Android isn't just for smartphones and tablets anymore. Sony has unveiled its new SmartWatch, an Android-powered timekeeper that brings smartphone-like capabilities to the wristwatch.
Priced at $150, the Bluetooth-enabled SmartWatch retrieves text messages, emails, and Facebook and Twitter updates from most Android (2.1 and above) smartphones, Sony says.
The primary benefit of the SmartWatch is being able to access smartphone information without having to remove the phone from a pocket or bag.
Measuring 0.3 inches thick and featuring a 1.3-inch OLED touchscreen, the square-shaped SmartWatch resembles Apple's 6th-generation iPad Nano, which can also function as a watch--albeit one that's large and a bit clumsy to operate, at least in my experience.
The SmartWatch vibrates and posts screen alerts to notify you of new events. It comes with a black rubber wristband; additional wristbands are available in five colors at $20 each. The watch also has a rear-mounted clip for attaching the device to a belt or clothing.
Sony says the SmartWatch is compatible with Android apps for music, social updates, and workouts that are compatible with the device's 1.3-inch touchscreen, such as TicTacToe, and Sony's own music player. The company hopes developers will write more SmartWatch-specific apps.
Contact Jeff Bertolucci at Today@PCWorld, Twitter (@jbertolucci) or jbertolucci.blogspot.com.