News & Reviews:   SmartWatch

Tim Cook, current CEO of Apple was recently quoted as saying that there are:

"great new products in areas where [Apple does] not participate today".

While he went on to say nothing really concrete, many are taking this as a sign that Apple may soon launch a new product category in 2014, especially since he referred to products coming "across 2014". With Apple already having computers, desktops, notebooks, tablets and smartphones, a new product category could very likely be the upcoming Apple iWatch smartwatch. So far there are little to no tech specs or features regarding the iWatch with many expecting it to come in late 2014. While they don't confirm anything, Tim Cook's comments could indicate that we'll be seeing an Apple iWatch (this could still be an Apple TV though) sooner than that.

While compatibility with just the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Note 10.1 2014 Edition is one of the main constraints of the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch, this may no longer be the case as Samsung have announced that quite a few Galaxy devices are going to get compatible soon. This includes the Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S III and Samsung Galaxy Note II as soon as they receive their Android 4.3 updates, which are currently being rolled out in phases. Following these are the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, S4 Active, Mega 5.8, Mega 6.3 and S4 Zoom. While the software update will again be released in phases, these devices will begin getting the update by the end of October. Bear in mind though that certain functions and features available for use on the Samsung Galaxy Gear will depend on the tech specs available to each device.

While we didn't get an Apple iWatch announcement yesterday, it doesn't mean that some people aren't still hopeful. For those of you looking at possibilities (Apple iWatch design team, hint, hint) Thomas Bogner came up with an awesome concept render design which looks like it would work great. The design looks a lot like the Nike Fuelband although we wonder if it is a bracelet like the Fuelband or the bottom part opens up like a latch. Quite a number of Apple iWatch smartwatch concepts have been cooked up already but with the iWatch supposedly set for a late 2014 release we're feeling a bit skeptical. As usual, since this is not an official Apple render or press image do take this with a pinch of salt. We admit it would be great if it did come true, but for now, check out the other iWatch concepts in this article.

Before Nokia got bought over by Microsoft, there was apparently a patent for a Nokia Facet smartwatch. Unlike other smartwatches with a single slab of touchscreen, the Nokia Facet design looks more like a bracelet with slots for slabs of touchscreen, each offering a different function. We're not sure how heavy that would make it but it would be awesome to add in a module with WiFi/3G/LTE or a 41MP camera or even a bigger battery. Now that Nokia is property of Microsoft it seems unlikely that such a smartwatch may actually be produced but then if Microsoft don't have plans of their own, they always have this one. We think the concept is awesome but it wouldn't be very comfortable to wear, however, things may change still.

The race for the world's best smartwatch is currently on and while the market is still fairly new, the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch is probably the most feature filled of the bunch. Packing in a 1.9MP camera, a 1.6mm Super AMOLED screen and Bluetooth 4.0 LE connectivity this is one of the few smartwatches that you can use to take calls from, provided you have your smartphone connected. It is also locally available here in Malaysia for RM999. Does it live up to the hype? Read on and find out in our Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch review.

While the previous Samsung Galaxy Note 3 video ad didn't really help sell the phablet with it's rather weird puppetry, Samsung have come out with another promotional video that shows off the features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 along with some mention of the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch, this time through a stop-motion pop-up book. We think that it is quite creative and helps highlight features like Air Command, the new S Pen, and all of the Air Command functions such as Scrapbook and S Finder. Check out the video for yourself in the article.

It appears that while many are still in search of the "Internet of things" or literally the ability to link everyday items to the Internet easily this ability has been linked to the upcoming Apple iWatch smartwatch. This is by far one of the more outlandish rumours, mainly because Apple isn't very well known in home automation. The rumour comes courtesy of parts suppliers who say that the Apple iWatch could be used as the main remote control for home automation. While we certainly don't see an Apple iFridge or iBlender in the horizon, it could just as easily be a general purpose Bluetooth or WiFi enabled power switch which would connect to the iWatch or just related to Apple iPod sound systems and the like. However, this begs the questions, "Why the iWatch? Why not  the iPhone, iPod touch or other Apple products?" As always, take this rumour with a pinch of salt, and we will keep you updated as to any new developments. As usual of a rumour involving a device expected to arrive many months down the line, there were no tech specs, features, Malaysia release dates or pricing details just yet.

The Samsung Galaxy Gear is probably the most feature filled smartwatch from a branded company currently in the market. While it does have a number of shortcomings, such as poor battery life and compatibility with smartphones other than the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 a number of rather cool promo ads for the smartwatch have come out. For those who haven't always wanted a smartwatch, the ads show where some of the first smartwatches in media came from including Dick Tracy, The Jetsons, Star Trek, Inspector Gadget, Knight Rider and Power Rangers. It is an interesting look at smartwatches and captures some of the essence that makes a smartwatch, at least according to popular media. Check the videos out for yourself and see where it all began for smartwatches.

It isn't a new rumour that Google is working on a smartwatch of their own, but it's a new rumour that it may be called the Google Gem Nexus smartwatch. To top this off the Gem Nexus may get it's reveal date alongside Android 4.4 KitKat on 31 October 2013. The rumour comes from Android Police who say that while they don't have any pics to back them up, they are quite confident that both could get revealed on the same date. So far we don't have any tech specs or features apart from another rumour which indicates that it may be related to the Motorola xWatch, but it seems unlikely that Motorola would release a separate smartwatch now that it is owned by Google. Bear in mind too that Google previously bought WIMM Labs, makers of the WIMM One smartwatch about a year ago, so they've had a good amount of time to create a WiFi enabled smartwatch with a robust Android based app platform (which are the 2 main features that the WIMM One had). No specific Malaysia release dates or pricing but we should find out at the end of the month.

Another Android smartwatch with smartphone capabilities to make it past its Kickstarter crowd-funding goal is the Omate TrueSmart smartwatch. Featuring full smartphone capabilities you can use it to make calls or as a bluetooth remote for your smartphone. Tech specs and features for the Omate TrueSmart include:

• 1.3GHz dual-core Cortex A7 processor
• 1.54-inch screen
• 512MB RAM / 1GB RAM
• 4GB / 8 GB storage + microSD
• 5MP camera
• Supports microSIM + 3G + quad-band GSM + WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0 + GPS
• Android 4.2
• built-in microphone + loudspeaker
• 600 MAh battery
• Integrated Fleksy keyboard
• IP67 waterproof certification

The smartwatch has a standby time of one week and can do practically everything your smartphone can on it's own. The integrated Fleksy smartwatch is quite intuitive, so while you probably won't type the right letters on the tiny screen, the autocorrect translates most words surprisingly well. While it has finished it's Kickstarter campaign, it managed to get more than $1 million and should start shipping to pledgers next month. Those looking to buy the Omate TrueSmart can get the 512MB RAM and 4GB version at $249 (RM805) while the 1GB RAM and 8GB storage version costs $299 (RM967). It will then be shipped in December. For both offers, you can customize the 3G to match the bands in Malaysia and they will also ship worldwide. Check out the video, pics and source for more information.