Do you like to wear watches, depend on this accessory? And what kind do you have: mechanical, quartz, electronic? We bring to your attention a novelty in the field of wrist accessories, which, strictly speaking, is no longer a novelty. This is a smart watch, or, as they are also called, a smart watch. In this article we will talk about them, get acquainted with their varieties. And also present to your attention several ratings of smart watches.
What is a smart watch?
The history of smart watch begins in 1972, when Pulsar introduced its then-know-how to the world - electronic watches. Then, with surprise and anticipation, we watched the clock endowed with artificial intelligence in various fantastic films. Until finally, the guys from Pebble did not combine a large number of functions in one wearable gadget.
In appearance it is an ordinary wristwatch, but literally stuffed with huge functionality. They still determine the time, and the similarities of the two representatives of accessories for the hand end there. The smart representative is designed to reduce the use of the smartphone, as it displays messages and system notifications on its screen, receives emails, reflects correspondence on social networks. You can answer the remote interlocutor with the help of the clock due to the built-in templates, or by dictating a message that the gadget will convert to text and send. The minimum set of smart watch functions includes equipment with a Bluetooth module, an accelerometer, a vibration signal. The rest of the set of hardware capabilities and software eventuality depends on the specific model.
The wearable gadget industry has evolved rapidly. Developers at one time endowed pendants, bracelets, headphones with additional functions. Today's sports timepieces, activity bracelets and fitness trackers remain at the peak of popularity. But smart watch is the apotheosis of all the achievements in the world of wearable electronics. The rating of smart watches is always on the move, each company seeks to interest the consumer with another new product equipped with another latest feature. So, it is interesting to trace the development path of the gadget from the moment it appeared on the market.
2010 year. Sony releases Sony Ericsson LiveView.
year 2012. She also offers a new model called SmartWatch, hence the accessory takes its name.
year 2013. Samsung launches its watch - Galaxy Gear.
year 2014. The LG G Watch, the first watch operating on the Android operating system, appears.
year 2014. The familiar square dial of the Moto 360 changes to round.
2014, autumn. Apple presents its long-awaited Apple Watch.
2015 year. Enhanced models enter the market with an expanded model line of all the leading manufacturers of digital electronics.
Since then, all major manufacturers have been constantly experimenting with the functionality of devices, their appearance, trying to occupy the top lines of smart watch ratings.
What smart watches can do
Depending on the set of functions performed, the gadget can be divided into 2 types:
- those that work with reference to a smartphone;
- acting independently of it.
The first category of watches is synchronized with a smartphone using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi protocols. Therefore, the operation of the device is directly related to the type of telephone operating system. Judging by the rating of Android smart watches tied to the Android OS, they remain by far the most popular. So, a modern gadget can:
- receive phone calls, messages, emails;
- send short template answers to the interlocutor;
- to perceive commands by voice ;
- monitor the activity of communities in social networks;
- adapt to the phases of sleep;
- notify about changes in health status, measure the pulse, count steps and calories consumed;
- perform the functions of a navigator;
- control the operation of the audio player;
- find the location of the smartphone.
The need to bind the watch to the phone in order to ensure security can be verified based on the rating of the best smart watches for children. Read more about children's gadgets below.
The second category of portable electrical equipment works independently, without being tied to a smartphone. If the watch is equipped with a SIM card slot, they will receive a phone call, and will connect to the Internet. Perhaps, for someone, a smart watch is a worthy alternative to a rather bulky phone. But one cannot count on expanding the capabilities of such watches.
Varieties of smart watch
Smart watches offer their owner various possibilities of use and depending on this they are divided into 2 categories:
- Clock with an analog interface. They look like ordinary watches with a physical dial and hands. Models in this category do an excellent job with the fitness tracker feature. Improved devices will notify their "owner" of an incoming call, message, play music on a smartphone, and can control its camera. The watch manages the function of user activity without any complaints.
- Clock with a digital interface. The screen of such devices is electronic, capable of forming a pixel image on its surface. These are the representatives of smart watches in their broadest conventional sense, and they are among the top ratings of smart watches.
The vast majority of portable "smart people" fall into this category, despite the fact that there are radically different options. Therefore, they, in turn, are divided into devices:
- not having a full-fledged operating system, respectively, excluding the ability to install third-party applications on them (they will show notifications, display the weather, trigger an alarm, but this is limited in their possibilities);
- with a full-fledged operating system, where it becomes possible to customize the appearance of the watch, its dial, application icons (downloading additional applications and OS updates leads to functional changes).
It should be noted the moisture-proof ability of models from well-known brands. They are not afraid of either rain or short-term shallow dives under water. But abusing this feature is still not recommended.
How to choose: tips
In order not to make a mistake with the choice and not to be disappointed in the smart watch, you should pay attention to the following simple tips before buying them.
Answer yourself the question: “Why do I need a smart watch?”. Perhaps you just became interested in a curious novelty, decided to "play" a toy. Get an inexpensive Chinese model - get a complete picture of the possibilities of a portable gadget, play enough and understand whether it is worth buying a more expensive device. Perhaps you want to use the functionality of smart watches, track calls and messages. For example, if your smartphone rings when you are driving a car, there is no need to fuss and get it, because you just need to look at the dial of your “smart guy” and decide on further actions. Another answer: you want to use the functions of a fitness tracker, tracking steps and counting calories using a smart watch. Well, or high technology is your everything, so you follow all the new products and use them with pleasure.
The appearance of the watch is of paramount importance. Always on hand, the gadget should reflect your style, harmonize with it, please you. It is very important that the materials from which it is made were pleasant, cause a positive feeling. It is also important to provide for the possibility of changing the bracelet on the watch, then they will look appropriate in any situation. The lineup of wrist devices is quite large, there are female, and male, and children's, and sports. Listen to your taste, and the rating of smart watches can help you make your choice.
The first two tips are priority. It no longer makes sense to pay attention to any of the characteristics. Believe me, neither the processor power, nor the characteristics of the operating system, nor the amount of memory matter, since the performance of smart watches is almost the same. On the one hand, the AMOLED screen is able to make the picture more colorful, but if you liked it with a round dial and IPS, choose the latter, you won’t feel the difference anyway. Moreover, do not hesitate to buy last year’s models, smart watches become obsolete very slowly, and you can buy a decent device at a lower price. Since a smart watch is not a basic necessity at all, it should provide primarily aesthetic pleasure.
Expensive smart watch
We will start our
rating of the best smart watches by introducing premium models. They are made of high quality materials, have great versatility, and last much longer. All popular brands make every effort to create first-class models.
APPLE WATCH SERIES 1
Loyal fans of the "apple" appreciated the quality accessory: the assembly is always on top, the stylish aluminum case, durable sapphire crystal, the choice of strap - fabric, silicone or leather. Performance is increased and applications run in fractions of a second. The watch accepts SMS, voice messages, calls, there are functions of a calendar, video, audio; fitness functions are represented by a pedometer, calorie counter, heart rate monitor, accelerometer, gyroscope. Beautiful, powerful, comfortable.
GARMIN FENIX 3
Model for active people, travelers. High-strength glass, anti-glare screen, protective steel ring, convenient reliable buttons, water resistance and standby time for more than 6 weeks. The GLONASS system allows you to accurately determine your location. Fitness functions are expanded, the gadget gives recommendations on recovery measures after the end of the workout, measures the pulse, counts the number of strokes made and the distance traveled. For swimming and skiing, there are special profiles. Timer, barometer, compass expand the possibilities of its use. Of the minuses, the massiveness of the device is noted.
SAMSUNG GEAR S2
Stylish, elegant, functional. The steel case has a round shape, it is possible to change the design of the dial and straps, switching functions using a bezel. Fitness tracker records physical activity and sends encouraging messages to the screen, stimulating the start of training. Of the minuses, users note the fragility of the straps.
CASIO EQB-500D-1A
Closes the rating model without a screen and with little functionality. It is made entirely of stainless steel, which makes it reliable, but heavy. The clock is synchronized with the smartphone using Bluetooth, which allows you to use their additional functions: mail, timer, stopwatch, calendar. The watch is large, heavy, equipped with a solar battery.
Sports models
A sports watch is a convenient attribute for those who need to constantly maintain themselves in excellent physical shape. Below is the rating of smart sports watches.
GARMIN FENIX 3 HR
In the top of sports models, the device reached the first place. He is called a “Swiss knife” in this category. Suitable for all sports and outdoor activities.
POLAR M400
The model will become a "personal trainer" for lovers of jogging, hiking, cycling. During workouts, displays heart rate information. A fitness test is pre-installed on the watch, which allows you to track the progress of your physical condition and motivates you to get the best result. The function of returning to the starting point of the route eliminates the fear of getting lost. All training data is automatically transferred to a special application, and each lesson can be analyzed in detail. The clock records the daily activity, duration of sleep, number of calories, steps taken. In addition, they are waterproof and self-contained.
GARMIN FORERUNER 235
The model is designed for joggers. Bright contrasting color display and the "virtual partner" function make classes exciting and boring. The heart rate monitor is built-in, no additional sensors. Activity Tracker allows you to display the achievement of the goal. GLONASS together with GPS quickly and accurately calculate the coordinates of the location, you won’t get lost. Calories are calculated by heart rate. Lightweight, comfortable model that allows you to change the look to suit your mood.
POLAR V800
The model is suitable for both professional athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. The watch will help you to prove yourself when practicing jogging, crossfit, cycling and swimming. A chest sensor monitoring the heart rate is included. The device will measure speed and the distance covered, among swimmers it will count the number of strokes and determine the style, cyclists will help determine the frequency of pedaling, and recording on a special service will allow you to analyze the whole process.
POLAR A360
Closes the rating of smart watches for sports simple and convenient Polar A360. The gadget will not let you stay too long, reminding you of the need for physical activity. With its help there is an intellectual calculation of calories, pulse rate. The ability to use sports profiles will help determine the type of training and setting new tasks.
Smart watches from China, rating
We have many times been convinced that inexpensive - this does not mean cheap. For the most part, this means that people who do not want to overpay for a brand choose more budget models. This also applies to smart watches. Therefore, below is the rating of smart watches from China, which are much cheaper than their European and American counterparts.
NO.1 D5 +
Combines the function of a smartphone and smart watch. The design of the watch is simple but stylish. Make a call or send an SMS message is not difficult with this gadget. The SIM card slot and Wi-Fi internet connection bring the device to the category of smart watches of the third generation. You can use instant messengers such as Skype and WhatsApp from it. The gadget determines the location of its user, and ease of use has led the TOP.
ZEBLAZE BLITZ
The model was developed by Samsung in 2016. Android operating system, the ability to autonomously use and store many applications, a capacious battery and a long life, connect to the Internet at high speed and elegant sports design like people regardless of their age. Smart watches adapt to telecommunication systems and offer a large number of smart features.
OURTIME X01S
The rating of smart watches by the Chinese manufacturer is continued by their worthy representative. The Android operating system is suitable for most consumers, the 3G connection provides high speed when working with the Internet. The data exchange function allows you to use the watch regardless of the phone, and the built-in camera allows you to take pictures at any time. HD-screen, LCD-display, A7 processor and 8 GB of memory attract attention to the model.
LYW9
The round display of smart watches embodies a special style. The gadget is adapted for use with any SIM cards, access to the Internet allows you to receive and send files, and also gives the opportunity to communicate with other users. Compatible with smartphones running on Android and iOS. The device is also equipped with a fitness tracker function, it measures heart rate and pressure. In addition, the gadget is offered at a very affordable price.
FINOW Q1 3G
The TOP model closes, which users all over the world appreciated for their unique speed, responsiveness and large amount of memory. With it, you can answer the call without any problems, exchange files, launch Internet applications, listen to music audio files. The location function works in real time. Using smartwatch, you can connect to any other device using Bluetooth. The classic watch design and excellent equipment make the device popular.
Budget smart watches
Below you are offered a rating of inexpensive smart watches. Budget gadgets are chosen by users who want to use good functionality without fear of damaging the device.
SMART WATCH GT08
The Chinese "clever man" looks like his "apple" brother: a metal case, a silicone bracelet. The device’s screen is touch-sensitive, there is a 1.3 MP camera, an audio-video player, a slot for a SIM card and a memory card, a calendar, an alarm clock, an organizer, and calorie consumption.
MIO ALPHA
The case is made of high-quality plastic, a silicone bracelet, a real-time laser heart rate monitor, the ability to work with a special application, the waterproof function allows you to dive underwater to a depth of 30 meters.
HUAWEI HONOR BAND
The stylish design of the case in the spirit of minimalism is made of stainless steel, its surface is carefully polished, which causes a pleasant tactile sensation. Touch screen display, convenient function control, advanced fitness tracker.
SMART WATCH DZ09
Another "Chinese" having a fairly solid appearance. Textured metal case, touch LCD with backlight, the ability to change the strap (leather, rubber, metal). It can work as a standalone device; there are anti-theft and phone search functions.
Smartwatch rating for children
As soon as the child enters the period of growing up and independence, the peace of parents comes to an end. Bulky smartphones are uncomfortable, a child can accidentally forget, drop, lose it. Therefore, the demand for compact children's smart watches is more relevant than ever. So, we offer a rating of smart children's watches.
"LIFE BUTTON K911"
The simplified functionality of the smart watch is designed to fulfill the main purpose: to report the coordinates of the child’s location and give him the opportunity to send an SOS signal in an emergency. The device is equipped with GPS and Wi-Fi, it has a SIM card slot, an accelerometer, and a moisture protection function.
MYROPE R12
Massive plastic case, large backlit display, silicone strap. Moisture protection, the ability to track the movements of the child for the day and determine its exact coordinates in real mode, the SOS button and the function of making a hidden call.
ELARI FIXITIME 2
The rating of smart watches for children continues with the "ala-fixi" model. The location function and the SOS button, and besides them the ability to insert a SIM card into the device, record 60 phone numbers, moisture resistance, a microphone, a speaker.
SMART BABY WATCH Q50
Bright plastic case, large screen, accelerometer, counting steps and calories, alarm clock, the ability to send voice and written messages. Well, of course, the alarm button and the exact definition of coordinates.
VTECH KIDIZOOM SMARTWATCH DX
The rating of smart children's watches closes the first adult gadget. No determination of the coordinates of the child, but a complete set of serious devices: a large color touch screen, synchronization with a smartphone, equipped with functions of a calculator, alarm clock, calendar, voice recorder, stopwatch and timer. It is possible to play games, as well as take a picture with the built-in camera. In a word, everything is like in adults.
Best smart watches: TOP reviews
The final rating of smart watches is based on consumer reviews and is presented as a list of model names:
- Apple Watch Series 2.
- Garmin Fenix 5.
- Huawei Watch 2.
- Samsung Gear S3.
- Sony Smartwatch 3.
- Tag Heuer Connected.
This rating of smart watches by reviews is relevant for the fall of 2017.