Smart watch on Android. Impressions of the SmartWatch QW09

Anastasia Volkova

Fashion is the most powerful of the arts. It is movement, style and architecture in one.

Content

The era of mini-gadgets, unusual and super-fashionable devices, sorting over some of the functions of smartphones, was marked by the emergence of the growing popularity of smart watches. Stylish and functional, they have become not just a trend, but also a convenient accessory for people living in the crazy rhythm of megacities. How to choose a smart watch so that it successfully performs the functions you need and meets the criterion of "price-quality"? Reliability, appearance, convenience and ease of use, battery life are the main factors for a successful purchase.

What are smart watches for?

Inexpensive options of Chinese manufacturers, fashionable and expensive Apple Watch, status Withings Activite, popular watches for Android Samsung Gear, Sony Smartwatch provide huge selection opportunities for potential buyers. What features of a smart-brain watch do you need, and what should you consider when buying? If you are a supporter of wearing bracelets or other devices like fitness trackers, you have to use a GPS system or you love trendy trendy devices - a smart watch will be an excellent solution to a lot of problems.

The significant size of the smartphone is not always convenient with constant use. Smart watches will become an occasion less often to get a mobile phone out of a purse or pocket, notifying the owner of incoming messages, bank newsletters. The combined functionality of an alarm clock, a personal “fitness trainer” (due to the functions of a pedometer), a remote device, and an organizer are good reasons why a modern person needs a smart watch.

What is a smart watch?

Smart watches with a phone function, the ability to call or chat on social networks are currently in the development plans of leading manufacturers of gadgets. Manage music, receive notifications, unlock your phone, make voice messages or notes, and finally, you can easily find out the time using this smart mini-device. Being a kind of smartphone interface, smart watches allow you to save time by simplifying access to the popular functions of mobile phones.

Most of the variations on the theme of smart watches have various characteristics, united by a common indicator: the ability to minimize the use of the phone when receiving messages, notifications and save battery power.

Smartwatch Features

Depending on the needs of individual groups of potential users, smart watches are presented in several categories:

• for business people;
• for buyers who are actively involved in sports, monitoring their own health;
• for fashionable, stylish young people and girls who prefer a “trendy” life.

The main characteristics that play an important role in choosing a particular model include appearance, multifunctionality, quality, reliability of materials, protection from dust, water and external influences, battery life for smart watches without recharging. The ability to use third-party programs - from readers (someone should be lucky in the exam) to barometers and navigators - affects the cost, the ability of the gadget's battery to "hold" the charge.

Most smartwatch manufacturers use Android or Android Wear platforms. Notable are the recently launched AppleWatch with iOS system, as well as devices with individually developed software and platform, such as PebbleSteel. A significant plus of the latter is the need to recharge the battery no more than once every 5-6 days.

Functionality

Most of the models of smart devices presented on the modern market are “tied” to a smartphone, the work without which will be limited by the capabilities of the fitness tracker and ordinary watches with an electronic display. The capabilities of Samsung Gear S, LG Watch Urbane LTE are more extensive: they have a built-in communication module, and connection to the phone is optional for them. Communication with a smartphone in a smart watch is provided via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi at access points.

Features of smart watches:

• music management;
• the ability to download Google Play tracks;
• listening to downloaded music using a headset;
• counting steps taken (mileage) and calories burned;
• pulse, pressure measurement;
• an alarm clock with the ability to control the light and deep phase of sleep, provided that you are on your hand at night;
• the possibility of making a call or rejection;
• voice reply to the message.

When deciding which smartwatch to choose, consider the model and operating system of your smartphone. With the Android base, you can buy any device on the market with Android Wear or pure Android. Stylish and fashionable phones with a “bitten apple” combine only with the expensive and no less stylish Apple Watch. Among the "generalists" are only Pebble, successfully working with both iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.

Design

Until recently, the usual characteristics of color and appearance, used to choosing a watch, played an insignificant role for lovers of smart mini-gadgets. Sports or semi-sports style, a simple display, a minimum of exquisite "bells and whistles" are distinguished by mass-sector models:

The classic round case, the use of familiar metal, leather and glass for the LG G Watch Urban, Motorola Moto 360, Samsung Gear S2 models, stylish design attract the attention of potential buyers, despite the relatively high price. As representatives of the premium segment, it is worth highlighting the Apple Watch Edition in the “packaging” of 18 carat gold or the strict, elegant Withings Activite with a round case and a sleek design.

Among the representatives of beautiful smart watches with a “sporty character”, Adidasmi Coach Smart Run should be noted, which will help to draw up a personal training plan, tell and “show” in short clips how to correctly perform exercises of various types of loads: power, cardio, aerobic. In addition, they will carefully monitor the state of your body and its reaction to sports as a tonometer, tracker, heart rate monitor.

Moisture and dust protection

An important parameter, given the high cost of smart watches. In some models, sapphire crystal (Sony Smartwatch 3) helps to avoid scratches and damage to the screen display, which affects the price increase, but increases the life of the gadget. You can find out the degree of protection against water and dust from a smart watch by the code indicated in the technical specification: IPxx, where the first x indicates the level of anti-dust protection, and the second indicates moisture resistance.

With a dust protection rating of “6”, your smart watch will be protected from the smallest dust particles, and you can travel with them in the Sahara during dust storms. Do not take off the smart device while taking a shower, it is possible if the last digit in the protective characteristic is 5 or 6, and for swimming choose models with seven or eight. Most smart watch models from leading manufacturers have IP67 or IP68 ratings.

Display specifications

The case of the device is presented in the form of a rectangle or a classic circle, but the color and characteristics of the “wrist” mini-monitor have features:

1. Screen color.

• Monochrome. Management of such models of smart watches is carried out using external hardware buttons.
• Color. The disadvantages include the loss of clarity and brightness in bright sunlight.

2. The presence of sensors.

• Touchscreen. It is convenient to use, however, if the glass is damaged, there may be problems with the sensitivity of the sensors.
• "Button" screen. Smart watches are controlled via external mechanical buttons, which makes it difficult to access information or increases the response time to incoming messages. More practical and durable.

Strap

Sports models are equipped with a rubber strap. In their production, hypoallergenic rubber is used, which does not cause stains and irritations. Some models for everyday use come with a replaceable set of straps made of leather or rubber in different colors. Smart watch manufacturers produce products with a metal bracelet (Huawei Watch Classic made of stainless alloys, SONY Smart Watch 2) or a plastic strap (Pebble, Casio).

Battery

The more functionality a smartwatch model has, the greater the problem is the uptime of the battery. Basic models with limited service are equipped with a battery with a service life of about 2 years, after which it will need to be replaced. The leader is Pebble with a screen on electronic ink, in which the battery is recharged for the watch once every 5 days. Multifunctional ASUS Zen Watch, SONY Smart Watch, etc. models will be able to work in active mode from 25 to 3 hours due to the small size of the case and not very energy-intensive batteries.

When deciding which smartwatch to choose, pay attention to the charging port. In some models it is universal (microUSB standard), while Samsung Gear, ASUS Zen Watch, Apple Watch require a special adapter. Motorola Moto 360 comes with a base charging station, thanks to which this beautiful and stylish wrist smartwatch turns into a no less stylish desktop alarm clock.

Find out if you forgot your password.

Where to buy smart watch

The fast-growing market for smart watches “gives out” up to 5 new models on a quarterly basis (thanks to our Chinese friends). You can not get confused when choosing an existing assortment, you can purchase a quality item in the price range that interests you:

1. By visiting specialized stores of “smart goods” off-line. The advantages of such a purchase include: the ability to feel, see in reality and test the model you liked, get expert advice. The disadvantages include: the price includes not only the cost of the watch model (and it is quite high), but also the overhead of the store in the form of rent, employee salaries and current expenses.
2. Buy smart watches on the Internet from representatives of trading companies or by catalog in online stores of official manufacturers. The price of such products will be lower than in real stores, however, there is a possibility of running into an unscrupulous seller or defective goods.

Manufacturers

• Samsung
• Apple
• Alcatel
• Casio
• Motorola
• Pebble
• Polar

Among the countries producing smart watches are Germany, Denmark, China, the USA, Finland, Sweden, South Korea, Japan, Italy. Russian companies can also boast of their smart gadget options. The development of the company Explay is presented by the model Explay N1 Watch (cost 3000 rubles), which is distinguished by the following characteristics:

• the ability to call from the clock;
• write and send text messages;
• listen to music tracks.

Price

Choosing a model of smart watches, the decisive factor is the price characteristic. Brand models Samsung, Asus, Sony, Adidas will start from 200 euros. The cost of models of the mass sector of Chinese manufacturers is from $ 90 to $ 150 per unit copy. The sports version of the Apple Watch went on sale at a price of $ 394, while the luxury model of the same Apple Watch Edition with a gold coating “pulls” $ 10-17,000.

When deciding to buy a smart watch, evaluate the “quality-functionality-price” ratio so as not to buy an expensive trinket and cheap fake, which will go “on the shelf” due to uselessness or poor-quality work.

Smartwatch rating

To understand the abundance of offers on the market of smart watches will help the rating of models that are most in demand among buyers. Which device with a set of "smart" functions to choose, guided by the parameters: simplicity, quality, functionality, reliability and ... price? Top 20 smart watches among buyers in Moscow and the Moscow region:

Smartwatch models	Feature Brief	price, rub.
Baby Smart Baby WatchQ50 with GPS	Hand-held sensor, built-in speaker, microphone, accelerometer, GPS and GSM antenna
SamsungGear S2 Classic SAM-SM-R7320ZKASER	Stainless steel case. Unique rotating bezel for easy operation.
SamsungGear S2 Sports SAM-SM-R7200ZWASER	View or reply notifications: Twitter, calendar, weather, Facebook, mail, SMS
APPLE Watch 42mm with MilaneseLoop MJ3Y2RU / A	The built-in TapticEngine tactfully alerts you to incoming messages.
APPLE Watch 38mm withWhiteSportBand MJ302RU / A	Compact version of smart watches. Sapphire crystal protects the display from damage.
LG W150 WatchUrbaneGold	Touch screen, leather strap
SonySmartWatch 3 Sport	With the help of smart watches, you can: determine your location, surf sites on the Internet, receive and send SMS, find out the weather forecast.
SonySmartWatch 3 SWR50 MetalStrapSilver	The smartwatch display is activated by finger movements. There is only one button on the side of the case.
AlcatelOneTouchWatch SM02	Thanks to the waterproof dial, you can use the model under water.
AlcatelOneTouchWatchGo SM03	Press the Go button to determine your emotional state, select a theme and, through social networks, share your well-being with the world in the form of a color image.
Asus ZenWatch2 WI502Q	Magnetic Charger
	Built-in GPS allows you to accurately measure distance and speed, as well as view the route on an interactive map using a proprietary smartwatch application.
MotorolaMoto 360 (leather)	Steel body. LCD Touchscreen, 1.56 ", 320x290. Android Compatibility
Casio GB-5600AB-1A	Plastic case. Incoming call notification. Compatible with Android, iOS	Price on order
Garminvivoactive	Calls using your phone or tablet. Physical monitoring activity
Withingsactivite	Stainless steel case, sapphire crystal screen. Synchronization of smart watches with other devices using Bluetooth 4.0 LE technology
Huawei CLASSIC BRACELET Silver (MERCURY-G00)
	Access to the main applications installed on the phone, checking email and social messages
	Color E-ink display. Extended version of Pebble OS. Slightly curved body. Heavy Duty GorillaGlass Glass
MyKronozZeSplash	Platform Support: Android 2.3+, iOS 4+, WindowsPhone

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This is a very nice watch from a good brand, with a round screen and a leather strap. There have been no official sales in Russia and not yet (maybe a little later), but in the “gray” retail they can be found cheaper than 10,000 rubles. This applies to the option with a leather strap (there is also the Moto 360 Steel with a steel bracelet, but it is slightly more expensive).

Perhaps the most budget option on Android Wear is the first LG G Watch. They are just in official retail, the remnants of the first lots are now sold for 8,000 rubles or so (that was the price at the start of sales, in the summer of 2014, before the ruble fell). However, we like the look of the LG G Watch substantially less than the Moto 360, the screen is rectangular, with a low resolution, the strap is silicone ... In general, the main reason to buy them is price. Although if you are a developer and want to try Android Wear, or you are interested in smart watches as a technological toy and not as a fashion accessory, feel free to take the LG G Watch - you don’t have almost any functional differences from the more expensive models on this OS (even the latest ones) will find.

A watch on Android Wear is good if you have an Android smartphone. IPhone owners can also use them - notifications will work, but they won’t be able to install third-party applications. If this is important for you, pay attention to the Pebble line. They are equally compatible with both Android and iOS, a lot of applications have been written for them, and recently Pebble began to support the Cyrillic alphabet “out of the box” (before, the Cyrillic alphabet had to be added using custom firmware that crashed on any update).

The main feature of Pebble (in addition to a full-fledged OS) is the non-fading screen of E-Paper. Only the very first model with a black and white rectangular display and a plastic case falls into the price category of up to 10,000 rubles, but in terms of functionality it is not inferior to the more expensive Pebble options.

From 10,000 to 20,000 rubles

This is the most favorable price category for smart watches, if you strive to find the best option in terms of price, functionality and design. True, not a single Apple Watch falls into it, but otherwise the choice is very wide. What should you pay attention to first of all?

We really liked the first Asus ZenWatch on Android Wear. A good screen with an effective rounding, metal, a leather strap is a worthy unisex option. Moreover, its price in official retail is very acceptable: about 15,000 rubles (that is, less than 200 dollars).

The second-generation model is also very decent, and here there is a smaller option, focused on women. But the larger version we liked in appearance less than the ZenWatch of the first generation. But when ordering from the United States, it can be obtained even cheaper than 15,000 (if you take the option with a silicone strap).

In addition to models on Android Wear, do not forget the Samsung models on Tizen, but only if you have a Samsung smartphone, which is not very old and not cheap. There are two actual options here: Samsung Gear S and Samsung Gear S2 (the latter, however, is already at the border of the next price category).

Samsung Gear S is, in fact, a full-fledged smartphone: you can insert a SIM card into it and use it for calls without a smartphone. Another trump card is the huge curved SuperAMOLED screen. It looks really impressive! Of course, the model is rather cumbersome, and the need to make calls by the watch is very doubtful, but this model really stands out from a number of other smart watches by its functionality and design. Moreover, for a year and a half it has not completely become obsolete (none of the competitors has presented anything like this yet).

Samsung Gear S2 is also in some ways an innovative thing. Firstly, there is an excellent round screen without “dead zones”, secondly, the operating system interface is fully optimized for this screen (which is not the case with Android Wear round watches), and thirdly, it uses an original control mechanism: a rotating bezel . The Samsung Gear S2 Classic looks the most spectacular, but only the Samsung Gear S2 (the so-called sports version) falls into the price category of up to 20,000 rubles.

On the border between this and the next price category is another round-screen model, but already on Android Wear: LG Watch Urbane. Previously, it cost significantly more, but now has fallen in price to acceptable values.

Here, too, an OLED screen without “dead zones” (unlike the first generation Moto 360 IPS screen with a “dead zone” at the bottom), but at the same time a leather strap and a large steel case. This model left us with mixed impressions, as it seemed too bulky and definitely male. And I did not like the golden color. But the silver version looks quite nice and for sure many will like it.

From 20,000 to 30,000 rubles

Now we move on to the category of stylish fashion devices. Well, first of all, this is the Apple Watch Sport. True, only the 38 mm version and only with a silicone strap, because the larger 42 mm and all options with leather and metal straps are already more than 30 thousand. Nevertheless, even the cheapest Apple Watch still look great, especially if you choose the right color strap.

Of the options on other operating systems, we can recommend the Samsung Gear S2 Classic (their design is much more attractive than the sports version of the Samsung Gear S2, with similar functionality) and, with a stretch, the Huawei Watch, which, firstly, runs along the upper border this price category, and secondly, they are still an amateur model. They are very heavy and thick, but with a round screen without "dead zones", an all-steel case and a leather strap (there is still a version with a steel bracelet, but it is more expensive).

A model of a completely different plan, but also capable of serving as an adornment to its owner and to please his eye - Withings Activite. This is a classic watch, but with a built-in accelerometer and a Bluetooth module. The accelerometer allows you to track your activity during the day, and via Bluetooth, the information collected is transmitted to a smartphone application (iOS, Android), where you can set goals. The percentage of goal achievement is displayed during the day on an additional mini-dial, using a separate miniature arrow.

Of course, this watch does not have an operating system and does not display notifications. But they have a very elegant classic appearance, a leather strap, and in the kit there is also a silicone strap that can be worn before training or swimming. Yes, you can swim in watches - they have a high degree of moisture protection and allow you to track the duration of a workout in the pool.

More expensive than 30 000 rubles

The niche of expensive watches (above 30,000 rubles) was almost completely occupied by Apple. Of the models on other OSs officially sold in Russia, here is only the Huawei Watch on Android Wear (the option with a steel bracelet). In general, if you want to demonstrate your status, love beautiful gadgets and are not limited in money, while you are the owner of an iPhone, you can choose from a variety of options for Apple Watch. In general, we talked about the Apple Watch lines in a previous article, and in this material you can find details about the varieties of Apple Watch, straps and new features of watchOS 2. Here we also recommend specific models.

Firstly, even if you are a girl or the owner of a small hand, then if you have enough money, you should take the option with a 42 mm screen. It is really more comfortable with it than with the 38 mm one, while the watch does not look bulky. Secondly, in terms of appearance and feel of the materials, the Apple Watch is more advantageous, of course, and not the Apple Watch Sport. We were especially pleased with the sapphire crystal on the Apple Watch - for several months of operation, it did not appear the slightest scratch (while the iPhone 6s Plus screen has already been covered with many traces of use for the same period). As for the strap options, we have three favorites.

The first is a leather strap with magnets inside. A very convenient, elegant and original solution!

The second is the Milanese mesh bracelet. It is much cheaper than a steel block bracelet, but at the same time it is suitable for almost any hand and more comfortable for everyday wear.

The third option is purely for women. This is a strap made of soft granada leather with an original butterfly-style clasp. But it exists only in the 38 mm version. So if you stop on it - consider this moment. The skin is really beautiful, very delicate, in the presence of beautiful colors. All in all - the perfect surprise for March 8th!

Well, for men who want to please their beloved, and prefer brutal conservative solutions, the option with a steel block bracelet is suitable. The peculiarity of the Apple block bracelet is that each link there is very easy to remove without any materials at hand, so that you can flexibly adjust the length of the bracelet.

However, in our opinion, with all the advantages of the Apple Watch with a block bracelet, this option seems to us unreasonably expensive. Unlike another purely male gadget, the Garmin Fenix \u200b\u200b3 GPS watch.

In principle, the niche of GPS watches is a little away from smart watches like the Apple Watch, because the tasks here are completely different, but the Garmin Fenix \u200b\u200b3 model deserves mention in this article, because, like the above smart watches (except Withings Activite) It displays notifications and calls, synchronizes with a smartphone and even has a color screen that does not require backlighting!

Nevertheless, this is a professional sports watch with many sensors (in addition to GPS / Glonass and the accelerometer there is also an altimeter, barometer and compass), an almost indestructible case (we especially note the option with sapphire glass that will survive even the most extreme trips) and the ability to fix different nuances of your achievements, and not just the number of steps - for example, the effectiveness of swimming techniques.

Of course, this brutal monster is very expensive, but here it’s just clear why you have to spend so much money. Especially when it comes to sapphire crystal. If the Apple Watch sapphire glass is designed primarily to amuse the owner’s pride (since this is a traditional attribute of high-end mobile devices) and protect its appearance, then in the Garmin Fenix \u200b\u200b3 Sapphire glass will be really useful if you use this watch for its intended purpose, that is, not in the format "home - work - home", and in rafting on mountain rivers, intensive training in the open air, climbing mountains, etc.

findings

Well, it's time to take stock of our research, which consists of two articles (the first, recall, you will find here). First of all, the market for smart watches has already become quite mature, and today the consumer can choose from a variety of models, among which there are also very worthy (and, in all price categories). We will not agitate you to buy smart watches - in the end, we tried to tell you why they are needed and what they are, and you have to decide whether you still need a smart watch or not. But if you decide what you need, then now is the time to buy them. Why? Because, on the one hand, some models at old, pre-crisis prices are still available in Russian retail, and on the other hand, the watches of 2014 have not yet become outdated. However, among the new models there are many interesting things - often also at very attractive prices (even taking into account the growing dollar).

In addition, in 2014-2015, a lot of smart watch models for every taste and budget appeared on the market. Here there are elegant female options, and brutal male, and universal unisex devices. In terms of functionality, operating systems and case / strap materials, the spread is also very large, so that if you wish, you can choose according to individual characteristics and needs.

In the first article, we tried to help you navigate in all this diversity and understand some general principles for choosing smart watches (what you need to pay attention to and what not). In the second article, our task was to give specific recommendations depending on the budget and based on our experience. We really tested all the models described in this article and can vouch for their quality, many of them received our design awards, and we left behind the scenes unsuccessful devices. So you can safely use this article as a guide to buying. But remember that a smart watch is an even more individual product than a smartphone, so first of all, listen to your taste.

Smart watches are not an achievement of the last 5 years, the first of them were developed in 1982 by Seiko. In 2017, more than 40 manufacturers produce such gadgets, and this is not the limit. Choosing the right device with this variety is not easy. Let's consider how to choose a smart watch for android so that it benefits its owner, and also review the best of them.

Design, wearing comfort

The first opinion of a person is formed on the basis of appearance, the presence of relevant accessories here plays a decisive role along with neatness. A wristwatch in this case is not just a gadget, but also an addition to the overall image. That is why special attention should be paid to design - it must correspond to the style of clothing, otherwise the person will look ridiculous.

For the office, devices that mimic an ordinary classic watch are more suitable. For sports jogging choose fitness bracelets for sports design with bright accents. And women are better off choosing models with a curved or rounded display; they look more elegantly on a thin and elegant hand. There is also a smart watch that suits any style of clothing, strict and versatile.

Ease of use is also the main advantage of the gadget, as some watches are so bulky, heavy and uncomfortable that in the evening I want to take them off sooner. And if the user wants to monitor the phases of sleep and activity at night, you need to sleep with them.

Screen protection, moisture resistance

With a clock in his hand, a person walks all day, including lunch at work or in the kitchen at home. The moisture protection function will be just a find, since it is inconvenient to constantly remove the device when washing hands. When choosing a smartwatch, look at the protection standard, depending on it, in the watch you can:

• get into the rain and wash your hands, take a shower, dive to a depth of 1.5 m for up to 30 minutes (IP67);
• calmly swim in the pool (IP68).

Best smart watch based on android wear

Some of the smartwatches are focused on athletes, while others focus on working separately, without a smartphone. Thirdly, a bet is made on a stylish appearance. Consider the best smart watches of 2018 on the android wear platform by category.

The most budget

The average price category for android wear watch is $ 250-350. Moreover, watches with the ability to use mobile communications are priced over $ 350. The manufacturer ZTE Quartz was able to create a smartwatch with a 3G SIM card worth $ 192. Even if such a function is not needed, these are the cheapest representatives of this OS.

ZTE Quartz can please with the clear sound of music, a metal case in compact sizes. The most significant drawback is the difficulty in acquiring the device. There is also no monitoring of heart rate and NFC. But, if the lack of these functions does not scare, and you need an inexpensive model, ZTE Quartz will be a great acquisition.

Best Fitness Watches

Initially, for every watch with Android Wear OS, the Google Fit application is installed, where statistics of user activity are kept. But not every model is aimed specifically at sports. The best smart watches for android have been selected. There are:

• heart rate monitoring;
• battery saving mode for long trips.

But are all watches equally useful? What is the difference? Now we will tell.

Based on the characteristics and prevalence of the clock, we first made a large-large table, and then, according to this table, we placed the clock pictures in the form of a cloud, guided by 2 pairs of parameters: functional simplicity (the functionality is determined by both declared / existing functions and applications for this platform ), and sports-telephone functions (of course, this is not quite a contrast, but I still haven’t found a watch that simultaneously has a GSM module and works like a fitness tracker).



  The full version of the picture is available by clicking on it.

I must say right away to avoid accusations in the style of "the picture you have garbage." This picture was born in agony between “show for sure”, “show correctly”, “make it look shitless”, “to fit on the screen”, “not to fade” and other, often contradictory requirements that arise in my brain. So it does not pretend to be correct and accurate in any way, but only is the most obvious way to express relations in the watch market, taking functionality as a reference point. If there is criticism based on characteristics, not feelings, and specific thoughts about what needs to be changed in the picture - write in a personal. In the meantime, this picture remains the most understandable of all that I have seen.

What direction is the watch developing?

  If we take ordinary wrist watches as a basis, then “smart” ones are obtained by adding the following functions and their combinations to them:

1. Telephone module

The developers didn’t get anything new. We go on points:

The ability to run third-party programs

Android

The easiest way to implement the first point is to build a watch on one of the platforms that support Android. In this case, the watch gets a practically “free” user interface (albeit practically not sharpened for small screens, both in resolution and in physical size), and an SDK for third-party developers.
  If you don’t get into the system too much, even the big brother’s applications will start and work reasonably well on the watch (by this term I mean not at all what was meant at the time of the PDA. Then the big brother was a computer, and now the big brother for the clock - this is a phone). This is an advantage, users of watches (unless of course the developers have blocked the installation option) immediately after launching them, they will immediately receive a bunch of programs for sale, without waiting for the developers to write them.
Calculators (although not very convenient, but still), readers (you give a device for cheating on the exam), functional watches (stopwatch, timer, alarm clocks in various variations), weather, mail, the Internet and so on, up to navigators and maps .
  But this approach automatically means that you need to use a screen with a high resolution (minimum 240x240, compare with Pebble 144x168), color support (although, theoretically, this is not necessary, and you can get by with a monochrome display, in practice I don’t know such ones), and touch panel. All this increases the cost of hours, which affects sales.
  In addition, as you do not optimize the system, the powerful processor and the sleep mode in Android still makes itself felt - it’s difficult to get a long time, usually it is limited to a maximum of 3 days with not very active use, and the attempt to do something active in the watch It will drop the battery and do it in a couple of hours.
  Another negative factor of this approach is the presence of a screen that must be turned on even in order to watch time on it. This means either pressing a button or making a very specific hand gesture (shake or turn it sharply enough), which absolutely does not add convenience to a watch, a device designed to watch time.
  Although Qualcomm Toq already showed Qualcomm watches last year, using a new type of screen that can display color and is active all the time, there are only a few ready-made projects with this type of screen on the market (we don’t take into account because they don’t plan to sell them Although, everything can change, as is the case with Sony, which at one time also did not think to seriously sell their first watches).
On the picture:   They are scattered evenly throughout the map, on Android they make any type - from simple notifications, to sports trackers and phone hours.

Android Wear

Universal smart watch platform developed by Google. Based on Android, albeit somewhat simplified and undemanding. The downside of all Wear watches is their short battery life - they will have to be charged like the phone every day. In addition, we get a touch screen interface and a color screen that does not work in standby mode - you will have to touch the screen to display the clock. Pros - a universal interface for different models and native support for all watches on this platform in Android since version 4.3. For example, you can read a good overview of the features of Android Wear.

Own platform

Another way is to develop both the platform and the SDK ourselves. The advantages of this approach are that you completely control both the hardware and the clock software, and you can optimize energy consumption quite strongly. For example, Pebble live with me for about 6-7 days with a constant connection to the phone, and without a connection - twice as long. Not much, but not Samsung Gear with one day.
  This is achieved, including the ability to put any type of screen with any resolution, and without a capacitive sensor.
  But on the shoulders of the developers lies the work of writing and maintaining both the firmware and the developer kit. I can only guess how much effort it takes to write all the documentation with code examples for development for the device, hardly much less effort to write the firmware itself.
On the picture:Scattered evenly throughout the map.

Telephone module

Although it is not only, and not so much telephone, it is not so convenient to speak by the clock so that it becomes a replacement for the telephone. This is more of an Internet module, since Chinese Mediatek chipsets are now cheap.
  This is mainly done in order to get away from tethering to the phone, to make the watch a separate self-sufficient device that does not require a phone with BT turned on at 5 meters.
  This is also quite interesting, the ability to leave the phone at home (for example, going to a training session, where the phone is in the pocket interfering) but at the same time receive messages.
  Minuses? Yes there is.
  In this case, you will have to use Android, because there is no other alternative. Of course, you can write your own OS, but it is quite expensive, for a long time, users are deprived of the opportunity to run ready-made programs, and you can not wait for battery saving in this case, a constant connection to the network is still guaranteed to kill the battery in a day.
On the picture:Evenly on the left side of the picture.

Ability to display notifications from the phone

This functionality is most often associated with the concept of “smart watch”, and as a rule, watches are bought specifically for use in this form. A notification arrives on the phone, and is displayed on the watch - no need to get the phone out of your pocket, unlock it, and then put it back in, just glance at your wrist.
But the way how a watch implements this functionality is different for everyone. Some work according to the standard headset protocol, which is described in the BT standard itself. Pros - such a watch will work with most phones, even non-smartphones. Cons - they can only notify of a call, show the number and name of the caller (and only in Latin characters). You will have to forget about SMS notifications, chats, facebook, contacts, and more. I did not add watches with such functionality to the table and picture, because I do not consider them to be “smart watches” in the sense that they are now putting into this concept.
  Smarter watches require their own application on the phone, which receives notifications from programs on the phone, and why passes them to the watch.
  Here the quantity and quality of these notifications can change quite a lot. Cogito Original (Cookoo watch as a girl) show only notification type icons (calendar, call, mail and so on), the older model from the same manufacturers - Cogito Pop also has a small screen in addition.
  The line of watches from Martian can do about the same thing, only a small screen on one line is available to the user.
  Finally, truly smart watches receive most of the popular notifications (calendar, calls, sms, mail, chat messages, social networks and so on) on the phone using their program, and send them to the watch. For example, pebble using the Pebblify or Pebble Notifer program can show all notifications in general, including system ones, such as “system update is available”

On the picture:   The upper part of the picture with rare exceptions (Leikr, Motorola MOTOACTV, Adidas miCoach Smart Run), and on the bottom of the vertical arrow (Cogito Pop, Cookoo watch, Casio G-Shock Bluetooth, Martian)

Sensors for determining user activity

Another application of smart watches is tracking user activity, working as a fitness tracker. The simplest devices of this kind of plan simply tell the user about how much (kilo) meters he traveled per day, how many calories he spent, and the like. In fact, this is just the evolution of pedometers, their more advanced version. Yes, some of them can dump data into the cloud, and share them on social networks, but they still remain pedometers.

Devices that are evolutionarily higher can not only take steps, but also measure distance using GPS, measure the heart rate, and on the basis of these data they prompt the user to move faster or slower for the best training pace. And with a barometer, they can even count the number of flights of stairs.
  Still, such devices can take data from external sensors (working on ANT + technology) - bicycle wheel speed, pressure, weight, temperature, and so on. The device stores the values \u200b\u200bthat came from the sensors, and imposes them on the track. Something like this:


On the picture:   The entire left part of the picture, in the lower part there are watches that can simply show some parameters, in the upper part there are real wrist trainers, fixing achievements, schedule of loads and the like.

Who is who in the world of watches?

Adidas miCoach smart run

  A very advanced gadget from Adidas, smart watches that are fully focused on a sports lifestyle and training. It includes GPS and a heart rate sensor in addition to the standard accelerometer, which is now in almost every smart watch.
  You can create workout plans or choose pre-made ones - cardio training, improving flexibility, strength training, training certain muscle groups or just relaxing. The watch can even show short clips on the screen, suggesting how to do this or that exercise correctly, and give tips on increasing or decreasing the tempo, based on the user's heart rate and data on the optimal and maximum cardiac load.
  Unfortunately, this functionality has its drawbacks - the battery charge is only enough for a training lasting no more than 3-4 hours.
Reviews and information:   Review from Hi-Tech Mail.ru, review from Lifehacker.ru
Price:   from $ 400
Availability:   recently appeared on sale in domestic online stores.

Alpha MIO / Alpha LINK

  Not quite a smart watch, but a smart heart rate monitor. This was the first device that reads the pulse without requiring a chest sensor - instead of it, a light sensor works, which determines the heart rate, revealing the skin and blood vessels.
  I already wrote about how they work in, but duplicate here:
  How does he work? Simply. Relatively simple. Tissues without blood do not have a pronounced color, so they skip the entire spectrum. Blood, unlike them, is red, which means it absorbs the entire spectrum, except for red.
When you shine a lantern through your hand, you see only a red glow. This is due to the fact that most of the spectrum, in addition to red, is absorbed by the blood. Subject to proper conditions (dim light, dark room), the human eye can also catch small changes in brightness, in time with the heartbeat.
  This means that when there is a lot of blood in the tissues of the hand, they reflect the radiation of the rest of the spectrum worse, and when it is small, they reflect better. I am not talking about reflection from the skin, which changes little, but about the translucency of the upper layer of the skin and reflection from internal tissues.
  Now it’s simple - we shine a green LED under the skin, and remove the fluctuations in illumination with a photosensor. We filter out all the interference that goes beyond 20 ... 200 oscillations per second, average over a dozen or two seconds and get the pulse value.

Alpha MIO is a watch that is capable of showing time (amazing!) And a pulse on its screen, Alpha LINK is a version without a screen that has only an LED showing the cardio zone. Heart rate data, as in the older version, is transmitted to the phone, it simply does not appear on the watch itself.

Reviews and information:Review from hi-tech.mail.ru, from appleinsider, from iphones.ru, from mobile-review, from newrunners.ru.
Price:   7 990 rubles for Alpha MIO and 4 990 rubles for Alpha LINK in the Madrobots.ru store
Availability:   produced and sold.

Basis b1

  Not so much a smart watch, but a personal fitness tracker. The watch collects data on activity, movement, quality of sleep, heart rate (although it doesn’t do it all the time, like in Mio Alpha, but every five minutes), the temperature and humidity of the skin and transfer it to the cloud. there this information is analyzed and presented in a beautiful way.


Reviews and information:   , another review from MobileReview.
Price:   7,990 rubles to MadRobots
  Version Carbon Steel 7 990 rubles in MadRobots
Availability:   are for sale

Epson Pulsense Watch PS-500

Despite the fact that for many of you, Epson is known primarily as one of the leading manufacturers of printers, scanners and other office equipment, the Japanese company also decided to release a “smart watch”. Let me remind you that Epson is a structural unit of the Seiko Group, the main specialization of which is watch products and precision mechanics. The Pulsense Watch presented at CES 2014 is by no means the first attempt by Epson to enter the market of wearable electronics. Back in 1985, the RC-20 Wrist Computer watch with an 8-bit Zilog Z80 microprocessor appeared in the company's portfolio. Among the standard features of which were notes, world time and an engineering calculator. After almost 30 years, Epson’s smartwatch has learned to track your heart rate, activity level, calories burned, and sleep quality, but the display has remained monochrome. The amount of internal memory should be enough to record 480 hours of training. To provide information in a digestible form, the manufacturer promised an application for iOS / Android and a Web interface.
Reviews and information:   Page on the official website of the company, announcement on engadget.com.
Price:   At the time of writing, a pre-order of $ 200 per copy was opened.
Availability:   preorder

LifeTrak Zone R415

CES 2014 is a storehouse of smart watches, bracelets and other wearable electronics. The LifeTrak Zone R415 presented at this event was equipped with a rounded monochrome display, a standard set of fitness functions, the ability to pair with a smartphone to display notifications, and a smart alarm function that itself understands when you fall asleep and does not require additional body movements before bedtime. The interchangeable strap system is very similar to that of the Apple Watch. One of the main advantages of this device is its autonomy, which is 6 months of continuous operation from one battery of CR2032 size + the ability to swim with this watch (immersion to a depth of 30 meters). They also know how to measure the user's pulse, though they do it not by a photosensor, but by catching contractions of the heart muscles (like an ECG). This circuit is cheaper and simpler than the photosensor, but has its drawbacks. Firstly, unlike the chest sensor, it is necessary to stop for measurement - otherwise the watch catches the skeletal muscle contractions while running and cannot separate them from the heart ones. Secondly, to measure, electrical contact is necessary with both hands at the same time - you need to touch the second electrode (not the one on which the watch) with the second electrode (in this watch a metallized button acts as it) and wait a dozen seconds. You can synchronize data with your smartphone using the application for Android and iOS.
Reviews and information:   official site, express review from the CES exhibition from c | net and SlashGear.
Price:   130 dollars.
Availability:   the start of sales was planned for the second quarter of 2014, but the “Coming soon” plate is still displayed on the official website.

Leikr

Leikr is the creation of a Danish group of developers, athletes, and even immigrants from Nokia, who launched their product on the market through fundraising on Kickstarter. Given the size of Leikr, calling my watch doesn’t turn my tongue, it’s rather a wrist / mobile navigator. Developers position their product primarily as an assistant in athletics training. Leikr is a fully independent device with a 2-inch color display (320x240, 65K colors) covered with Gorilla Glass III, 300 MHz processor, 8 GB of user memory, GPS, Wi-Fi, BT 4.0 and ANT + for connecting external sports sensors. The operating system is proprietary and runs on Linux. Such large sizes initially did not imply everyday operation, and exclusively autonomy is confirmed by low autonomy (up to 6 hours with active GPS and no more and up to 24 hours in target mode). For even more convenient display of training data, it is possible to synchronize the clock with the Endomondo application, which is available for three main mobile platforms (Android, iOS, WP).
Reviews and information:   official website, Kickstarter page, first look from Runner's World.
Price:   350 dollars.
Availability:   sold in Europe and the USA.

Motorola Motoactv

  Motorola in this category was the pioneer of the wave in the smart watch market. Sales started back in 2011 at a price of $ 249 for the device itself and $ 30 for the strap. True, improper positioning and a rather high price did not bring success to the American company, and by mid-2012 Motorola had reduced the price to sane $ 149 for the 8 GB version. The lack of a strap included the use of a standard clip for wearing the device on clothes. The watch has a 600 MHz processor, 256 MB RAM, Bluetooth 4.0, ANT +, GPS and Wi-Fi on board. The role of the operating system is strongly customized Android 2.3, i.e. Despite the possibility of pairing with a smartphone, Motoactv is an independent product that could be used purely as a pedometer, music player or, having worked a little with a file, at all. Regarding the autonomy of Motorola, everything was already quite good at that time, with active pairing with a smartphone, the watch lived stable for 2 days and only the activation of a voracious GPS reduced the operating time to 8 hours. I still consider (by the way, subscribe) MotoACTV the best of the fitness trackers that I used.
Reviews and information:   Review from MobileReview.
Price: the price of Amazon ranges from 100-150 dollars for a new watch.
Availability:

WearIT by Si14

  WearIT is primarily positioned as an electronic assistant for people leading an active lifestyle. The watch was presented at the CE Week exhibition, which was held in New York in the summer of 2013. According to the characteristics, WearIT is very similar to Motorola Motoactv: a 600 MHz processor, 256 MB of RAM, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth 4.0, ANT +, and an operating system based on Android 4.4 KitKat. The device has 4 GB of user memory and the ability to play audio files via Bluetooth. A 1.54-inch display is used to display information, and for synchronization, the manufacturer promised an application for iOS.
Reviews and information:   official product site, announcement on c | net.
Price:   Following data from archive news, Si14 (the manufacturing company) planned to sell WearIT for $ 349.
Availability:   currently on the official website there is no information about the start of sales, nor about the price.

TomTom Runner / Nike + SportWatch GPS

  Similar to the above, this device is primarily aimed at "runners". The watch works on the basis of its OS and does not have the ability to synchronize data with a smartphone. For convenient viewing of the collected information, an application for Windows / Mac or a web interface is available (there is no binding to the native service, you can use alternatives). TomTom Runner has GPS / GLONASS and an accelerometer in its arsenal, while the older model also has a heart rate sensor and Bluetooth. Thanks to the use of the LCD display, the autonomy of the watch without GPS activation reaches several weeks (depending on how often you run) and up to 8 hours with active GPS. There is also such a device as Nike + SportWatch GPS, which produces the same TomTom. From the younger Runner model, Nike branded watches are distinguished by their design, interface and Nikeplus.com service binding, and a slightly lower price.
Reviews and information:   official website, express review from GPS-club.ru / official Nike + SportWatch page, review from Rozetked.
Price:   $ 150 for the younger model and 269 for the older or 8190 rubles in the Madrobots.ru store (younger model) / Nike + SportWatch GPS for $ 140 on the manufacturer’s website and for 5990 rubles in Madrobots.ru.
Availability:   are for sale.

Polar V800

V800 is not that smart watch, but a real wrist computer for athletes. Polar is not new to the market for such gadgets, and other things being equal, I would prefer this particular company. The watch can track not only training, but daily activity, determine the optimal time for training and recovery after it, support a large number of heart rate and speed sensors and have GPS to calculate the distance traveled.
Reviews and information:   description on madrobots.ru
Price:   from 28990 rubles
Availability:   are for sale

Wellograph Wellness Watch

  Wellograph developers focused on design, using a leather strap, sapphire crystal to protect the display and a steel and aluminum case in their watches. They certainly managed to attract the attention of at least the press. Wellness Watch has a 1.26-inch e-paper display with a resolution of 168 x 144 pixels, like Pebble. In addition to the standard features for calculating the distance traveled, measuring the total activity and quality of sleep, the clock also knows how to measure heart rate using the sensor located on the back side. You can synchronize the received data with smartphones based on Android, iOS and, which is noteworthy, Windows Phone. Autonomy is declared at 7 days with a constant connection to a smartphone and up to 4 months without pairing. In the standard package there is a docking station for charging watches. In addition, the watch supports immersion in water to a depth of 50 meters.
Reviews and information:   official product site, express review with CES from c | net and Engadget.
Price:   from $ 349 when buying directly from the manufacturer. In Russia from 13 500 rubles.
Availability:   Preorder First deliveries are scheduled for September.

Pebble / pebble steel

  The device that is perhaps most suitable for the definition of “smart watch”. I mean not so much the part that is “smart,” but that part that is “watch.” The reason for this is a constantly active screen and a long (relative to the rest) operating time - from 4 to 9 days with a constant connection to the phone. But at the same time, the operating time was not implemented to the detriment of “smartness” - they can show any notifications, including from third-party messengers (though only on Android). And under them you can write real programs that will be executed on the watch absolutely regardless of the phone:,.
  Pebble is a kickstarter project that has collected a record (until recently) amount of $ 10 million.
Pebble Steel is also iron, packaged in a more beautiful and "premium" case - the characteristics of the version are no different, except for a three-color LED in the older version.
Reviews and information:   Review from Exler, review from MobileReview.
Price:   Pebble from 6 490 rubles in the Madrobots store, Pebble Steel from 10 990 rubles in the Madrobots store.
Availability:   produced and sold.

Agent smartwatch

  Regular people from Kickstarter who collected an amount 10 times the amount requested. The watch is partly similar to Pebble: an e-paper display with a diagonal of 1.28 "(128x128 pixels), and the heart of the device is an Atmel microcontroller based on the Cortex-M4 architecture (available about the differences between the MK and the microprocessor). Otherwise, Agent Smart Watch is an absolutely self-contained device with its own "chips" and shortcomings. First of all, the development team focuses on autonomy (7 days with BT on and up to 30 without) and support for three main mobile platforms: Android, iOS and Windows Phone. To automatically activate the backlight, a light sensor or accelerometer is provided (inclusion by shaking), and the clock is charged wirelessly from any Qi-compatible base. The OS is different, like Pebble. When creating third-party applications, it is assumed to use C # in MVS 2012 (the corresponding SDK is available).
Reviews and information:
Price:   from 249 dollars.
Availability:   To this day, the watch is under development, although the initial delivery was scheduled for the end of 2013.

CooKoo (1st gen) / CooKoo 2 Watch

Fundraising for this device began in May 2012, a month after the appearance of Pebble on Kickstarter. Peter Hauser, the developer of CooKoo Watch, initially aimed to make a simple and stylish device for constantly displaying current time and notifications from your smartphones. Admittedly, he did it. With the requested $ 150,000, Peter was able to collect twice as much and already in December 2012 the first devices fell into the hands of the beckers. The notification system and the clock itself are independent devices and are powered from different sources. Thus, the watch should work for about 3 years without changing the battery, and the electronics that are responsible for pairing with the smartphone for up to 1 year. 6 fixed icons and vibration signal are available for informing about notifications. Among the additional features is a programmable “Command” button on which you can “hang”, for example, setting marks on a map or controlling music on a smartphone. In the summer of 2014, the second generation of CooKoo Watch was introduced, even a new site was created for them with the “eloquent” address of cookoo2.com. A companion app is available for Android and iOS.
Reviews and information:   review from Mobile Review, video review from Rozetked.
Price:   130 dollars / 150 dollars.
Availability:   the old version is actively sold around the world, and the new one can be purchased only through off. site.

Cogito Original / Cogito Pop

  In fact, the Cogito Original is nothing more than a CooKoo 2 Watch. The watch is the same manufacturer (CONNECTEDEVICE Ltd.), and the rebranding, apparently, was made because of not the best reviews about the CooKoo Watch of the first generation: delays in production, terrible software and a permanent loss of connection with the smartphone. What has changed in the second version: they added a small monochrome display to display the number or name of the caller, a new design and application for iOS and Android. Separate food, 6 information indicators and dust and moisture protection have not changed. Along with Cogito Original, the manufacturer released a cheaper model with simplified functionality (electronics remained independent) and a completely plastic case. There are 6 colors to choose from, and indeed this model is more suitable for girls and it is smaller and lighter in size. The display, of course, was deleted, and the number of indicators was reduced to four. The clock still works only with iOS and Android.
Reviews and information:   Cogito Original review from AppleInsider.ru and Cogito Pop from Mobile Review; official site .
Price:   and rubles in the Madrobots.ru store.
Availability:   are for sale.

Kreyos meteor

The quite successful Indiegogo campaign, which raised one and a half million dollars, instead of a hundred thousand for the project of smart sports watches, which, according to the promised characteristics, should have plugged all existing smart watches into a belt, did not end very successfully - a year passed, and only some lucky ones got the watch, and they are unhappy with the poor quality of watches, breakdowns and poor functionality. And here also the founder of the company is accused of the fact that he unexpectedly bought a Ferrari for the money of beckers.


   It turned out that he did not buy Ferrari, but leased it not in the USA, but in Italy, and indeed, it was in 2010, but the sediment remained.
Reviews and information:   The first reviews on Kickstarter are extremely negative. Raw software, poor build quality of watches.
Price: $129
Availability:   sent to beckers

Kronoz ZeNano

  Smart watches from the Swiss company Mykronoz. Quite cheap and not too convenient - the screen is of poor quality and with a resistive sensor. But from them you can listen to music and answer calls (both using a headset or through the built-in speaker). The truth is inconvenient and with some strange feeling of a small calculator.
Reviews and information:   review from i-ekb.ru, review from icover.ru.
Price:   129 € on the official website, 5650 rubles according to the Yandex market.
Availability:   produced and sold

Qualcomm TOQ

  Quite an interesting watch, which Qualcomm made as a demonstration of its Mirasol screen, which compares favorably with ordinary ones by low power consumption in standby mode (you can always keep it on) and a special substrate, thanks to which it is well readable even in very bright sunshine. You have to pay for it with not very bright colors, but who needs RGB coverage on the watch? A very interesting watch, both in terms of hardware and functionality. Only Android is supported, but the standard program has really great functionality, as opposed to the Pebble program, in which half of these functions are implemented only by third-party applications. Included is a fun wireless charger.
  Unfortunately, Qualcomm is not going to actively promote watches, which, despite all their advantages, will remain a demonstration of the new technology.
Reviews and information:   Review from Hi-Tech Mail.ru
Price:   from $ 230
Availability:   produced and sold

Appscomm Fashioncomm A1

  Immediately after the TOQ presentation, the Chinese company was blown up and issued a press release stating that they want to make a watch on the Mirasol display. This happened in December 2013, and after that there is no information about them. However, they said that the watch will have a GSM module, which kills one of the main advantages of the display - low power consumption.
Reviews and information: News on 3dnews
Price:   from $ 213
Availability:   not yet produced

Sonostar smartwatch

  Cute watches from the company of the same name. Perhaps only the electronic ink screen is remarkable, the rest of the functionality is not much different from the market average. However, in order to evaluate the functionality, you need at least a working sample, which is not observed. At CES they promised that they would go on sale in the first quarter, but already in September, and the Coming Soon die still hangs on the site.
Reviews and information:   news on 3dnews.ru
Price:   pre $ 180
Availability:   not yet for sale

ZTE bluewatch

  Strange watches from ZTE, which almost completely copy Pebble - right down to magnetic charging and menu icons. Despite the fact that they were presented in January just like the previous ones, there are no sales data. I have a feeling that it was a copy for the exhibition.
Reviews and information:   news on 3dnews.ru
Price:   unknown
Availability:   not for sale

Casio G-Shock Bluetooth GB6900AA

  Companies producing watches also do not remain aloof from the universal enthusiasm for smart watches and also make watches that have the ability to communicate with the phone. The watch uses BT 4.0 and turns off to save energy, if they realize that they are not on hand. All this made it possible to achieve an impressive operating time on a single battery - from one to two years. Of course, for such a time you have to pay with available functions, but all the main notifications are present.
Reviews and information:   Review on mysku.ru
Price:   the average price of 9190 rubles on the Yandex market
Availability:   produced and sold

Martian watch

  Another watch made by people from a fully watch company. This time, the part that shows the time is a pointer, an “analogue” one, although a crystal oscillator is used there. This part is powered by a separate battery, which is designed to work for two years. The digital part - the OLED display with a resolution of 96 × 16 pixels does not work such an impressive time, but by the standards of smart watches is also not bad - a week.
  A distinctive feature of this watch is its microphone and speaker, which allows not only to use them as a headset during a conversation, but also as a wrist terminal for Siri or Google Now.
Reviews and information:   Review from w3bsit3-dns.com
Price: $299
Availability:   produced and sold

Archos smartwatch

  Another watch with an electronic ink display. The news speaks of three different models, but no details.
  The site has a watch page, but there is no purchase or pre-order.
Reviews and information:
Price: $130
Availability:   not for sale

AT&T Filip

A joint development of AT&T and FiLIP Technologies is a children's watch-phone, it is also a location tracker. You can put such a device on the child and always know where he is and have the opportunity to contact him - the phone in your hand is much more difficult to forget or lose.
Price: $99.99
Availability:   produced and sold

SmartQ Z Watch

  SmartQ Z Watch is a smart watch of a Chinese company, the heart of which is the Ingenic JZ4775 single-core MIPS processor. An update to Android KitKat is already available for the watch. RAM 512 MB, user - 4 GB. A battery with a capacity of 300 mAh in constant pairing with a smartphone lasts an average of a couple of days (this is partially due to MIPS), and when Wi-Fi is activated, autonomy decreases to 5-6 hours. For synchronization with a PC, charging and listening to music through headphones, a 3.5 mm jack is provided. Z Watch has a fairly large database of Russian-speaking users, thanks to which many enthusiasts saw the firmware of the watch.
Reviews and information:   SmartQ Z Watch review from China-Review and discussion on w3bsit3-dns.com
Price: $100
Availability:   produced and sold

Omate truesmart

  Truesmart is a product of the Chinese company Umeox, which decided to try to partially finance the development of its new product through crowdfunding. The campaign was successful, and the watch raised more than a million dollars instead of the minimum one hundred thousand. Unlike enthusiasts, a large company already has sufficient experience in the manufacture of devices so as not to disrupt the stated deadlines or to cope with a large number of orders, than crowdfunding companies sometimes commit. Omate Truesmart is a GSM / 3G module phone watch that runs on Android 4.2. There is also a camera, GPS, and dust and water protection according to the IP67 standard.
  Recently, Omate announced the release of the new Omate X model, already without a GSM module and made on the basis of Android Wear.
Reviews and information:   review from MobileReview, review from siliconrus
Price: $299
Availability:   not produced, leftovers sold.

iconBIT CALLISTO 100 / CALLISTO 300

  But the main business of Umeox is not in the manufacture of smart watches, but in the development of devices that are then sold to other companies for release under their brand. For example, a development previously released as Omate Truesmart was sold to iconBIT, which released it with minor changes (by the way, sign up) in the case (IP67 protection disappeared, which affected the price down) under the iconBIT CALLISTO 100 brand.
  The older version of the CALLISTO 300 is “bug fixes”. The new processor with a slightly higher clock speed, increased RAM, returned protection, though IP56.
Reviews and information: review of iconBIT CALLISTO 100 from 3DNews, w3bsit3-dns.com and iXBT / review of iconBIT CALLISTO 300 in the magazine] [acker and on the w3bsit3-dns.com portal.
Price:   6000 rubles for the youngest and 8000 rubles for the older model
Availability:   are for sale.

Explay N1 Watch

  In pursuit of world leaders in the mobile industry, the Russian company Explay has also released a smart watch. However, under the same name, the manufacturer’s portfolio contains a 3.5-inch smartphone and tablet, so when searching, you should specify what exactly you want to find. The device is completely self-sufficient and does not have the ability to pair with a smartphone ... Yes, from this watch you can call (GSM 900/1800), write SMS or listen to music (only through headphones), but a closed operating system (based on Linux), a lurid design and deplorable autonomy nullifies all these advantages.
Reviews and information:   official site, a review from Hi-Tech.Mail.Ru.
Price:   3000 rubles in Russian retail.
Availability:   are for sale.

Asus zenwatch

  The new Asus Zenwatch (presented at IFA-2014) is not to say that it is very different from other Android Wear watches, but they have their own style. Due to the leather strap and the metal edging of the screen, the watch does not create the feeling of cheap trinket on the hand, and looks expensive and stylish. Zenwatch has an impressive speclist: 1.2 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB user memory, though it’s not very clear why this is needed in a wristwatch ...
Reviews and information:   news from itc.ua
Price:   about 200 euros
Availability:   sales have not started yet

Moto 360

  The Moto 360 is the first Android Wear round watch. The first mention of them appeared in the month of March, and the watches went on sale only in early September. The number of people who want to get this far from the cheapest gadget to this day is not reduced.
  Maybe it’s the classic round shape of the watch? .. The watch case is made of steel, and a huge (by the standards of the watch) 1.56-inch IPS display (320x290 pixels) occupies the entire front panel except for a small strip in the lower part of the case where the light sensor is located. If the Moto 360’s functionality is similar to that of other devices with Android Wear on board, then with the “stuffing” Motorola definitely made it cheaper by installing the old (45 nm manufacturing process) third-generation OMAP from TI. There is also a heart rate sensor, the possibility of wireless charging according to the Qi standard and dust and water protection according to the IP67 standard.
Reviews and information:review from Engadget.
Price:   from $ 250.
Availability:   sold in the USA.

LG G Watch / LG G Watch R

LG has become a pioneer in the camp of smart watches on Android Wear. Announced at the same time with the Moto 360, the watch produced by a South Korean company hit the market in early summer and bypassed the hands of most local, and even more so foreign IT publications. Touching the ground, LG introduced the G Watch R - the new model of smart watches now in the classic round design and steel case. In comparison with the main competitor in the face of Moto 360, the solution from LG loses only in the diagonal of the display, and in the rest: a less “gluttonous” and more productive Snapdragon 400 processor, OLED display, a 410 mAh battery (versus 320 mA * h Moto). The model without the “R” index, in addition to the difference in design, is devoid of a heart rate sensor. Both models are protected from dust and moisture, and also have a system of interchangeable standard straps.
Reviews and information:   video review G watch   and G watch r   from Rozetked, G Watch review from itc.ua and iXBT.
Price:   229 dollars or ~ 8000 rubles according to Yandex Market for G Watch. There is no information about the LG G Watch R.
Availability:   LG G Watch are produced and sold, the start of sales of LG G Watch R is scheduled for October.

Rufus cuff

  Among the "standard" smart watches, one can already distinguish a separate group of wrist computers. Futuristic Rufus Cuff, the money for which was collected through the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform, has a large 3-inch display. It seems to me that such devices should be equipped with a flexible display, but, unfortunately, this technology is not suitable for small companies. The rest is a standard tablet (in the presence of GPS, Wi-Fi, BT 4.0, a front-facing video camera, but there is no cellular module) on a modified Android 4.4 OS, a representative of the budget segment. Rufus display resolution 400x240 pixels, battery capacity 1000 mAh. Like other similar devices, Rufus can connect to your iOS or Android smartphone to display notifications.
Reviews and information:   official website, news on engadget.com.
Price:   from $ 279.
Availability:   still in development (pre-order for March 2015).

Neptune pine

  Mobile computer - as the press called the next device, which raised $ 800 thousand on Kickstarter. The Neptune Pine is partly similar to the above-described Rufus Cuff, with more modest specifications, the first was equipped with a GSM module, because of which it became more like a smartphone ... with a wrist strap.
TTX: 2.4 "display (320x240, CGG III), Qualcomm processor with two 1.2 GHz cores, 5 MP rear (why?) And 2 MP front camera, GPS, 3G, Wi-Fi, a standard set of sensors and dust protection and moisture according to the IP67 standard. As the Google Android operating system version 4.1 without access to the Play Market. 16 or 32 GB of memory is available for storing user data.
Reviews and information:   official site, video from CES from Geek Satellite.
Price:   from $ 349.
Availability:   the first copies go to the beckers.

Samsung Gear 2 / Gear 2 Neo / Gear Live

  The reference point in the camp of smart watches manufactured by Samsung is Galaxy Gear, presented just a year ago at the IFA international exhibition. And then Ostap Koreans suffered. Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo - this is the second generation of smart watches, now on Tizen OS (the first generation worked on modified Android). It is noteworthy and sad that the watch from Samsung only works with the company's smartphones, other Android, and even more so the iPhone is not supported. The second generation TTX is as follows: 1.63-inch AMOLED screen (320x320 pixels), 2-core processor with a frequency of 1 GHz, 512 MB RAM and 4 GB of user memory, 2 MP camera, standard set of sensors (including heart rate sensor), BT 4.0, infrared, interchangeable straps and protection against dust and moisture according to IP67. The model with the prefix “Neo” is devoid of a camera and weighs 55 grams (versus 68 for Gear 2). A 300 mAh battery lasts for 2-3 days, depending on the load.
  Gear Live, in turn, is the same Gear 2 Neo, only on Android Wear.
Reviews and information:   Text review of Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo from itc.ua, video review Gear 2 / Gear 2 Neo   and Gear live   from Rozetked.
Price:   12 990 rubles / 9 990 rubles / 9 990 rubles - official prices in Russia.
Availability:   on sale.

Samsung Gear Fit

Gear Fit was presented simultaneously with Gear 2, but then Samsung decided to experiment and made a display, and accordingly the shape of the device, curved. The experiment was definitely a success, the watch (?) Quickly gained popularity and was discussed almost livelier than the flagship Gear 2 on the Internet. Due to the shape, the diagonal of the AMOLED display was increased to 1.84 "(432x128 pixels), but the battery was damaged and lost weight to 210 mAh. In addition, Fit was stripped of their speakerphone, infrared port and S Voice (a microphone was cut out). Dust / moisture protection and a heart rate measurement sensor remained, but the weight dropped to 27 grams. I think once again listing the functionality is not worth it , because everything is standard: steps, pulse, notifications, etc. Under Tizen, the OS is understandable Third-party applications appear, but with Android Wear, the joint development of Intel and Samsung can not be compared, at least until the watch can only be used with Samsung smartphones.
Reviews and information:   Review from Mobile Review and iXBT.
Price:   7 990 rubles.
Availability:   are for sale.

Samsung Gear S

  We take Gear Fit and stretch it in width, and season it all with a cellular module. It is clear that Fit was a trial, experimental device and everything went to the fact that the next full-fledged watch from Samsung will be with a curved display. Traditionally presented at IFA-2014, Gear S is equipped with a 2-inch Super AMOLED display (360x480 pixels), a 2-core processor, 512 RAM and 4 GB of user memory. In addition to supporting 3G networks, the watch also has a GPS / GLONASS chip (in hours!), As well as a whole bunch of sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, light sensor, barometer, ultraviolet measurement sensor, and heart rate monitor). A barometer is needed to determine the height inside the premises, for example, to count the number of flights of stairs.
  It turned out to fit all of the above into a compact beautiful case, and even with protection from dust and moisture, but a battery with a capacity of 300 mAh in such a device is frankly scary. Do they even survive before dinner?
Reviews and information:   preview with IFA from Rozetked   and Droider.Ru.
Price:   14,990 rubles (300 euros).
Availability:   pre-order (October).

Apple watch

Perhaps everyone who was at least a little aware of what a smart watch was waiting for a smart watch from Apple. They even say that some particularly impressionable person experienced an orgasm during the long-awaited presentation. There is not much information about the product of the apple company since they will go on sale only in the first quarter of 2015. From what is known: contact magnetic charging (like a MacBook), heart rate sensor, Wi-Fi b / g, BT 4.0, a button, a wheel and a touch layer with pressure recognition to interact with the clock interface. The display is covered with no less than the long-awaited sapphire glass (in the Watch and Watch Edition models) and a certain “Strengthened Ion-X glass” in the Watch Sport model. The case of the device is protected from moisture, but the possibility of immersion in water is still in question.
Reviews and information:   news on iphones.ru
Price:   from $ 349
Availability:   sales will begin in early 2015.

Alcatel wave

  Alcatel decided to try something new, bringing their first smartwatch to IFA in Berlin. The guys decided that they had nothing to sit on the same platform with such large uncles as Samsung, LG, Asus or Motorola and said that they were developing a watch on their platform. The watch has a slightly smaller screen than its competitors - 1.2 ’. Alcatel Wave has a heart rate sensor on the other side of the screen, like the Mio Alpha. Also an interesting solution was the USB port at one end of the strap, like some fitness bracelets.
Reviews and information:   news on allsmartwatch.ru
Price:   pre $ 129
Availability:   sales have not started yet

Sony Smartwatch 3

  Unification is in full swing - the new smart watch from Sony also received Android Wear as a platform. As expected, this leads to the fact that the characteristics of the watch become approximately the same, and it is no longer clear what exactly stands out from this rest of the somnas of watches on Android Wear? Well, perhaps an interesting strap design.
Reviews and information:   news from sotovik.ru
Price: $296
Availability:   sales have not started yet

P.S. We still opened a new one in the Mega Belaya Dacha shopping center. You can find out how to find us on our website.

  We are waiting for you!

  P.P.S. We also invite all people interested in the topic of wearable devices to the Wearable Tech Conference 2014, which will be held September 23-24 at Artplay. You can register to take part in the exhibition.

Functional wrist gadgets invented by science fiction writers do not surprise anyone today and have become part of everyday life. Smart watches have a lot of features, the number of which is increasing every year. What can a smart watch do, who can it come in handy for and how to choose a device for android? To understand these and related issues, an informational review of the 2016-2017 models will help. Having considered various options, you can compare the characteristics and prices and choose the best option.

Challenges and Opportunities

A smart watch is not just a fitness tracker that you can wear from time to time. By purchasing this device, it should be understood that they fully open their capabilities with constant wear. Most gadgets work in tandem with. The most popular type of OS is Android.

What features do smart watches provide:

Attention! In the presence of an internal vibration motor, the gadget is able to track the phases of sleep and activate the alarm during the short phase. Thus, providing an easy awakening.

The list of features depends on the model and class, but the basic functions are present in all smart watches. However, most of them require a certain technical level both. The average battery life is no more than a day. And this means that not all models allow measuring distances during long trips or leaving the watch on your hand at night for the full-time operation of the alarm clock. Also, options such as the navigator can be fully useful only if there is a sufficiently large screen.

Criterias of choice

When buying a gadget, you should formulate what tasks it should perform, as well as take into account market opportunities. In general, there are several characteristics that can be used to evaluate any smart watch.

Tip. In the technical specifications for the device, a standard is indicated that demonstrates the level of protection against moisture and dust - IPXX. The numbers instead of X reflect these parameters according to the principle of increasing. For most models, it is IP67 or IP68, which indicates the admissibility of taking a shower and swimming with the watch.

Model Overview

One of the best, judging by the numerous reviews and reviews, are Pebble Steel. The sensational model is able to hold a charge up to 5 days. The black and white screen is equipped with the ability to backlight, the symbols and the dial are clearly distinguishable in any light. They support all basic options, are controlled by four buttons - one on the left, three on the right. The controls are pretty tough, which eliminates accidental clicking.

1. Expensive models include Sony SW Compatible with smartphone models, even with a minimum set of features, with the Android version starting from 4.0. The color screen is square, with a diagonal of 1.6 inches and the TFT matrix is \u200b\u200bcovered with a protective glass. Data is clearly distinguishable even in bright sunlight. During the inactive phase, the backlight function decreases until the dial is displayed. There are no basic fitness sensors in the model, which makes it not sport-oriented. Accompanied by a leather or silicone strap. The average operating time in intensive mode is 5 days. The watch offers great opportunities for tracking sports achievements.
2. Motorola Moto 360 - belongs to the middle price category and is much cheaper than its "competitors", with similar parameters. The watch is visually beautiful round, with a silicone or plastic strap. The kit comes with a base station, which allows you to quickly recharge and use the alarm option.
3. The inexpensive Kruger & Matz Classic model is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Neat, non-massive watches are devoid of any decor, equipped with a silicone strap and one button that starts the device. In active mode, work 2 days. All options typical of a smart watch are available, with the exception of a heart rate monitor, a smart alarm clock. You cannot install third-party applications.
4. Sumsung Galaxy Gear lasts up to 3 days in active use. 1.6-inch touch-screen display with a square shape. The case and one-piece strap are made of metal. The strap is equipped with a camera module, and the clasp is complemented by a speaker. Applications are installed using a special utility.

Selecting a model with the optimal set of functions will help a careful study of the proposals of manufacturers. Smart watches with basic options that provide basic communication with a smartphone are available, within the middle price range. More "advanced" models equipped with additional features, screen protection and having a status appearance will require a higher level of costs. Such a gadget will be a useful acquisition for active, dynamic people.

Overview of the best models of smart watches: video