Remember when we were first introduced to smart watches? It was like yesterday when technology amused us is with its capabilities. Who would have thought that you can wear a smart device as a wrist watch? It wasn't too long ago when we first took a glimpse of mini smartphones being worn as wrist watches, and we didn't even mind if they look like mini phones with wrist straps.
Just this month, the smartwatch technology just progressed, this time it kinda looked more like a watch than a small computer with wrist bands. Samsung unveiled their new series of "Gear S2" time pieces, including the slick "Gear S2 Classic." It is a surprisingly good smartwatch considering that is looks like a normal watch. It has a 1.2 inch screen which is not too big, and it also has leather straps.
Also, Motorola has also revamped its smartwatch model "Moto 360." It was first launch about one year ago, and this time the "Moto 360" has been refined with its new aesthetic looks. It has a quick release capacities that allows the user to swipe them quickly. It's not the biggest change in the tech world, but it does make a difference because it really makes the smartwatch look like a regular watch, which is what you are going for if you are concerned about its fashionability.
The latest version of the "Moto 360" also has a variety of sizes to give men and women options. It is available in 42mm for women, and for men, they can also have it in 42mm and 46mm. Fancy customizations are also possible with its choices of leather, gold, and metal bands as well as a double wrap straps.
Jim Wicks, Motorola's head of design, says that they took the screen-to-body ratio into consideration. This has also been the factor that was considered when he designed the "Moto X" and "Moto G."
As for the designing of the smartwatch, it was said that they moved the button from 3 o'clock to 2 o'clock to avoid accidental presses. Apart from those minor changes, the "Moto 360" also has better battery life, it went from a 1-day battery life to 2 days. It has Live Dials interface to show the weather, fitness progress, and other customizations. The accuracy of its heart rate and step censors are also improved in the new version.
But then there's what they call "the ledge". It is what they call the disruptive band of black by the screen's bottom part. It clips the pixels from providing you a perfect circle look. Wicks said that it is an essential evil in the smartwatch caused by the sensors and drivers underneath. It is a big sacrifice for the screen-to-body ratio's sakes. It doesn't hold the smartwatch from doing its job, it can just poke your OCD nerves.
These watches can connect to wifi without the need to pair them to your phone via Bluetooth so you can run your apps. But a paired phone is still necessary for phone calls. The watches will run Android Wear's latest version and they will also have the Google Now voice command service. According to Motorola, there are more than 4,000 apps available now for Android Wear but a full specification details are yet to be announced.
Another version of the Moto 360 has also been introduced, the "Moto 360 Sport." It has built in GPS, it can also play music from the watch to a headphones through Bluetooth, and it also uses reflective display for better viewing under the bright sunlight. However, all details including availability and pricing are yet to be shared by Motorola.
The "Moto 360" watches will be priced from $300 to $430 depending on which designs you choose. Right now, they can be preordered at the Moto Maker and shipment is expected to be by September's end.