A smart watch is a modern electronic device in a wristwatch form factor that can be paired with mobile gadgets. Smart watches are able to record physical activity, show notifications about activity on social networks, notify about calls, text messages and important calendar events. In addition, the smart watch allows you to control music, some models even have the ability to play simple games.
A watch is not just a device that shows the current time. It is a fashion accessory that demonstrates the style and financial capabilities of its owner. This is what smartwatch manufacturers are playing on. They offer a traditional accessory generously flavored with the latest advances in hardware and software algorithms. The range of stores is rapidly expanding with new smart watches just like Huawei gt 2.
Smart watches are one of the fastest evolving electronic devices today. New, modernized versions are regularly introduced to the market. How to choose a smart watch, what functions should be present in them, what to look for when choosing them? What smart -watch to choose for a child?
How to Choose a Smart Watch?
What does smartwatch actually mean? The literal translation from English is smart watch. This is a compact electronic device with a mandatory function of timing. These gadgets are made smart by special programs. The app and the ability to remotely pair with smartphones or tablets greatly expand the capabilities of smartwatches. Many manufacturers equip their gadgets with an accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS module, MP3 player and even a video camera.
Smart Watches: Which ones to Choose
Smart watches can work offline or in conjunction with a mobile gadget. Some people think that the concept of “smart” is not quite suitable for stand-alone devices – it is more appropriate to call this type of watch electronic with extended functionality. The software content in them is most often focused on fitness statistics.
Truly “smart” watches are synchronized by mobile devices. To do this, most often use a wireless connection via the Bluetooth protocol . There are a variety of smartwatches on the market, which one is better to choose depends largely on which smartphone they will work with. Manufacturers are trying to reach the largest possible audience, so the vast majority of models are interfaced with gadgets based on the most popular operating systems – Android , Windows Phone , iOS.
After synchronization, they receive information about events in the synchronized device. The user receives notifications about incoming voice calls and SMS, letters sent to the e-mail, important events in the calendar. To work correctly in pairs, smart watches require the mandatory installation of a special application in a smartphone or tablet.
Body and design
And here we are in the store and choose the Smartwatch . What should a smartwatch look like? The appearance of the device depends exclusively on the individual preferences of the user. Most of the models are made in the format of mechanical wrist watches. You can buy a smartwatch with a sporty twist. Most often, such gadgets have massive cases, large symbols and wide bracelets. There are also increased characteristics of dust and moisture protection. Straps are most often made of plastic, rubber or silicone, less often – of metal.
Clock face
Smartwatches vary in size and shape of displays. Some models have a traditional dial and a special screen for displaying notifications. Sometimes one or more LEDs perform this function. In other models, the dial is entirely occupied by the display, which can be decorated in any style. The collection of styles most often features dials in a traditional hand format or digital work screens. When considering which smart watch to choose, it is worth remembering that they are worn on the wrist, so an unnecessarily large case will be inconvenient in daily use. The size 1.4-1.7 inches is considered universal.
Electronic display type
Smartwatch models with several types of screen resolutions were presented on the market:
LCD: full color screens. They are distinguished by high realism and detail of the picture, but they quickly drain the battery.
Some smartwatches have touch screens. This solution makes navigation easier, but not always convenient due to the small size of the display. Recently, this solution is becoming more and more popular!
Battery performance
Battery performance affects device performance. The biggest problem with smartwatches is the small size of the case. It simply has nowhere to accommodate a large battery. The operating time depends on many reasons – the type of the power element, its capacity, the presence of wireless modules, sensors and sensors. Some smartwatch models keep a charge for 1-2 days. They have to be recharged regularly using the original network docking stations. More expensive options work without recharging for 7-10 days. There are models of smartwatches that run on non-rechargeable batteries. Such a watch can work on one battery for six months.
Operating system and amount of RAM
Smart watches can be equipped with an operating system, but this is not a prerequisite. Some models, when paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth , do not have their own OS and do not support the ability to install additional applications. Others work on an adapted operating shell (usually Android, iOS).
In some cases, manufacturers develop proprietary mobile operating systems, such as Samsung’s Tizen. The performance and efficient operation of a smartwatch is affected by the amount of RAM, but this indicator is not as critical as when choosing a smartphone or laptop. In general, we can say that at 512 MB the clock will work correctly and perform all the declared functions.
Functions
The main features available in almost all types of smartwatches are:
- Display of the current time, alarm clock
- Fixation, display and analysis of fitness statistics
- The ability to notify about incoming calls and text messages to the paired smartphone
- The ability to receive notifications and messages from social networks
- Receiving notifications about calendar events
- Display of weather information
- Some watch models are equipped with an NFC chip , Wi – Fi module and a video camera
Activity statistics
Smart watches are a great companion for people who are fond of sports and outdoor activities. Some models have a built-in heart rate monitor and blood pressure monitor. As a standard, manufacturers equip them with the following functions:
- Counting steps
- Calculation of movement speed and distance
- Calculating the number of calories burned
It would seem, why pay for what anyone can do for free, not even a very smart one – an hour, two, counting steps is not so difficult. But all day, and all the next, and so every day. Unlike humans, smartwatches do not get tired, do not get lost, do not forget. They clearly record and analyze, allow you to see the process in dynamics.
Degree of protection
Most modern smartwatches are not afraid of rain or splashes when washing their hands. But keep in mind that the label “waterproof” and “waterproof” does not mean complete tightness. The degree of protection against water is marked with an IP code and two numbers. The larger the numbers, the better the tightness. The vast majority of smartwatches have an IP 68 protection standard . And although manufacturers promise that the watch will retain functionality when immersed in water to a depth of one meter for half an hour, it is better not to tempt fate and remove the watch before swimming.