Several brands are releasing their own wearable technology to the public in recent months, and the smartwatch is one of the most talked-about, highly anticipated devices people are looking forward to. The smartwatch is quickly becoming the must-have gadget as people look for more convenient ways to stay connected.
Three of the rumored smartwatch releases to anticipate this year are the HP Smartwatch, Google Android Wear, and Apple iWatch. Let's discuss how each smartwatch could be formidable players in the niche market.
First Impressions
Google's Android Wear is the only one officially announced out of the three smartwatches, it is the only device whose appearance people already know. Android Wear will look like a traditional wristwatch, with a circular face made of stainless steel, but with a digital twist and premium features. Google is said to have partnered with Fossil and other fashion brands for the design, and they have partnered with several brands (LG, Samsung, Asus, Motorola, HTC) to produce their versions of Android Wear. A good example of this is the Moto 360, which features Corning Gorilla Glass, a leather strap, and wireless charging technology.
HP Smartwatch, meanwhile, is believed to be positioned as a luxury timepiece among the smartwatches, which will also feature a circular face and leather wristband in a wide variety of styles and colors, according to the Wall St. Cheat Sheet. HP is said to have partnered with Michael Bastian for its smartwatch's design.
Apple's device specs are usually prone to being leaked ahead of time, but they've managed to keep the iWatch under close wraps. What the tech world does know is that, like HP, it will be marketed as a fashion watch. While there are no leaks to its appearance, many people believe it will be using a flexible display, rumored to be 320 x 320 1.3 in and 1.6 in flexible AMOLED. Reports have suggested that Apple is working with former TAG Heuer Vice President for Sales Patrick Pruniaux to design the iWatch.
Under the Hood
The HP Smartwatch comes off as the most flexible of the three, with reports saying it will be compatiblle with both iOS and Android devices. It is said to be capable of what can be considered the basic functions of a smartwatch, allowing users to check messages, control music, check weather, stocks and sports updates remotely. What it doesn't have that the other two have, however, is health or fitness-tracking capability.
Android Wear's first look appears to be a wrist-wearable version of Google Glass, and reasonably so, as it relies heavily on the contextual cards used by Glass. There is more to this device though. Aside from the functionalities provided by Google Now (search, updates, remote messaging), it also has fitness features, built-in Google Maps, and voice recognition, according to Tech Geek. As its system is Android-based, it's understandable that it is only Android-compatible. The Moto 360, one of the versions of Android Wear, will be compatible with all devices running Android 4.3, 4.4, and L.
Bloomberg's sources as reported by Stuff said that the iWatch will enable users to accept and make calls and check location information like other smartwatches. It also features a pedometer, a common feature for smartwatches that feature health and fitness tracking capabilities. Stuff also cited a report from the New York Times saying the iWatch may feature a solar charging screen, although some people believe this isn't going to happen anytime soon. Like the Moto 360, the iWatch is said to be experimenting with wireless charging technology.
Developers who wish to download the SDK preview of the Android Wear can do so on Google. Apple's iWatch and the HP Smartwatch are expected to come out in late 2014, although some speculate that the iWatch will already make its debut along with the other anticipated Apple flagships this fall.
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