As smartphones and other mobile devices become more popular and people begin to integrate them heavily into their lives, many have speculated the future of mobile device will come in the form of wearable tech. Some have already begun pioneering this concept, like Google with their new smart glasses "The Google Glass." Samsung and Apple are rumored to be working on some wearable tech devices of their own as well. Meanwhile, Sony is already rolling out their second attempt at wearable tech.
According to Computer World, Sony announced the Android-based, splash-resistant SmartWatch 2 with NFC wireless. The announcement was made at the Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai. The new watch is a follow up to the company's 2007 launch of the original SmartWatch.
"Competitors are only now launching first-generation devices, while we are already launching a 3d generation devices with the insight gained from over half a million customers, combined with Sony's wealth of technology expertise to create the best ever smartphone experience," said Stefan Persson, Sony's head of companion products.
The SmartWatch 2 comes with a 1.6-in, 200 x 176 pixel color LCD display with touch and swipe capabilities. The battery life can go three to four days of typical use before needing a charge and the screen is reportedly easy to read in the bright sunlight. In terms of the operating system, it works with Android 4.0 and later.
The wrist device is equipped with NFC wireless. Bluetooth 3.0 allows users to link the SmartWatch 2 to their cell phone. When not connected, users can use it as a stand alone watch as well as a digital storage device of all previously received notifications or e-mails. When it is connected, however, the SmartWatch 2 can take calls, snap photos with a touch of the wrist. It can act as a second screen extension for an Android smartphone or control something like a presentation remotely or adjust music.
According to Sony, there are already 200 unique SmartWatch apps with 1 million downloads to date. There was no word as to when the SmartWatch 2 would be available to consumers in the U.S. although the device is expected to launch world wide sometime in September.
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