Remember SmartWatch from Sony? What about the famous Sony Ericsson MBW-100? Even then, in 2006, the company was actively experimenting with accessories for phones. Therefore, now the Japanese company can rightfully be called the most experienced developer of wearable devices. Has Sony managed to create something truly innovative now? We'll find out soon.

Story

Sony was one of the first on the market to experiment with wearable accessories, long before all the commotion over rumors of Apple developing its own smartwatch. The developers were not afraid to implement their ideas, and the results of their work reached store shelves.

The first try was the Sony Ericsson MBW-100, released back in 2006. The accessory was a very nice wrist watch with an analog dial and a small built-in screen for displaying notifications (calls/SMS) from the phone.

IN next year The Sony Ericsson MBW-150 model was released with a slightly modified design and slightly expanded functionality. The cost was too high and the popularity was low, but the company did not count on resounding success. There was an opportunity to create - they created.

And much later, already in 2011, at that time Sony introduced LiveView. There was a color display, it became possible to track statuses in social networks and so on. Everything is serious!

Sony LiveView on hand

Later, against the backdrop of periodically emerging information that Apple was preparing its watches in its kitchen, other manufacturers wanted to jump on the train that had moved. The first to furiously rush into the market were the guys from Samsung with their miracle Gear. The product was extremely raw, but they were the first. There was no other task.

The Japanese hastened to answer, which they called SmartWatch. And in 2013 they introduced the second generation of their “smart watches”. Both models had their own identity, a recognizable design, and most importantly, a platform of their own design, not without nuances, but relatively easy to use.

Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately (time will tell), the hero of today’s review is a device running on Android Wear. Sony decided to abandon their developments and join the industry. The price for this is simple - the functionality of all existing watch models on Google's OS is almost identical. The difference is mostly in design. The rest is more or less similar.

Well, let's see if the Japanese company managed to create a product with its own face or is it just another smartwatch.

Equipment

Like the SmartBand SWR30 fitness tracker, the hero of today's review comes in a beautiful, almost exhibition box made of transparent plastic. Inside, on a kind of pedestal, the gadget itself flaunts, and all other additions: cable Micro USB and waste paper are stored in the lower compartment.

A separate power supply is not included in the kit, so you have to be content with connecting to a computer USB port or a third-party charger.

Appearance and ease of use

The appearance of the watch is very simple. There are no decorations or special design refinements typical of classic watches.

On the hand, the SWR50 looks like some kind of screen on a cheap bracelet, and it’s difficult to understand whether it’s an expensive thing or a cheap craft from China.

Why the engineers decided to abandon the branding of the accessory is unknown. For many, the Sony logo stands for quality and certain style and here it would only play into the hands of sales.

The base is a core that can be removed from the strap with a screen on the front side and a metal cover on the back. The watch unit boasts moisture protection according to the IP68 standard (half an hour under water at a depth of up to one and a half meters). The question is, what would it be like without this?

The strap is made of silicone-based material that is pleasant to the touch. However, there is also negative point, or rather two.

Firstly, the skin under the watch sweats and does not ventilate in any way.

This applies, first of all, to the classic version with a black bracelet. The model for athletes (bright light green color) has a wide cutout along the axis of the bracelet, thanks to which this problem is partially solved.

Regarding the metal version of the bracelet, which was presented at the last consumer electronics exhibition CES 2015, it is difficult to say anything without trying it in use.

Secondly, the soft silicone base collects all the surrounding dirt and dust, as a result of which the gadget does not look very aesthetically pleasing. I would like more practicality.

In addition, the corners of the strap are slightly rubbed, which also does not have the best effect on the appearance.

A heavy metal latch is attached to the back of the bracelet. The design is reliable and, overall, very comfortable. The length of the accessory is easily adjusted.

You can control your watch through the touch display and one single physical button with right side. The movement of the latter is completely indistinguishable, no clicks are felt. In addition, the key dangles in all directions.

Above the screen there is a microphone, and below it is a backlight sensor that adjusts the brightness of the display depending on the ambient light. The sensor works correctly for the most part, and automatic backlight adjustment can be disabled in the menu.

There is a small frame around the display, which protrudes quite a bit above the front surface. Its edges are a little sharp, and therefore not very pleasant to the touch.

The Micro USB connector is located on the back side and is covered with a plug that protects it from moisture. The design of the port is not very convenient, but this is not essential. The main thing is reliability and charging speed, and there are no problems with this.

The thickness of the gadget is usual for this type of device - about 10 mm. Yes, the accessory sticks out quite noticeably on the wrist, but this is a price to pay for relatively good battery life and functionality. So far this is the only way.

When wearing it every day, no discomfort was noticed.

The weight of 75 grams is felt on the hand, but this does not affect the comfort in any way. The only caveat is that there are inconveniences with clothes that have narrow cuffs on the sleeves. However, this is typical not only for digital accessories, but also for the most common ones, analog clock.

Display

There is a 1.6-inch TFT display with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels. The picture is not exactly smooth, individual pixels can still be seen, but this is not critical. The device is needed to quickly view notifications, weather, and so on, and not to constantly peer at it.

Considering that there is a non-IPS panel installed here, viewing angles and color richness are at an average level. I recommend paying attention to this point before purchasing.

When you rotate the gadget, the picture fades a little. For this class of devices, this is not a fundamental point, but for a thing worth 9,000 rubles, I would like more.

Technical characteristics of Sony SmartWatch 3 SWR50:

• 1.2 GHz processor (quad-core, ARM Cortex A7)
• 512 MB RAM
• 4 GB eMMC built-in storage (2.6 GB actually available)
• display 1.6’’, 320 x 320 pixels
• wireless interfaces Bluetooth 4.0, GPS
• sensors: light sensor, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope
• battery 420 mAh
• dimensions: 36 x 10 x 51 mm,
• weight 75 g with strap (39 g without)

Compatibility

SmartWatch 3 can only be used with devices running Android 4.3 or higher. Communication is via NFC or Bluetooth 4.0. The latest protocol supports only two profiles:

• Advanced Audio Distribution Profile 1.2
• Audio/Video Remote Control Profile 1.3

For correct operation, you must install the proprietary Android app Wear, which traditionally will not launch immediately. First you need to update some Google services and only then start setting up your equipment. It’s not very thoughtful, but this is already the cost of the entire platform.

Functionality

We have already described in detail the functionality of the Android Wear system earlier. Today the system has already been updated several times and has become more convenient to use. Some things have changed in better side, but some don’t.

In any case, using SmartWatch 3 you can:

• track complete physical activity together with the Lifelog application
• search for something on the Internet using Google Now
• view the weather, incoming messages (only part for emails), exchange rates, train schedules, etc.
• manage navigation
• control music playback from your phone
• listen to music via a Bluetooth headset without using a smartphone
• create notes and calendar reminders by voice
• set a timer, alarm clock, start a stopwatch
• remotely control photography.

The main purpose of such a device is to notify its owner about everything that happens on his phone, and in the world around him. Google has provided many scenarios for using alerts, and the screenshots below show how it all looks in reality.

Of course, a lot depends on the Internet giant’s own services. Only using the “right” applications can reveal 100% of the functionality of the watch. However, if the developer of, for example, your favorite calendar did not care about how the notifications from its utility would look on your watch, most likely the result will be poor. You need to be prepared for this.

Now let's look at the remaining possibilities in more detail.

How to add music to SmartWatch 3

The special feature of SWR50 is that it does not need to be installed Play app Music from Google to add tracks to your watch. All management, synchronization and music settings go through your own Walkman player, which is much more convenient than the Google utility. Thank you Sony!

When the device is connected to a smartphone, an additional playlist appears in the music player settings: “Music on a wearable device.” In this tab you can manage downloaded music: add/delete each song individually, etc.

After copying songs to the watch’s memory, you need to connect a Bluetooth headset to it and you can start relaxing with your favorite songs. The downside of this approach is that there is not much available memory in the watch: about 2.6 GB out of the declared 4. And the playback settings in the gadget are too few.

In progress

In most cases, the watch will offer to continue viewing on the smartphone, but you can also spy something on the screen of a portable gadget. So, with the voice request “Who is Michael Jackson,” the gadget first provided a brief biographical information, and only then moved on to a list of links found in the search engine. They, of course, need to be viewed on the head unit.

Any other functionality is, of course, very limited. For example, when moving around the city using GPS, you can only follow simple directions from the navigator on the watch screen, and full-fledged work with the route takes place on the phone.

It's nice that you can now customize the font size. Symbols standard size very small, so you can increase them from the settings menu.

Now at Google Play you can find, if not dozens, then hundreds, and maybe even thousands of different watch faces created by third-party developers. There are paid ones, but there are also plenty of free shells.

Moreover, applications have appeared that provide almost complete freedom to customize the main screen of smart watches. You can replace the background, add additional status icons, add something similar to widgets, etc. My head is spinning, but that's good.

Autonomous operation

It is stated that the device will be able to work on a single charge for up to 2 days in “normal” use mode and up to 4 days in standby mode.

In reality everything is the same. With very active use (activity tracking, constant notifications, navigation through a gadget, etc.), the device will work for one and a half to two days. If you use them less actively, you can last up to 4 days. In general, not bad.

Using a third-party power supply (5V, 2A), the gadget charges significantly faster - in more than 30 minutes the battery reaches 100%. From a PC, the device is fully charged in just over an hour.

Bottom line

There are mainly two watch models on the market: black and light green for athletes. Price for Sony Smartwatch 3 stopped at the level of 8,990 rubles. For an additional fee, you can purchase replacement straps in white or soft pink to choose from.

[Updated]

Approximately from February 20, a model with a metal strap will go on sale. The gadget looks much more solid, but it also costs accordingly: 15,490 rubles.

The SWR50 can do exactly the same as other smartwatches from competing companies. Differences in software either small or completely absent. As for the internals, none of the competitors have their own GPS receiver on board, but the solution from Sony can boast of this. Otherwise everything is more or less the same.

Any such accessory can stand out for the most part only in design and ease of use, but our gadget has nothing special to brag about here.

On the other hand, there are no special competitors. LG G Watch is perhaps the only contender in this price category. The remaining devices: LG G Watch R, Moto 360, Samsung Gear 2 cost an order of magnitude more, so they are not worth taking into account.

Should I buy Sony SmartWatch 3?

The situation has not changed much since last summer. There are still not many real competitors, and the devices themselves were created, for the most part, for no clear purpose. There is no real urgent need to buy a smartwatch. Only if you really want to or have an idea to give a gift to a person who is passionate about technology.

The gadget will also appeal to geeks or software developers. This is still an uncultivated field for development and experimentation.

Another model on Android Wear - with GPS and an unusual screen

A little over a year ago we told you about watches Sony Smartwatch 2. Back then it was one of the most interesting and stylish models of this kind, and Sony looked like one of the leaders in the emerging smartwatch market. But in the first half of 2014, Samsung released several very worthy models at once, and then the first watches on Android Wear came out, and Sony was not among the pioneers. It seems that all these actions of competitors came as a surprise to Sony. Or the Japanese manufacturer deliberately decided to take its time and wait, losing the initiative but reducing the risks. One way or another, the third SmartWatch model was announced only in September, at IFA 2014, and went on sale only at the end of 2014, and, on top of that, it turned out to be on Android Wear (unlike SmartWatch 2).

Abandoning our own software development for smartwatches is a rather strange step, especially since the SmartWatch 2 software was quite good, and a pool of third-party developers had already formed around this model. However, Sony decided to rely on Android Wear.

Thus, SmartWatch 3 is, in fact, a completely new device, and not a continuation of SmartWatch 2. There is practically nothing connecting these two models, except for the name of the manufacturer. The question arises: how can SmartWatch 3 stand out from a number of competing products (of which there are already quite a few by now)?

The main feature of SmartWatch 3 is the built-in GPS module, which is missing from other smartwatches on Android Wear. In addition, at CES 2015 a modification of SmartWatch 3 with fully metal body and straps. Competitors don’t have anything like this yet, nor do they have bright color options (they are available in a silicone version).

All this makes us consider the Sony SmartWatch 3 with special attention, even despite the delay in release. Let's see how successful the device turned out!

Video review

To get started, we suggest watching our video review of the Sony SmartWatch 3:

Now let's take a look at the specifications of the new product.

Technical specifications Sony SmartWatch 3 SWR50

• SoC Broadcom BCM23550*, 4 cores** @1.2 GHz
• Touch display 1.6″, 320×320 (283 ppi)
• Random access memory (RAM) 512 MB, internal memory 4 GB
• Bluetooth 4.0LE
• Microphone
• Gyroscope, accelerometer, GPS
• Lithium polymer battery 420 mAh
• Android Wear operating system
• Compatible with devices under Android control 4.3 and later
• Compliant with IP68 protection standard
• Removable silicone strap (clasp width 23 mm)
• Dimensions (main unit) 58 × 38 × 9 mm
• Weight 38 g (main unit), 73 g (with strap)

* Sony does not officially announce the SoC manufacturer, but has identified this particular model
** Read more about the number of cores on Android Wear watches

Let's compare the key characteristics of the new product with Android Wear devices already on the market.

	Sony Smartwatch 3	Asus ZenWatch	LG G Watch R	Motorola Moto 360
Screen	touch, color, 1.6″, 320×320 (283 ppi)	touch, color, AMOLED, 1.63″, 320×320 (278 ppi)	round, touch, color, P-OLED, 1.3″, 320×320 (348 ppi)	round, touch, color, IPS, 1.56″, 320×290 (277 ppi)
Protection	yes (IP68)	yes (IP55)	yes (IP67)	yes (IP67)
Strap	removable, silicone (there will be an option with a metal strap)	removable, leather	removable, leather	removable, leather
SoC (CPU)	Broadcom BCM23550, 4 cores @1.2 GHz		Qualcomm Snapdragon 400, 4 cores @1.2 GHz	TI OMAP 3 (no details provided)
Internet	no (only via smartphone)	no (only via smartphone)	no (only via smartphone)	no (only via smartphone)
Camera	No	No	No	No
Microphone, speaker	microphone only	microphone only	microphone only	microphone only
Compatibility		devices running Android 4.3 and higher	devices running Android 4.3 and higher	devices running Android 4.3 and higher
operating system	Android Wear	Android Wear	Android Wear	Android Wear
Battery capacity (mAh)	—	—	410	320
Dimensions (mm)	58×38×9	51×40×7.9*	45×55×11.1*	∅46 ×11.5*
Weight (g)	73 (with strap)	71 (with strap)	61 (with strap)	59 (with strap)
Average price		N/A
Sony SmartWatch 3 offers

*according to manufacturer information

As you can see, Sony SmartWatch 3 has the highest degree of protection, but unlike its competitors, the strap is silicone. Let us remind you that there will also be a modification with a metal strap, but its price will be significantly higher, since the case will also be made of metal. Unfortunately, you cannot simply buy a Sony SmartWatch 3 in a plastic case and then buy a metal strap (at least, there is no information about this possibility). But - we will talk about this in more detail in connection with design. In the meantime, we can say that in other respects the Sony SmartWatch 3 performs approximately on par with its competitors (although we should not forget about the presence of GPS, which is not listed in the table).

Equipment

Like all of Sony's latest wearables, the watch comes in a tall, narrow box with a white bottom and a clear plastic lid.

Watch strap secured around plastic holder and practically do not come into contact with the box (only the clasp). Apparently, such fastening should ensure the safety of the device even if the box is damaged. Although it is not entirely clear what will happen if the watch falls off the holder (although this is very unlikely).

The equipment is minimal: under the plastic “bottom” there are several black and white leaflets, as well as a very short Micro-USB cable (to be honest, this is a very strange solution: it is almost impossible to use due to such a short length).

Design

The design of Sony SmartWatch 3 causes mixed impressions. Unlike ASUS, Sony did not try to compete with classic wrist accessories. SmartWatch 3 looks without pretensions to high style: the silicone strap is as simple and featureless as possible, the watch case is just a black square with a single power button on the right (it is pressed very tightly). Such a watch can be worn with a business suit or with a sports outfit, but in both cases it is unlikely that anyone will pay attention to it.

The watch case is inserted into a strap that seems to wrap around it on the sides. Same as with the bracelet Sony SmartBand SWR10, the manufacturer calls the main unit the word core. The Core is removed from the strap quite simply, but this does not have any practical meaning for the user. All the same, it is impossible to change the branded strap to any other standard one (22 mm).

The back surface of the core, adjacent to the hand when the watch is worn, is made of metal. On it, under the plug, there is a Micro-USB connector for recharging the device and connecting it to a computer (which can be useful for developers, but is useless for ordinary users).

Of course, connecting the cable to this connector is not very convenient, especially if you do not remove the core from the strap. But the absence of any charging cradle or additional devices for recharging is a big plus. The design can also be praised for its water resistance, and the degree of protection here is higher than that of most competitors, so the watch will survive not only splashes of rain, but also short-term immersions in water.

The strap itself did not leave us with the best impressions: not only is it not particularly beautiful, but the hand under it sweats, and the metal clasp is very uncomfortable.

In order to fasten the watch on your wrist, you need to forcefully press the clasp on top, but still there will not be a tight fixation, and the end of the strap that is on top will dangle a little.

The overall impression of the design is strange. It seems like it is undoubted advantages, such as, for example, good water resistance and the presence of a Micro-USB connector directly on the watch, but in general this is not what we expect from Sony, known for its style and design finds. The SmartWatch 2 model was much more attractive and sophisticated. In addition, it had such signature Sony style elements as a round metal button and straight edges of the body (with minimally rounded corners). And the Sony inscription above the screen did not allow us to forget which company’s product was in front of us. There is nothing like this in SmartWatch 3, and even the Sony inscription is hidden on the back of the device, adjacent to the hand. Therefore, if you don’t know that this watch was produced by Sony, then you will never “suspect” the Japanese company of the authorship of this product.

Screen

The watch is equipped with a 1.6-inch square color touch screen with a resolution of 320×320, but the manufacturer does not say what technology the matrix is ​​made of. The reason for this, apparently, lies in the fact that the screen of the Sony SmartWatch 3 is not quite ordinary, and there is no established abbreviation for its designation. The editor of the “Projectors and TV” section, Alexey Kudryavtsev, will reveal the details.

The front surface of the screen is made in the form of a glass plate with a mirror-smooth surface that is scratch-resistant. Judging by the reflection of objects, the anti-glare properties of the screen are good, approximately the same as those of a screen Google Nexus 7 (2013)(hereinafter simply Nexus 7). For clarity, here is a photo in which a white surface is reflected in the screens, the Nexus 7 screen is turned off, the backlight of the Sony SmartWatch 3 screen closer to the center is turned off, and on the right is a photo of a watch with the backlight on:

The off screen of the Sony SmartWatch 3 is the same dark (brightness according to photographs is 82), when turned on it is a little brighter - brightness 84. However, the time is visible on both, and in these conditions, when it is turned on, the visibility of information is slightly higher. The doubling of reflected objects in the watch screen is very weak, this indicates that there is no air gap between the layers of the screen (more specifically, between the outer glass and the surface of the LCD matrix) (OGS - One Glass Solution type screen). Due to the smaller number of boundaries (glass-air type) with very different refractive indices, such screens look better in conditions of strong external illumination, but their repair in the case of cracked external glass is much more expensive, since the entire screen has to be replaced. The outer surface of the screen has a special oleophobic (grease-repellent) coating (effective, much better than Google Nexus 7 2013), so fingerprints are removed much easier and appear at a lower speed than with regular glass.

With manual brightness control, the maximum brightness value was about 450 cd/m², the minimum was 100 cd/m². The maximum brightness is high, and, given the excellent anti-glare properties, on a sunny day outdoors everything will be clearly visible on the screen, even without taking into account transreflective properties. For complete darkness, the minimum brightness is too high. There is also a mode with automatic brightness adjustment based on the light sensor. In automatic mode, as external lighting conditions change, the screen brightness both increases and decreases. In complete darkness, the auto-brightness function reduces the brightness to 90 cd/m² (too much), in an office illuminated by artificial light (approximately 400 lux) it is set to the same 90 cd/m² (normal), in a very bright environment (corresponding to lighting on a clear day outdoors , but without direct sunlight - 20,000 lux or a little more) increases almost to the maximum - up to 430 cd/m2 (which is what is needed). As a result, the auto-adjustment function, taking into account the lower brightness limit, works adequately. There is no visible flicker.

Microphotographs demonstrate the duality of the screen. The backlight is turned off and a bright light source is pointed at the watch screen:

Same conditions, but the clock screen backlight is on:

For comparison, you can see microphoto gallery screens used in mobile technology.

The LCD matrix is ​​hybrid, it has cells that work for reflection (luminous pixels with a mosaic structure in the first photo) and for transmission (colored subpixels in the second photo, apparently of the ASV type). As a result, in the presence of external lighting, the image on the screen of this watch will be visible even when the screen backlight is turned off. With the backlight turned on, viewing angles are average, since even with a not very large deviation, some shades are inverted and colors change greatly. When the backlight is turned off, the situation worsens somewhat, since the visibility of the image is also determined by the orientation of the screen relative to the external light sources, but no energy is wasted on the backlight.

The white field spectrum is typical for LCD:

This spectrum, with a relatively narrow peak in blue and wide humps in green and red, is typical for devices that use white LED backlight with a blue emitter and yellow phosphor. The color temperature of the white field is 5700 K, and the deviation from the black body spectrum (ΔE) is 17 units. Even for a consumer device, the balance is not very good - ΔE is too high. By visual assessment, the contrast is quite high and the uniformity of the white field is good. In general, the main advantage of the screen can be considered the ability to display information without turning on the backlight, while in conditions of bright external lighting, image legibility is maintained both with the backlight off and on, the second is due to the high brightness and excellent anti-glare properties. Also to positive features This includes a very effective oleophobic coating and no flicker. Significant disadvantages include not very good viewing angles.

The screen is certainly interesting. However, the purely visual impressions of its use are greatly spoiled by color distortion at the slightest deviation (in any direction). For example, white turns yellow, and black instantly loses contrast. It’s as if we’re looking at TN, and not the best one at that. Is it worth the extended duration? battery life(this should be the main advantage of this type of screen)? Big question.

Software and functionality

Like other Android Wear devices, the Sony SmartWatch 3 is compatible with smartphones and tablets running on Android based 4.3 or later. We used smartphones for tests Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, And Fly Tornado Slim. We didn't have any problems connecting the watch to them. However, when turned on for the first time, the watch could not update for a very long time - the process was constantly interrupted, and the case became very hot. We still didn't understand what the problem was. We suspected that something was wrong with the firmware, but later, when using the watch and reconnecting it to other devices, everything went smoothly for us.

In previous articles about Android Wear devices, we talked in detail about the capabilities of the operating system, pre-installed applications, and problems that arise. Therefore, in this article we will not repeat all this, but will focus on software and functional features namely Sony SmartWatch 3.

The Android Wear smartphone app has a familiar look, as does the OS itself on the watch. The choice of watch faces is quite modest: in addition to the standard Android Wear watch faces, there are only four new options: Analog, Digital (this watch face appears in all advertising photos), Planetary and Sport. However, we cannot call them particularly beautiful or offering any interesting functionality.

However, thanks to the ability of the screen to work in a mode without internal backlight, the dials have an economical monochrome mode. What this is can be understood from the screenshots below.

Unlike ASUS, Sony did not bother to develop any proprietary applications or utilities - not for a smartphone (to, say, carry out additional settings hours), nor for the hours themselves. Therefore, initially, the Start menu in SmartWatch 3 only includes Google Fit. But Google Fit cannot yet work with GPS in watches without a smartphone. But RunKeeper and “My Tracks” can. And this is perhaps the only significant competitive advantage of the watch.

If we go to “Settings”, we will see there the item “Geopositioning: ON”. It simply wasn’t there on other watches. Apparently, it was developed by Google specifically with watches with built-in GPS in mind. You can check how this works using the My Tracks and RunKeeper applications. First, let’s launch “My Tracks”. We press the only red button we see and hit the road.

Then we can connect the watch to a smartphone, open “My Tracks” on the smartphone and see our movements. For comparison, if we take another watch, disconnect it from the smartphone, launch the “My Tracks” application on the watch and try to press the record button on it, then nothing will happen, we simply won’t be able to press the button.

RunKeeper works in a similar way. The main advantage of this application is that now, when going for a run with Sony SmartWatch 3, you don’t need to take your smartphone with you. That is, the application can record data about your movements while jogging in a completely autonomous mode.

Again, for comparison, let's run the same application on another watch, without GPS. If you disconnect them from the smartphone, then all the values ​​​​there will be zeros (time / miles / minutes per mile). The stopwatch simply won't start. The situation is different with Sony SmartWatch 3.

We emphasize that to use RunKeeper and “My Tracks” you need to install them on your smartphone, after which they (possibly with some delay or after a reboot) will automatically appear on the watch. Alas, Sony did not bother to include them in the default set of applications, so many users simply will not guess about this important feature watches, like the presence of built-in GPS, since pre-installed applications(including Google Fit) cannot use it.

Autonomous operation

Among watches on Android Wear, the Sony SmartWatch 3 model showed one of best results by battery life. Without using GPS (but without turning it off in the settings), the watch will last about two days on a single charge. This is probably due to the energy-saving properties of the screen.

Running a GPS module will obviously reduce this time, but it all depends on how long you'll be using the GPS-enabled app - probably a whole day?

Overall, we were very pleased with the battery life of the Sony SmartWatch 3. This is one of the strengths of the device.

Conclusions

Before summing up the testing of Sony SmartWatch 3, let's take a look at the Android Wear watch market as a whole. At the moment, absolutely all models on this OS have passed through the website’s test laboratory, and no new ones have been announced yet. Obviously, the situation will change in a month, at the Mobile World Congress 2015, but for now we can draw some preliminary results and make some generalizations.

Firstly, it is obvious that Google is willing to give much less freedom to manufacturers of Android Wear devices than it gives to manufacturers of Android devices. In all tested models, the operating system looks the same and differs only in the set of dials and additional applications.

Secondly, the hardware features of Android Wear models are apparently also strictly regulated: in all cases we see the same performance, the same amount of RAM and storage, an almost identical set of sensors (except that some models have a heart rate monitor, while some Sony - GPS).

Taken together, all this makes the functionality of the watch almost identical, which, moreover, is firmly tied to Google Now. That is, the watch becomes only a terminal for communication with a smartphone, which, in turn, is connected to Google servers. Here it is, the cloud model in action!

Well, another conclusion follows from this: the main differences between the models are in the design, screen properties, as well as battery life (which directly follows from the first two points, since the design determines the battery capacity, and the screen properties affect the efficiency of its consumption). As an addition, you can evaluate branded dials developed by the watch manufacturer, as well as additional software and utilities.

Evaluating Sony watches on these points, we note that this is a strange and controversial product. SmartWatch 3 undoubtedly has a number of advantages: these include long battery life, the presence of a Micro-USB connector directly on the case, and a high degree of protection of the case from moisture. But on the other side of the scale is the low attractiveness of the appearance, the strap that is uncomfortable and cannot be replaced with third-party alternatives, and the screen with unpleasant color distortions. Considering that a watch is, after all, first and foremost an accessory, an element of style, we have to admit that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

Also surprising is the absence of any additional applications and the small number of Sony branded watch faces (and not particularly beautiful ones). Here SmartWatch 3 definitely loses to Asus ZenWatch, Moto 360 and LG G Watch R. But Sony has one ace up its sleeve - the presence of a built-in GPS module. Since competitors do not have it, we can call this a unique feature of SmartWatch 3. However, the question arises: is it really needed? Considering that not all applications (even those developed by Google) can use it, the answer is probably negative. Still, if a user needs a fitness device that does not require constant connection to a smartphone, then he will most likely choose some kind of bracelet. Watches on Android Wear are used primarily for working with notifications and using Google Now, but here the built-in GPS doesn’t make much difference.

If Sony actively encourages developers to create applications that can use the GPS in the watch, then perhaps this will be a significant advantage of the SmartWatch 3 in the future. Additionally, we are looking forward to the appearance of the metal version announced at CES 2015. In the photos it looks like very attractive. But at the moment, Sony SmartWatch 3 seems to us to be far from the most successful model among smart watches on Android Wear.

In 2014, many worthy smartwatches were released - LG G Watch R , Moto 360 , Cookoo Watch. Sony does not want to be left behind and releases a smartwatch into the arena that makes other manufacturers of wearable devices nervous - Sony SmartWatch 3.

General information

Smartwatch Sony SmartWatch 3 – interesting specimen, which stands out among competitors with its pleasant price, laconic design and an impressive number of features. Let's take a closer look at these watches and figure out what they are.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Sony

CPU

Battery

• Capacity, mAh: 420
• Opening hours: no data

Physical parameters

• Weight, g: 45 g
• Detachable strap: yes
• Dimensions: 36x51x10 mm

Additionally

• Protection from water, shock: yes
• Music player control: yes
• NFC: yes
• Price, $: from 250

Appearance

The design of the Sony SmartWatch 3 is really good and makes this model stand out among its predecessors Sony Smartwatch And Sony Smartwatch 2. The harmonious and simple appearance of a smart watch does not distract from the very idea and functions of the device; in addition, such an exterior will suit any style of clothing and will not make its owner look ridiculous.

The activation button is metal, and there are simply no unnecessary elements. The strap has a rather interesting clasp that locks tightly and allows you to adjust the length, which allows you to comfortably wear the watch on any wrist.

Screen

The display of the Sony smart watch has a diagonal of 1.6 inches and is made using TFT technology. Only equipped with a larger screen Asus ZenWatch And Samsung Gear S. Viewing angles are good, and the pixel density per inch is sufficient for comfortable use. Brightness and saturation are also at the same level.

Functions

Smartwatch Sony SmartWatch 3 runs on the operating system Android Wear, which already indicates a wide range of applications and a sufficient number of functions. Of course, such watches, unlike the same Apple Watch , cannot be synchronized with an iOS smartphone, but with an Android device they work with a bang. Pairing is carried out via Bluetooth 4.0 or NFC.

To synchronize, you need to do the following:

1. Enable Sony SmartWatch 3;
2. Go to Android Wear on your smartphone;
3. Find the item “Connect a new device” and select it;
4. Enter the verification code on your smartphone and watch;
5. All that remains is to follow the prompts that will be displayed on the device displays.

You can find a lot in watches useful functions– GPS sensor, installation of training applications, pedometer.

Video

Results

Sony SmartWatch 3 is a convenient and attractive smartwatch that will be useful for both athletes and ordinary users. Convenient clasp nice design, good battery life with active use - all this makes us evaluate Sony smartwatches positively. A little upsetting no heart rate monitor, but if this point is not critical for you, you can safely choose the Sony SmartWatch 3. If in doubt, you can read