The much anticipated Apple Watch goes on sale by spring 2015 but many potential buyers are looking at other brands as well to suit their need for wearable and the budgets. The idea behind a perfect smart watch is an effortless transition, and presenting just the right amount of information (not more, not less) and the ability to make itself quite invisible when you don’t have the need for it. 2015 will perhaps be the first year in history when customers will be shopping around for Smartwatches. Seeing the demand, several manufacturers have been able to come up with their models, platforms, approaches and other features. It would also be quite okay to say that most of the Smartwatches available do a pretty decent job. For customers looking to make a choice, here are certain points to keep in mind.
OS And Device Compatibility
OS powers every smart device, whether it is the smart phone or the smart watch or even the Google Glass. With Smartwatches however, it would be a pretty straightforward choice. The OS you go for should be compatible with that of your phone. Some even ask for a definite version of an OS on your phone. A person using an Android phone shouldn’t plan for an Apple Watch unless he is also planning to invest in an iPhone.
Display
Smartwatches currently come in E-Ink display of Color. The monochromatic E-Ink feels more anachronistic but presents an advantage when you are trying to glance through the screen on a bright sunny day. Secondly, E-Ink can save you a lot of battery and the difference can be substantial. Color display on the other hand let you view photos, zoom in on them, take pictures and do things bright. The tradeoff as understood is a shorter battery life.
Button V/S Touch
Touch screens make navigation easier and interesting but buttons have always proved to be sturdier and have their impact on reducing the price of the gadget. The Pebble for instance presents a considerable number of buttons for easy navigation. Another advantage of buttons is that they being the only option to target specific areas on smaller screens. Touch functionalities do really have taken over the smart world, but the market of wearable is still in its infant stage. Buttons will definitely be a simpler option and you can also stay close to the old school aesthetics.
Design / Personalization
Most of the popular Smartwatches present a variety of options for the straps. Users can even look towards third party straps. A great example would be the Samsung Galaxy Gear wherein the camera was moved from the strap to the watch dial itself, making it easier for the user to look for alternatives. The Pebble Steel too is shipped in two straps, one in steel and the other leather. Even the Sony Smart watch has a replaceable 24mm band.
Battery Life
Be it a smart phone or a smart watch, battery is another important factor to be taken into consideration. The longer the charging lasts, the better it is. We previously touched this point with monochromatic E-Ink. If you are travelling and plan to depend upon your smart watch to show you the time, let go off color screens. Also, Smartwatches that charge via a microUSB are more comfortable options than other alternatives.
Pricing
Lastly, it is the prices that you are willing to pay for the functionalities you are offered.
No comments:
Post a Comment