Everything points to the fact that what would be positioned as the first smart watch to reach the market, the Sony SmartWatch, is ready to see the light. For days, posts on Sony's social profiles have been clear about this, advancing a imminent presentation. Now, in addition, key details are emerging, such as the possible NFC connectivity and water resistance, two pillars that mark the focus of the range.
The official presentation is expected at the Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai. Sony has already flirted with this category in the past: from the veteran LiveView to the first SmartWatch with Android, which acted more like second screen as a standalone watch. In this new iteration, the goal goes further: a Really useful smartwatch, with capacitive touch screen larger in size and a grid-type organization with three rows and three columns of icons. In addition, there was talk of a protection "minimally water resistant", a point that is now realized with IP certifications according to model, and NFC to make one-touch pairings and uses.
Screen, design and durability
In design, Sony has opted for a square format sporty cut, with interchangeable straps in models like SmartWatch 2 (standard 24 mm) and finishes of aluminum and steelThe screen jumps compared to the first attempts: the SmartWatch 2 integrates panel of 1,6 inches X y better visibility in full sunlight, Whereas the SmartWatch 3 raises the definition to 320 x 320 with technology transflective to view content reliably in the open air.
In resistance, there are two clear references: IP57 on SmartWatch 2 (dust and splash, with limited immersion), and IP68 on SmartWatch 3 (greater protection against water and dust). This advancement allows the watch to be used in the rain or during training, without compromising durability nor legibility.
Connectivity and user experience
The main character is the NFC: With One-touch It pairs with an Android phone by simply bringing them together, simplifying the Bluetooth configuration (3.0 in SW2; Bluetooth 4.0 in SW3). In the SmartWatch 3, in addition, there is WiFi to expand uses without a phone, and a set of sensors to match: GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass and light sensor, which allows you to record routes without having your phone with you and adjust the brightness automatically.
The interface is refined with a Android-like environment y preloaded apps, in addition to a wide catalog on Google Play. Notifications from messaging, calls and email, control of music playback and sports apps (such as Runkeeper, Ghostracer, My Tracks or integrations with Runtastic y Endomondo, according to support) make the watch really useful. The voice interaction added convenience for dictating notes or replying to messages, while the camera remote control and presentations expands professional scenarios.
battery and charging
In autonomy, SmartWatch 2 moves between 3 and 5 days with typical use, and boasts always on display for the hour. Charging is done with standard micro-USB, avoiding proprietary bases. The SmartWatch 3 integrates a battery of 420 mAh; with notifications, light exercise, and smart features, it easily lasts a day and can be extended with moderate use. Activate the GPS increases consumption (a session of about 40 minutes can be around 20% battery), something to keep in mind during long training sessions. More details and tests of the SmartWatch 2 help calibrate expectations of real use.
This commitment to direct charging via micro-USB reduces accessories and complexity. Along with certification IP corresponding, a practical balance is obtained between loading comfort and protection from the elements.
Performance and compatibility
El SmartWatch 3 mounts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 at 1,2 GHz, with 512 MB of RAM y 4 GB storage for music and apps, reinforcing its sports use with Bluetooth headphones without the phone. Song syncing may be slower in certain configurations and, depending on the app, It is not always possible to select individual tracks, something that is worth planning for. In addition, the SmartWatch 3 has been receiving updates that improve its stability and functions.
In compatibility, it works with Android (recent versions), and in previous models Sony offered a solid ecosystem of Extensions and spheres. The value proposition remains the same: minimizing the number of times you take your phone out of your pocket, offering useful alerts at a glance and enable key tasks like paying or sharing via NFC as long as the software and the bank/service allow it. You can see how the new smartwatch from Sony within its range of devices and accessories.
The original project already hinted at a capacitive screen wide, the grid of three by three icons and functions like payments or transfers with NFC. With the evolution to SmartWatch 2 and 3, Sony consolidated that vision with better screens, more resistance and connectivity, maintaining the idea of ​​a watch that serves both as a smartphone accessory as a stand-alone tool for short trips.
The Sony SmartWatch family brings together the combination that many are looking for: One-touch NFC to match, water resistance With IP certification, reasonable battery life, and an app ecosystem that covers sports, productivity, and notifications, all with a discreet design and a practical approach for everyday use.
