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How to buy a smartwatch in 2018
The smartwatch industry's identity crisis may be coming to an end. Familiar tech brands like Motorola, Microsoft and Pebble have retired from making wearables, while others like ASUS are rumored to be giving up on the category, leaving us with a shrinking selection of devices to choose from. But fitness and fashion brands have rushed to fill the vacuum, while more specialized watches are also on the rise. This means shoppers will need to prioritize some features over others. As it turns out, there's not yet a perfect solution.
Huawei's Watch 2 can last for weeks without its smarts
I'm a firm believer in the usefulness of smartwatches, but even I can't deny that the product category is struggling. Despite Apple joining the fray with its first Watch two years ago, wearables still haven't taken off with mainstream consumers. Google's latest update to its wrist-based OS just started trickling out to the public, and it brings new features that make smartwatches more functional. Even then, there are problems with these devices' battery life and design. It is in such a challenging time that we are introduced to Huawei's Watch 2. It's the company's new Android Wear 2.0 device, and it already faces competition from LG, ZTE, Fossil and Tag Heuer. Fortunately for Huawei, the Watch 2 stands out thanks to its impressively long-lasting battery, comfortable design and reasonable price.
Huawei Watch 2 arrives in the US for $300
Huawei Watch 2, the wearable we think Google should have used to launch Android Wear 2.0, is finally out in the US. Starting today, you can get the $300 standard variant with its mixed rubber strap in Carbon Black and Concrete Grey from the usual retailers, including Best Buy, Amazon, NewEgg and Walmart. There's a classic variant with a rubber-leather hybrid strap and a metallic casing in case you want something that looks more formal. However, that one's not yet available (it'll be out "soon," the company promises) and will set you back $370. If you do snap up one of the standard variants, you'll also get 10 free weeks of Google Play Music, which will come bundled with the device for a limited time.
Watch Huawei's P10 MWC event in under 15 minutes
Huawei took much longer than 15 minutes to reveal it new P10 phones and version 2.0 of its smartwatch at MWC 2017. Lucky for you, you don't have to relive every minute of the event in order to recap all the important news. We've edited down to the crucial bits, so you only have to dedicate a few minutes to catching up on any details you might have missed. Click here to catch up on the latest news from MWC 2017.
Huawei's fancy Porsche Design watch is rather ordinary
Huawei's Watch 2 is getting a limited edition version, courtesy of Porsche Design. While we've already strapped on the company's basic Android Wear device, the VIP version was behind glass in a corner of one of several Huawei booths here at MWC. (This company takes Mobile World Congress very seriously.) While there's no price, Huawei's last collaboration with Porsche Design on its Mate 9 smartphone resulted in a limited-run phone that cost four times the price of the muggle version. (The standard Huawei Watch 2 will hit retail for roughly $350, so multiply that a few times.) However much it does eventually cost, you'll get a thick leather strap with red stitching, as well as a specially engraved ceramic chronograph bezel. Other than that, it looks a lot like the original Watch 2, albeit made for Asia's gui zu (one-percenters). If Apple can do it, why not Huawei?
The Huawei Watch 2 is a strong showcase for Android Wear 2
Android Wear 2.0 recently made its debut on a pair of LG-made watches and, as expected, we're starting to see other companies show off devices of their own running the new operating system. At MWC this weekend, Huawei is unveiling its Watch 2, which combines the new Google OS with a sportier design. It will be available in the US in April, and in some European countries in March for €349 (about $350). After my brief time with the new timepiece, which is also available in a "Classic" design, I'm already impressed by how comfortably light and sturdy the two watches are.
