Smartwatches: Developments of Niche Devices
The last decade hasn’t just seen an increase in smartphones and tablets; there’s been a surge in the popularity of smartwatches across the world. No longer a niche product that was a novelty for tech heads and gadget aficionados, smartwatches have now entered the mainstream. Even those who don’t always invest in the latest technology products can see the potential and value of wearing a “second-screen” on their wrist.
A Brief History of Smartwatches
The history of smartwatch development can be traced back more than two decades when the first Bluetooth-connected watches were released in the early 2000s. The industry didn’t truly take off until 2013 when Pebble, the poster-brand of smartwatches, was released with its groundbreaking device. Almost 10 million dollars was crowdfunding within 6 days and in the years following, Apple and Android released their own smartwatches, leading to a surge in popularity.
What Exactly Is a Smartwatch?
At its simplest level, a smartwatch is a computer embedded into a watch-like device that can connect with a smartphone via Bluetooth. They can be used to complete a range of tasks such as streaming music, taking calls, reading text messages and emails, checking the weather, and more. Smartwatches are typically powered by a rechargeable battery, making them far more energy-efficient than many smartphones.
Essential Specs and Design Features
One of the main differences between a regular watch and a smartwatch is the sheer amount of data that it can display. Smartwatches are usually equipped with sensors including accelerometers, heart rate monitors, gyroscopes and breath sensors, all of which enable users to interact with and monitor their physical environment in real-time. This data is then organized into widgets, charts, and other visualizations that can be accessed via the screen.
The dial will typically be touchscreen-enabled, however, the smartwatch may also include physical buttons to access certain features. Most are made from one of two materials; either aluminum for a professional look and feel or plastic for a cheaper alternative.
How Do Smartwatches Work?
Smartwatches connect to a smartphone through the use of Bluetooth. This enables them to do a range of tasks such as making and receiving calls and texts, checking emails, and tracking health and fitness activities. This is done with the use of a companion app which can be downloaded from the app store and configured to the watch.
The Benefits of Wearing a Smartwatch
One of the biggest advantages of having a smartwatch is that it can serve as a convenient way to check the time, eliminating the need to constantly be checking a phone. This means that users have easy access to the time and date, as well as any calendar reminders and notifications at a glance.
Smartwatches are also incredibly useful when it comes to managing health and fitness goals. Many of the devices come with built-in heart rate sensors and GPS tracking, allowing users to monitor their physical activity in real-time. This can be incredibly helpful if users are trying to stay on track with their fitness goals or need to remember to stay hydrated throughout the day.
The Downsides of Smartwatches
Unfortunately, despite their many benefits, smartwatches do come with some downsides. Firstly, their battery life is much shorter than the average smartphone – often lasting about two days at most before needing to be recharged. Secondly, despite the range of features most of the devices offer, they do lack many of the features found in traditional smartphones.
Smartwatches are also prone to lagging or freezing due to their small processor and lack of power. Finally, as with most devices, smartwatches are also prone to malfunction, meaning they can become unusable after only a few months.
Popular Smartwatch Brands
When it comes to choosing a smartwatch, the most popular brands are Apple, Samsung, Garmin, Fossil, Huawei, and Mobvoi. When selecting a device, it’s important to take into consideration the range of features and specs each offers – including battery life, display size, and compatibility with the user’s existing smartphone.
Apple watches are typically the most expensive, yet they offer the best range of features. For those who are looking for something more affordable, Samsung or Fossil watches offer great value for money. Those who are looking for features geared specifically towards health and fitness should look towards Garmin and Huawei, who offer a range of activity tracking features. Finally, Mobvoi is a great choice for those who want an Android-specific device that is more affordable than the rest.
The Future of Smartwatches
As technology continues to advance, smartwatches are becoming more advanced. Manufacturers are introducing more features and sensors, allowing users to access a range of useful data all at the touch of a button. This, in turn, is leading to the development of smarter and more intuitive devices, allowing users to access the data they need with a few simple taps.
We are also likely to see a surge in the development of data-driven watches. These watches use AI-powered algorithms to monitor the user’s data and suggest ways to better manage their health, such as an optimal bedtime or nutrition recommendations.
In addition to this, we can expect to see smartwatches becoming more stylish and attractive. Manufacturers are already experimenting with new materials, such as leather and textile, making them more suitable for formal occasions.
Smartwatches have come a long way since their introduction in the early 2000s; from a niche device for tech enthusiasts to a mainstream accessory for everyday life. They are no longer simply about telling the time. They are versatile gadgets equipped with sophisticated features such as heart rate monitor and GPS tracker, allowing users to stay connected on the go.
Whether users are looking for something to monitor their fitness goals or just a stylish accessory to complement their outfit, they are sure to find a smartwatch that meets their needs. In the years to come, we can expect to see even more incredible and exciting advancements in this technology, as manufacturers strive to make the devices even smarter and more intuitive.
