What actually is a smartwatch? First of all, such watches have a screen that displays information. It is not usually as sharp as that of smartphones, but good enough to read text. The information comes from the paired smartphone, which sends the data via Bluetooth wireless technology in the background to the smartwatch. This is how you get the latest e-mails, telephone calls and messages onto your watch.
Watch comparison
The smartwatch learns new features through the installation of additional applications, for example, for weather reports or Facebook posts. The actual useful value comes from the built-in sensors.
Some continuously measure the pulse on the wrist, others use GPS to determine distance travelled or the altitude through a barometer. Most manufacturers rely on touch screen to operate the watches, a few still use classic operation via buttons.
Four main types of smartwatches are available.
Simple smartwatches with notification function
The simplest smartwatch type does not have much on the box.
The main task is the time and date display, there are also basic functions such as stopwatch, timer and alarm clock. In addition, this type can be paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth.
The watch then acknowledges incoming messages and calls via vibration alarm, symbol or beep. Some models also show the beginning of a message. Because of the limited scope of functions, the battery usually lasts at least several months.
Example model: Casio G-Shock GBA-400 series.
Smart sport watches
These smartwatches are designed specifically for athletes.
Modern versions do more than just count steps and monitor sleep, they provide information on the pulse rate and help you to train optimally. They usually include a GPS transmitter which records distances travelled.
Standard equipment includes an easy-to-read touch screen, an optical heart rate monitor and is water-resistant. Via smartphone or computer, the watches transfer the measured data to specific analysis programs.
Training plans can also often be set up on the Internet portal and transferred to the watch. In addition, most sport watches report incoming messages and phone calls. The batteries for models with GPS function usually only last a few days.
Example model: Garmin Forerunner 235.
Classic smartwatches
Typical smartwatches are used as an extension of the smartphone. Connected via Bluetooth, they show all of the incoming messages, calendar entries and phone calls on the smartphone. Texts can be dictated via voice recognition.
In general, sport functions such as step counters and pulse meters are also installed. The difference to sport smartwatches: Thanks to operating systems such as Android Wear from Google or watchOS from Apple, there are now many apps to choose from.
In addition, the screens are usually bigger and better. This is at the expense of battery life. The smartwatch has to be plugged in every one to two days.
Smartwatches with phone function
These smartwatches in principle offer the same features as classic smartwatches, however, they work independently of the smartphone.
This means that they have their own SIM card. The Internet connection, for example for downloading or surfing the Internet, is achieved via LTE mobile phone technology. However, these watches are not designed to truly replace smartphones.The screens are too small, the operation too fiddly. Also since only a small battery fits into the housing, there is often not enough power even for a day.
Example model: LG Watch Urban LTE.
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