Over the last three years we have seen an explosion in #smartwatch offerings with the #pebble, #jawbone, and android offerings all coming to the market. But it would appear that the first one arrived back in 1982, some thirty odd years ago. By today’s standards the word “smart” in “smartwatch” was, erm, primitive. It wasn’t until the early 1990’s until we something that was “connected” (albeit a pager in the shape of a watch).
As years passed and the Microsoft SPOT came and went, the watches we now know started to appear.
2009 saw the first real Samsung offering, with 2012 being the arrival of the #Pebble. 2013 started to see the Samsung Gear range with 2014 showing us the #Moto360 and LG G watch R.
Apple is making its move in 2015. My guess is it will be very popular, but it won’t be until generation 2 or 3 until the Apple device really makes the mass market product that people can really use.
Microsoft have a fitness band available but, from what I have read, it is more like a prison wrist band due to weight and size (although I must admit I haven’t seen one).
I for one did enter into the wearable market and opted for the #GearS. With its own SIM you have the freedom of not always being tethered to your phone. Plus I can quickly read and reply to email, WhatsApp, texts, plus read the news, browse the web without any issues. It will forward all communications from my phone to my wrist, if I am in or out of range. No problem. And it reuses my existing cell phone number for most of the time and the battery lasts two to three days.
If you are so inclined it also does navigation and syncs with your car.
It is a very small phone in your wrist and I have to say, I am very pleased I bought it. Will the Apple product be better. I’m guessing yes. But not for a generation or two yet…