If you’re rocking yourself an Android smartphone and you’ve got a thing for next gen devices then listen up. The Sony SmartWatch 2 is now available for pre-order from Sony. Priced at $200, the next generation SmartWatch carries a bevy of improvements over its predecessor and includes features like built in Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, and SMS. Sporting a 1.6-inch display, the Sony SmartWatch 2 is also water-proof and offers a “transflective” screen, making usage outdoors a none issue. Pairing the new watch is easy to any Android smartphone via Bluetooth while those rocking NFC with Android 4.0 and higher will be able to sync the two by a just a tap.
Once tethered to a smartphone, the SmartWatch 2 will have access to the Google Play store, allowing for increased functionality via new apps. The Sony SmartWatch 2 also has a far greater battery lifetime than its competitors, most notably Samsung. While the Samsung Galaxy Gear SmartWatch only offers 24 hours battery life with light use, the Sony SmartWatch 2 is capable of ticking away for 4 days with normal usage, making it a usable device. The Sony SmartWatch 2 is currently available via Sony’s online store and in select Sony retail stores, along with additional accessories like various colored wristbands.
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[Via Sony]
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Sony® SmartWatch 2 Launches in U.S.
Water-resistant1
smartwatch with NFC and long battery life
Android compatibility enables pairing SmartWatch 2 with the
Android smartphone of choice2
Wide variety of apps now available from Google Play™
October 15, 2013 ATLANTA, GA –Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”)
today announces the U.S. availability of SmartWatch 2. SmartWatch 2 represents
the second generation in Sony’s smartwatch product line, building on the
applications ecosystem of its predecessor, which has realized more than one
million downloads of apps over the last year.
Sony SmartWatch 2 delivers a stylish and practical design with great battery life,
water resistance, and excellent readability even in bright sunlight. The device can
be paired with Android™ smartphones (version 4.0 and later) and is supported by
an ever-growing catalog of downloadable apps to enhance the Android
smartphone experience.
“Sony SmartWatch 2 seamlessly expands the user experience for today’s active
smartphone culture, said Ravi Nookala, president, Sony Mobile Communications
(USA). “The average smartphone user reaches for their device more than 100
times per day to check text messages, read emails and social network notifications
and of course, to check the time. SmartWatch 2 makes these core tasks easier,
and does much more with apps available, for everything from productivity to
fitness and games.”
Keep your smartphone in your pocket or purse
SmartWatch 2 facilitates the most common tasks, easily and discreetly. Even the
set up is easy, with simple One-touch NFC pairing to your Android smartphone.
Within minutes of turning SmartWatch 2 on, you will be able to check text
messages, calendar events, Gmail®, Facebook® and Twitter® notifications
(including the ability to “like” and re-Tweet® from the device), and much more.
SmartWatch 2 vibrates to let you know when there is new information to read.
Beautiful, durable design
SmartWatch 2 draws on the same design language seen in Sony’s latest Xperia®
smartphones, combining a slim minimalistic appearance that includes Sony’s
signature aluminum power button. With an IP57 rating, it is dust-proof and
water-resistant down to three feet of fresh water for as long as thirty minutes.
SmartWatch 2 offers a number of stylish strap options, including stainless steel,
brown or black leather as well as five silicon colors. Even better, Sony has used a
standard 24mm standard pin strap mount, so you can personalize SmartWatch 2
with just about any strap you choose.
Long battery life, better readability in sunlight
Based on consumer feedback from its previous smartwatch, Sony has worked hard
to extend the battery life of SmartWatch 2 with a power-efficient processor.
Furthermore, its transflective screen produces better readability in bright sunlight
without the need for a backlight. The result is a device lasting (under normal usage
conditions) around three to four days between charges.
An open eco-system based on Android
SmartWatch 2 users can already access more than eighty fully optimized apps as
well as more than two hundred apps owing to SmartWatch 2’s backwards
compatibility with its predecessor. Sony has been working with third party
developers to support the ongoing rollout of applications optimized specifically for
SmartWatch 2. All compatible applications are easily discoverable via a simple
search function in Sony’s Smart Connect™ app, which comes preloaded on Sony
Xperia smartphones or can be downloaded from the Google Play store for other
Android smartphones.
Pricing and availability for Sony SmartWatch 2:
Sony SmartWatch 2 has a suggested retail price of $199.95 and will be available at
store.sony.com and select Sony stores. Other online retailers will also carry
SmartWatch 2. For additional availability and pricing, please check with each
retailer.
Key features for Sony SmartWatch 2:
Transflective display, readable in bright sunlight
Long battery life, 3-4 days normal usage
Water-resistant (IP57)
Extended compatibility (works with most smartphones Android 4.0 and
later)
Easy setup with NFC pairing
(for non-NFC smartphones, standard Bluetooth® pairing applies).
Easy discovery of applications
Standalone watch functionality, including alarm and timer
Standard micro USB charging
Intuitive User interface similar to Android
Bigger display with higher resolution (1.6 inch, 220 x 176 pixels)
High quality materials (aluminum body with black silicon wristband in kit)
Additional wristbands available in various colors and materials
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