The Japanese company recently launched its flagship smartphone. It seemed that, after a few months, it would introduce another high-end smartphone to continue its market strategy. However, next week could surprise with a new launch. A smartwatch, a new SmartWatch, looks set to be the manufacturer's big surprise.
They were among the first to try their hand at an Android watch in the early days. Even so, those initial proposals were far from being independently useful devices, and functioned more like a second screen for the mobile phone. Now, Sony seems determined to launch a new SmartWatch really practical. Messages have appeared on his Twitter profile that hint at the imminent announcement: They recall their pioneering role, their affinity for wearable technology and mention that one in three people claims to want a smart watch.
These messages include two hashtags: on the one hand, #itstime, a play on the word “time” and the idea of ​​“it’s time”; on the other hand, #MAE13, referring to Mobile Asia Expo, one of the largest technology, smartphone, and telecommunications events organized by the same entity as the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, ​​although with a more limited scope. Based on the accompanying image and the tone of the tweets, everything indicates that the launch of a new watch is closer than ever.
What can we expect from Sony's new SmartWatch?
If the manufacturer follows its own evolution, it is reasonable to expect a focus on autonomy, connectivity and resistance. Its previous generations already opted for touch screens around 1,6 inches, display modes always on display for quick reading of time and notifications, and a built-in aluminum with protection certifications against water and dust. Modern Bluetooth with NFC for agile pairing and easy charging (in the past they used an integrated micro USB without a base). In software, Sony's historical experience includes call and message notifications, music control, voice commands and Android compatibility; in addition, its ecosystem of miniapps and extensions has been a differentiating factor that could be expanded.
Previous watches have proven that the manufacturer can prioritize key everyday functions: read emails, SMS and instant messages, control the media player, view the calendar, and perform quick actions from your wrist. If the new generation becomes more autonomous, it would be logical to see sensors such as Integrated GPS for sports without a mobile phone, and improvements in the accuracy of the pedometer and vibration alerts.
Lessons from the SmartWatch 2 and SmartWatch 3 generations
Technical specifications and reviews of previous models provide useful clues. At the time, it was emphasized that a smartwatch from the brand could offer 1,6 inch with resolutions ranging from 220x176 to 320x320 pixels, densities close to 176–269 dpi and panel with good performance in full light. In connectivity, it was documented Bluetooth and NFC, and a connector Micro USB without proprietary bases. The design came to include aluminum, standard 24 mm straps and type protection IP57 against water and dust.
In battery, some listings indicated capacities around 225 mAh in one generation, while another rose to the 420 mAh; the goal was to achieve between a couple of days of moderate use and several days of savings. Other benefits were listed, such as voice commands and dialing, notices by vibration, remote music playback and compatibility with Android. Part of the catalog inherited mail functions (Gmail/POP), SMS, IM, weather and calendar, as well as sensors such as gyroscope and compassOne of the models incorporated GPS, although it did not have a heart rate sensor.
It is important to note that specialized sources warned that certain veteran models, such as SmartWatch 2, are outdated in technology and security and are not recommended for purchase today. Still, their legacy serves to understand the evolution and what could be improved: better strap materials, more comfortable closures, easy cleaning and a balance between aesthetics and sports use.
Ecosystem, software and connectivity
The experience with previous generations was based on the Sony app to manage the watch and on third party extensions to expand functions. On some models, the most reliable pairing was done from the official app (and not from the native Bluetooth menu), reinforcing the idea that the next device should simplify the linking process and recovery from problems.
In everyday life, the value of the watch goes through a fluid notification management (calls, messages, social apps), quick replies via voice and touch, and an ambient display mode that balances readability and power consumption. For sports, the built-in GPS has already proven key for recording routes without a phone; bolstering it with advanced metrics and more sport profiles would be a natural next step. Likewise, compatibility with popular services and applications and better energy control would make a difference.
Market and positioning of smartwatches
The segment is experiencing a peculiar dynamic: in markets such as India, local brands of affordable watches have driven huge volumes and surpassed shipments of global firms at certain stages. Traditional leaders, such as Apple or Samsung, remain prominent, but are experiencing fluctuations in quota and shipments when buyer preference leans towards more basic products. In this context, Sony's next SmartWatch will have to compete with reasonable price, useful features and a balanced design to stand out.
At the same time, the company is managing its new product calendars in other technology categories with very clear strategies. While in televisions, the company has emphasized innovations in image processing and panel technologies, in wearables could prioritize visible improvements in autonomy, comfort and software quality. This catalog consistency would help reinforce the watch's approach.
If the indications on the networks are confirmed, the new Sony SmartWatch will arrive with accumulated learning: more resistant materials, useful sensors for sports, better integrated notifications and a frictionless pairing experience. There's little left to be resolved, but everything is in place to make this a significant launch within the brand's ecosystem.