The low-resolution of the SmartWatch 2 makes the screen look ugly.
(Credit: Aloysius Low/CNET)Sony's first SmartWatch didn't quite live up to expectations. It came with an expensive price tag as well as poor functionality -- you needed to install multiple apps to enable basic features such as notification from calls or messages. And it is not even water-resistant.
The original SmartWatch made competitor products, such as the Pebble Watch, an interesting choice for users hunting for smart watch. It worked with both iOS and Android, and was water-resistant -- you could take it into the shower or the swimming pool.
However, with the introduction of the SmartWatch 2, Sony has since made some modifications and improvements. Here’s a quick look at some of its features.
Design
Compared with the plasticky Pebble, the SmartWatch 2 is made of aluminum and features a 24mm stainless steel wristband. This gives it a nice premium feel that the Pebble lacked. A big round power button is found at the side, much like the power button that you will find on Sony Mobile's 2013 Xperia lineup.
The very identifiable Xperia power button makes an appearance on the watch.
(Credit: Aloysius Low/CNET)Like the original SmartWatch, the SmartWatch 2 features a 1.6-inch touchscreen display, but unlike its predecessor’s OLED screen, the SmartWatch 2 uses a transflective LCD panel instead. This should give it good visibility outdoors. In terms of screen resolution, the watch just has 220x176 pixels.
Physically, the SmartWatch 2 is slightly larger and heavier compared with the original. However, I don't think the difference is noticeable -- at 23.5g, you'll barely feel the 8g difference over the first SmartWatch.
Another key improvement in the SmartWatch 2 is its water-resistant properties, meaning it’s protected against accidental spills and splashes. Do note you can't take it into the shower with you, though I don't see why you need to read emails while shampooing your hair. You also can't go swimming with this watch.
Instead of the custom charging port used by the first SmartWatch, the SmartWatch 2 comes with a standard microUSB port. This makes it easier to charge the watch, especially now that microUSB cables are readily available.
The SmartWatch 2 can be charged with any microUSB cable.
(Credit: Aloysius Low/CNET)Features
Sony Mobile’s experience with the original SmartWatch has prompted the company to ensure that it will be very easy to set up the watch. Upon pairing via NFC, the smartphone will download the SmartWatch app that allows users to select the various apps they will to install. By default, you'll only be getting an alarm and timer app (on top of the watch faces that come pre-installed).
Here's a digital clock face that you can switch to.
(Credit: Aloysius Low/CNET)The SmartWatch 2 now comes with onboard NFC which makes it very easy to pair the watch with your handset. I wonder if it’s possible to use the watch to read NFC tags.
Sony has made the SmartWatch 2 compatible with apps from the first SmartWatch, so it can run apps such as Runtastic, Twitter and Facebook.
Surprisingly, Sony did not chose to use Bluetooth 4.0 in the SmartWatch. Instead it runs on Bluetooth 3.0 which does not have the new Bluetooth low energy protocol found in the 4.0 release. Since Sony is already claiming a three- to four-day battery life for its high-tech watch, I'm guessing the company didn't see the need.
Lastly, the SmartWatch works with almost any Android handset, so you don't necessarily need to get your hands on a Sony Mobile handset.
Outlook
Due out in September this year, the SmartWatch 2 looks set to tap on the growing interest in the wearable tech category. This space is likely to get even bigger by the time September rolls around -- especially if rumors about Apple's iWatch are true. While the next bit is pure speculation, Samsung will also likely have something waiting in the wings. The chaebol likes to dip its collective fingers into every pie, and smart watches are something it is likely to compete in, as well.
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