Technology news comes in ebbs and flows, and with big, landmark announcements, the themes and attitudes of trade shows can change. Earlier this year, Windows took the wraps off of Windows 10, one of their most important releases since Windows 7 repaired the damage done by Windows Vista, and while Microsoft and hardware partners are pushing the new platform, there’s something else in Berlin this week; the Smartwatch. With rumblings of fresh announcements and the constant drip, drip of the second-gen Moto 360, it looks like this Fall is to be another push for Android Wear. During IFA 2015, held in Berlin, Germany ASUS is getting things started with more info on the ZenWatch 2 they announced during Computex 2015.
Pricing for both the 45mm and the larger 49mm models have been announced during the event, with the smaller costing €149 (~$170) and the larger priced at €169 (~$190). Either the 45mm or 49mm versions will be available in gunmetal, rose gold or silver finishes. Just like the original, these will be compatible with standard 18mm watch straps for the 45mm version and 22mm straps for the 49mm version. These prices already make the ZenWatch 2 one of the more affordable Android Wear watches, much like its predecessor was when it launched during IFA 2014. On the inside, not much has changed from the original ZenWatch, the same Snapdragon 400 is here, along with Bluetooth 4.1 and these use AMOLED displays to eke out over two-days of battery life. An important inclusion here however is WiFi support, something that the original ZenWatch lacked due to the omission of the required antennas.
ASUS have said their latest Android Wear smartwatch will go on sale around the globe starting this October, but have only announced European pricing so far. Even still, those European prices already make the ZenWatch 2 one of the more attractively-priced Android Wear watches of 2015. If the square, understated look isn’t for you, there’s a new Moto 360 just around the corner, and a golden Watch Urbane out there as well. Choice is becoming not just a keyword for Android Wear, but one of the platform’s defining features.