Traditional texting can be a chore, but the Toq smartwatch of Qualcomm simplifies the act of creating, sending and replying to text messages, thanks to its new voice-to-text technology powered by Nuance.
To use the voice input feature, Toq users will have to tap on the microphone icon and speak out short messages -- yes, punctuations included -- but each message limited to nine seconds only. If the software failed to get the message accurately, the user can always redo it.
A Gigaom reviewer, who was able to get first-hand experience of the smartwatch, says the performance is "fairly well." Email and social media interaction or even tinkering on apps, isn't possible yet with the smartwatch though. It boasts of a one-of-a-kind wireless charger.
"When I reviewed the device I noted that Qualcomm has put some great hardware technology together but the software was lacking. The Toq is a better concept device than an end-user product. Toq Talk doesn't change my mind, but it does illustrate that Qualcomm continues to understand the way we'll need to interact with wearable devices," Gigaom says in its review.
Another reviewer from Gizmag says the Toq "became a much more useful watch today" because of the voice input, though there is no definite word whether now is a great time to purchase any of the watches.
"Android Wear watches will be here within the next few months, and I'd bet we'll also see an iWatch (or whatever Apple calls it) later this year. If their prices are in the same ballpark as - or cheaper than - the Toq, you might end up regretting that purchase," the Gizmag reviewer said.
Last year, Qualcomm started to release a limited run of Toq smartwatches that, as per reviews, were mainly to exhibit its always-on, energy-efficient Mirasol display technology said to be among the finest displays in the lineup of early smartwatches. With the voice input or dictation feature, however, the company proved that it made advances to its range of mobile technologies.
Meanwhile, Nuance is considered one of the best leaders in the industry providing natural language and speech recognition processing. While it also powers the voice assistant Siri on the iOS devices and the voice input of the original Galaxy Gear smartwatch, it is also rooted in many other systems in various industries.
Based on research, Qualcomm's Toq is not being sold to traditional consumer channels and not a fully realized product, because it's basically designed and made as a reference point for other manufacturers so that they can have an idea of what's achievable in the wearable technology. For direct selling, Toq smartwatch is priced at $249, although for a limited number of pieces only.
Readers may view the Toq smartwatch here:
