Smartwatch: when is it practical and when is it superfluous?
Ever since Pebble raised $10 million in a Kikstarter campaign in 2012, smartwatches have been on everyone's lips and on many wrists. It didn't take long for other manufacturers to bring their own models to market. In the meantime, the choice is enormous: there are smartwatches of every size, shape and colour. But, as is often the case, all that glitters is not gold - even if it does say rose gold.
The benefits
Against the flood of notifications
The unconditional advantage is notifications. Whether it's WhatsApp, emails or appointments, one glance at your wrist and you're already informed. The mobile stays in your pocket. This saves you time and, by discreetly looking at your wrist, avoids glares from your contacts at meals or parties. Works most of the time. WhatsApp regulars will be delighted that they don't always have to pull out their phone for every notification just to see that two friends are organising their coffee break.
.
Short answers
It doesn't matter whether it's a smartwatch with Android Wear operating system like the Huawei Watch Active or the Pebble Round with its own system, all of them can respond to notifications. If you use the Google Hangouts app, you can choose from a selection of short responses and Emojis. Voice command is also an option. However, reciting a monologue to your watch is still a fun situation for other passengers on the train. [[image:5842539]]
To telephone
While we're on the subject of voice control: with the Samsung Gear S2, as with the Apple Watch, you can feel like Michael Knight. Thanks to the built-in speakers, you can make phone calls - provided the phone is within Bluetooth range. This method is less suitable for longer conversations. With the exception of the LG Watch Urbane 2nd with LTE, which is made for making calls without a smartphone.
For sport
While step count and heart rate are among the basic functions, some models have a built-in GPS module. For example, Motorola's signature Moto 360 Sport. So, if you don't absolutely want to work your arm muscles, you can put the smartphone down. The Moto 360 Sport records your jogging route and, if necessary, shares the information with other fitness applications. Thanks to the GPS module, the watch can be used as a navigation solution during mountain bike outings. [[image:5845567]]
The remote control
Anyone who owns Bluetooth headphones can look forward to a new remote control on their wrist. Choosing a new song or turning up the volume until you attract the attention of any other passenger is extremely handy. In front of the TV, it's all the same. Android Wear watches can control Android TVs and the Apple Watch can browse the iTunes library. The new episode of House of Cards is on TV, but your flatmate can't stop talking to you? Instead of searching the whole living room for the remote, just press your smartwatch and pause Netflix. [[image:5845448]]
For individualists
There are many models of smartwatches. Top of the list: the Apple Watch, available in many sizes, colours and materials, is attracting crowds. If you prefer the round shape, opt for the Pebble Round. A little bonus: it lasts longer than the competition. The bracelets can easily be replaced with those from a third-party vendor, making the possibilities almost endless.
Anyone who still doesn't have enough individuality can download one of the many Watchfaces onto the watch. From chronographs, to retro watches, right through to mini-games, almost anything can decorate the little screen.
The downsides
When the sun shines
Not everything about smartwatches is rosy. Here's the first negative: if you've ever tried to use your smartphone in direct sunlight, you know what you're in for. Of course, there are some models, like the Pebble or the Moto 360 Sport, which can be read without any problem in direct sunlight thanks to a special screen. But for the others, it's best to find yourself a little space in the shade. [[image:5845776]]What: 9to5mac
In winter
All the advantages disappear when you wear a thick winter jacket or a cardigan with tight sleeves: the quick glance at the watch no longer exists. We then have to, as best we can, try to get the watch out from under the sleeve.
Taking a shower
Most models are barely splash-proof or can withstand a depth of one metre. We advise against showering and you can write off swimming. [[image:5846141]]The Pebble Time is one of the few smartwatches that is waterproof. Source: Mobilereviews
The weekend excursion
Gone are the days when you could go on holiday for a week and leave the charger at home. With the smartwatch, you even have the chance to take two chargers with you for a night out or the weekend excursion: the one for your smartphone and the one for your smartwatch, because the latter aren't compatible.
If you always have to have your mobile
Here's the general process: you see on the watch that you've received a message and you'd like to reply to it. So you take out the smartphone and start writing. Two minutes later, you start again. You might wonder why you don't just look at the phone. And without a connection to the smartphone, smartwatches are useless anyway - with the exception of the LG Watch Urbane 2nd.
Conclusion
Smartwatches are certainly not (yet) the technological jewel that manufacturers are trying to make us believe, but they still offer a number of practical functions, particularly in the world of fitness. And the choice is immense: shapes, colours, types and prices. There's something for everyone. For the moment, they are still toys. But aren't we all just big kids?
See our current smartwatches
Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.