What are smart watches, what are they for and what can they do?

In this article, we will look at what a smart watch is, how it differs from a regular analog watch, and what functions it can perform.

In short, a smart watch is not only a decoration or an element of an outfit, but also a personal assistant on the wrist, to some extent making life easier and motivating to play sports. A smartwatch can help reduce the number of unnecessary movements, and you won't have to take your smartphone out of your pocket while driving or in a subway car to see who is calling you or who sent you a message on Twitter or Facebook.

With such a gadget, you won’t miss an important call or reminder, you can switch the music track on your smartphone’s player, and these are not all the useful features of a smartwatch.

Content

• Smartwatches and their capabilities in 2022
• Training with a smart watch
• Pedometers, heart rate monitors and other measurement functions
• Sports modes in smartwatches
• Automatic workout recognition
• Smart alarm clock
• Smartwatch notifications
• Calls on smart watches
• Voice control
• Music player in smart watches
• Contactless payments
• Conclusion

It is generally accepted that the first smartwatch was the LiveView gadget from Sony Ericsson in 2010. The chronometer had a 1.3-inch OLED display, a Bluetooth module and a Micro USB port. After another 2 years, an updated version appeared, which was called Sony Smartwatch. After that, all watches with similar functionality received the smart prefix and began to be considered equipment in a separate category.

How do smart watches differ from regular watches? All devices are capable of synchronizing with a smartphone, complemented by an accelerometer that tracks the owner’s physical activity, and a vibration signal. This is the minimum set. Otherwise, the functions strongly depend on the type, purpose and technical level of the model.

Smartwatch Krez Pro S SW18

Over the past 9 years, smartwatches have gone through many stages of development and have significantly increased their capabilities. What can current smart watches do? What is worth paying for, and what can you easily refuse? More about this and much more in this article.

How much do they cost and where to buy

The average price of smart devices can vary from $20 to $300 or more. However, high-quality watches can reach $6,000. Why such difference?

1. High-end products are of higher quality, reliable and durable, and have a long-term warranty.
2. The price depends on the number of functions, the technologies used, the breadth of capabilities, as well as the materials from which the device is made.
3. The high price is justified by quality online resources and customer support.
4. Inexpensive watches use cheap materials and have a short warranty period.
5. As a rule, Chinese models from little-known companies offer a budget option for users who are not very picky about build quality and variety of functions.
6. Brands that have conquered the world market with their name set higher prices for their products.
7. Typically, new generation models are more expensive than their predecessors. For older versions, the price decreases over time. But there is a risk of losing technical support.

So you get what you pay for. From our own experience, we have concluded that it is better to pay at least $50 to have a decent mid-class smartwatch with basic functions.

It is better to buy smart watches in official stores, from representatives of a particular company or distributors who can provide a guarantee and technical support.

Remember, before you make an online purchase, research the website, read customer reviews about it, call them and ask all the necessary questions. As a rule, the most popular and trusted resources are in the top positions of search engines.

Smartwatches and their capabilities in 2022

We should start with the fact that a smart watch is not only a practical gadget, but also an object of image. There are models that are better suited for jogging and training, and there are devices that look more appropriate in combination with a business suit. There is no single standard for classifying smart watches. The variety of options is too great to be easily assigned to one type or type or another. However, there is a generally accepted division by purpose.

• Companion watch

– functionally similar to regular ones, but for full operation they require synchronization with a smartphone. In this case, their capabilities increase significantly. Such devices can receive calls, track the owner’s physical activity, and much more.

• Watch phone

– do not require mandatory synchronization with a smartphone, since they are complemented by their own SIM card slot. Outwardly, they also resemble a wristwatch, but allow you to receive calls, respond to messages and install applications.

• Fitness watch

– devices whose purpose is to collect a wide range of data on the user’s physical activity. The received information is sent to a smartphone or one of the cloud resources on the Internet for subsequent analysis and tracking of progress in training. The system is usually complemented by a GPS sensor, and the housing has an increased degree of protection.

Smartwatch Garmin Fenix ​​5X Plus Sapphire [010-01989-03]

The appearance of a device is not always determined by its purpose alone. Manufacturers quickly realized that smart watches do not necessarily have to be similar to the reference version with a digital display. Modern smart chronometers are usually divided into 2 categories based on the type of interface.

• The analog interface
  implies the presence of a mechanical dial and hands. Such models only superficially resemble ordinary ones. Like all smartwatches, it syncs with your smartphone and can collect physical activity data. Sometimes they are also called hybrid. The analog interface is well suited for everyday use on the street, at work, in a business environment.
• Digital interface
  is the most popular option. When it comes to smartwatches, most often we mean gadgets with an electronic display. The screen may have different resolutions and color rendering. All models from leading smartphone manufacturers (Samsung, Sony, Apple), as a rule, have a digital interface.

It is believed that watches with a digital interface are more functional, but much depends on the technical equipment of each specific model. Gadgets with an electronic dial may have an operating system or are limited to the set of capabilities provided by the manufacturer.

• Without an operating system
  - a watch without the ability to install third-party applications. In the characteristics of such devices, the “Operating system” field often indicates “Proprietary”. Almost always this means the impossibility of any upgrade.
• With an operating system
  - devices whose operation is provided by a processor, RAM and other elements corresponding to computer technology. The operating system allows for settings in a wide range, installation of third-party applications, various electronic watch faces and, importantly, periodic updates that expand and optimize the current functionality.

Fitness bracelets are considered a simplified version of smartwatches. These gadgets are also worn on a strap, but are often not accompanied by a display. In addition, they do not allow the installation of third-party software. Fitness bracelets collect information about the user’s physical activity and send the data to the mobile device. Their functionality is not very diverse, but the cost is on average lower.

Smartwatch Krez Roze SW17

Characteristics

The heroes of today’s article are complex technology, so there are quite a lot of characteristics that are taken into account when choosing. And we will try to sort them out.

Switching

First of all, you should understand how the model you like works. There are samples that are able to function autonomously, and there are those that require mandatory synchronization with a smartphone.

Standalone gadgets usually have a SIM card slot and allow you to answer calls. However, in practice, talking with your wrist to your ear is not a pleasure. This is the best solution when using a mobile phone is inconvenient: during training and in extreme conditions. Such objects are popular with divers, swimmers, cyclists, and climbers.

Most devices are synchronized with your phone via Bluetooth. This provides the following benefits.

1. The main load is taken by the smartphone processor. This means watches are becoming lighter, cheaper and last longer on a single charge.
2. When you update the corresponding application, the watch parameters also change and improve.
3. The device promptly notifies you of changes that have occurred: calls and notifications.

Of course, there are limitations. The bracelet and the cell phone should be close to each other. The maximum distance between them can reach 50 meters, but more often it is 10-20 m. If the connection is broken, then you will not be able to fully use the device.

Some copies are equipped with a connection to a PC. It is enough to install a special application on your computer, and the information will be transferred automatically. This is useful if, for example, you keep a diary of sports performance.

Possibilities

Now let’s move on to the most interesting part: what can a watch do and why are they called “smart”. And they really can do a lot.

We have already talked about the ability to make and receive incoming calls. This also includes typing SMS and replies in instant messengers. You can configure forwarding of notifications from most applications installed on your mobile phone.

A special group is the collection of data on physical activity:

• pedometer;
• calculation of speed and distance;
• calories burned;
• pulse and heart rate measurement;
• injury recovery and prevention program;
• sleep analysis.

In general, the device monitors all changes occurring in your body. This becomes real thanks to the sensors on the device itself. And the more expensive and “advanced” the gadget is, the more accurate the indicators will be. The device analyzes your activity and gives advice on adjusting your lifestyle and training regimen.

Advanced athletes will benefit from the ANT+ system. It provides data transfer from the bracelet to other equipment, for example, a fitness machine or scales.

There are models that are equipped with a thermometer and barometer. These options allow you to find out the ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure and, if necessary, adjust the intensity of the load.

Using the device, you can watch videos and listen to audio tracks through wireless headphones. Many accessories are equipped with a camera, however, their image quality is so-so.

Another very useful addition is the payment service. To pay for purchases or lunch in a cafe, you don’t have to use a bank card or phone. Just raise your wrist to the terminal, and the required amount will be debited. Here you need to consider the type of support:

• NFS – approximately 10% of terminals are equipped, so difficulties may arise when paying;
• MST – suitable for 90% of terminals.

Even the simplest models have an alarm clock: independent or synchronized with a mobile phone. The peculiarity is that in some products the signal is not triggered at a strictly defined time. It sounds at the moment when you are in a suitable sleep phase. This makes waking up much easier.

Satellite navigation (GLONASS, GPS, etc.) will prevent you from getting lost even in unfamiliar areas.

operating system

You should check the compatibility of your smartphone with a smart watch before purchasing. After all, it depends on whether the watch can fully perform its task.

Most modern models do not support older versions of operating systems.

There are several options.

1. Most major manufacturers cooperate with Google. Their devices run on Android OS, including specialized Wear OS. LG, Huawei, Sony, Moto, Fossil and others are adapted for Android.
2. A separate group is formed by the famous Apple. They have their own WatchOS software.
3. There is also Tizen from Samsung, designed for the company’s proprietary equipment.
4. There are universal systems such as Pebble OS. They can be used with both Android and Apple.

Control

Touch control is ubiquitous. In tandem there is a push-button adjustment, when activation and functions are activated by a button on the edge of the case.

Mechanical adjustment elements may be added. Along the perimeter of the case there is a rotating ring (bezel), rotation of which in opposite directions enables some options.

Gesture controls are common. The simplest of them is: when you raise your wrist up, it unlocks. But the list is not limited to this, and many other gestures are available that are responsible for different operations.

Voice control is very popular now. All top devices can recognize commands and respond to them.

Materials and degree of protection

Let's look at what parts of the accessory are made from. The strap is made from:

• plastic or silicone - inexpensive, sports and youth models;
• stainless steel or leather (natural or artificial) - classic and representative pieces;
• textiles are a stylish and environmentally friendly option, but over time, such a bracelet loses its attractiveness.

It's good if the strap is removable. Then you can choose one that suits any look. But you should find out how common replacement items are in stores.

Be sure to try on the bracelet, as they also have their own size range: S, M or L, depending on the circumference of your wrist.

The body of budget sports models is made of plastic. The alternative is metal: stainless steel or aluminum, which is also the most durable. However, scratches will inevitably appear on such a surface. Expensive devices are made of ceramics.

Be sure to check that the manufacturer indicates in the description that the glass is protected from scratches. This is a proprietary technology for each brand. For example, Apple uses sapphire coating on the screen. It is believed that sapphire is second only to diamond in its hardness.

In the characteristics you will find such markings as IP. It means the degree of protection against the ingress of solid objects and moisture. The higher these values, the more extreme conditions the device will withstand. The following values ​​are often found:

• IP65 – maximum protection from dust and splashes is provided;
• IP66 – they are not afraid of water jets;
• IP67 – allowed to be lowered under water no more than 1-2 m for a short time;
• IP68 – immersion to a depth of three meters is permissible.

Choose products with at least IP67 marking. After all, you must admit that taking off your watch just to wash your hands is not very convenient.

Display

First let's talk about sizes. An accessory with an overly large screen will be heavy, and even more uncomfortable to sleep with. The small display is also not very impressive: the icons are tiny, little information fits. The ideal dial size is considered to be 1.4-1.7 inches.

Image quality is largely determined by the type of LCD matrix. There are several most common solutions.

1. TFT is a simple and cheap technology, and therefore the picture is not the best.
2. IPS is more expensive, but the parameters of color rendering, brightness and viewing angle are better here.
3. OLED – the screen consists of individual LEDs, which means it does not require external backlighting. There is a wide viewing angle and much greater contrast. The color of the glow can be different, which is why the characteristics also change.

Essentially, matrices based on OLED (AMOLED, Super AMOLED and others) are variations of the same technology. The developers supplement it a little and give it some beautiful name that distinguishes it from competitors’ products.

Devices with a transflective display form a separate group. Illumination devices use both reflected light and their own illumination. It all depends on the degree of illumination. This reduces power consumption and significantly extends the service life on a single charge.

An important characteristic that affects image properties is screen resolution. It means the number of dots displayed horizontally and vertically. The greater their number, the more accurate and clear the picture.

Charger

A significant drawback of such devices is the small battery capacity. The resource is enough for 1-2 days. And with active use - no more than 8 hours. There are specialized models that work for several days, but their price is higher.

Gadgets are charged in various ways.

1. Via MicroUSB port - the most common type. Conveniently, recharging is carried out from a phone charger and a cable connected to the computer. The hole itself is quite large, so it can increase the dimensions of the device.
2. A proprietary connector is a non-standard hole that is designed for a specific brand of devices. The process is carried out only from a special device, and from no other. But such an input is much smaller.
3. The cradle is a stand that also serves as a charger. The idea itself is very successful, but such products are more expensive. And taking a base with you on trips is more problematic than a small cable.
4. Wireless - there are no connectors, but the process takes longer. Such devices will cost a pretty penny.

It is worth considering the time it takes to replenish the potential. The shorter the period, the higher the chances that you will not have to leave the device at home because it is discharged.

In some cases, fast charging is available. The energy is not fully replenished, but it is enough to “hold on” to a full session.

Shape and design

The latest trend is a round dial, similar in appearance to a traditional mechanical watch, even with hands. The style matches: they look so that at first glance you won’t be able to guess that this is a technological accessory. They have a classic design and are suitable even for an office with a strict dress code. Some people can imitate ticking.

Sports style objects usually have a discreet design and a streamlined rectangular or square shape. They are specially made so as to maintain maximum concentration during training and not interfere with classes.

There is another direction - these are youth gadgets with a bright strap and an unusual interactive dial. They just scream about their modernity.

Female models, as a rule, have a reduced display diameter and “delicate” colors: gold, silver, pink, purple, etc.

Training with a smart watch

For long-term workouts and professional use, fitness watches are better suited than fitness bracelets, since they allow you to display a variety of information on the screen directly during exercise. The user can select the desired display indicators and define training goals. The watch tracks physical activity and generates hints: how much time has passed, how much time is left to walk or run, whether you need to reduce or increase the load.

All collected information is sent to a mobile device, where it is processed by a special application. The results obtained can be displayed in the form of tables and graphs, with the help of which you can get a clear picture of progress and correctly plan future activities.

There are a huge number of applications, and each has its own characteristics. There is software for running, swimming, cycling, fitness and gym training. There are applications that analyze data from any physical activity.

Before purchasing a fitness watch, think carefully about what functionality you need. There are many models that require synchronization with a smartphone to function fully. During classes, they only collect information, and a detailed report can be obtained only after training; there are devices whose technical capabilities do not allow the installation of some applications.

Watch with camera up to 4,000 rubles

When choosing a watch with a camera for your child, pay attention to the models that we reviewed above; many of them combine multimedia functions, reliable operation of the GPS module and other protective characteristics.

If you are looking for a cheaper option, then pay attention to the following devices.

Smart Watch Kids LT05 (4G)

1. Geolocation, calls and SOS button, sound around, you can send voice and text messages to the watch, there is a “fence” function.
2. Vibrate alert.
3. 0.3 MP camera.
4. Waterproof (IP67).
5. 4G support.

This watch model can be controlled using the SeTracker or "Where are my kids" apps of your choice.

Price: from 3690 rub.

Where to buy: https://market.yandex.ru/offer/HJVXwL5zx0NyOcV1zcd0wg

Aimoto Sport

Analogues: Jet Kid Sport, Wokka Watch Q360 (Smart Baby Watch i8)

1. Calls and voice messages to 10 numbers from the phone book.
2. SOS button, hand-held sensor, surround sound.
3. Alarm clock, pedometer, stopwatch, flashlight, arithmetic game.
4. Built-in 0.3 MP camera.
5. The battery charge lasts on average from a day to two.

This watch model can be controlled using the Knopka911 or “Where are my kids” apps of your choice.

Price : from 2699 rub.

Where to buy: https://www.ozon.ru/

An analogue with the application “Where are my children” as a gift: https://watch.findmykids.org/

Pedometers, heart rate monitors and other measurement functions

The information collected by smartwatches directly depends on the number and variety of sensors provided. The higher the technical level of the device, the more varied and accurate the information received.

Accelerometer

- is present in almost all watches and serves for various purposes, but its main purpose is to count the number of steps taken. The accelerometer records position in space and speed of movement. The sensor may be analog or digital, and the sensitivity and accuracy of the data may vary.

Optical heart rate sensors

- This is an LED sensor that allows you to obtain data on heart rate. In the best watches, the information collected by such a sensor approaches the accuracy of an ECG.

Skin conductivity sensor

– records readings depending on the level of skin moisture. Sensor data correlates with readings from other sensors. The information received is collected, analyzed by a software algorithm and displayed in an understandable form on the screen.

Thermometer

– quite accurately determines skin temperature. The data obtained is used by a variety of systems to determine the physical state of the body and allows you to control the intensity of exercise.

Light sensors

– used to determine the time of day and correct various modes.

These are just the most common modules; there are also more complex systems. For example, a bioimpedance sensor is capable of determining breathing and heart rate and recording the level of electrical conductivity of the skin. Some fitness bracelets are equipped with such systems.

Fitness bracelet Garmin Vivofit 4 S,M white [010-01847-11]

Sports modes in smartwatches

What kind of workouts can smartwatches be useful for? There are very, very many possible options. Manufacturers try to cover as many popular sports as possible to please their customers. Almost any model is suitable for running, but for swimming you need to look for a device with a high class of water resistance.

Expensive fitness watches can support up to a dozen types of sports training. For example, the popular Amazfit Stratos watch has the following modes:

• Run
• Walking
• A ride on the bicycle
• Swimming
• Elliptical machines
• Mountaineering
• Track running
• Triathlon
• Tennis
• Football
• Skiing

This list may vary. The capabilities directly depend on the technical level of the device. The quantity and quality of data may also vary between sports. You can understand how suitable a particular gadget is for you by reading reviews on the Internet. Users often share online their impressions of how well the watch behaves in various circumstances.

Manufacturers

Let's make a small rating of the best watch manufacturers.

1. Apple - how much controversy surrounds this brand! But the fact remains: the brand’s products are status and high quality.
2. Samsung is stepping on the heels of its Apple opponents. Interesting design, wide functionality and advanced technologies – that’s what this brand focuses on.
3. Garmin is less known among the masses, but truly high-quality devices with a wide range of models. Top products cost even more than Apple.
4. Huawei – offers devices with many options. Presented mainly in the middle price range.
5. Xiaomi is a very ambitious Chinese company. It has many lines of business and boasts decent execution and products in all price categories.

Of course, this is not a complete list of manufacturers. It is simply unrealistic to list them, so when you encounter an unfamiliar name, follow a few rules.

First, you need to look at how many models the manufacturer has produced. If the company has just begun to develop this direction, then there is a high probability that the products will be “raw”. Errors in operation and problems with maintenance cannot be ruled out.

Secondly, study the offers of popular stores. If the manufacturer is not listed in the assortment, then its quality probably does not meet the required level.

Thirdly, it is advisable to read reviews online. Only real users can honestly talk about the shortcomings of the device.

Automatic workout recognition

The best fitness watches can automatically recognize workouts. How it works? The electronic system collects data on user activity and compares it with a stored algorithm. This always takes some time, about 7-10 minutes.

10 minutes after the start of the workout, the watch automatically determines its type, duration and turns on the desired mode. If activities are stopped for more than a minute, the electronics stop collecting data.

This system is not always effective if the user prefers short-term sports sessions, but is quite suitable for jogging and active games, the duration of which exceeds 15-20 minutes.

Smart alarm clock

Numerous sensors allow smart watches and fitness bracelets to effectively track not only physical activity, but also sleep quality. The built-in heart rate monitor and heart rate monitor provide information about the current sleep phase. A smart alarm clock works based on this data.

Forced awakening in the middle of the deep phase disrupts the natural rhythm of the body, gives a feeling of fatigue and imbalance, and provokes irritation. A smart alarm clock will wake up its owner not at any specific moment, but at the moment when it is most comfortable for the body. This is a great way to solve the problem of difficult awakenings and a godsend for those who are passionate about their health.

Among other things, smart alarm clocks allow you to set a sound signal or use vibration mode when it is important not to wake up people sleeping nearby.

Amazfit Stratos 2s Exclusive Edition smartwatch

Editor's Choice

Amazfit Bip U Pro

Amazfit Bip U Pro.
Photo: market.yandex.ru Smart watches for lovers of an active lifestyle. You can swim and dive in them, they are resistant to temperature changes, shock, and dust. The model can monitor the quality of sleep, the number of calories and the level of oxygen in the blood. The latter is especially relevant during a pandemic. Thanks to the large screen, you can see all the necessary information.

The operating time of the watch is optimal for many users - about 5 days in active mode. True, some users noticed an allergic reaction to the device’s strap.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

Bright, durable, functional, hold a charge for a long time

The strap may cause allergies, inaccurate step counting

show more

Smartwatch notifications

Notifications are the simplest and most requested feature in smartwatches. Almost every model is equipped with such functionality, but the possibilities here also directly depend on the technical level of the device. The simplest timepieces, thanks to synchronization with a smartphone, are able to report incoming calls and SMS. More advanced technology can be configured for incoming email, instant messengers, social networks, calendar events, reminders and much more.

Fitness watches report whether you have reached your workout goal, high fatigue, stress, or elevated heart rate. Technical messages warn of a low battery in your watch or smartphone. The information received can be very different. Watches with a full-fledged operating system always have much wider alert capabilities than models without an OS and fitness bracelets.

Parental controls using the watch

Sound around

In descriptions and reviews, this function is called differently: “audio monitoring”, “call back”, “silent call”, “feedback function”. The essence is the same: parents are given the opportunity to make a call from their phone and hear what is happening around the child.

The ethical aspect of this option can be debated for a long time; operators position it as an emergency option. It can be used to assess the situation if the watch sensor is triggered and the child does not answer the call. Or when an SOS signal arrives.

It can also be useful when GPS operates with a large error. You can check whether the child is really in class or has run away from class and is trying to smoke behind the school greenhouse.

And yet, when worrying about the safety of the child, it is better not to go too far.

Hand watch sensor

If most children wear a fashionable gadget with pleasure, teenagers have their own opinion on this matter. It may well occur to a freedom-loving teenager to leave his watch in a secluded place near the school and go about his teenage business. Problems between fathers and children are eternal, but in this case, parents will at least receive notification that the watch has been lifted. The main thing is not to forget to enable this function in the Settings section.

Not every model has a watch removal sensor. When choosing a watch, pay attention to the back: there is a small rectangle under transparent glass.

Movement history

The watch shows the route of movement for a certain period of time. Some models will show history for a day, and some for a month. This allows parents to determine at what point in time and where the child was. Using this function, it is convenient to set up safe zones (See the “Electronic Fence” function).

Electronic "fence"

This function makes it possible to outline the boundaries of safe zones. For example, a home, school, extracurricular clubs and sections, or a place where relatives live, with whom the child often visits.

When a child leaves these zones, parents receive a notification on their phone.

Prohibition of turning off the clock

A valuable feature when choosing a watch for young children. Modern children easily understand gadgets, but as soon as the electronic device “thinks” a little, the child begins to randomly press all the available buttons.

Calls on smart watches

A smart watch with a SIM card can receive and make calls. Some models support call functionality provided there is a stable Bluetooth connection to the smartphone. In this case, the mobile device must be nearby. In any case, this is convenient if you often have to talk while driving a car.

A watch with a SIM card can work autonomously and does not need to be constantly synchronized with a smartphone. Such chronometers are quite capable of replacing a mobile phone for some time, however, they also have disadvantages. The SIM card requires space, which entails an increase in the size of the case, and the calls themselves drain the battery faster.

Almost all children's smart watches are equipped with a call receiving function. Their ability to talk is often limited to a certain list of numbers, which is set up by parents.

Many children's watches have a callback mode. In this case, an electronic request is sent to the child's watch, and within a few minutes the child's watch makes a discreet call to the parents' mobile number. In this simple way, adults can remotely control their child.

TOP 5 best smart watches

After reviewing the range of products in the store, you will see that there are both budget and expensive devices. Real descriptions will help you understand how they differ from each other. Check out the reviews provided for more details.

GSMIN WP7 is a “fitness watch” that is primarily suitable for those who regularly play sports or simply lead an active lifestyle. The watch can measure blood pressure and pulse. They are completely waterproof and can even be used while swimming. The watch strap is made of a special material that does not rub the skin of the hands and never causes allergic reactions.

Pros:

• good battery. There is no need to recharge for 5-7 days.
• are able to determine whether you are moving or standing and how many calories you are expending.
• show blood oxygen saturation and immune system activity.
• measure blood pressure.
• Syncs with iOS or Android phone.

Minuses:

• not detected.

Jet Phone SP1 - a watch that you can use to talk thanks to the presence of a SIM card, costs 2,000 rubles. They are usually bought for children and teenagers, although this is not explicitly stated. Among the features: display of notifications, various functions for monitoring physical activity, camera. Standby time is 7 days.

Pros:

• price;
• decent design;
• optimal set of capabilities;
• memory card slot.

Minuses:

• for children, the menu is often complex;
• no protection from water;
• weak camera.

Canyon CNS-SW71SS – option for 5,100 rubles with a metal and polyurethane strap. Suitable for both men and women. They have a considerable list of options for monitoring physical condition and notification of incoming calls. An unusual feature is remote control of the smartphone camera.

Pros:

• convenient adjustment of the size of the metal bracelet;
• compatible with both Android and iOS;
• excellent level of moisture protection.

Minuses:

• without SIM card;
• square display with not very high resolution.

HUAWEI Watch GT Elegant - a sample worth 12,000 rubles. Monitors the owner’s health, shows notifications, a smart alarm clock and weather display are available. Built-in barometer, altimeter, flashlight, compass and GPS. There is a constant backlight mode for the dial

Pros:

• fast magnetic charging;
• bright screen;
• increased autonomy – at least 5 days;
• You are allowed to swim with them.

Minuses:

• slow interface;
• no microphone or music control.

Samsung Galaxy Watch – this model with a diameter of 46 mm will cost 27,500 rubles. For girls there is a smaller size - 42 mm (22,500 rubles). The bracelet is made of silicone, and the glass is scratch-resistant. The functionality is decent; interesting things include an atmospheric pressure sensor, voice control and satellite navigation. The battery lasts for 168 hours.

Pros:

• bright and clear screen;
• a large set of workouts;
• you can reply to messages.

Minuses:

• high price;
• with active use, the resource lasts for 1 day;
• Contactless payment does not always work.

Apple Watch Series 5 is the “Apple” leader in our rating for 32,500 rubles with the function of answering calls. Their most important innovation is a display that is always active. There are interesting “tricks”, for example, an altimeter, a noise level sensor, and an activity motivator. The case is made of aluminum, and the bracelet can be changed to any of a variety of options.

Pros:

• attractive design;
• many useful applications;
• waterproof.

Minuses:

• expensive;
• The battery lasts for 1-3 days.

In addition to the listed models, check out these 5 options. All of them are in great demand:

1. Jet Phone SP1 Silver for RUB 1,990.
2. Huawei Watch GT2 Matte Black for RUB 12,990.
3. Amazfit Bip Lite Black for RUB 4,490.
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 SM-R830 for RUB 19,990.
5. Digma Smartline S9m Black for RUB 2,990.

Voice control

Smart watches are equipped with microphones and support operating systems. All this makes it easy to integrate voice control into them. For example, all gadgets on the Wear OS platform received an update back in 2022 with support for the Google Assistant voice assistant. The system, in particular, displays messages on the watch screen that are as close as possible to the request conditions. For example, by calling up information about the time zone of a city, you will receive information about the weather in it and the most convenient route to the point of request.

Like any other mobile device with an operating system, smart watches allow you to use popular question-answer systems (Siri, Alice, etc.). The voice control function for smartwatches of the 2018-2019 model is already more the norm than exotic.

Operating system and smartphone compatibility

In the consumer market, there are three main operating systems that power smartwatches:

1. WatchOS - developed by Apple, compatible only with iPhone.
2. Wear OS - developed by Google, is used by many manufacturers in smart watches to work with Android and iOS smartphones.
3. Tizen is a proprietary operating system developed by Samsung for its popular Galaxy Watch line. When paired with an iPhone, many functions will not be available.

Check out the Samsung Galaxy Watch Rose Gold model in our review.

Other companies use their own OS in their products, mainly based on the Android OS.

Music player in smart watches

If the watch is synchronized with a smartphone, then it can play music from the mobile device without any problems. This is, of course, if such a possibility is provided at all.

Top watches with Android Wear 2.0 operating system can play audio independently. To do this, you need to download music tracks to the device. This functionality appeared only in the 2nd version of Android Wear; there was nothing like this in the earlier version.

You also need to remember that even flagship smartwatch models do not have connectors for connecting a wired headset, which means you definitely can’t do without Bluetooth headphones. You can play tracks through an external speaker, but the quality of such sound will be far from perfect.

Contactless payments

Contactless payment methods are no longer something new. Most smartphones that entered the market in 2018-2019 allow you to pay for purchases in a store by simply touching the case to a special sensor of the payment terminal. For this opportunity to become available, all you need is a mobile device with an NFC module, a downloaded application from a partner bank and an account with the same bank.

Smart watches with NFC technology also allow you to use contactless payment services, but there are also important nuances. The fact is that most smartwatch manufacturers work with their own payment systems. For example, the popular fitness bracelets Xiaomi Mi Band 3 or Honor Band 4 are equipped with an NFC module, but they can only be used to pay in China, since they only work with the Ali Pay payment system.

Smart watch Samsung Galaxy Watch Active [SM-R500NZGASER]

Accordingly, when choosing a smart watch, you need to make sure whether your bank supports this or that payment system. In 2022, Belarusian banks actively supported only Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. Accordingly, if you want to pay for purchases using a smartwatch, it is better to purchase models from these manufacturers. Another popular system in the world, Google Pay, has not yet been presented in Belarus and has no plans to officially launch.

What is a smart watch

A smart watch is a wrist gadget that seems like a miracle of technology to the uninitiated user. Why are these devices needed? By purchasing them, you are buying a small computer that you will carry on your hand. They will be useful to those who:

• leads an active lifestyle;
• follows fashion.

For children, so that parents can always control their location, there is a separate class of devices.

The list of their functions is extensive, and we will talk about them in more detail in a special section.

There is another similar category of devices: fitness bracelets. They are smaller in size and have a smaller set of applications. Initially, it was intended that such a device would become an invaluable assistant for those who care about their health. While watches are more needed to stay connected and for entertainment. However, the line between them is gradually blurring.