We are constantly discussing and evaluating
all smartwatches and smartwatch apps from concept through production,
including after-sale firmware and software updates, attempting to
determine the
best cheap watches. At this time, the market
is still in its infancy and there is no smartwatch that truly stands
above the rest. It appears to us that, in their race to get a product to
market first, wearable computing manufacturers have besieged consumers
with mostly incomplete product offerings. However, many of these can and
will be improved with firmware and software updates. In addition, there
are literally dozens of smartwatches, currently in development, that
are posed to be released by the end of the year, including smartwatch
offerings from electronics and computing powerhouses such such as Apple,
Google, and Samsung. Nonetheless, if you love being an early adopter,
like we do, here are our five favorite smartwatches as they exist today:
1. Pebble Smartwatch *Best Smartwatch of 2013*
#1 Best Smartwatch – Pebble E-Paper Watch
The Pebble Smartwatch
is unanimously the crowd favorite. It set a new record for crowd source
funding on Kickstarter while still in the concept phase and its
popularity has not since waned. The Pebble’s creators had the vision,
had the experience, and most importantly, effectively marketed the hell
out of this device even before the first unit shipped. In fact, we would
dare to say that the Pebble single-handedly ignited the smartwatch
market frenzy that is just beginning to really surge.
We feel that, although the Pebble Smartwatch is your best choice
right now, it is still an incomplete product. We base this statement
largely upon the complete lack of useful software. And, while we are
sure that such software will be forthcoming, it is not available yet.
However, the strength of this watch lies in its technical specs, in its
ability to be upgraded through firmware and completed through software,
and in the fact that its sheer popularity ensures that useful and
productive apps will be available shortly.
2. Martian Smartwatch
#2 Best Smartwatch – Martian Passport
The Martian Smartwatch
is the most elegant of the currently available smartwatches. Whereas
the Pebble is designed as a stand alone smart device that functions in
tandem with the user’s smartphone, the Martian is designed to be used
simply as an extension of the smartphone. Nonetheless, the Martian
Smartwatch offers hands-free voice commands, messages and alerts
display, and smartphone camera control. These features, combined with
sophisticated styling, makes the Martian Smartwatch a top choice for
someone not looking to carry a full-fledged computer around on their
wrist.
3. i’m Watch Smartwatch
#3 Best Smartwatch – i’m Watch
The i’m Watch
is by far the best modern looking smartwtach available today … not
surprising considering it is Italian made. It has great looks, great
specs, and just feels solid. The problem with this smartwatch, like most
of the contenders, is that the firmware and software just feel
unfinished and incomplete. However, this shortcoming can be easily
remedied should the much need updates be released. If i’m Watch can get
the firmware and software right, we could see this beautiful piece of
gear easily rising to the number one spot on our top 5 list … it is just
that pretty.
4. Sony Smartwatch 2 SW2
#4 Best Smartwatch – Sony Smartwatch 2 SW2
The most recent addition to our Top 5 smartwatch list is the
Sony Smartwatch 2,
a just released upgrade from Sony’s first crack at the emerging
smartwatch market. Although, before it was released, we felt that it
was simply a rehash of the original Sony Smartwatch 1,
now that it has arrived it has turned out to be much more. Not
evolutionary, but a true contender given the current state of smartwatch
technology. If this watch was not limited solely to Android phones,
and included iOS and the iPhone into its fold, it would be ranked higher
on our list of best smartwatches. Be sure to read our upcoming
in-depth review of the Sony Smartwatch 2.
5. ConnecteDevice Cookoo Smartwatch
#5 Best Smartwatch – ConnecteDevice Cookoo
Rounding out our favorite smartwatches list is the
Cookoo Watch.
It is simple, unpretentious, and has few features. However, it is well
designed, well constructed, and intended, like the Martian Passport, to
function as an extension of the wearer’s smartphone, not a replacement
of it. And, like our other picks, its software is incomplete with the
feel of a beta. Nonetheless, once this issue is resolved, this sporty
casual entry will definitely have a place in the emerging smartwatch
market, thus warranting inclusion onto the list of our top 5 favorite
smartwatches.
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