![]() ![]() ![]() It scores points for its smooth operation and built-in USB port, which means you don't need to carry a dedicated charging cradle. With its built-in GPS and square, rubberised design, the Sony SmartWatch 3 is clearly aimed towards fitness fanatics, rather than tech-obsessed fashionistas. On the plus side, the built-in charging makes plugging it in less of a hassle than its competitors. You'll almost certainly want to give it a charge every night - which, sadly, is the case with most Android Wear devices. With less intense use, I'd say you could average a day and a half. Using the GPS tracking, connecting to a set of Bluetooth headphones and regularly using the voice control, I could easily drain the battery in a day. It's no use having a smartwatch if you don't use the smart functions though, and when you do, you'll really see that battery life take a hit. ![]() Certain queries such as, "What is the time in New York?" will immediately give you an answer on screen, while others, such as, "How do you cook a chicken?" will bring up a list of Google search results. You're also able to dictate emails to send to contacts and make Web searches. Using voice commands, you can ask the watch to set a timer, ask for the weather or bring up your schedule. You can swipe the card left to see more information or to open the related app on your phone. Android Wear connects to your Android phone (and only to Android phones, it won't work with an iPhone or Windows Phone), showing information such as the weather, upcoming calendar appointments and incoming notifications, displayed as cards. That means the interface is identical to other Android Wear smartwatches such as the G Watch R or Gear Live. The SmartWatch 3 runs Google's Android Wear operating system for watches, which, unlike Android on smartphones, isn't skinned or tampered with by manufacturers. Viewing angles aren't great either, meaning you have to angle it in just the right way to get an optimal view. It's fairly bright - although under very bright lights it can be difficult to read - but its colours are quite weak, particularly when compared to the more vibrant LG G Watch R. That's basically the same as other watches we've seen, so it's no surprise that the screen looks about as sharp as its competitors. The watch face itself has a 1.6-inch square display with a 320x320-pixel resolution. (Listening to podcasts in the gym shower while your phone sits in a locker may admittedly be a fairly niche use that only I will ever worry about.) Display and watch faces ![]() It also means you don't have to take it off in the shower - handy when you're cleaning off after a good workout in the gym - although be aware that the falling water droplets will activate the touchscreen, which will accidentally pause whatever you're listening to. The SmartWatch 3 is totally waterproof, not just water-resistant, meaning you don't need to worry about ruining your expensive new toy when you're washing the dishes. Although only black and bright lime-green straps are available right now, Sony tells me that different colours will become available, which should help make it look a little more uniquely yours than this bog-standard black version. The screen pops out from its rubber surround, allowing you to change the colour and style of the strap. This is a real bonus, as I find the cradles a massive hassle - you need to always remember to take it with you if you're going away overnight.Ī neat trick the SmartWatch 3 has up its sleeve is the ability to remove the actual watch unit from the strap. It allows you to plug the charging cable directly into it, without needing to use a separate charging cradle, something that's required on all other Android Wear watches. Part of the reason the watch is quite chunky is that there's a micro-USB port for charging built directly into it. I certainly didn't want to keep it on while I slept. The flexible rubber strap is comfortable to wear, although the watch unit itself is quite chunky and a little on the heavy side. It's not the sort of elegant watch you'd want to keep on while all dressed up in your best party outfit - whereas the G Watch R remained on my wrist in my best suit at a birthday bash and didn't look at all out of place. It's not unattractive as such, but the plain square face and black rubber strap are a little dull. ![]()
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