Lover of Android? Up Your Game with the LG G Watch!

In the past few years I’ve seen many smartwatches come and go but few have convinced me of the necessity of such a device. Far too many of them offer a chunky design and poor battery life. Recently, Google announced a new generation of smartwatches which for the first time run on the search giant’s Android Wear operating system. The new OS offers an impressive alternative to its predecessors and foreshadows a revolution in the world of wearables. Devices like the LG G Watch support Android Wear and were displayed by Google. But does this latest LG device have what it takes to convince consumers like myself that wearables are worth buying?

 

The square-shaped G Watch is compatible with phones and tablets that run Android 4.3 or later versions of the OS. The watch sports a stylish design and features a dust and water resistant design which makes it possible for users to take the device along with them to a shower or while on a trek outdoors. The device sports a Gorilla Glass screen similar to that of many flagship handsets.

 

Since it supports Bluetooth 4.0, it’s also easy to connect it with your smartphone or other wearables. Once your mobile device is paired with the G Watch, users will be able to receive notifications or access features based on their mobile apps. The device also comes equipped with a voice recognition system which enables it to respond to commands.

 

 

The Design and Display

 

The new LG smartwatch offers a sleek yet subtle design that helps users focus on the contents of its 1.65” IPS LCD always-on display. At 2.2 ounces, the gadget is light enough to fit comfortably on your wrist. The screen sports a 280×280 resolution that displays notifications and other features in detail. However, note that watches like the Samsung Gear Live boasts a 1.63’’ AMOLED screen with 320×320 resolution, resulting in crisper images and colors. Unfortunately, both the G Watch and Gear Live sport displays which are difficult to decipher in direct sunlight. This is one flaw that I hope will be rectified since it affects a consumer’s ability to access functionality while using either watches.

 

The LCD screen, though somewhat inferior to that of the Gear Live, conserves battery life and comes equipped with several interesting features. For instance, the LG G Watch offers several faces which users can use to customise their smartwatch experience. Users can choose to enable an always-on glow so that the time will literally glow in the dark. They can also choose a face that shuts down during pre-set intervals.

 

Another interesting aspect of the design relates to the changeable straps. Though the watch comes in black titan and white gold, customers will be able to customise their watch by choosing any standard 22mm strap. The official G Watch website highlights the possibilities users have in terms of customizing their watch by changing the straps.

 

Battery Life and Performance

 

The smartwatch boasts a 400mAh battery which enables the gadget to run for at least a day without necessitating a recharge. When the G Watch is used on a minimal basis, it can last even longer while displaying notifications or running apps.

 

To revamp the battery, users will need to use a charging cradle. Once the watch is placed flat within the cradle, your battery will get the rejuvenation it needs. Though charging isn’t difficult, the sometimes awkward nature of the cradle could prove to be an annoying feature. Hopefully, smartwatches in the near future will offer longer-lasting batteries and a more convenient way to add juice to the device.

 

In addition to a 400mAh battery, the LG G watch also comes equipped with a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor tucked neatly under the screen. This powerful processor packs enough power to create a smooth user experience as one access notifications, voice recognition capabilities and other features of the device.

 

Software

 

The G Watch runs Android Wear, an OS which might prove revolutionary within the smartwatch industry. Due to its Google-based software, the watch supports voice recognition technology and acts as a dashboard for Google Now. The OS enables users to control the watch by swipes, taps and voice. Accessing phone features such as text messages, calls and so forth also becomes a simple task once users download the Android Wear companion app on their smartphone device.

 

The watch’s software is generally easy-to-use due to its simple card-based UI which keeps distractions at a minimal, enabling users to stay connected to both the physical and cyber-based world through simple glances at the 1.65” LCD screen. It’s a wonderful experience being able to determine the importance of a message without digging into your pocket or fumbling through a cluttered handbag for your smartphone.

 

The phone already sports a built-in pedometer and users can expect increased functionality in the near future as third party app support takes flight. Though a heart rate monitor is not present on this device as is the case with other wearables, Android Wear makes me feel even more confident that great things are in store for smartwatches like the G Watch.

 

Though the device has its own hiccups on occasion, I think the LG G Watch is one of the hallmarks of the wearable revolution. The gadget’s sleek design and minimalist approach differentiates it from previous smartwatches that were far too chunky in terms of design and functionality. It’s definitely smart and sleek enough to stand as a leader in the market. Consumers who are eager to sport a smartwatch on their wrist might just have found the right pick with this device. Other who aren’t yet convinced can wait it out for device like the Moto 360 which will launch later this summer.

 

 

Lover of Android? Up Your Game with the LG G Watch!