Last week, we were made aware of an upcoming Sony SmartWatch through a series of Tweets made by the Japanese company. Although consumers and analysts were quick to make educated guesses about the third-generation device, no one was exactly sure what to expect. However, the SmartWatch 2 was officially announced today, and it is being characterized as the perfect companion to any Android device.
The physical design of the SmartWatch 2 closely resembles that of its predecessor, sporting the familiar aluminum body known for being dust and water resistant. This means that users should remain calm in the event of a rainstorm; although it won't withstand going for a swim.
When paired with a smartphone the watch offers the ability to answer calls, take pictures, browse Facebook and Twitter feeds, and remotely check emails and text messages. Its capabilities can be taken even further by downloading one of several mobile apps. For example, the SmartWatch 2 can double as a fitness tracker if accompanied by an app such as Runtastic.There are currently over 200 apps exclusively being offered for the product, and an open API means that developers can churn out even more.
To make these tasks easier than ever before, Sony has upgraded the screen from 1.3-inches to a more convenient 1.6-inch, 220x176 pixel display. With so much versatility, the company has high hopes for the new product. "Combining form and function in a sleek design, it serves as a multi-functional watch, notifier, Android app interface and phone remote control, all-in-one," reads the press release.
Perhaps the biggest fears held by consumers have to do with battery life. Most people understand the hassle and annoyance of recharging their smartphone on a daily basis; a practice that normally doesn't extend to wristwatches. To address this issue, Sony has stated that the SmartWatch 2 should last up to three to four days with regular usage. Although these figures don't measure up to traditional watches and might still deter some customers, it's comforting to know that a daily recharge won't be necessary.
The SmartWatch 2 will be compatible with any device running Android 4.0 or later. The watches are slated to be released in September of this year. No pricing details have been announced as of yet.