3 Tips For Buying A Smartwatch in 2017
Smartwatches belong to the realm of wearable tech and, as any regular reader of this site will know, these gadgets are becoming more and more technologically advanced with every passing year. In the following article, we’ll give our three favourite tips for finding a great new smartwatch in 2017 and making the most of what this wonderful wearable technology has to offer.
Apple vs. Android
First and foremost, you still need to buy a watch that will work with your phone. Although this is less of a problem than it was two years ago, it’s still enough of an issue for us to have to point it out for new smartwatch buyers. As we’ve written elsewhere, it will be some time before wearable gadgets supplant smartphones – if at all, so in the meantime you’ll have to continue to pair your smartwatch and its apps with your phone. Manufacturers have, however, cottoned onto the fact that compatibility is a major issue for consumers, at least the ones that don’t want everything they own to bear an Apple logo. Of course, the Apple Watch 2.0 only works with iPhones. Android Wear and Samsung timepieces can pair with iPhones, but only offer limited functionality on Apple’s handsets and – predictably – don’t work nearly as well as an Apple Watch with an iPhone does. However, there is a change a foot.
As traditional watch manufacturers get in on the smart watch market, there are more and more smart watches available that do offer proper compatibility. Once the preserve of the big tech companies, traditional manufacturers like Tag Heuer and Rolex have gotten into the smartwatch game in recent years. In the meantime though, if you’re in the market for a watch, make sure it will work with your phone!
What Do You Want Your Watch For?
Since the first Apple smartwatch in 2014, the market for smartwatches has exploded. Today, there are so many different kinds of watches available that can be put to such different uses that it’s hard to know where to begin. If you’re buying a smartwatch today, consider the most important uses you want from it. If you’re looking for something to help you get fit and stay active, then you’re probably best off going for an Apple Watch, for instance. The Apple Watch series 2.0 comes with loads of functionality for apps that track your fitness and performance and it’s even waterproof. In point of fact, Apple’s watches are the cheapest they’ve ever been. On the other end of the spectrum, however, if you’re looking for something with a little less functionality, but a classic look, why not see if you can find something that blends classic design and the latest technology in Tag Heuer’s range.
All about the Display
As the focal point of your timepiece’s aesthetics, the watch’s display should be one of your major considerations when buying. Displays and screens have come on leaps and bounds in the last few years with megapixel displays becoming commonplace, but you really should consider just want it is you want from your watch and, in particular, your watch’s display when shopping around. Some of the more expensive smartwatches come with high-end full-colour displays, which, whilst not the most durable, do look impressive. Other more functional or sporty smartwatches retain a simple black and white display. Of course, you also ought to consider just how your watch’s app will appear on your phone. Do you want notifications on your watch or on your phone – or both? Notifications can become annoying, especially if you can’t exert much control over them, so make sure that your watch’s display works for you and displays only want you want it to.
