From mainframes to desktops to laptops to tablets, the size has been depreciating as the computing capabilities kept on getting better. For last some years, the idea on everybody's mind was to have a gadget which can be worn. But, will that give us enough computing power to match with our present day gadgets? Perhaps, now we have the answer and thankfully its a positive one.
In the last few weeks, world's largest smartphone and tablet makers have launched their smart wrist watches which are a big leap towards wearing your gadget. While Apple and Google are still expected to join the league sometime later, Sony, Samsung and Qualcomm are the most important names in this race. Let's first see what all these players have brought out for you.
Samsung Galaxy Gear
Many believed that the race was between Samsung, Apple and Google but it was Samsung which got there first eventually. The keys specs are as follows-
1) 1.6 inch OLED screen (320x 320 pixels) which consumes much lesser power as compared to the conventional LED.
2) 1.9 megapixel camera
3) 25 hours of battery life in regular use
4) A wide number of applications apart from clock, e-mail, facebook, twitter and games et. al.
5) IP 55 protection, which means that it can stand dust and water jets for a few minutes. Hence, you can party without having to worry about your wearable computer.
6) Can be synchronized with Note 3. Later, Samsung will come up with further software updates which will make it compatible with many other devices.
7) Its price has been listed as $299.
The device will be available by the end of September.
Sony Smartwatch 2
It is second smartwatch by the Japanese manufacturer and goes in head to head competition with Samsung's product. lets find out its specs-
1) 1.6 inch transreflective LCD screen (220x 176 pixels) which is yet another way of being power efficient, as compared to the traditional LCD screen.
2)There is no camera in this device
3) It can again run a number of Android based apps along with providing support for your e- mailing, social media and gaming needs.
4) With its ultra powerful battery, the device can be run for 3-4 days without having to charge.
5) It offers a rough and tough hardware for your freaky times. With its IP 57 protection, it can last in a few meters of water for 30 mins. So, no worries while freaking out..
6) It offers a smooth and seamless compatibility with any device which supports Android 4.0 or a better version. Hence, you can easily toogle between various gadgets owned by you or your friends.
Sony has not announced any particular date for the arrival of the product but it seems like it won't be in market anytime before late next month. Hence, you need to hold on for a little longer before you hold this watch-turned-computer. Meanwhile, Amazon has listed its price as $250.
Qualcomm's Toq Smartwatch
The device has been positioned as a complement to your Android device. Here are its features-
1) Its Mirasol technology based screen offers superb power saving, brilliant colors and an amazing experience. In dim natural light, there is option to turn on the screen light.
2) Wi-power technology based battery for wireless recharge. This means that you just need to drop the device on a special pad and that's it. Once charged, it can run for 5 days and shows the number of days before it needs to be charged again.
3) You can use the device for text messages, canned replies and widgets for quick hits of information such as weather and stock prices. The company will further allow third-party developers to build applets for it as well; they can use AllJoyn, another Qualcomm technology designed to let devices such as phones and watches communicate directly with each other.
4) It has no camera
There is again no set deadline for the device to arrive in the market but late October seems the best guess. The price is expected to be around $300-$350.
Our Take on Galaxy Gear, Sony Smartwatch 2 and Qualcomm Toq
Having looked at all the features, Samsung Gear looks the best bet. While all the devices have same screen size, these conserve power using different technologies. Although Samsung offers least battery life, its camera and other apps compensate for everything else. When the company brings out the software updates in the coming months, Samsung Gear will be seamlessly connected with other Android devices. Even pricewise, it comes between Sony and Qualcomm's bet. Most importantly, it is first to arrive in the market. So, why to wait when you can be the first mover?
