However, when Pebble released its smartwatch in 2013 with record funding on Kickstarter and sold 1 million units, smartwatches started gaining popularity.

Currently, the smartwatch market is substantial and growing day by day. With increasing demand and competition, smartwatch brands are introducing many innovative and useful features in their products. There are various benefits of smartwatches for gaining popularity.

Types of Smartwatches

There are many types of smartwatches available in the market and it might be a bit confusing to choose which will suit your need the best. You can also read the pros and cons of this amazing gadget in the given link.

If you are planning to buy a smartwatch then this article will surely help you, as here we have tried to explain various types of smartwatches based on different niches.

#1 Android Smartwatches

Android smartwatches stand out as versatile companions on your wrist. These types of smartwatches run on wearOS, offering a world of convenience and functionality. With wearOS, you can enjoy multiple apps, receive notifications, track your fitness goals, and even control your smartphone right from your wrist.

An excellent example of an Android smartwatch is the Fossil Gen 5. With its sleek design and wearOS compatibility, it boasts features like heart rate tracking, GPS, and access to a wide range of apps. Another remarkable contender is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, delivering a seamless Android experience with wearOS. Its fitness tracking, customizable watch faces, and advanced health monitoring make it a true powerhouse.

#2 Standalone Smartwatches

Standalone smartwatches utilize LTE or cellular networks, functioning independently as full-fledged smartphones. These timepieces empower you to place calls, send messages, enjoy music, and utilize diverse apps without tethering to a smartphone.

This liberation from constant smartphone presence elevates standalone smartwatches beyond standard smartwatches. Noteworthy brands like Apple with their latest Watch Series 8 and Samsung’s Galaxy 5 offer these innovative standalone smartwatches, revolutionizing the way we connect and engage.

#3 Rugged Smartwatches

Rugged smartwatches prove exceedingly valuable for individuals who engage in outdoor activities.

They feature a durable body that is shock-resistant and equipped with IP certifications such as IP68 or IPX8. Moreover, they hold ATM ratings like 5ATM or 10ATM, enabling them to endure even deep water dives.

In addition, these smartwatches boast built-in GPS functionality, which proves immensely beneficial during outdoor exploration. Furthermore, they offer impressive battery life. Notable examples of true rugged smartwatches include the Garmin Fenix Series, Casio WSD-F20A, Amazfit T-Rex, and Carbinox Watch. It’s important to note that these smartwatches generally carry a higher price tag compared to others.

#4 GPS Smartwatches

GPS smartwatches are equipped with advanced GPS technology, allowing users to accurately track their movements, whether it’s for fitness purposes or outdoor adventures. These watches are considered premium as they do not rely on the phone’s GPS.

The built-in GPS enables precise distance and location tracking during workouts, helping users monitor their progress and set new goals. Additionally, GPS smartwatches often provide route mapping, for cyclists, and hikers who seek new paths and trails. They work more like a custom smartwatch.

Some noteworthy examples of GPS smartwatches include the Garmin Epix series, the Apple Watch with GPS capabilities, and the Suunto 9. These devices cater to a wide range of users, from professional athletes to casual fitness enthusiasts.

#5 PPG Smartwatches

PPG watches use Photoplethysmography (PPG) tech to measure blood flow, showing insights into health aspects like heart rate and stress. This sensor is quite common and you can find it in most smartwatches.

Not just heart rate they can also track sleep, estimate blood oxygen, and offer fitness insights. For stress tracking these sensors on the watch detect changes in blood volume under your skin, tracking heart rate and reactions to stress.

PPG smartwatches pioneer tech merging with health awareness. They give real-time health tracking and insights, helping individuals steer their health journey and talk smartly with medical pros.

Remember, PPG smartwatches add insights, not replace medical advice.

Familiar options are Fitbit Sense, Apple Watch Series 7, and Amazfit.

#6 ECG Smartwatches

ECG smartwatches are the perfect blend of technology and health tracking, transforming how we manage heart well-being.

These watches can record your heart’s electrical activity, helping detect irregular rhythms. This feature, known as an Electrocardiogram (ECG), goes beyond heart rate tracking.

Using sensors on the watch’s surface, ECGs are easily generated. Some watches even do this automatically if irregularities are sensed. Generally, these watches are a bit costlier compared to PPG Smartwatches.

Famous options like Apple Watch Series 8 with ECG, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Withings Move ECG highlight this trend.

Remember, while ECG smartwatches offer valuable information, professional medical advice remains crucial.

#7 NFC Enable Smartwatch

NFC-enabled smartwatches seamlessly merge technology with convenience, reshaping how we interact with the world around us.

These watches come with Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities, allowing them to communicate with other NFC-enabled devices, like smartphones and payment terminals.

With NFC Watches you can make contactless payments, like tapping your watch to pay for your coffee!

But NFC-enabled smartwatches offer more than just payments. They can also store information like transit passes, access cards, and loyalty cards, making your wrist a digital hub for daily activities.

Popular examples of NFC-enabled smartwatches include the Apple Watch 8, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, and Fitbit Versa 4. These devices showcase how tech integration can simplify our lives.

Remember, while NFC adds convenience, it’s important to keep your digital security in mind.

#8 Camera Smartwatches

These watches are equipped with built-in cameras that allow you to snap photos and record videos directly from your wrist.

While not as powerful as your smartphone camera, they come in handy for video calling, taking pictures, and can be incredibly useful in emergency situations!

The Samsung Gear 2 is a notable camera smartwatch with a 2MP sensor, and a Chinese brand, Zeblaze, has recently launched the Thor 6 smartwatch with dual cameras.

Keep in mind, though, that while camera smartwatches offer convenience, privacy considerations are important when using built-in cameras.

#9 Hybrid Smartwatches

The hybrid type of smartwatch is like traditional mechanical watches but with some smart features to break the limitations of a traditional watch. These watches are also known as hybrid watches.

These smartwatches also require a connection to a smartphone but come with small displays and limited functionalities.

Typically, they offer basic functions such as notifications and call alerts. Fossil Q Commuter and Garmin vivomove 3s serve as perfect examples of hybrid smartwatches.

#10 Sports Smartwatches

#11 Kids smartwatches

Kids’ smartwatches offer more than just timekeeping. They feature adorable designs and come in attractive styles, all while serving a vital purpose in ensuring children’s safety.

With SIM card slots and the use of GPS, GLONASS, and other positioning methods, these watches can track your child’s movements. Parents can establish safety zones, receiving alerts if their kids venture beyond these boundaries.

Additionally, these smartwatches boast emergency SOS features, allowing children to send alerts during critical situations. Xiaomi Mi Rabbit and VTech Kids Smartwatches stand out as excellent choices for safeguarding your child.

#12 Women Smartwatches

Women’s smartwatches are designed to keep the various needs of women in mind.

These watches boast feminine and fashionable designs while catering to women’s unique health requirements. With dedicated health apps, they assist in tracking menstrual cycles, estimated ovulation days, and more.

Going beyond aesthetics, women’s smartwatches also act as health companions. They monitor overall well-being, including stress levels, and provide recommendations for relaxation exercises.

Moreover, these smartwatches support NFC Pay and offer safety features like SOS, enhancing convenience in women’s lives. Their lightweight build complements the smaller wrists of women perfectly.

For those seeking both style and substance, consider renowned options like Garmin lily, Kate Spade Scallop 2 and Misfit Phase. These women’s smartwatches not only adorn the wrist fashionably but also offer an array of features to cater to modern women’s needs.

#13 Spy Camera Watches

Hidden camera smartwatches feature advanced cameras cleverly concealed within their displays. These innovative watches empower you to discreetly capture high-quality videos and snap HD pictures with just a press of a side button.

Equipped with a night vision camera, these smartwatches ensure clear recordings even in low-light conditions. Additionally, their extended battery life guarantees prolonged recording sessions on a single charge.

Noteworthy options in this category include the Binrrio Hidden Camera and CIGONG Smartwatch, both renowned for their discreet camera capabilities.

FAQ:-

What is the most common smartwatch?

The Apple Watch is one of the most common and popular smartwatches on the market.

What are the types of smartwatches?

Smartwatches come in various types, including fitness-focused, lifestyle-oriented, and hybrid models that combine traditional watch elements with smart features.

What smartwatch does everything?

There's no single smartwatch that does everything, but high-end models like the Apple Watch Series 8 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offer a wide range of features including health tracking, app support, notifications, and more.

How do I choose a good smartwatch?

To choose a good smartwatch, consider factors like compatibility with your phone's operating system, desired features (fitness tracking, notifications, etc.), design, battery life, and budget.

Hope you get some idea of the various type of smartwatches with this article. If you have any queries you can ask below in the comment.

Smartwatches contain a lot of sensors like accelerometers, pedometers, heart rate monitors, altimeters, barometers, compasses, GPS receivers, etc. that keep track of our health and safety. We have also covered the benefits of smartwatches in one of our post. Some of the Pros and Cons of having a Smartwatch can be:

Pros of Smartwatch:

A fitness tracker on your wrist

A smartwatch keeps track of the health status of kids. Most of the smartwatches have step counter, Monitor heart rate, Blood Pressure monitoring. Some of the latest watches have inbuilt sensors that can sense out workout throughout the day while in a gym, swimming, walking, running, etc. and can analyze calories burned accordingly.

Calls and Notifications on the fingertips

Now, you don’t have to take your phone out for every notification alert pinging on your phone. Every notification and calls notification is available on your smartwatch; you can pick a call or reply to a message with full ease without even touching your smartphone.

Safety Companion for kids

Inbuilt GPS in smartwatches helps to keep track of kids’ activities and location that maintains the safety of kids on the one hand and removes the stress of parents on the other. You can also do 2-way calling as well as messaging in some of the smartwatches. Most of the smartwatches also have an SOS button to be used during an emergency. The SOS button is used to send a custom message with your live location to predefined contacts.

A trendy accessory for the fashion

Smartwatches look elegant and cool, so there won’t be any excuse from kids for not wearing it. Heaps of design and color of smartwatches are available in the market to choose the best match for your kid. You can even buy straps of different colors and change them daily to get a new look every day. The best thing about these watches is that we can change the design of the clock with different themes as we like.

Connectivity is not a problem anymore

The advancement of smartwatches has gone so far that now you can use the internet on the watch with the best connection that suits you the most and is economical. The connections can be inserting a Sim or using a Wi-Fi available near. Some smartwatches even have a subscription feature in which there is a plan per month. This facility is available in more than 120 countries without any roaming charges.

Entertainment Apps control without a smartphone

Smartwatches support many android apps that can be used on the watch itself. You can control music or create a playlist as you desired and then queue according to your likes. If you have a subscription of apps like Spotify, YouTube music, etc. then you can install these apps on your phone and can control then with your smartwatch with ease and flexibility.

Cons of Smartwatch:

Out of the budget!

The smartwatches are an asset, or you can say a solution to a lot of problems indeed, but it’s also true that they are expensive and don’t fit in the budget of every parent. If we think about it practically, these watches cost almost half the price of the phone as well as have limited features as compared to a smartphone.

Battery Drainage very fast!

Due to the small and portable design, the area to fit in the battery is not enough. The batteries used in these watches are of a significantly less fraction of milli-amperes compared to the battery of smartphones. This results in short battery life, and it’s really hectic to charge your smartwatch every day.

More Distraction during work

When we use our smartphone, we don’t look at every notification that gets a ping on our device, which is a little help to concentrate on our work. Still, a smartwatch is right on our wrist due to which it’s normal to see every single notification that came, and most of the time, we may leave the work and start using our phone again.

Usability for daily tasks

The size of the dial of the smartwatch is too small that it creates frustration while using it, especially when you are sending a message to someone. Even after facing such issues, the technology is running ahead so desperately that your watch will become outdated in no time.

Average Camera 

The camera used with smartwatches is not up to the mark. You will only use such cameras when you don’t have access to your phone, or else you’ll always use the camera of your smartphone. They don’t even work when used during low light conditions. The pictures you’ll get will be grainy and not sharp in low light.

In space, the environment is vastly different from what we experience on Earth. The absence of air and the presence of extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum pose significant challenges for electronic devices, including smartwatches. Here are some reasons why standard smartwatches would not work in space:

1. Lack of Connectivity: Smartwatches typically connect to smartphones or other devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. In the vacuum of space, there is no air to carry signals, making wireless communication impossible.
2. Radiation and Extreme Temperatures: Space is filled with radiation from the sun and cosmic rays, which can interfere with and damage electronic components. Additionally, the extreme temperatures in space can be harmful to the delicate circuits of consumer-grade smartwatches.
3. Power Source: Most smartwatches are powered by batteries that need to be recharged regularly. In space, there is no readily available power source for charging these batteries.
4. Vacuum: Space is a vacuum, which means there is no air to dissipate heat or transmit sound. Smartwatches would need to be designed with this in mind.
5. Microgravity: In microgravity, objects don’t behave as they do on Earth, and components within the smartwatch may need to be secured differently to prevent them from floating around and potentially causing malfunctions.

However, space agencies and research institutions have developed specialized space-grade technology for astronauts and space missions. These devices are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space and are not consumer-grade products like the smartwatches available to the public.

Astronauts use advanced wearable technology and specially designed instruments for their missions. These devices are integrated into their spacesuits and spacecraft, enabling them to monitor vital signs, communicate with ground control, and carry out various tasks essential for their missions’ success.

In summary, while standard consumer smartwatches are not suitable for use in space, space agencies have developed sophisticated wearable technology specifically for astronauts to meet the unique demands and challenges of space exploration.

While many of us do know the capability horizon of a smartwatch, some people think it worthless and unnecessary. Well, if you are one among them, then you have come to the right place. The amazing and extra-ordinary features possessed by a smartwatch will make you yearn for it. You can also check the pros and cons of smartwatch in this article.

So, buckle up and read on to find out the 8 benefits of such amazing gadget and order a smartwatch now.

1# Embedded in Style- Flaunting An Elegant You

Well, if you are a watch person and like to keep up your fashion statement, then look no further. Smartwatch companies have built each of their products with so much diversity that you are left with so many options to choose from.

Most of the smartwatches also have multiple watchface options, so you can choose any of the watchface according to your mood. In this way, you will never get bored with your watch again.

Some watches can complement your formal look at a meeting, while some of them have stones and gems embedded that can complete your party look. Some watches can add up to your sporty mood while some of them can best describe your casual look.

An addition to the appearance is that most of the smartwatches come with interchangeable straps that can match up with your outfit and provide a change you are looking for.

2# A Smart Fitness companion

Undoubtedly, a smartwatch can be your best companion when out for a walk, jog, or yoga sessions. These watches can keep track of steps taken, calories burned, distance traveled, etc.

Many of them are empowered with different sports and workout modes that can be used and monitored to stay fit and active. When you have been sitting idle for about 40 minutes, the smartwatch urges you to take a stroll, thus taking complete care of your active hours.

Moreover, almost every smartwatch confers water resistance and many of them can be used for a complete swim-tracking package.

You can easily step into the shower or simply go for a swim in the swimming pool while having complete access to your notifications, calls, and time.

3# Every health parameter at your fingertips.

This pandemic has surely taught each of us one thing- Health is Wealth. To stay active and healthy, we should be completely aware of the various health parameters like heart rate, blood oxygen levels, ECG, stress-tracking, sleep-tracking, and many more.

Well, smartwatches have got you covered. They keep each of your health parameters in check. If any issue is noticed, rings a bell and notifies about it.

One could have never imagined that complete health tracking features lie within the small device on your wrist.

This is another great addition especially for elderly people as well as for everyone who is so busy in their lives that making a doctor’s appointment sounds like building a Taj Mahal.

4# A shrunk version of the smartphone

Now, this is another benefit of having a smartwatch. Imagine attending a long seminar or meetings and how unprofessional it would seem to reach out to your smartphone for attending calls or checking notifications.

Buying a smartwatch can help you in such situations. Pairing your smartphone with your smartwatch will keep you updated about all the notifications starting from text messages to social media notifications.

Some of the smartwatches have a microphone and speaker integrated which is great for making and receiving calls without having to access your cellphone.

5# Online Payment- Easily Pay on the go

While going for a walk, when you suddenly remember to buy a fruit drink or a box of cereals and realize that you neither have cash nor a smartphone.

Well, your smartwatch can save you that extra round home, as some of the premium watches have an embedded NFC or contactless payments feature. This can help you pay-on-the-go. Samsung Pay, Garmin Pay, Google Pay, or Apple Pay helps you make a payment directly through your wrist.

6# Track your Whereabouts Effortlessly

With a GPS-enabled watch, one can track the real-time location of a person. This feature has especially grabbed the attention of parents who are concerned about their child’s safety and whereabouts.

Most of the smartwatches also have app support, so you can also record your navigation on your smartphone.

It also serves as a great purpose for athletes and sportsmen. They can track their real-time location while cycling or running workouts.

7# Hands-free portable music system

Yes, while going for a morning walk you don’t need to carry your phone to play your favorite playlist.

In most smartwatches, you can control the music with your watch. Some of the premium watch brands like Fitbit, Samsung also have inbuilt music apps. By using such online apps you can listen to your favorite track without using a smartphone.

The implementation of the Spotify app enables you to carry in numerous songs with you and play them without having to drag your phone out.

Connecting your headphone with the smartwatch through Bluetooth and listening to, changing the music tracks is surely icing on the cake.

8# Budget-friendly Smart gadget

Yes, you heard it right. Last but not the least, the budget is surely a determining factor for purchasing any product. There are a variety of smartwatches in different price ranges to choose from.

Many low-budget smartwatches have many or all of the above-mentioned features. If your budget is low you can make a smart choice by choosing among those.

There are many Chinese smartwatches with decent features, which you can buy even below $20! You can find such cheapest smartwatches at online e-commerce sites like Gearbest, Banggod etc.

On the other hand, many smartwatches are inevitably expensive and bosses all the required features. So, your choice solely depends on your budget, and remember that you would have ample choices for each of the price ranges.

these are some of the amazing features that every smartwatch fan is in love with and the many advantages of having a smartwatch. So, what are you waiting for? Grab this amazing piece of wonder and simplify your life.

These smartwatches can function independently with cellular connectivity and can also be used for capturing pictures.

So, in this article, we are going to discuss the key features of smartwatches, which will help you to choose your smartwatch. If you are planning to buy a smartwatch but are confused about what features your smartwatch should have? then this article will surely help you. Let’s get on to the features now.

1# Light & Comfy Design

Smartwatches are meant to be worn the whole day and if you are using it for sleep monitoring then it has to be worn while sleeping at night too.

So light and comfortable design are very essential to serve the purpose.

Although many people wear it as a style statement that has smart features if it is being used for fitness purposes then a light design with comfortable materials is a must.

2# Bluetooth connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity is a must for every smartwatch as it enables users to sync their wearable to a smartphone and almost all the smartwatches have this function. So if your wearable has no bluetooth, then simply don’t buy it!

Once synced smartwatch offers full functionality like notification alerts, incoming calls, and messages, music control, camera remote, etc.

All the companion smartwatches rely on Bluetooth connection for most of their features, unlike standalone smartwatches that are capable within themselves.

3# GPS/Navigation

GPS and navigation are very important features in a smartwatch. It is useful in tracking distance while walking or running or to plan route while hiking. In very few smartwatches, you will get the built in GPS sensor, most of the smartwatches use the GPS of the smartphones for tracking purpose.

However your watch must-have navigation features. Navigation is of great use when you are in an unknown city or place as you don’t have to look in your phone again and again for directions.

Some smartwatches also have different vibrations for telling whether you have to turn left or right while navigating.

4# Activity Tracking

Again it is a very basic feature for a smartwatch. Almost all the smartwatches have activity tracking features in them. It automatically identifies in which activity you are indulged in or you can manually also select the activity.

Smartwatches have multiple sports mode for sports like cycling, running, treadmill running, hiking, swimming, mountaineering, etc. for tracking your fitness data accordingly. Like my personal smartwatch, Huawei GT has 10 sports mode.

Such sports features you can also get even in very cheap smartwatches (under $50) like umidigi uwatch 2S. It has 15+ sports mode!!

They have various sensors like a barometer for measuring changes in elevation while mountain climbing and hiking or GPS for measuring distance while running or cycling.

5# Notification Alert

Checking your smartphone again and again for every notification can be very annoying sometimes and it also doesn’t look good when you are in a meeting or somewhere important.

This is where smartwatches come in handy to allow you to check notifications by just tilting your wrist and decide whether it is useful or not. You just need to connect your watch with the Bluetooth to get a notification on your smartwatch.

Most of the budget smartwatches only support notification for calling & messages. Like if someone calls you, it will show the calling notification with the name of the caller. You can check the notification alert on the watch and you can pick the call from your smartphone or simply reject the call with the smartwatch. You can not accept calls from your smartwatch (because most of the budget smartwatches don’t have a speaker & mic)

You need to carefully check this feature before buying a smartwatch.

6# Answering Calls & Messages

Answering phone calls and replying to messages comes in handy with smartwatches when you are exercising or driving or in any other awkward situation where you cannot take the phone out. This feature generally found in premium smartwatches. It is available in Apple series watches, Samsung galaxy watches, etc.

You can also use the screen touch to pick the call from your smartwatch. The most important thing which is needed for such smartwatches is a built-in speaker & Mic facility.

So If you want to use your smartwatch as a smartphone, just check first that it must have a speaker and a microphone.

Some smartwatches have this unique feature that if your smartwatch is connected with your smartphone via Bluetooth and if any phone calls come, you just need to shake your hand to pick the call, Isn’t it amazing!

Many smartwatches also have voice support for more convenience. This, of course, cannot replace smartphones but can be very useful in some situations.

7# Long Battery Life

Long battery life is one of the great concerns for smartphone users. Smartwatches are designed to complement smartphones but many people don’t like charging it again and again like smartphones and it is also not possible many times.

There are many budget smartwatches like Amazfit BIP that give you more than a month battery life!!

This is the most important feature which you should consider while choosing a smartwatch. If your watch does not have a good battery life, it will ruin all the joy of this smart gadget.

We have covered an article, which has some of the best smartwatches with the longest battery life. If you want to know more, you can read that article.

So having a longer battery life which can last for a few days or at least a whole day is very important for any smartwatch. Don’t go for a watch if it has less than 1 day of battery life in regular use.

8# Fitness Tracking

Fitness tracking is a core feature for many smartwatches available in the market. You can replace your fitness band with a good smartwatch with features like a pedometer for counting your steps, calories, distance, etc.

It has sensors like a heart rate sensors for keeping a track of your heart rate, pulse rate, etc. Some smartwatches now even offer ECG functionality. Smartwatches can also be used for monitoring sleep quality and also remind you to take a walk when you have been sitting for too long.

Some smartwatches also have female health apps for keeping a check on women’s menstrual cycle.

9# NFC Pay

Many smartwatches nowadays have NFC support for making payments on the go. NFC support is very helpful for making payments quickly without taking out your cards and can be very useful when you don’t have your cards with you.

NFC transactions are also accepted quickly than credit cards thus saving your time when you are in a hurry.

10# IR Sensor

IR Blaster or IR Sensor is also one of the handy features in smartwatches. It lets you use your wearable as a remote for appliances like TV and AC.

Also with the increasing popularity of home automation systems, this feature can be of great use for controlling various smart devices around your home.

11# SIM Card Support

A smartwatch with a SIM slot can perform all the features of a basic smartphone. Of course, it can never replace your smartphone with a high-end camera and big display, but sometimes when you don’t want to carry your bulky phone like on a jog or long walks it can be a great companion.

The standalone smartwatch can be used to make a phone call, send messages, browse the internet, use various social apps over cellular connectivity.

They also have enough memory to store music and videos for entertainment on the go. Kids smartwatches also have SIM card support so that kids can make a phone call in an emergency.

12# Water-resistance

A water-resistant smartwatch is a great buddy while swimming or running in rains.

Smartwatches have various levels of water-resistance like 3ATM, 5ATM or 10ATM indicating how much depth and water pressure they can resist.

Waterproof smartwatches above 5ATM is an essential feature for rugged smartwatches as they can be worn during extreme water sports or even deep-sea diving.

13# Internal Storage

A smartwatch cannot store a large amount of data like your smartphone but having enough internal storage for music, photos, apps is very important. When you don’t have your phone around like when running, exercising or any other situation it can offer you the convenience of listening to music, watching videos or playing games.

Many smartwatches have an in-built camera so internal storage is also used for storing captured photos and videos.

14# Smartwatch with Camera

A smartwatch camera is not as advanced as a smartphone’s camera but it comes handy for taking pictures and videos in emergency situations or for video calling.

There are many spy smartwatches available in the market which have camera smartly hidden in their design and offer HD video recording and also night vision lens.

15# Emergency SOS

The SOS feature is a great use for women and kids for sending alerts in an emergency situation. The smartwatch has some shortcuts like pressing the power button a few times which directly sends a message and your location details to the contacts you have set up in the SOS contact list. This feature can save you in critical situations.

So these are the features you must check before making any buying decision, hope this article will help you to choose your first smartwatch.

How can we deny that these smartwatches are more capable of functions than we admire them to be? Because of all these power-house of features, the need for better battery life is a more concerning factor than ever.

These embedded features use a lot of battery power and dealing with battery issues is the primary target of reputed brands. I mean, how illogical it would be that your smartwatch discharges itself when you are stuck in long meetings or are about to start a yoga session. The very reason you own a smartwatch goes in vain.

Solar Smartwatches- The Future of Smartwatches

But what if these smartwatches can charge themselves on their own? Solar-Powered smartwatches have turned this dream of yours into reality. Moreover, they work exactly like other smartwatches and also provide you the freedom of relaxing and enjoying.

They recklessly serve all the purposes without interruption like help you answering calls, calculate heartbeats, steps, sleep and stress tracking, and many more. Isn’t it like a one-time investment for a bundle of surprises afterward? They are environment-friendly, reliable, and low maintenance gadgets.

So, how do they work? They use light energy to work. That means you don’t need to get out of your warm blanket to put them into charging. Talking about the finances involved, some of them are budget-friendly too.

Need For A Solar Watch

Now let me discuss some of the real advantages of having such smartwatches.

1. Charging needs just a ray of light –

The first and foremost is hassle-free charging requirements. They can charge themselves in any light source, making it clear that you don’t need to put them in sunlight only. They charge themselves easily in the light of fluorescent bulbs, thus awarding themselves with the best reason to buy.

2. Low maintenance –

Bingo! You have another benefit of having this kind of smartwatch. As they require low or no maintenance at all, they become the customer’s choice at once. They can easily work for years without any trouble.

3. Longer power reserve –

The power capacity of smartwatches under this category varies from brand to brand. But let me give you a quick estimate of their work. They can at least work for 6 months even if you keep it in a dark space, giving a boost to your purchase decision.

4. Long-lasting life of batteries –

If you are fond of smartwatches, you must have changed their batteries after every 2 years. But when it comes to these solar-powered solar smartwatches, you don’t need to worry about them for 10 years.

5. Saves the environment –

As you have already read the above point, you must have understood that there will be less damaged batteries disposed of in the environment. This gives our environment more freedom to win over pollution.

How Does A Solar-Powered Smartwatch Work?

Now after all of this, How about a trip to the working of these smartwatches? Tight up your seatbelts and dive into the technology used. Their solar panel is fixed exactly after the screen which is responsible for collecting the light energies. The solar unit hence converts all the light energies falling into it to electric energy.

As these solar panel units are connected with rechargeable batteries, they store all the energies for later use. Unlike any other dry battery, these rechargeable ones are far better and efficient. Also, if you keep these smartwatches under a table lamp or a light bulb, it will become a boom for them. Even if you are a job person, you can put it on your table making it visible to the light and thus giving it another chance to recharge itself.

Moving forward, Do you have any idea who launched the first Solar Smartwatch? Any guesses? It was by a company named “LUNAR”. Recently, GARMIN has expanded its catalog of solar-powered watches. The latest  -new Instinct Solar and Fenix 6 Pro Solar smartwatches under this category are stylish and elegant pieces with a super comfortable price tag.

Last but not the least, this kind of smartwatches has proved itself as the best modern gadgets for humankind. Moreover, this wearable has proved as the most important shopping choice for fitness lovers. It has also become one of the popular gadgets for working men & women, as it allows them to move on without cellphones.

This has proved as a small yet one-time kind of purchase for the present world with a lot of features bounded with it. So if you are planning a mountain hike or any other outdoor activity, be rest assured that the solar-powered smartwatch would be the best companion.

Need for Waterproof Smartwatches

In the regular smartwatches, if water enters, it can easily damage the internal circuit of your watch. Even the damage would be more intense if the water has soluble particles like soap or salt.

Having the water-resistant feature would protect your favorite companion from water to some extent. Moreover, it would help you to stay away from the inconvenience of removing your smartwatch now and then.

Aren’t you a water person (For instance, a swimmer)? Then, you won’t need a high-end water-resistant smartwatch. But, if you are not sure enough, you need to be familiar with the IP ratings. Follow the post, and you will have a better idea about water-resistant smartwatch.

Water-Resistant VS Waterproof

Do you think water-resistant and waterproof are the same? No, they are different. Even no such product as waterproof exists in the world. Definitely, you would get water protection for some extent (if your smartwatch have a higher IP rating.) which will be really beneficial in daily uses.

Nonetheless, certain parameters are there beyond which there is no guarantee of protection of your device against water. Being water-resistant means having protection against water to a certain extent!

In clear terms, being waterproof means having 100% protection against water. That means the duration up to how long the device has been immersed in water cannot pose any effect. And you already know there is no such device that is waterproof.

Hence, if you find a device advertised as waterproof, it is actually a water-resistant device.

You must check the test conditions well before making your device come into contact with water. When it comes to figuring out the resistance of a device (against liquids and solids), IP (Ingress Protection) rating comes into the picture.

Cautions with Water resistant smartwatches

Note that water-resistance is a temporary feature in a device (in a smartwatch in this context). That means the water-resistant quality of a smartwatch can lessen over time. Hence, you need to be very careful if your smartwatch is a few years old.

Never put your smartwatch in water for longer, as you cannot measure the safety parameters (as per the IP ratings) all the way. Moreover, you cannot guess in advance if the water has any soluble substance in it.

Other than the water, you should also protect your smartwatch from chemicals, such as cosmetics and other day-to-day products. Do you often use a steam room to rejuvenate your body and mind? Never carry your smartwatch with you if you don’t want to end up damaging it.

How to Opt a waterproof Smartwatch?

Are you associated with freestyle swimming? Do you want to add a smartwatch to your journey? Then, it is mandatory to do in-depth research before narrowing down your options. You must read the smartwatch manual carefully to know about its features, especially the water-resistance capacity, IP Rating etc.

Check the parameters and testing conditions well before carrying your smartwatch in water instead of getting distracted by compelling ad copies.

Know about the IP Rating

The IP rating is the acronym for Ingress Protection. It represents the water and dust resistance that a device inbuilt comes with. The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) contributes by providing this rating.

Moreover, the IP rating exhibits a certain format. The word “IP” is followed by two numbers.

The first number indicates the level of protection from a solid for e.g. dust. In most of the smartwatches you will get this no. as “5” or “6”. for e.g. IP56, IP68 etc. So here we consider this number as “x”

The Second number (0, 1, 2, and so on) represents the degree of protection against the liquid. The greater the second number the more water protection comes inbuilt with the smartwatch.

Different Types of IP Ratings

IPX0: It represents a device without any water protection.

IPX1: The device is protected from dripping water when falling in a vertical direction (condensation). The parameter is 1mm of water or 0.039 inches per minute of rainfall.

IPX2: The device is protected against direct water sprays of at most 15 degrees. IPX2 can protect the device for 2 1/2 minutes in all tilt directions for a total of 10 minutes with the parameter of 3mm of water per minute.

IPX3: A device with the IPX3 rating has protection against spraying water. As per the parameter, the water must flow via a spray nozzle for 1 minute per square meter for up to 5 minutes.

IPX4: IPX4 protects a device against splashing water. The water can come from all directions from a spray nozzle for up to 10 minutes.

IPX5: A device with the IPX5 rating is protected against a water jet of 1 minute per square meter for up to 3 minutes. The IPX5 rating applies for 12.5 liters/ minutes of water.

IPX6: IPX6 protects a device against strong water jets, including heavy spray. The protection parameter is 1 minute per square meter for up to 3 minutes while the water volume must be 100 liters per minute with 9.8 feet of distance.

IPX7: A device with the IPX7 rating comes with strong protection against water if got immersed for a short duration. Even IPX7 can safeguard a device against splashes, snow, rain, etc. The parameter for IPX7 is static water of up to 1-meter depth for a maximum of 30 minutes.

For e.g. according to the Apple support, Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch (1st generation) have a water resistance rating of IPX7.

IPX8: IPX8 offers stronger protection than IPX7. If a device comes with the IPX8 rating, it is protected against a long-time immersion in water in more than one meter of depth.

If you are searching for a smartwatch with robust water-resistant capacity, you can opt for one with the IPX8 rating. Moreover, when it comes to performance an IPX8 smartwatch exceeds one with the IPX7 rating.

You can also get some low budget smartwatches like Xiaomi Amazfit Bip with IPX8 Rating.

IPX9K: Having the IPX9K rating means boasting protection against high-temperature water jets and water pressure. The parameter should be 14 to 16 liters of water per minute with a distance of 3.9 to 5.9 inches.

However, the best IP ratings for smartwatches are IP67 and IP68. A smartwatch with the IP67 rating means it can resist water when it is dropped into the water up to the depth of 1.5m for 30 minutes. When it comes to IP68, it offers the same level of protection for up to 1.5m water depth. Even smartwatches with the IP67 and IP68 ratings also come with dust resistance.

What about ATM Rating

ATM ratings are getting prominence nowadays when it comes to buying smartwatches and fitness trackers. Hence, you should also check the ATM rating of your shortlisted smartwatch along with its IP rating. The standard pressure at sea level is represented by 1 ATM. For instance, if a smartwatch features an ATM rating of 3, it can withstand a depth pressure of 30 meters.

Wrapping Up

If you want to buy a smartwatch, it is better to opt for one with a higher IP rating, preferably IP67 or IP68. You don’t know when your smartwatch unknowingly comes into contact with water. Hence, choose your smartwatch wisely.

What is an IR blaster?

Infrared Blaster (IR blaster) is a sensor that controls a device that is traditionally controlled by a key button remote. The common use of an IR blaster is to change the channel or record one in a device, say television or radio. With the technology and usage of smart devices, it extends the IR blaster to be used as a smart control to infrared devices, thus putting all the different remote key press controls behind the door.

How IR blaster works in a smartwatch

The IR blaster presented in your smartwatch gives a signal to an external device that allows you to control and change the device, which is normally operated by a remote control key. You can easily pair your tv, DVD, music player, phone, etc via Bluetooth. So you are basically wearing an Alexa or Google speaker on your wrist.

Benefits of a smartwatch with an IR blaster

Now that we know what an IR blaster is you can ask why it is helpful. Well, first and foremost is with the smartwatch that has an IR blaster you don’t have to have thousand different remote key presses for every device. It gives freedom to operate any connected device with a gesture or voice; you can save millions of battery life with an IR blaster. You can easily operate any smart device from anywhere by connecting the smartwatch to your device via Bluetooth.

Now that we have seen the advantages of having an IR blaster in a smartwatch, in the following scrolls, you will find a list of smartwatches that has an in-built IR blaster.

1# Samsung Gear 2

Samsung has been the company constantly producing and adding features or modules that are needed and expected by the audience, it has been one of the reputed company to produce top-notch quality smart devices and smartwatch is no excuse. It has been a while since the Samsung gear 2 came into the market.

The dimensions of the watch are 1.45 x 0.39 x 2.3 inches and the weight of the product is 2.4 ounces, perfect for everyday wear and long work hours. It has 1.63 inches touch screen display, interchangeable bands that you can change to suit the occasion. The watch is IP67 water-resistant makes it perfect for hiking, swimming, etc.

With all the tech features like health tracker, fitness tracker, multiple watch-faces, and smart notifications, Samsung has also added a built-in IR blaster in the gear 2 which you can use to change or control your TV from anywhere just by your wrist. By connecting your TV to a smartwatch via Bluetooth and using watchON you can enable this feature, thus now you don’t have to get up and search every time you want to switch on or off your TV just a voice command would to it.

2# Samsung Gear 2 neo

Samsung Gear 2 neo is an ordinary-looking smartwatch-like any other smartwatch, they make it to be cheaper for smartwatch users but the features talks for itself. The watch has a 1.6-inch rectangular touchscreen display. You can easily connect it with Bluetooth and get all smart notifications like calls and alerts right to your wrist.

The smartwatch has an internal storage of 4GB and a battery of 300mAH that can easily last up to 3-4 days with single charging. It has a fitness tracker that keeps track of your everyday calorie burn, steps, and physical activities and a health tracker that stores all your medical data in your smartwatch and phone.

The watchON remote with IR LED sensor gives you the comfort of watching your TV with no handheld devices, but only with your smartwatch. The Samsung S voice helps you to give a voice command to the smartwatch that helps you control your TV.

Conclusion

We are certain now that you could choose the smartwatch with the IR blaster that you have been waiting for a long time. With the ongoing technology and busy days of us, we need everything in a device that we can take everywhere without any hassle. Smartwatch with IR blaster comes as the best option for anyone who is looking for an alternative to key press remote and to eliminate the struggle to change their batteries repeatedly.

Do we really need the internet on a watch?

I know, you might be thinking why I am asking such a silly question, but seriously to browse the internet on a small screen is quite boring and tedious too. And there are very few smartwatches with internet browser till the date. In my opinion, the Internet browsing apps (Chrome, Firefox, etc) are useless in a smartwatch.

However, only with the above logic, we can not rule out the need for the internet in a wearable. There are still plenty of other reasons, which makes ‘the internet‘ is a very much needed feature for any smartwatch.

With the help of the internet, you can download any kind of application from Wear OS, measure the live temp, listen to live music, update your smartwatch, etc. So if your watch is connected to the internet, you can play your Spotify songs without any hassle. And the most important thing is, if your watch has internet connectivity, it will be less dependent on your smartphone.

Now I guess we have understood the importance of the internet in a smartwatch.

So the question arises, how a smartwatch is connected with the internet? Is it the same as the phones? or there are some other technologies involved? Let us find out.

How to connect a smartwatch with the internet.

There are two ways to connect your wearable with the internet. One is with the use of cellular networks via sim and another one is Wifi. In all the standalone smartwatches (Not dependent on the smartphones), you can find the sim card features for internet connection.

1# Connecting via Cellular network with SIM

You need a cellular data pack in your sim card for using the internet in a smartwatch. It is similar to a smartphone, just put an activated sim in your watch and connect to the internet. There are mainly two kinds of network supported smartwatches, with a physical sim or with e-sim support.

Smartwatch with physical sim card slot

Most of the standalone smartwatches have a sim card slot in the back. You can open the cover with a help of a screwdriver, and place your sim card there.

These steps you can follow for a better understanding.

Step 1– First, remove the back of your watch carefully and put a registered sim card on the watch.
Step 2– Then open the ‘menu’ section of the watch and go to the network section
Step 3- Make an account on the watch and add the save the sim card in your watch.
Step 4- Once the account has been made, restart the watch and turn on the data and you will see that the sim is activated and so is the internet.

Smartwatch with e-Sim support

Esim or Embedded sim is a part of the processor and install in the motherboard of the device. There is no physical sim card slot, so no worry about any kind of damage to your sim card. It is the newest trend and only limited smartwatches are compatible with this Esim. The best advantage of e-sim that you don’t have to change your sim card when you are traveling to other countries. You can convert the Esim network as per your choice

Smartwatch like Apple series 5, Samsung galaxy, and fossils are compatible with Esim. To run the internet, these are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1– First go to the settings and tap on the network section
Step 2-There you will find the Esim section, make an account on your device with using your cellular network
Step 3-When you make an account, the device will confirm it and then restart the device, and then you are ready to use the internet.

2# Connecting via wifi

If you want to connect a smartwatch to the internet without a sim card, then it must have a wifi feature. There are many smartwatches with wifi connectivity such as the Apple series & Galaxy watches. These smartwatches can be connected with any phone using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Here the steps that you need to follow to connect the watch with the Wi-Fi

• Tap your watches’ screen to wake up and open the menu section.
• Tap on the setting and open the connectivity section. In the connectivity section, you will find the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• Tap on the Wi-Fi option and put the Wi-Fi on the automatic so that the next time when you need to connect your watch with some other Wi-Fi, it connects automatically
• Tap on the Wi-Fi which you want to connect with and you are connected and can use the internet on your phone.

Hope you like our article If your watch has any of the above options you can easily connect with the internet.

However, this new development has caused some of us to think that this is too much. I mean, where do we stop? Where does it end? Is this even necessary? The hallmark of a good manufacturer is to provide something that the consumer never knew they needed. It seems they were right as the world has fully embraced the concept of wearing a little computer on their wrist. But is this new move truly without any risk? We decided to find out…

The Biological Risk

Wearing something 24/7 does have its own dangers. Smartwatches and Fitbits stay on our wrists all day dwelling in the dirt and sweat that we ourselves are subjected to. And as a result, they start becoming a nice haven for microorganisms.

The Biology department of Rollins College conducted a survey and a series of tests.

They found that a large majority of these smartwatches had strains of the bacteria Staphylococcus. This is an infectious organism and can spread from person to person. The bacterium causes boils and blisters in the affected individual. And once this gets into the body it can cause food poisoning, stomach aches, and vomiting. It can also turn deadly if it reaches and contaminates the bloodstream. Another piece of info worth noting is that a few strains of Staphylococcus have adapted to the use of modern antibiotics and do not respond to treatment. Furthermore, the tests also revealed that some of the watches had strains of E.coli. Though most species of E.coli are harmless, some of them can cause severe bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

Allergies

Another interesting piece of news is that over 10,000 people have complained to the “Consumer Product Safety Commission” in the United States claiming that their smartwatches are giving them rashes. This was even acknowledged by the manufacturer Fitbit who recalled a million units of their product and provided replacements. The company claimed that the adhesive that they had used in the strap had caused allergic reactions in their sensitive customers. Much like how the metal Nickle causes some people’s skin to turn green.

Electrical Shocks

Hundreds of people claim that their smartwatches have shocked them. This is especially dangerous with people living with prosthetics that use electronics in them- like pacemakers and hearing aids. Chris nelson is one such user who claims that his smartwatch shocked him, Lauren Reese is another smartwatch user who suffered burns from wearing her smartwatch.

People have commented that it is safer to wear fit bits on one’s leg as it is a bit farther from the heart.

The Radiation

Anytime that you are communicating with a piece of technology wirelessly you are in the presence of Radio waves. Some people are more sensitive to them than others with 3-5% of us very sensitive to Electromagnetic waves. In 2007 the scientific panel “BioInitiative Working Group” recommended that for a radio frequency to be safe it needs to be around 100-1000 microwatts, and less than 10 microwatts in areas where you sleep.  However independent testers have revealed that certain Bluetooth-enabled products can produce around 8000 microwatts when they are being used.

Smartwatches these days all come with heart-rate monitors. Users have reported developing red marks where the sensors make contact with the skin. These monitors record blood flow by flashing an infrared light over your skin constantly. What is more, hundreds of users have reported that their smartwatches are burning them. It is shown that smartwatches produce 2.4GHz of radiation which is around the same as that of a weak microwave. But a smartwatch is a lot closer to our skin and stays there for a significantly longer duration.  The choice is simple really. There will always be a significant amount of radiation around us at all times. If you wanted to make that little difference in your life and get rid of the smartwatch then it is your choice.

Privacy concerns

Smartwatches are devices that know how many steps you have taken in a day, they know where you are at any given time and they know details of your body that are alien to even yourself, and we have not even scratched the surface of what these devices are capable of.

With so much data being produced and given away the idea of privacy is almost nonexistent. It has been so ever since the introduction of the smartphone. However, giving the internet access to details such as your blood pressure seems a bit too sketchy.

With this information a hacker can know when you wake up, where you go to work, the route you take in your morning jog, and much much more. These wearables are telling the world your most intimate and personal data.

The Problem of Self-Diagnosis

This has been a growing concern ever since people got access to heart rate monitors and ECGs in their smartwatches. A person’s heartbeat can differ from time to time depending on the external factors that he or she is in the immediate vicinity of.  People start panicking when their watch shows that something is irregular in their heartbeat and make an appointment with a specialist. Which prevents the specialist from seeing another patient who might actually need help.

In Conclusion

A worker at Apple once said that they made smartwatches for lazy people who were too lazy to pick up their phones. In this new age, people fail to realize that we lived very fulfilling lives even before smartwatches. People lived very happily without having access or knowing about these readings. In the end, it is not the gadget that makes your life easier, we only assume it makes our life easier.