Smartwatch – the watch of the future or an unnecessary gimmick?
Interested looks and questions are guaranteed with a smartwatch on your wrist, that much is certain. It stands out not only visually, but is also packed with many additional functions. Whether it’s the "I'm Watch", the "Pebble watch" or other models, these phone watches are pushing onto the market and promising a lot. But what can a smartwatch really do? It’s high time to take a closer look at the latest form of wristwatch.
So, what exactly is a smartwatch? It has a display, sensors and actuators (vibration motor). It also offers additional computer functionality and internet access. It is often seen as a second display for a smartphone. In addition to the time, incoming calls, text messages, etc. from the phone can also be read and answered on the watch. In this way, the wearer can use it to control other devices. There are also already dedicated apps for smartwatches to equip them with individual functions. This is made possible by operating systems optimized specifically for them, such as Android.
A useful extension of the smartphone
Via Bluetooth, the smartwatch stays connected to the phone, enabling constant access and data exchange. The already mentioned display of calls and messages means that the smartphone does not have to be taken out of your pocket every time. It therefore serves as a display extension (second screen), which can indeed be practical when it is inconvenient to take out your phone. However, it is still questionable whether tapping on your wrist is better than using the phone itself. In addition, the battery capacity, performance and range of functions of the phone watch are significantly lower than those of a conventional smartphone. So anyone who wants to use a smartwatch as an extension of their mobile device gets a technical gimmick that still has to prove its practicality and, above all, its performance. But given the rapid pace of development in this area, it is probably only a matter of time before the watches catch up with phones.
Smartwatches with their own SIM card
It looks different when the smartwatch has its own SIM card. Then it is not necessary to carry both watch and phone with you; instead, you can make calls with the watch itself, send SMS, and go online. Especially while jogging, at the lake, at parties – in other words, wherever you risk losing your phone – you always have the option of communication safely and practically on your wrist .
Sensors support the wearer according to the situation
New concepts such as sensor fusion, the human-machine interface and new operating concepts make it possible to open up entirely new fields of application. With the help of sensor technology, it is possible to detect anomalies. For example, fall detection can be helpful for older people or epileptics. Expanding this area in particular could make smartwatches truly useful devices.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether to choose a smartwatch or not. There is still a lot of development work to do before they can be established as independent, high-performance devices. In the future, phone watches will certainly play a major role, but at the moment they are still more of a technical gimmick that serves as a second display for the smartphone.
