While the Smartwatch sector of the market might just be getting off of the ground, Sony have been right there from the beginning with their Live View wrist pieces. The problem with being early to a party is that you’re not often that fashionable, this is left to the latecomers such as the Pebbl. Sony however, are not a company that give up and they’ve gone back to the drawing board and designed a much better, more sensible piece of technology that people will not only want to strap to their wrist but, they might actually want to use. Sony have thought long and hard about what was wrong with their original devices and made a device that’s a lot more sensible, and looks a lot more like a traditional Android set-up. There are a number of improvements under the hood as well, let’s take a look at those specs:
- 1.6-inch 220 x 176 Transflective display, which should make for a much better display in sunlight
- Full-touchscreen
- Aluminum body
- Standard fittings that allow for any 24mm band to be used with the device
- NFC Pairing
- Bluetooth
- Standard microUSB charging
- IP57 Rating for water resistance, which means you can wash your hands with it on and not worry but, this is not a watch to go swimming in
- 3-4 Days battery life
Overall, Sony have really knuckled down to make this a much better device than the original and it looks like they’ve done just that. The use of NFC is pretty important as it makes pairing Android devices a lot easier, with just one tap you can be paired together which is a real boon for those that feel such a device might be fiddly to work with. The battery life has been drastically improved as well, with Sony claiming somewhere in the region of 3-4 days, which is much improved from their Live View watches.
While the software is not actually Android, it looks a lot like any set-up from an Xperia released in the past two years, which we’re sure Sony has done on purpose. Apps are important for a thing such as this and Sony are claiming that they have around 200 ready for consumption. These apps will allow to do a lot of things, such as check the weather, check your SMS, Twitter feed, Facebook, Google+ and more. It’s exciting to think that these sort of devices will open up a whole new wave of apps. I’m pretty excited for this and you should be too. While Sony have not let any details slip about price, they have said that it’s coming in September time, and we’d be shocked if Sony asked any more than $200 for this. So, what do you think, have Sony delivered the best incarnation of the smartwatch yet?
25th June 2013, Mobile Asia Expo, Shanghai – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today introduces Sony SmartWatch 2 SW2, the most advanced smartwatch available*. Sony SmartWatch 2 is a second screen for your Android smartphone that, as well as enhancing existing phone functionality, offers unique new benefits. Combining form and function in a sleek design, it serves as a multi-functional watch, notifier, Android app interface and phone remote control, all-in-one.
Openness with Android
App expandability is key to Sony SmartWatch 2. It can be personalised with more dedicated apps than any other smartwatch* to seamlessly suit your needs, whether you are on the go, keeping active, in business meetings or simply at home. Download a host of SmartWatch apps and experience a range of unique functions – many of which can even be enjoyed without ever needing to reach for your phone:
Handle your calls by a simple touch of your wrist
Take a photo remotely from your SmartWatch, using a smart camera app
Control your presentations remotely using Presentation Pal
Taking a run or on the bike? Select a mapping app on SmartWatch to check your route with a quick glance at your wrist
Read previously downloaded e-mails when not connected to your phone
Use lifestyle apps like Runtastic to map and instantly track your fitness activities on the go
Quickly and easily adjust the tracks and volume on your music player, without ever taking your phone from your pocket
SmartWatch 2 is also both sleek and reassuringly robust thanks to its water and dust resistant design, giving you the freedom to enjoy it on the beach or simply on the go – come rain or shine.
The best of Sony in a SmartWatch
If you use Android, on either smartphone or tablet, Sony SmartWatch 2 is your ideal smartwatch partner. It’s easy and convenient to access notifications from your wrist such as messages, calls, email, Facebookâ„¢/Twitterâ„¢, Calendar, or use it as a remote for your Walkmanâ„¢ or other digital media player. This wireless accessory is ideal for pairing with large-screen devices, such as the newly announced Xperiaâ„¢ Z Ultra, in situations which call for discrete usage. SmartWatch 2 introduces new features as a natural successor to the current Sony SmartWatch such as NFC connectivity for one-touch pairing, stunning premium design and a range of technologies including higher resolution for sharper viewing, better visibility even in sunlight, longer battery stamina, more intuitive interface, standalone watch functionality and a wide range of pre-installed and recommended apps.
When not connected to your phone, SmartWatch 2 works as a standalone digital watch. Read previously received notifications, access the time, set your alarm or even use as a light when searching for your keys. SmartWatch 2 can also be personalised with any standard 24mm wristband and new Sony watchstraps will soon be available for further expression of your personal style.