So, how do we define a smartwatch?
A smartwatch is a wearable computer in the form of a wristwatch; modern smartwatches provide a local touchscreen interface for daily use, while an associated smartphone app provides for management and telemetry (such as long-term biomonitoring). While early models could perform basic tasks, such as calculations, digital time telling, translations, and game-playing, 2010s smartwatches have more general functionality closer to smartphones, including mobile apps, a mobile operating system and Bluetooth connectivity. Some smartwatches function as portable media players, with FM radio and playback of digital audio and video files via a Bluetooth or USB headset. Some models, called ‘watch phones’ (or vice versa), have complete functionality of a typical smartphone using LTE technology.
What Are the Basic Features of a Smartwatch?
Since the first modern smartwatch launch in 2013, there have been 10s of different smartwatch manufacturing brands. As we approach the end of the decade, the competition is getting stiff, and different smartwatch brands have embraced innovation to differentiate and earn themselves a competitive advantage.
Therefore, companies are striving to integrate new and useful smartwatches features, but the real question is, how do you tell smartwatch? Or rather, what are the features that define a smartwatch?
Well, smartwatches will come to you with these features.
- Call capabilities
- Music play
- Apps
- Fitness tracking
- Media management
- GPS
- Notifications
- Messaging abilities
- Rechargeable battery
How Does a Smartwatch Work?
Smartwatches come with pretty futuristic features, all designed to perform different functions and make life much easier. Besides playing music and running utility applications, some of the most cherished and complicated features are fitness tracking and GPS mapping. So, to clear up the air, we will attempt to understand how a smartwatch works right from its software system to the various standard features.
Smartphone compatibility and operating system
Smartwatches, like other tech devices, run on specific operating systems. Different smartwatch brands run on different system software. However, we have two commonly used smartwatch OS, i.e., Android Wear and WatchOS. The Android Wear is a customizable OS developed by Google for Android wearable devices such as Android smartwatches.
The Android smartwatches are compatible with all Android devices running on Android 4.3 version or higher. Android smartwatches are also compatible with iPhones with iOS version 9 or later. However, the compatibility is not all perfect as some features are limited. WatchOS is system software designed by Apple for Apple Watches. It is compatible with all i-devices.
Smartwatch display and interactions
Smartwatches are made of OLED or AMOLED, which appear to have a dark complexion. The dark color is meant to ensure optimal performance of the smartwatch in direct sunlight. For easier navigation, some smartwatches such as Apple Watch 6 and Fitbit Versa 2 come with a touchscreen for easy interactions.
Not all smartwatches come with a touchscreen display; some have navigation buttons while others combine the two interactions.
Smartwatch fitness features and sensors
To conveniently perform fitness tracking functions, smartwatches are fitted with sensors that track body movements and physical activities to help users monitor body fitness in relation to set goals. At a glance, we will look at these smartwatch sensors and how they work.
- Pedometer
A pedometer is a fitness tracker that counts your steps. It is one of the most commonly used fitness trackers. This sensor uses an accelerometer to measure your body movements and calculate the number of steps you take in a day.
- Heart rate
The heart rate monitor tracks and monitors your heart rate in real-time. This feature is useful for people who want to monitor their cardiovascular fitness or those engaged in strenuous activities such as running and weightlifting. The sensor uses LED light technology and photodetectors to detect changes in blood volume beneath the skin.
- Bioimpedance
The Bioimpedance sensor works to measure the charge in your body, and therefore your smartwatch can tell when you are inactive or actively engaged. If you are too inactive, the smartwatch will send a buzzing reminder to get up and engage in physical activity.
- GPS and Tracking
It is almost impossible to imagine a smartwatch without a GPS tracking feature. The feature is designed to help you navigate, map your jogging route, track distance travel and find your real-time location. The feature works just like the one on your smartphone.
Smartwatch hardware and apps
Different smartwatches brands come in different designs, colors, casings, and straps. However, all smartwatches come with speakers, a microphone, and an internal storage space to store media and run applications, as a significant number of them come with default and pre-installed utility and entertainment apps.
For example, the Samsung Fit 2 Pro and Garmin Forerunner 245 Music allow users to directly stream music from Spotify. Equally, all stand-alone smartwatches come with a SIM card slot to receive calls, text, and connect to the internet via a data plan.
Smartwatch wireless connectivity
Wireless connectivity capabilities it what really define a smartwatch. With internet connectivity, you can access social media platforms and actively receive notifications. Using Bluetooth connectivity, you can share media files with friends and play and control music on AI speakers such as Amazon Echo Studio and the new Sono One.
Different Type of Smartwatches
The different types of smartwatches are significantly determined by the design, features, and the manufacturing brand. For instance, we have fitness-oriented smartwatches, sports smartwatches to highlight just but a few. Here is a breakdown of the various smartwatch type available in the market.
General use Smartwatches
These are smartwatches designed for a wide range of occasions. They feature all the standard smartwatch features such as GPS tracking, calls and messages, media controls, music play, and much more. Apple and Samsung company have specialized in manufacturing general use smartwatches.
Fitness-Focused Smartwatches
Fitness-focused smartwatches are primarily designed to help users monitor workouts and track their overall physical fitness. Typically, they will have built-in GPS features, a heart rate monitor, a pedometer, and fitness and yoga applications. The Fitbit Sense Advanced and Garmin Vivoactive 4 from Fitbit and Garmin companies are some of the best fitness-focused smartwatches.
Luxury Smartwatches
Like traditional watches, we also have luxury smartwatches designed for high-end fashion. Traditional Swiss watchmakers specialize in designing and manufacturing luxury smartwatches, and the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 41 and Breitling Exospace B55 are examples of top-regarded luxury smartwatches masterpieces.
Budget Smartwatches
These are often generic smartwatches that offer basic features such as steps counting and media control, but users cannot download applications. They are pretty basic in design and priced below $50, making them affordable to many people.
Sport-oriented Smartwatches
They are almost similar to fitness-focused smartwatches but are designed to meet the needs of sportspersons. So, for example, we have hiking smartwatches, swimming smartwatches, track smartwatches, and golf smartwatches such as Garmin Approach S40, all fitted with custom apps and features to fit specific sports activities.
Hybrid Smartwatches
These are traditionally designed watches, but they have “Smart” attributes. For instance, they have a processor, onboard sensors and are compatible with your smartphone. They are known to have a long-life battery and a relatively small screen enough to show time and count steps. Hybrid smartwatches were very much popular in the early days of smart wearables. Some of the top-rated hybrid smartwatches are Fossil Gen 5E and Skagen Jorn Hald.
What is the main purpose of a smartwatch?
The main purpose of a smartwatch is to act as an extension of your smartphone. They are designed to make your life more convenient by giving you access to key information and notifications without having to pull out your phone. Additionally, they often come packed with fitness tracking features and other health-related applications.
Can smartwatch work without phone?
Not always, as most smartwatches are designed to work in tandem with your smartphone. However, there are a few models on the market that are designed to function as standalone devices. These usually come with their own SIM card slot and built-in cellular connectivity so you can make calls, send messages, and use data even when away from your phone.
Do all smartwatches need an app?
No, but most of them do in order to take full advantage of their features. For example, if you want to track your fitness or sleep, you will need to download a corresponding app onto your phone first. The same goes for using features like contactless payments or music playback – you will need to have the right apps installed in order to use these functions.
How do I know if a smartwatch is compatible with my phone?
In order to pair a smartwatch with your phone, it needs to be compatible with the operating system of your device. For example, an Android smartwatch will not work with an iPhone, and vice versa. There are also some models that are only compatible with certain types of phones within each operating system – so it’s always best to check the compatibility before purchasing a smartwatch.
Is it worth getting a smartwatch?
Definitely Yes! A smartwatch is a convenient way to stay connected to the people and things that matter most to you. They also come packed with tons of features that can help you be more productive, organized, and healthy. So, if you’re looking for a device that can do all of those things and more, then a smartwatch is definitely worth considering.
Do smartwatches have camera?
Not all smartwatches have a camera, but there are a few models on the market that do. These usually come with built-in cameras that can be used for taking pictures or videos. However, the quality of these cameras is usually not as good as the one on your phone.
Conclusion
Smartwatches are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a convenient way to stay connected and productive. They also come packed with tons of features that can help you be more organized and healthy. So, if you’re looking for a device that can do all of those things and more, then a smartwatch is definitely worth considering.
3 thoughts on “What Is a Smartwatch ?”