Sony Launches SmartWatch: Android-Powered Wristwatch Discussion

[Ryan Punzalan]

Today, Sony launched SmartWatch MN2: a wristwatch-like device that allows owners to read text messages, social updates and emails, manage calls, as well as control music that is on an Android smartphone.

Read the full content of this Article: Sony Launches SmartWatch: Android-Powered Wristwatch

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[Hook]

As is often the case with Sony, they missed a bet. This thing should be able to stand alone as a iPod Nano competitor *as well as* make use of an Android device. Why would I pay that much for, what is essentially a remote control?*





*Answer is, of course, I wouldn't.

[Varjak]

It's a pretty brief article. I'd be surprised if it didn't have some basic functions included in the base unit; but I agree, as pure remote control, it isn't a great attraction (if that's what it is). The cost is almost as much as a base iPod Touch.

[weegie]

Now that's pretty geeky

[Ed Hardy]

This thing should be able to stand alone as a iPod Nano competitor *as well as* make use of an Android device. Why would I pay that much for, what is essentially a remote control?

I'd guess Sony's answer to this would be "You've already got a phone with all your music, emails, etc. on it. Why would you need a second device that does the same thing?" They'd probably go on to point out that sales of the iPod class of devices have been dropping for years, while sales of smartphones are shooting up.

The SmartWatch is trying to give people a more convenient way to access their phone, especially in situations where it would be impolite to pull out your phone... like business meetings. It's clearly not for everyone, but I can see a niche market for it.
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[jigwashere]

I could see people who are purchasing larger Android smartphones considering something like this. Keep the giant smartphone in your suit coat pocket, briefcase, or backpack while still having quick access to key information. Also, thefts of smartphones are on the increase in my area especially on the train. SmartWatch users could still do smartphone things while keeping it hidden/protected.

[Hook]

I'd guess Sony's answer to this would be "You've already got a phone with all your music, emails, etc. on it. Why would you need a second device that does the same thing?" They'd probably go on to point out that sales of the iPod class of devices have been dropping for years, while sales of smartphones are shooting up.

The SmartWatch is trying to give people a more convenient way to access their phone, especially in situations where it would be impolite to pull out your phone... like business meetings. It's clearly not for everyone, but I can see a niche market for it.
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I'm having a little trouble buying the argument. I don't think it is much more polite to keep looking at and fidgeting with your watch during a meeting. Also, if it had it's own capabiility, I could go running with it and actually leave the smartphone at home or in my locker.

I just think it would have not even required a great deal of expense to add autonomous capability and expand the possible niche.

I never said there weren't people who wouldn't go for it as is.

[jigwashere]

The headline is misleading: it's not an Android-powered wristwatch. It doesn't do anything Android-like on its own. I don't think it runs an Android OS.

I just think it would have not even required a great deal of expense to add autonomous capability and expand the possible niche.

Agreed.

[Ed Hardy]

The headline is misleading: it's not an Android-powered wristwatch. It doesn't do anything Android-like on its own. I don't think it runs an Android OS.

There isn't a heck of a lot of information available on this device, but what we have says that there are apps for it on the Android market. While it's possible these just run on the smartphone and then talk to the watch, it appears to me the watch itself really runs a version of Android that's been modified for the tiny screen.
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[jigwashere]

There isn't a heck of a lot of information available on this device, but what we have says that there are apps for it on the Android market. While it's possible these just run on the smartphone and then talk to the watch, it appears to me the watch itself really runs a version of Android that's been modified for the tiny screen.
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I don't think the headline should say it's Android-powered if you don't know that it's Android-powered. You're making an assumption, but reporting it as fact.