Smartwatch

What Exactly Is a Smartwatch?

A smartwatch is more than just a wrist accessory; it’s a portable wearable computer that resembles a traditional watch but offers much more. Imagine having your smartphone on your wrist—this is what a smartwatch does, and it’s revolutionizing the way we interact with technology.

From Basic Functions to Modern Marvels

Early smartwatches were like mini calculators or simple timekeepers, performing basic functions such as calculating, displaying time, translating text, and even playing games. But today’s models are a far cry from their predecessors. They offer features that rival those of smartphones, including apps, Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, and cellular capabilities.

Hardware and Software

Modern smartwatches come equipped with internal hardware such as backlit LCD or OLED displays, rechargeable batteries, GPS receivers, digital cameras, and various sensors. The software is just as impressive, featuring maps, health and exercise-related apps, calendars, and customizable watch faces.

A Brief History of Smartwatches

Back in the 1970s, the first digital watches like the Pulsar and Seiko’s Data 2000 were groundbreaking. These early devices could store characters and sync with computers via electromagnetic coupling. Fast forward to the 1990s, when Casio and Timex introduced smartwatches capable of transferring data wirelessly from computers. Steve Mann even designed a Linux wristwatch that appeared on the cover of Linux Journal.

The Ruputer by Seiko in 1998 was another early attempt at a smartwatch, but it failed due to poor design and battery life. Samsung released the SPH-WP10, the world’s first watch phone, in 1999. IBM displayed its WatchPad prototype in June 2000, which ran Linux and featured an accelerometer and fingerprint sensor.

By 2003, companies like Microsoft, Fossil, Sony Ericsson, and others were developing their own smartwatches. Microsoft’s SPOT smartwatch was a standalone device offering information at a glance through FM waves transmitted by Fossil, Suunto, and Tissot devices. Pebble raised $10.3 million on Kickstarter in 2012, introducing a black and white LCD with backlight, magnetometer, ambient light sensors, and a vibrating motor.

The Rise of Smartwatches

By the mid-2010s, smartwatches had become more mainstream. Samsung released the Galaxy Gear in 2013, while Apple introduced its first smartwatch, the Apple Watch, in 2014. These devices were not just about timekeeping; they were about integrating technology into our daily lives.

As of July 2013, companies like Acer, Apple, BlackBerry, Foxconn/Hon Hai, Google, LG, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Samsung, Sony, VESAG, and Toshiba were heavily involved in smartwatch development. The physical size was expected to be large, with limited battery life, but new display technologies promised a brighter future.

Key Players and Innovations

In 2013, Samsung launched the Galaxy Gear with a digital camera, while Sony SmartWatch 2 and Qualcomm Toq were also released. PHTL’s HOT Watch completed its Kickstarter campaign in September 2013. Motorola Mobility announced their smartwatch plans, and by April 2014, Samsung had released the Gear 2 with a digital camera.

The 2014 Consumer Electronics Show saw numerous new smartwatches from various companies. Google I/O introduced Android Wear, and LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live were launched in June 2014. The Wear-based Moto 360 was announced by Motorola in the same year. Swatch’s CEO Nick Hayek announced plans for smartwatch technologies in 2015.

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch series in 2018, while Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 4 with a larger display and EKG feature for detecting abnormal heart function. Qualcomm unveiled its Snapdragon 3100 chip, improving power efficiency and adding a separate low-power core for basic watch functions.

Smartwatches in the Future

The future of smartwatches looks bright, with advancements in component size and cost making them more accessible. The physical size is expected to decrease, while battery life will increase. New display technologies are on the horizon, promising even better user experiences.

Security Concerns

While smartwatches offer convenience, they also raise security concerns. Which? tests found that ultra-cheap smartwatches and fitness trackers had serious security flaws, including excessive data collection, insecure data storage, and a lack of security lock functions. The UK passed the Product Security and Telecoms Infrastructure Act in December 2022 to address these issues.

Health and Accuracy

Smartwatches may not be perfect for everyone; their heart rate monitoring accuracy can vary based on skin tone. For instance, the method used by smartwatches to monitor heart rate is less accurate for darker-skinned individuals due to design flaws.

The Social Impact

Smartwatches have social implications as well. They collect personal health data that can be accessed and misused. However, they also serve as safety devices for children and the elderly, helping them stay connected and safe.

Firmware and Operating Systems

The operating systems powering smartwatches vary widely. From proprietary systems like watchOS to open-source options like AsteroidOS, there’s a wide range of choices available. Tizen is another Linux-based system developed for various platforms, including smartwatches.

Conclusion

Smartwatches have come a long way since the early days of basic timekeeping devices. They now offer a blend of functionality and fashion, making them indispensable companions in our digital lives. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative features and improvements. The future is bright for these wearable wonders.