Did you want to know more about smartwatches? Then move down, and let's explore some of the most helpful smartwatch features.
Watches have progressed from simple time-keeping devices to more complicated ones.
The advancement of wearable technology has given smartwatches several functions that assist us in keeping track of our hectic lifestyles.
While we can blame technology for our lack of exercise and overall fitness, several smartwatch users have reported that their motivation to work out and reflect on their health and well-being has increased since purchasing their device.
Some even go so far as to claim that their smartwatch saved their life.
Key Features of Smartwatches
Take a look at the essential functions that smartwatches now offer to get a sense of what's available.
1. User Interfaces
Smartwatches have long struggled with their user interface.
How can you keep an intuitive and straightforward connection between user and machine when you make something smaller and more portable?
As a result, smartwatches, as we know them, will never truly replace smartphones. At least not until there is a significant shift in interface design.
Most smartwatches feature touchscreens but also buttons and bezels for specialized activities.
Apple smartwatches offer the best UI design and make excellent use of the bezel for flicking through settings.
However, sometimes we experience our apple watch not syncing with our iPhone, and we get irritated and search for Fix Apple Watch; it is not so complex it can be solved by taking small assistance.
Most interfaces now support voice control, which is also a significant changer. Voice commands are supported by Apple, Google, and Samsung operating systems.
2. Displays
The current industry standards are OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) and AMOLED displays.
They are more detailed, smaller, and more energy efficient than the classic LED screens that were formerly the standard for smartwatches.
The visible screen sizes range from approximately 40mm to about 50mm. Larger screens can be found on obscure Chinese models, but I would avoid them.
Though having a large screen size is advantageous with most technology, it is not necessarily the case with smartwatches.
A larger screen entails more bulk and increased energy consumption (shorter battery life).
It does, however, mean more viewable real estate and space to control a touchscreen. It's a trade-off you'll have to weigh for yourself.
3. Fitness Tracking
Fitness monitoring is a crucial function of many smartwatches, particularly those from Garmin and Fitbit.
Steps walked and calories burned are recorded in your basic fitness tracking. Nearly all smartwatches share this level of monitoring.
Tracking physical activities such as running, cycling, and swimming takes things to the next level.
Statistics such as average speed, heart rate, exertion levels, oxygen saturation levels, and V02 max are just a few examples.
Good running smartwatches will track your route (via GPS) and provide various statistics and analysis.
Your statistics are displayed in simply digestible graphs when synchronized with a smartphone app like Strava or Garmin Connect (through Bluetooth or wifi).
You may communicate with pals, compare times, and challenge and inspire one another.
It's an excellent approach to keeping on track with your fitness goals.
4. Sleep Tracking
Some smartwatches can assess your sleep quality and provide tips on improving it by detecting your movements and heart rate while you sleep.
Sleep analysis covers measurements such as the time it takes to fall asleep, the duration of specific sleep cycle stages, sleep disruptions, and overall sleep quality.
An intelligent alarm that gradually wakes the wearer up at the conclusion of their sleep cycle is an excellent feature on some Fitbit smartwatches. This means they wake up feeling less groggy.
5. Apps
The variety and quality of downloadable apps might be significant factors in choosing one manufacturer over another.
With access to their enormous app stores, major players such as Apple and Samsung lead the way.
If you must have the Spotify app, Samsung has the finest integration.
In addition to downloading music to your memory, you can also stream music directly from your watch (LTE model dependent).
Be careful that some apps can be moderately priced or may even have in-app purchases.
6. Notifications
Notifications on a smartwatch function similarly to those on your phone.
You may configure apps to notify you when you receive messages or when someone comments on Facebook, for example.
You can also read messages and answer phone calls (in some cases). On smartwatches, notifications can be received in two ways.
The most common technique is to connect your smartphone. This implies that you must be within Bluetooth range of your smartphone.
This is usually about 10 meters. The second method of receiving notifications is directly through a 4G/LTE connection.
This method does not rely on a nearby smartphone to relay messages, but it necessitates that your smartwatch is included in your phone's data plan.
7. GPS
The Global Positioning System(GPS) is a satellite system that determines your location.
It's used on a smartwatch to track routes and provide accurate distance, speed, and pace predictions when exercising.
It can also be used to estimate height, but when paired with a barometric altimeter, it is more accurate (to measure pressure changes).
With three systems working together, there should always be a strong signal. GPS is a satellite tracking system, and the signal can sometimes be weak.
As a result, if satellite tracking is crucial to you, you should select a watch that also uses the Galileo and GLONASS systems.
Outdoor smartwatches, such as the Garmin Instinct, provide various worldwide navigation satellite systems.
8. Heart Rate Monitor
You can monitor your heart rate to manage stress or enhance your fitness. When jogging, it is most helpful in measuring my degree of exertion.
We keep my heart rate within particular limits to attain peak training performance.
The most popular method is to use an optical sensor that measures blood flow. This is referred to as optical heart rate monitoring (OHRM).
It performs reasonably well but is not as precise as an ECG/EKG measurement (electrocardiogram).
An ECG is a test that determines how well your heart is operating. This is far more beneficial for persons with medical conditions.
Apple's ECG feature has received FDA approval. Smartwatches having ECG functionality include the Apple Watch Series 6, Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, and Fitbit Sense.
9. Durability
A smartwatch can withstand much abuse because it is worn on your wrist.
Hardwearing components to look for include reinforced glass, scratch-resistant displays, and silicon straps.
The most durable smartwatches are designed to military specifications, and you can find out which ones we recommend in our guide.
Thermal, shock, and water resistance are among them.
10. Waterproof or Water Resistant
This distinction should not be overlooked because it is critical. Manufacturers can be cunning with their phrasing around this at times.
A water-resistant watch is unlikely to survive being immersed in water. That means no swimming is permitted!
You should look for a waterproof rating of at least 50 ATM (50 meters) if you swim. This is pretty standard now but doesn't forget to check.
11. Battery
The battery life of smartwatches has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years.
To get by, you don't need to charge your phone in the middle of the day. In fact, most smartwatches can now run for several days without charging.
GPS, heart rate monitoring, and streaming (if available) all drain the battery more fast, so keep this in mind.
Solar charging is the way to go if you require a lot of battery juice. Remember that they are some of the more expensive smartwatches available.
12. LTE connection
Specific smartwatch models may now make calls, send and receive messages, stream music, and receive notifications without being tied to their phones.
They will need a telephone plan that allows for standalone calling as well as a qualified cellphone.
Samsung Galaxy Watches, for example, will only work in this manner if you own a Galaxy phone.
This feature is handy when you don't want to carry a bulky smartphone but still need to stay connected to the outside world.
The main disadvantage here is the high battery consumption.
Our Thoughts
Smartwatches are fantastic devices that can assist you in leading an active lifestyle.
However, numerous smartwatch models are available, making it challenging to select the best one for you.
