Future Now: 2 Weeks with Sony's SmartWatch 3
Let the smartwatch war begin!
Now that Apple has thrown their hat or watch, if you will into the arena, we know things are going to get competitive. Their watch releases this month with a wide variety of pricing and style options. Google has dabbled with them for over a year with Android Wear, with various hardware manufacturers releasing unique products. Competition brings the best of ingenuity and creativity, with the users will end up the winners in the end.
I grew up owning a calculator watch, a Transformers one and a Nelsonic Pac-Man game watch. To me, that thing on your wrist wasn't just to tell time, it was to have fun with as well. Today, smartwatches are unbelievably powerful tiny pieces of tech. Should I get one or not? In the end, I purchased Sony’s SmartWatch 3. Apple's entry model is nearly $200 more than Sony's offering in Canada. So I figured, what the hell? Maybe it's time to see what all the fuss is about. Now that I've owned one for a couple of weeks, I find myself happy with the purchase.
The SmartWatch 3 is Sony's fourth generation watch. One was developed during the Ericsson phone era. Then they released two watches with their own custom Android wrapper. SW3 is their first with Android Wear, Google's official software brew. Specs for the watch where a definite plus for the purchase. Out of all of Android Wear’s offerings, Sony's has competent offline abilities. It is the only watch with to offer a built in GPS. It's fully waterproof. Plus, it also has 4GB of internal memory for offline music storage for walking or running. It is the watch that can be independent when your smartphone is not in reach.
The build is solid, featuring a very pleasant look and feel. There are sexier options like the Moto 360 or Apple Watch, but I like this one a lot. It’s size is smaller than expected. I have average wrists. So, a giant honking piece of tech on my arm doesn't appeal. I was surprised that it fit comfortably and it'a appearance is very much like a "sports watch".
I have Google Wear’s UI is simple and to the point. Notifications. App launches. A swipe here and there and you’re gold. Sony advertises two day functionality and I can vouch for that. With light usage, yes it will last days.
Software offerings are varied. Plenty of free apps are available, accompanied by the occasional low cost alternative. You can tell it's early days for everybody involved. Few hits and plenty of misses. This is why I'm really happy that Apple has joined the arms watch race. Competition is going to make all the players involved, work harder and make this tech category shine brighter.
My favourite apps are essential:
Sony Walkman: Used for controlling music on your smartphone or offline directly on the watch. I love this app!
Google Note: Utilizing your voice to create notes for easy reminders.
Google Tracks: Uses the SW3 GPS, tracking your route offline. Nice!
Google Fit: A nice workout package, integrated on the go.
Wear Mini Launcher: A very easy way to keep track and launch your apps quickly and easy.
Wear Orbits: A fun little arcade game on your wrist. One of the best!
Video Poker: Poker on your wrist? Sure why not? Gotta love poker!
Bandai-Namco's Pac-Man Watch Face: The only app I paid for. Costs a little over a dollar and puts a smile on your face whenever you look at your watch and see Pac-Man telling you the time. :)
Should you get one?
If you want one, sure. If you want to wait, go ahead. I love Sony's option. I think it's the best from pricing, design, features and a two day battery life. Plus, you can purchase additional watch straps of various colours, with a stainless steel band coming soon. It's a great time to have fun with watches again! ;)
