As this year’s IFA event fast approaches one of the big hitters and hotly anticipated aspects will be the second generation of smartwatches and Wear devices. It was only a few months ago that we were first introduced to the new technology and even after such limited time it seems as though the first generation is already becoming dated. Back in July at Google’s I/O event consumers were offered the first real look and feel of both the Samsung Galaxy Gear and LG G Watch smartwatches. Both devices run on Google’s Android Wear OS and both contained a squarer face. Initial impressions were consumers were interested but what seemed to really grab their attention was Motorola’s take on smartwear with the Moto 360. In contrast to the Samsung and LG devices the 360 offered users a more traditional looking Wear device with a stylish rounder face and more luxurious overall appearance. Since I/O the momentum behind the Moto 360 has increasingly grown to where it has quickly become one of the most anticipated must-have devices.
With the round-face seeming to be a hit it was no surprise when we started hearing leaks that both Samsung and LG were also working on rounder, more traditional looking smartwatch designs. This in turn has led to much speculation around whether either (or both) companies will be launching their second generation watch at IFA and only weeks after their initial releases. A few days back we reported LG have officially announced they will be unveiling their new round watch, the LG G Watch R at IFA. Within days of this announcement it now seems Best Buy has responded by slashing $50 off the price of the LG G Watch. It is not currently known if this is a direct repercussion of the newly announced LG G Watch R although it does seem unlikely that it is just a coincidence. With LG’s new offering expecting to hit the market very soon this could be the first step in a slow death for the G Watch. It’s not known how long the product will be on sale for or if it will drop any further in price. However as it was originally priced at $229.99 and now is already reduced to $179.99 this is quite a savings. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to try out the new Wear technology then it may be worth picking up now. If you’re interested then the watch is available in both black and white, offers a 2.2″ LCD screen, 4GB internal memory, 400mAh battery, a built-in pedometer and 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor.
Even with a price-cut it is expected most users would rather wait and invest in the newer models due out soon and with the Moto 360 expected to retail around the $250 the $50 still might not be enough to entice buyers. Do you think it is worth picking up a G Watch now while the price is dropped or are you intending to hold out for the Moto 360 or LG G Watch R? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment.