Wearables define a wide array of devices including smartwatches, health
monitors and activity trackers. Which are considered notable in
2014? Here are five worth considering.
Pebble Steel
The $200 Pebble Steel is probably the most mature smartwatch design
going. That’s saying a lot in a category that’s relatively nascent and
therefore still full of proof-of-concept – dare we say beta – designs.
The newest Pebble – a much-needed steel upgrade from the original
plastic Pebble Watch – combines a classic look and compact design with a
burgeoning app store, the latter a critical element for any successful
device. And battery life is good at anywhere from a few days to five
days – which, by the way, beat the pants off Android Wear competitors.
The Steel’s software and most of its apps work on Apple and Android
phones. A firmware update now allows background step tracking and a
pedometer function too. And it’s still waterproof, like the original.
Though the Steel is not a huge upgrade from the previous model – the
non-touch e-paper display and internals remain largely unchanged, for
instance – improvements, like the glass display cover (for better
clarity) and buttons that offer better travel, are welcome.
Big rivals like Samsung, LG, and Motorola are gaining fast on Pebble, but in 2014 it was the best bet.
LG G Watch R
Devices running Android Wear, a version of Android designed
for smartwatches and other wearables, are a hot category, if only
because goliath Google makes the operating environment. (The Moto 360
smartwatch, also a contender in 2014, runs Android Wear, for example.)
Enter LG’s Android Wear offering, the LG G Watch R, a more mature
follow-on to the LG G Watch, which was little more than
proof-of-concept. At $300, the watch is handsome, round (compared to
rivals like the ZenWatch, whose display is square), comfortable on the
wrist, and brimming with cool features. Some of those cool extras
include voice commands and dictation and a camera app with a shutter
button.
Other goodies include a great OLED display and a faster Qualcomm
Snapdragon processor than the Texas Instruments chip in the competing
Moto 360. That means snappier performance.
Like many watches, it can do things like count steps, show upcoming
appointments and post travel information. And like many watches the
experience isn’t always fully baked or smooth. But, for now, it’s one of
the best watches you can buy.
Asus ZenWatch
This is another Android Wear watch. One of the best things about the
$200 ZenWatch is its looks. That’s a distinction in a category replete
with offerings that are just plain ugly and/or too big. And quality
materials, such as a brushed stainless steel, help too. All this makes
for a watch that can be worn with formal or casual attire.
Other bonuses include a 320x320 pixel AMOLED display, a swappable
tan-colored strap and an attractive metal clasp. Asus also offers a
health and fitness app that tracks heart rates, step counts, and even
mood. Like many current Android Wear watches, it needs to be charged
daily, but it's a standout in a crowd of aesthetically ho-hum entries.
Fitbit Charge and Fitbit Charge HR
Fitbit is one of the premier wearable companies and offered one of
the first popular fitness trackers (Fitbit Ultra). The slim,
comfortable $130 Charge does most of the things consumers expect of
trackers including steps, stairs, miles, calories burned and sleep.
But wait, it’s about to get better. The $150 Fitbit HR, due in 2015,
will add heart-rate tracking and a more conventional wristband on top of
the features offered on the current Charge.
Other upsides include an OLED display, silent alarm and caller ID.
And an excellent selection of apps that are compatible with iOS,
Android, Windows, and Mac.
Jawbone Up24
Like the Fitbit, the Jawbone Up24 fitness tracker may come across as a
minimalist experience compared with larger, display-centric watches.
But it’s one of the best in the category. Like other trackers, it
counts steps, sleep and calories.
All in all, the Jawbone Up24 (listing for $130) is easy-to-use,
light, and comfortable. It syncs with Android phones and iPhones using
Bluetooth.
And Jawbone is different than many bracelet-style trackers in that
it’s buckle-less, which contributes to a comfortable wearing
experience. Battery life is about 10 days.
credit: foxnews
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