 360 and the Apple Watch are just some that have an in-built pedometer or heart rate monitor.
The Apple Watch pushes the envelope further by having a great feature that motivates the wearer to hit a certain fitness target he or she has previously set. Most are water-resistant and come with replaceable silicon straps to facilitate an active lifestyle.
Additional Features
Smartwatches from Samsung or Arrow now have inbuilt cameras. These allow you to take pictures on the go without having to physically whip out your smartphone.
Smartwatch Price Range
Sadly, smartwatches do not come cheap, with prices starting from $199 for the original Pebble, while the most expensive smartwatches to date from Apple will cost you a ridiculous amount of US$10,000 (a Rolex is actually cheaper)!
With its usefulness, most people should consider getting a smartwatch, albeit one that’s not too pricey.
By Geralyne Kaye
Tech Storm is a brand new destination for you to get plugged in to addictive tech trends, reviews on gadgets, apps and be inspired by the coolest start-up stories. Check us out at: www.techstorm.tv
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