Smart Watch Buyers Guide

Updated July 1, 2014

You’ve heard plenty over the last few months about smartwatches, fitness trackers, and Android Wear and now you’re ready to make a purchase. Where to start? Indeed, it can be a bit confusing to figure out what device is right for you and which models will suit your needs. We’re here to help you out!

Let’s start with some basic questions to help get you going in the right direction.

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What’s a Smart Watch/smartwatch?

Worn on the wrist, these devices function as your standard watch with time and date information – but with much more capability. Most models can work on their own, sure, but to really get the most out of them you’ll want to pair it with a smartphone. Popular models today include the Samsung Gear 2, Pebble Steel, and LG G Watch.

What do they do?

When talked about as a whole, smartwatches generally share the same features in that they pair via Bluetooth and help bring notifications to a familiar place – your wrist. Some models help answer phone calls and interact with applications while others offer enhanced options such as cameras and heart rate tracking.

Another common item found in smartwatches is GPS, which can be used to track running, cycling, and other activities. Battery life is typically rated at a few days or so, depending on the model.

Brief history

While they’ve been around for a couple of years already, the smartwatch didn’t really take off until late 2013 and early 2014 with Samsung’s efforts. And, while Samsung’s watches work well for their use case, these devices only pair with a select number of smartphone models. In other words, you’ll have to be loyal to the Samsung brand if you hope to use a device such as a Gear Fit.

Depending on which model you buy you could find that your smartwatch experience improves over time. Devices such as the Qualcomm Toq or Pebble Steel only get better with each software update as new functions are tossed in on a regular basis.

Android Wear

The middle of 2014 saw Google announce a new platform known as Android Wear which aims to extend everything you know and love about the Android experience.

Although Android Wear is a much more robust environment, we’re only just now seeing these devices in the real world. The first few models include the Samsung Gear Live and LG Watch; Motorola has a Moto 360 due later in the summer.  With no clear competition in the foreseeable future, and drop-dead simple Android integration, Android Wear may quickly become the standard in this space.

What else?

Generally speaking, today’s smartwatch offers a clear display of around 1.5-inches and logs a certain degree of activity. Some provide internal storage for apps, music, and media; others rely on synchronizing to a PC/Mac or smartphone.

When shopping for a smartwatch it is important to understand compatibility. Not all devices will work seamlessly across platforms and some may require a specific operating system for your smartphone. Read the fine print and check to see if the model you like will work with your current setup. Many retailers and wireless providers are now selling smartwatches and can answer some of your basic questions.

Brands

Some of today’s top smartwatch brands include the following: