A host of smartwatches are expected to be released within the year, providing consumers with a long list of choices for the wearable devices. Each smartwatch has its own unique features and specifications, which means that there will be a smartwatch for every person looking to buy one.
Apple Watch
Apple's much-awaited entry in the wearable technology market is finally going to be released this year, with rumors stating that the device will hit stores in March. In addition to its flexible retina touchscreen display, which can detect the difference between a tap and a press, the Apple Watch will also be controlled through the Digital Crown, a small knob at the side of the watch.
The Apple Watch will be released with three different versions. The standard Apple Watch will feature a stainless steel body, the Sport Collection will be using a tougher metal alloy and the Apple Watch Edition will include 18 karat gold.
Kairos MSW and Kairos SSW
Pre-orders are now being accepted for the Kairos MSW and Kairos SSW smartwatches, which combine mechanical watches with smart functions. Claiming to be the first mechanical smartwatch hybrid, the devices are self-winding mechanical watches that feature a transparent OLED screen where notifications from a paired smartphone will be displayed.
Motorola Moto 360 2
While Apple is preparing to release the first version of its wearable, rival Motorola is already about to release its second version. A Motorola executive recently hinted that the smartwatch will be released early this year, which will feature a modified design compared to its predecessor to make the device look more like a regular watch.
LG G Watch R2
While the LG G Watch has only recently been released, rumors on the development of the LG G Watch R2 are already swirling, tagging the successor to possibly be the first smartwatch with 4G connectivity. However, this raises concerns that 4G would cause the battery life of the device to become shorter. The LG G Watch R2 will reportedly be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in March.
Withings Activité
The Withings Activité looks very much different from traditional smartwatches, as it resembles analog watches. It is more of an activity tracker though, using its sensors to collect information on the wearer's activities, calories burned and sleeping habits. The data can then be forwarded to the Health Mate app for iOS devices, with a version for Android due to be released by March.
Sony FES Watch
The Sony FES Watch is a smartwatch that uses e-ink technology for both its face and strap. The technology allows users to quickly change the appearance of the smartwatch, choosing among the 20 pre-set options available for the device. The smartwatch looks very minimalist and also has only a few features compared to its competition. However, this translates into a lower price for the wearable once it is released. Consumers who crowd-funded the device will be receiving their Sony FES Watches in May.
Samsung Orbis
Samsung, which released six smartwatches in 2014, is ready to launch another one next month at the Mobile World Congress. The Samsung Orbis will be different compared to Samsung's other offerings as it will be featuring a round face, as opposed to the rectangular faces of the company's previous devices. The watch is rumored to feature a rotating bezel that may function similarly to the Digital Crown of the Apple Watch.
It seems that the time around the month of March will be a busy one for the smartwatch industry, when consumers looking to get into the trend will have no shortage of options.
