Slashdot Asks: Do You Want a Smart Watch?

Watches that do more than tell the time have been around for a long time. (And in fiction, James Bond, Dick Tracey, and Michael Knight all had notably high-tech watches.) The new smart watches from Samsung and LG, without a phone connected via Bluetooth as backhaul, can still serve to show the time and to serve as alarms (and Samsung's can measure your pulse, too), but all the magic features (like searching by voice via the watch) do require a connection. They can't play MP3s or take pictures on their own, and they don't have built-in GPS. Even so, compared to the polarizing Google Glass, the new breed of smart watches are wearables that probably are an easier sell, even if this far the trend has been to replace watches with smart phones. (Android Wear has gotten a lot of attention, but Microsoft has their own upcoming, and Apple almost certainly does, too.) Are you interested in a smart watch, and if so, what uses do you want it for? If they have no appeal to you now, are there functions that would make you change your mind on that front?

Re:smartwatch

[Mr_Silver]

I'd like a very *simple* smart watch...

* Simple caller-ID and memo display, programmable shortcut buttons, nothing else.

* Very long charge life comparatively (2 weeks would be okay) and/or very easy charging (put it on a charging pad).

Closest I can think to those requirements are the Casio G-Shock Bluetooth models [g-shock.com]. Two year battery life and notifications for most of the common things you'd want. A comparison chart can be found here [g-shock.com].

Unfortunately they don't really go so well with a suit - although I don't suspect that will be a problem for the majority of Slashdot readers.

Better fitness watch

[Bodhammer]

I would like a better fitness watch that tracked pulse rate without a chest band, respiration rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood o2 levels, as well a movements such as swimming and riding, not just waking and running. I would like to to use the GPS in my phone and not have one built in.

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[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Re:smartwatch

[Langalf]

I agree. I have a Pebble, and with Bluetooth on and about 15-20 notifications a day, I get a solid week on a two hour charge. I use watchfaces that only update once a minute, and I could not be more happy with this device. With the vibration and the notifications on screen, I can deal with 90% of what I receive without ever pulling out my smartphone. The phone is always on mute, and I rarely miss anything important.

Re:@CauseBy - Re:Yes

[gnupun]

A smart watch could:

* Displace smart phones/dedicated GPSes used for turn-by-turn directions (visual and audio) while driving. It's going to be great for motorcycle users. I'm not sure yet whether it will be legal for this use.

* It will make the policeman's job more difficult by allowing drivers to check their emails/texts while driving without it being obvious to an observer.

* Provide quick updates to stock/commodity traders who are on the go or not near a desktop/laptop.

* Allow joggers to skip songs without carrying their smartphones in their hands.

I bet there are many other uses, but only gadget lovers and those who find its services very useful are likely to buy it -- the general smart phone user is more likely to skip the watch.