iOS and Android are both great. Here are some reasons to consider switching to Android.
I know I am going to get my fair share of hate emails and comments from this post, but I beg you try to keep an open mind when reading through this article. I understand that the whole Apple iOS versus Google Android debate is a heated topic for many, and expect comments on both sides of the fence. Let’s try to keep the comments civil.
I am going to do my best to explain why Android is a great alternative to iOS and try to avoid the whole Android is better than iOS debate as best as I can. I think both platforms are successful and by no means are Google or Apple struggling for cash. Monetarily you can say both are pretty darn successful. Apple is worth more money based on market value, but Google has more market share. I know that I will have a decent amount of bias towards Android, since I do use Android as my primary platform, and I also write for a website called AndroidGuys.
But it is in my nature to look at all things with an open mind: I am a scientist at a biotech in San Diego, and it is my job to investigate and offer answers with actual information to back it up. Any good scientist uses the Scientific Method to ask questions, investigate, acquire knowledge, and to use evidence to develop conclusions based on results. Once a conclusion is developed it is my job to test it and to prove it.
In my immediate family we are split 50/50 in what mobile software we use. My father uses an iPhone 6S+ and my older brother uses an iPhone 6 at my recommendation. Both of them started with the Apple iPhone, and are the type who prefer to stick with what works and to stay within one ecosystem. iPhone’s have great cameras, software, design, build, customer support and more. Just because I use Android doesn’t mean I force it on my own family.
My mother uses a Samsung Galaxy Note 4, and I use a a wide variety of Android devices like the Nexus 6P, 5X, Asus Zenfone 2 and the Doogee F5. My older sister uses an iPhone 5S, and she also uses an Android LG G2 too. So even in my own family, we are split 50/50 on what platform we use.
My devices
So let’s put the debate of what is better behind us. Let’s just take a look at Android and why it is a good alternative to iOS.
Let’s start with the most important factor: Price
iPhone 6S 4.7″ 16GB – $649
iPhone 6S+ 5.5″ 16GB – $749
Whether you buy an iPhone on a 0% financing plan, two-year contract, or in full, you’re going to pay a heck of a lot of money. Because Apple is the only company who makes the iPhone, the price stays relatively unchanged throughout the course of its one-year life cycle. Apple owns a monopoly on its products and can charge accordingly. It’s quite rare to see any technological device hold its value so well, but the iPhone does it regardless. And it even has incredible resale value. Apple controls its mobile market share by not making iOS accessible to other manufacturers.
Samsung Galaxy S6 5.1″ 32GB – $679.99
Samsung Galaxy Note 5.7″ 32GB – $699.99
Nexus 6P 5.7″ 32GB – $499.99
Nexus 5X 5.2″ 16GB – $379.99
There are dozens of Android device manufacturers. There are so many that I can’t even find an accurate count on the web. I listed the biggest Android device manufacturer in Samsung, and I also listed Google’s pure Android Nexus devices. Android phones can be expensive too. It’s difficult to do a direct comparison to iPhones, because the Samsung S6 line has been out since the Spring, while the iPhone 6S and Note 5 line have only been out since the Fall. Internal hardware varies greatly from device to device too.
The prices for the Galaxy line devices are clearly almost identical to the iPhone, with the Galaxy devices offering more base storage than the iPhone. Google’s own Nexus devices are $180-300 cheaper than the iPhone which means you can save money with pure Android devices. On top of the initial MSRP savings, Android prices drop much faster, but at the same time have terrible resale value. Overall, the upfront fees can be much cheaper when buying an Android device.
Letv 1s 5.5″ 32GB – $238
Nuu Mobile Z8 5.5″ 16GB – $249.99
Nu Mobile Z8
Who? Who the heck is Letv and Nuu Mobile? I know you have heard of Motorola, but the Letv 1s and the Nuu Mobile Z8 are example devices that come unlocked with fantastic features. They also run the same Android software that the more expensive devices like the Note 5 and S line run. You haven’t heard of Letv because they are focused on the Chinese market.Nuu Mobile is a up and coming Android device manufacturer with a small budget and can’t afford to blast advertisements around the world.
And just because these devices are cheaper, doesn’t mean they lack in hardware.
Letv 1s
Main Features:
Display: 5.5 inch 1920 x 1080 FHD Screen
CPU: MTK6795 64bit Octa Core 2.2GHz
System: Android 5.0
RAM + ROM: 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM
Camera: Dual Cameras, front camera 5.0MP camera, back camera 13.0MP
Nuu Mobile Z8 5.5″
Main Features:
Display: 5.5 inch 1920 x 1080 FHD Screen
CPU: 1.7 GHz Octa-Core Processor, MediaTek MTK6752 64-bit
System: Android 5.0
RAM + ROM: 2GB RAM + 16GB ROM
Camera: Dual Cameras, front camera 8.0MP camera, back camera 13.0MP
Android software is easy to use, is secure, can be customized, and Google apps are loaded with features
Again, I’m not here to argue that Android is better than iOS. Both email, text, make phone calls, browse the web, play videos and music, and take pictures incredibly well. There is no arguing that both platforms do the basics with ease.
The iPhone just works. I know it does. But that doesn’t mean Android devices don’t work. Many of us, me included, got started with iOS. I bought the first iPhone on the day it was released and waited in line for every subsequent release until the iPhone 5. I made the switch to Android when I took the time to evaluate the software with an open mind. Android is as safe as iOS and iOS is as safe as Android. Both Apple and Google make security the top priority for their software. Don’t buy into all of the misinformation out there about one being safer than the other.
The other sad truth is no software is bug free. Both Android and iOS have their fair share of bugs which is the reason why they release updates.
Google Search
Just “Google” it. Google’s search tools are so powerful that many of us have swapped the word “search” for the company name Google. The dominance of Google search is so overwhelming that the name Google has become a verb. We don’t say just Apple it, Yahoo it, or Microsoft it. Many of us say just “Google” it because Google has become synonymous with searching and researching unknowns. It like calling tissue “Kleenex”, lip balm “Chapstick”, or cotton swap “Q-Tips”.
Google owns the market share when it comes to searching, and Google Search is native to Android devices making it a super powerful tool. Yes you can download Google Search software onto iOS devices, but there are benefits to being native. You can “Google” directly from any screen on an Android device, while it constantly keeps you up to date on weather, stock prices, news, parking location and more through Google Now.
Google Photos
Arguably the best feature about Google Photos is that you have unlimited storage for FREE. Once backed up, you can access your photos from anywhere you have an internet connection and a web browser. You no longer need to worry about saving your most precious memories on back-up hard drives with Google Photos.
Here are some other great features taken directly from the app landing page:
VISUAL SEARCH
Your photos are now searchable by the places and things that appear in them. Looking for that fish taco you ate in Hawaii? Just search “food in Hawaii” to find it – no tagging required.
FREE UP SPACE ON YOUR DEVICE
Never worry about running out of space on your phone again. In Settings, just tap “Free up device storage” – photos that are safely backed up will be removed from your device’s storage, but will still be available in Google Photos.
BRING PHOTOS TO LIFE
Enjoy automatically created montage movies, interactive stories, collages, animations, panoramas, and more from your photos. Or you can easily create them yourself – just tap +.
SHARED ALBUMS
Get everyone’s photos and videos in one place, across iOS, Android, and the web. Privately sharing all the photos you took – and getting the ones you didn’t – has never been easier.
Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive
Google has its own answer for word processing, spreadsheet editing, presentation building, file storage and collaboration all for the price of nothing. Most of us learned how to use these tools using Microsoft Office, but Google created its own powerful tools and they are native to Android as well. Just like with Google Photos, all Google Docs are accessible from tablets to smartphones to desktops. And Google Docs is also compatible with Microsoft file types, while offering almost all of the same powerful features.
An alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides offers a great and free way to make presentations.
Google Docs is an online word processor that lets you create and format text documents and collaborate with other people in real time.
Google Sheets is a web-based spreadsheet application that allows you to store and organize different types of information, much like Microsoft Excel.
Project Fi
Project Fi is Google’s answer to cellular service. It isn’t Google’s own network – they have partnered with providers to offer its own affordable plan. Only select Nexus devices(Nexus 6, 6P and 5X) can access Project Fi, but it is a strong reason to give consideration to Android. Project Fi is still very new so this reason is highly debatable. But here are some reasons to consider it:
Project Fi is a combination of Sprint and T-Mobile
Project Fi coverage map
What’s included in the Fi Basics?
What happens if you go over your data budget?
You can bring your own number to Fi
Like any other provider, you can simply transfer your number when you sign up.
Android Wear
Wearables are taking hold in the marke,t and Android is at the forefront. Yes, Apple has its own watch too, which is great in its own right, but there is much more selection with Android. Tag Heuer, Fossil, Asus, LG, Samsung, Motorola, and Huawei are some of the major manufacturers of Android Wear devices, and the list continues to grow. With Android Wear you can monitor your activity levels, open apps, search and text using just your voice, get notifications, see the time and more.
Android Wear watches feature always-on displays, so you’ll always see important info like time, calls, and alerts. Respond to messages right from your watch, even when your phone isn’t with you.
Works with your Android phone or iPhone
Android Wear requires a phone running Android 4.3+ or iOS 8.2+. Supported features may vary between platforms. Visit g.co/wearcheck on your Android phone or iPhone to see if it’s compatible.
Android Wear is native to Android and is a great reason to consider Google’s software as an option.
You should consider Android if you don’t use it already
No I don’t work for Google, even though sometimes I wish I did. Google employees get get free food and drinks just for showing up to work! I have been to the Google campus, and they even let guests eat and drink for free. I hope Google let’s me hangout at its campus again some day in the future. It truly is an experience I will never forget.
Instead, I work for a biotech and research neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia, and the like. We get free coffee and tea, but I am not complaining. Nothing is more gratifying to me than working to solve unmet medical needs.
It’s my job to look at problems objectively, to ask questions, to research and to develop conclusions based on evidence.
In no way am I arguing that Android is superior to iOS, or vice versa, but I am offering reasons why you should consider Android if you are not using it now. There are fantastic devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 or the Nexus 6P that offer the latest and greatest hardware, or there are fantastic alternatives like the Letv 1s or Nuu Mobile Z8 which offer great hardware for budget conscience users.
The software is also incredible and better yet, the applications Google provides are completely free to use.
If you would like to learn more, head on over to Google.com. No you don’t have to switch to Android – there are plenty of great features on iOS too.
My favorite Android commercial.
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Fossil Q Founder now available from the Google Play Store, cheaper version coming
The Fossil Q Founder smartwatch has been available from the watch maker’s website for about a couple weeks now, but some of us just want to deal with the Google Store, right? The luxurious wearable has just arrived at Google’s shelves, but that is not the only good news; get this… it’s actually cheaper! Well, at least there is a cheaper version listed.
See also: Fossil shows off its upcoming Android Wear watch, coming this holiday season
The metal iteration of the Fossil Q Founder is still $295, but Google also lists a version with a leather band, which would cost $275. The more affordable variant is not available just yet, though. It is listed as “coming soon”.
By the way, this little guy comes with all the specs you would expect from a good Android Wear watch. Fossil’s smartwatch packs 4 GB of internal storage, a 400 mAh battery, IP67 certification and a design that is to die for. I mean, there’s a reason we listed it in our best gifts under $500 shopping guide.
See also: Best Android Wear watches
Not to mention that this watch comes from a manufacturer with ample experience in making wrist watches. This must be another level of craftsmanship, and though I haven’t actually held one of these, they sure look gorgeous. Are any of you thinking about buying a Fossil Q Founder?
Fossil’s Q Founder can be bought from the Google Store
At the end of November, Fossil’s Q Founder saw itself earn a page on the Google Store with the dreaded ‘coming soon’ label. Anytime that label is used, people worry and assume a release is a month or more away. But the Q Founder is now ready to be purchased and shipped out to customers. The Q smartwatch will leave the Google Store warehouse in 1-2 business days.
There are two models of the Q Founder being offered, but only one of them can be ordered at the moment. The model with the brown leather band, which costs $275, is still listed as ‘coming soon.’ Fortunately, the all-stainless steel model can be purchased for $295. The Q Founder looks the part and the prices seem very attractive. Smartwatches from Huawei, Samsung, and other companies cost at least $50-$100 more.
The only area that might be of concern for prospective buyers is size as the Q Founder is thicker and heavier than most smartwatches.
Oh, the Q Founder also has the same ‘flat tire’ seen on the Moto 360’s display. That could be tough to get buy when spending $250+ on a smartwatch.
Come comment on this article: Fossil’s Q Founder can be bought from the Google Store
Google Authenticator gets massive update with Wear support and a much-needed material design overhaul
Nearly every Google app has been updated with the company’s latest material design elements. However, up until this point, Google Authenticator has been one of those left out.
Google Authenticator increases users’ security by means of a security code that is prompted whenever registering a new device with one’s Google account. This way if your passcode gets hacked, the hacker won’t be able to gain access to your Google account unless they have the device containing Google Authenticator. This adds an extra layer of security. Today, the app has received the much-needed material design overhaul, which will replace the old grey style Holo theme. The update also brings compatibility for Wear devices. This allows users to enter the security code right on their wrist and even keep their smartwatch safe. For specific instructions, check out the step by step guide Google has provided down below.
Come comment on this article: Google Authenticator gets massive update with Wear support and a much-needed material design overhaul
A defective screen component led to the cancellation of the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE
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The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE was announced at the start of October and was a significant announcement because it was the first Android Wear smartwatch to feature cellular capabilities. The watch was expected to be available for purchase in November in the U.S. and Korea, and shortly after in Europe. However, in a strange turn of events, the launch of the Urbane 2nd edition was canceled indefinitely. The reason given in November for the device’s cancellation was an “unspecified hardware issue.” However, last week, LG said the reason for withdrawing sales for the watch was not because of safety issues, but over the component’s potential to take away from the user experience over time. LG says this faulty component has never been used in any of its wearable devices before.
In a statement to Telegraph, LG stated: “For competitive and supplier relations reasons we are not in a position to communicate the specifics of the issue that led to this decision. However, what we can share is that the hardware issue was related to a new advanced component that we had incorporated in the device that had never been used in an LG wearable device before. During aggressive testing over thousands of hours under severe conditions, it was revealed that this component failed to meet LG’s quality standards and could potentially impact our image quality over the life of the device.”
I was not a fan of the original LG Watch Urbane’s chunky design, and much prefered the alluring sleekness of the Moto 360. However, I was still excited about the Urbane 2nd edition because, of course, its cellular capabilities and high resolution display. The Urbane 2nd edition was set to feature a 480×480 P-OLED display, meaning it would have been the most pixel-dense Android Wear smartwatch to ever have been released. Its cellular capabilities were also rather exciting, because users could make calls and texts directly from the watch itself, rather than through a Bluetooth-paired smartphone. This would’ve been great for runs and workouts, in which carrying a phone around is highly impractical.
LG did not specify whether or not a fixed model would be available soon. Were you excited to pick up the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE? Would you still want one if a revised model came out? Let us know in the comments below!
Via: Telegraph
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TAG Heuer is experiencing difficulty keeping up with the rapid demand for its Android Wear smartwatch
Back in November, TAG Heuer released its first ever Android Wear smartwatch. And so far everything is looking good.
The TAG Heuer smartwatch is a super premium Android Wear powered smartwatch with a round display. Out of all smartwatches, none resemble that of a real watch as closely as the TAG Heuer smartwatch. Apparently the $1,500 price tag isn’t a deal breaker.
A recent report from Bloomberg states that retailers and subsidiaries have requested approximately 100,000 TAG Heuer units since its release. This number is quite shocking and has pushed the company to raise its production level to 2,000 units weekly. In matter of fact, TAG Heuer has suspended sales temporarily while it attempts to catch up with the high demand. For now, the only ones who can get their hands on the smartwatch are physical retail stores.
Due to the success the smartwatch has received, Jean-Claude Biver CEO of TAG Heuer made the following statement in an interview with Bloomberg:
“Considering the success of this single and unique watch, we will develop a collection made out of different varieties, executions and materials at the end of next year or beginning of 2017.”
Source: Bloomberg
Come comment on this article: TAG Heuer is experiencing difficulty keeping up with the rapid demand for its Android Wear smartwatch
Zenwatch 2: A full featured Android Wear watch that won’t break the bank
Wearable technology has taken a little longer than expected to get off the ground in terms of adoption rate. Even Apple’s Watch has been a let down for investors and many have given up on the wearable technology as a major area for financial growth. Until now, Android Wear devices have been rather expensive, lacking in design, or leaving much to desire in terms of features.
ASUS has made it much easier to adopt wearable technology with the Zenwatch 2 as its starting price is an affordable $129.00. And just because it is over half of the price of competitors, like the Moto 360 2nd generation and the Huawei Watch, it doesn’t lack in design and runs the same full featured software in Android Wear.
Design
The ASUS Zenwatch 2 comes in two sizes, the larger size measures in at 49.6mm and the smaller is 42mm. Rather than being circular, the watch is a rectangular shape with a metal case, matte plastic rear cover, with a thoughtfully placed and designed button on the right side of the watch. My particular model, the W1501Q(49.6mm) came with a textured dark blue leather wrist band, graphite colored case with a slightly rose colored gold button.
Being a rectangle with a 1.63″ AMOLED display, the Zenwatch 2 does have decent sized bezels to the screen. I actually do not think the bezels look bad – if there were no bezels the watch would be too small for me. If the display was maximized to the edges, it might be too bright for me and would be a distraction. The resolution is 320 x 320, or 278ppi which is barely low enough resolution to see pixels if you look for them.
Sporting an AMOLED display, the colors are rich and the contrast ratio is perfect as blacks blend in with the bezels of the display.
A nice feature that ASUS factored into the Asus Zenwatch 2 is using a standard 22mm quick-release band which means you can swap your wrist band with ones commonly found on other watches. If you want to make it sporty, you can add a rubber wrist band, or if you want to make it more industrial looking, throw on a dark metal link band.
The charging cable is a proprietary magnetic four pin connector which you must have in order to charge the watch. It also comes with an IP67 rating which means the Zenwatch 2 is dust-proof and can withstand 30 minutes of water exposure up to 3ft deep. And that does not cover salt water.
Software
The ASUS Zenwatch 2 uses the same software that the LG Urbane, Moto 360 2nd generation, Huawei Watch, and the Tag Heuer Connected watch use – Android Wear. Android Wear is Google’s software that seamlessly integrates with most Android smartphones.
Android Wear does require you to download the Android Wear app, which will allow for these functions:
-Check important info like who’s calling, SMS and messages, and alerts from your favorite apps. You can even speak or draw a quick response right from your watch.
-Get built-in fitness monitoring and coaching from your favorite running and fitness apps: Endomondo, Google Fit, Runkeeper, Strava, and more. -Track your steps, distance, and calories while you walk, run, or ride your bike. And even measure your heart rate.
– Save time with smart help from Google. Get reminders from Google Now about your next appointment, current traffic conditions, flight status, restaurant reservation, and more. Speak “Ok Google” to ask any question you want.
-Pursue your passions with Google Maps, Foursquare, Google Play Music, Shazam, WhatsApp, and thousands more of your favorite Android apps.
The beauty of the Asus Zenwatch 2 is being priced starting at $129, it runs the same software as the $300 Huawei Watch and the $1500 Tag Heuer Connected watch. So extra money doesn’t get extra software features in this case.
And like all other Android Wear Watches, Asus does provide watch faces designed just for the Zenwatch 2. And just recently, my watch was updated with Christmas themed watch faces, which actually is a cute and thoughtful addition. Christmas themed watch faces aren’t necessarily my style, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate them. Of course, you are free to download and install new watch faces from the Google Play Store as well.
Usage
I’ve been fortunate to have access to a selection of Android Wear devices – The original Moto 360, Huawei Watch, LG Urbane 2nd Edition, Lg G Watch R, Lg G Watch, and now the Asus Zenwatch 2. Having access to a variety of watches gives me a better ability to compare hardware since the software is the same across the watches. Watches for me, as much as I hate to admit this, need to look “good”. They are almost always visible and I really don’t want to wear something that looks “dorky”. That’s a very personal and subjective matter and everyone’s tolerance for “dorky” is different.
With that being said, I actually find the reasonably priced Zenwatch 2 to look very nice and classy. Sure you can tell it is a smartwatch when wearing it, but with the dark blue real leather watchband, the metal case and glossy display look very nice. And what really sets it off is that slightly rose colored button off to the side. Even though Asus didn’t break the bank with the hardware, you can tell they made aesthetics a top priority. There’s even a part of me that finds the Zenwatch 2 to be more “dressy” than the Huawei Watch(metal band) and definitely more dressy than the Moto 360.
Cartier luxury watch.
Lots of people have been balking at the idea of a rectangular smartwatch, but there are many watch makers who make similar shaped watches. If you’ve heard of Cartier, they have been making jewelry and watches since 1847 and was originally founded in France. Cartier watches regularly run into the four to five digit price range, and rectangles have been a signature shape of its watches. Most watch enthusiasts can spot a Cartier from quite a distance based on shape alone. So a watch doesn’t have to be round to look good. In fact, I would take a box shaped watch any day over the flat tire look of the Moto 360. I have NEVER seen a real watch with some of its face missing. Why people find the flat tire look acceptable is beyond me.
The “flat tire” is where Moto houses its sensors.
If a watch looks good to me, the next most important factor is comfort. The Zenwatch 2 is every bit as comfortable as almost any watch I’ve worn of its size. The genuine leather band feels silky smooth, and the watch itself is the perfect size for my wrist. It might be a tad large for people with smaller wrists.
It also has a good sized display which is perfect for my aging eyes. I would rank the Zenwatch 2 near the top of Android Wear watches in terms of comfort. It also doesn’t “feel” cheap like the LG G Watch R or the LG G Watch.
Performance wise the Zenwatch 2 is as snappy as the others. It is powered by a Snapdragon 400, has 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal memory and has a 400mAh battery. Covering the display is Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3, which should withstand minor bumps and scratches. The face definitely isn’t as durable as the Huawei Watch’s Sapphire display, but if you take care of your Zenwatch 2, the display should hold up fine. If it is worn on your wrist, you really shouldn’t have to worry about dropping it and cracking the screen.
Battery Life
Even though the Asus Zenwatch 2 comes with a decent sized 400mAh battery, which is 25% more than the Huawei Watch, I couldn’t seem to get more than one full day of use out of it. There are many others who have told me that they think the battery on their Zenwatch 2 is fantastic, regularly getting two full days of use, but even with settings on the “Always-on screen” to off, I just didn’t have good battery life.
My Huawei Watch and LG Urbane 2nd Edition both get much better battery life, but one full days use is still acceptable. I just wish I could leave my display set to always on. That’s a personal preference though.
Summary
I was pleasantly surprised with the Asus Zenwatch 2. Before the Asus Zenwatch 2, I had been let down by almost Android Wear devices. In concept and looks they weren’t bad, but most of them looked cheap, felt cheap and were clearly first generation products. It’s why I think wearables were considered a bust in the first year with the vast majority of users. Also, many Android Wear watches were quite expensive, and with phones already in the $500-800 range, dropping another $300 was out of the question for most.
With the Zenwatch 2 starting at $129.00, it makes investing in wearables much easier. $129 is still a decent amount of money, but it isn’t $300 like the first generation Moto 360, or the current starting price of the Huawei Watch. At a more affordable price, it also makes swallowing the limited features of a smartwatch a bit easier to swallow.
Smartwatches still don’t make phone calls, they aren’t able to fully function without a connected smartphone, and they are terrible for doing anything more than basic functions. But they still have a place – they tell time, track activity, send texts and basic emails, search using Google Now, and are a great way to check notifications. People are finally starting to see the value in smartwatches with high quality examples like the Zenwatch 2. In just one year, Asus has proven that Android Wear has a place on your wrist.
Specs
- Processor –Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 1.2GHz
- Operating System- Android Wear
- Memory – 512 MB RAM
- Storage – 4GB eMMC Flash
- Display – AMOLED 1.63″
320×320,
278ppi Touch Display - Sensor- 6-Axis (A+G) with Sensor-hub
- Audio – Built-in microphone
- Battery – 400mAh
- Features- Cover Lens: 2.5D curved Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3
Water Resistance: IP67
Communication: Bluetooth 4.1+WiFi - Dimensions – 1.95 x 1.6 x 0.37 inch (LxWxH) ~ 10.9 mm
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Deal: Refurbished LG G Watch going for only $50
The LG G Watch was one of the very first Android Wear device to hit the market back in 2014. We’ve come a long way with smartwatches in the intervening time, so technophiles used to skating the cutting edge of wearable hardware might see this thing as a dusty old fossil. For the rest of us who still just think it’s a pretty neat idea to have a computer strapped to your wrist, you’ll want to check out a new deal that’s made its way to A4C. Right now you can purchase your own refurbished G Watch for only $50!
Sure, the LG G Watch might not be the sexiest thing around. Its boxy, toyish face makes it look more like a novelty than a tool or fashion statement, but its solid specs have kept it functional and usable. Owners of the LG G Watch tend to stand by their devices, claiming it still gets the job done. Having voice recognition and touch screen literally at hand all the time can really revolutionize the way you interact with your smartphone. If you’ve never had an Android Wear product before, this might be a good opportunity to get your feet wet.
We aren’t sure how long this deal will last, so you should jump on it sooner rather than later. Head to the link below for more details. Will you be picking one up? If you’re an LG G Watch owner, how would you rate your experience? Do you recommend springing for this deal? Let us know in the comments.
Omate Rise is a smartwatch with 3G support for only $200
There are many smartwatches on the market and most run Android Wear. However, what if you want a smartwatch that runs full Android and is 3G-enabled? Well, look no further than the Omate Rise.
Omate has previously made an Android powered smartwatch that, to me, didn’t really look the best. However, times have changed with the Omate Rise. It looks way better than the previous Omate watch, and even features a real carbon fibre bezel. This gives it a very strong, modern, and sophisticated look.
On the inside, it features a 1.3-inch, 360 x 360 round LCD display, MediaTek’s MT2601 dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, a Mali-400 GPU, 512MB of RAM, a 580 mAh battery, and 4GB of storage. For the most important part, it can accept SIM cards with 3G HSPA connectivity on both 1900 MHz and 2100 MHz bands. This is excellent as it should run on any carrier in the US or Canada, unlike its previous version. Also, it runs full Android 5.1 meaning you should be able to run virtually any Android app you would like on it. If you want to use it more as an Android Wear device, you can receive notifications with phones running iOS 9 and up or Android 4.4 and up.
This watch is seriously packed with features too. It has a GPS radio, gyroscope, accelerometer, microphone, speaker, Bluetooth 4.1, sapphire coating on the glass, and changeable 22mm strap. The watch is even water resistant up to 10 meters deep.
You can get all of this for only $200! Just based on the specs and looks, this seems like a fantastic deal. The Omate Rise will be heading to Indiegogo on December 7th at 10am ET. Only the first 500 watches will be $200, the next 500 will be $209, and the rest for $220. What makes this deal even sweeter is, because the watch lacks a heart rate monitor, Omate will be including an external Bluetooth LE chest belt for the first 1000 watches sold!
This seems like a really awesome watch and pretty great deal, but you will have to hurry if you want one. The entire Indiegogo campaign will start on December 7th and only last 48 hours. Expect delivery in March 2016.
Source: Omate
Come comment on this article: Omate Rise is a smartwatch with 3G support for only $200
Motorola’s Moto 360 Sport is coming to the U.S. on January 7 for $299
Alongside the second-generation Moto 360 at IFA 2015, Motorola announced a variant of the hit smartwatch for the fitness-minded folks out there. It was called the Moto 360 Sport, and up until now, the wearable has been completely MIA. But today, thanks to a new posting on Motorola’s Official Blog, the company has finally given us pricing and availability details on the new watch.
The Moto 360 Sport will be available in the U.K. and France on Friday, December 18th. U.S. customers will need to wait a bit longer, as the watch won’t be available on Motorola’s website until Thursday, January 7th starting at $299. On Sunday, December 10th, the 360 Sport will be available in Best Buy stores across the nation and in the new Moto Shop in downtown Chicago. The company says the watch will also launch in Brazil, Canada, China, Mexico and Spain sometime in the new year.
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The Moto 360 Sport has essentially the same specs as the Moto 360 proper, with a few added features thrown in. It comes with a silicone band, a built-in GPS that works with Motorola’s Moto Body application, and a new feature called AnyLight which will allow you to see things much more clearly both indoors and out. The company says the display works just like a normal LCD display when using it indoors. But outdoors, it will reflect natural sunlight, making the screen much easier to read.
If you’d like more information or to sign up for updates, head to Motorola’s website for all the details.
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