Not long ago, the ability to hold a phone conversation on one’s wristwatch was mere fantasy relegated to spy dramas and science-fiction movies. Today, smartwatches have brought voice calling, global tracking, health monitoring, music libraries, and an array of futuristic features into the real world at an affordable price. The modern smartwatch is a wearable command center from which you can manage communication, navigate anywhere on earth, assess your heart rate, check the weather, and even track sleep patterns. Oh, and it also tells time. Here’s what to look for in a smartwatch to match your tastes and lifestyle.
If voice calling is the primary appeal of a smartphone, keep in mind that not all devices are up to the task. Only those with a built-in microphone and speaker can handle voice communications. Many must also be paired with a phone. More sophisticated models use an onboard SIM card to handle calls directly from your watch, as long as you are within range of a cellular or wireless connection.
While some smartwatches can function as standalone devices, others rely on a smartphone to work their magic. Platform compatibility is a critical decision. Don’t buy an iOS-dependent watch if you are on an Android phone, and vice versa. Some watches will work on either platform with the installation of a companion app.
Among the many high-tech traits of a smartwatch, health monitoring and GPS technology are perhaps the most useful, partly because they are related. Smartphones use a technology called photoplethysmography (PPG) to project colored light onto your skin, which the device then reads to calculate heart rate. Combine pulse detection with GPS and you have a wearable fitness center that can record steps taken or miles ran as well as help you set and track cardio goals. If you want to use a smartwatch for swim training, make sure it is fully submersible and not just water-resistant.
