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Casio's first smartwatch is an even more rugged G-Shock
Phone makers and start-ups were the first to attempt the modern smartwatch. Then, even more tech companies as well as a trickle of high-end watch makers, testing the water to see if their clientele were in the market for a wrist piece with something more modern than literal clockwork. Now, at a time where cheaper fitness wearables and the Apple Watch seem to have cornered the market, it's Casio's turn. The company reinvented its own basic digital watches years ago when it introduced the G-Shock, and its taking a specialized approach with the WSD-F10: a smart outdoor watch that not only does all things Android Wear, but also has a "timepiece" (or dumbwatch) mode that'll last around a month on a single charge.
Jeb Bush has strong feelings about the Apple Watch
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush is open about being an Apple fanboy, but now we know that he's got the same love/hate relationship with the Apple Watch that many others have. In an interview with Business Insider, the politician reveals that the device is "not as intuitive as the other Apple products," adding that it "takes a lot more work." In addition, John-Ellis (for that is his name) threw shade at the wearable's battery life, saying that it "gives out too quick."
Best Buy knocks $100 off all its Apple Watches
Here are two pieces of information that you might think that it's worth using to draw a conclusion, or not, we won't judge. First up, Best Buy is offering a $100 discount on the Apple Watches that it sells, meaning that you can grab a base-model 38mm Sport for just $249. Second, rumors have emerged claiming that Apple will launch the second-generation of its wearable at an event in March. Now, if you wanted to imply that the retailer is clearing house in preparation for the inevitable refresh, well, that'd entirely be up to you.
TAG Heuer's Android smartwatch is (relatively) popular
TAG Heuer's $1,500 Connected smartwatch may have been a big gamble, but it's paying off... relatively speaking. LVMH watch chief Jean-Claude Biver tells Bloomberg that his company is upping production of the Android Wear timepiece to meet demand from retailers, and it's even freezing online sales until May or June for the sake of giving physical stores a better shot. However, the numbers aren't about to keep established smartwatch makers awake at night. Production is increasing from 1,200 per week to a not-so-whopping 2,000 -- for context, IDC estimates that Apple sold 3.9 million smartwatches in the third quarter, or about 43,000 per day. TAG's device is successful in the luxury world's terms, but numerous smartwatch brands will easily outsell it.
Omate Rise is a circular Android 3G smartwatch for just $200
Omate probably isn't the first brand that comes to mind when you think of smartwatches, but the truth is it was one of the first to launch a 3G-enabled smartwatch. It's been over two years since then but such devices have yet to fully take off, not to mention that LG has recently canned its latest LTE watch. But that's good news for Omate who is launching the Rise, a $200 fully circular smartwatch, via Indiegogo on December 7th. Much like its predecessor, the Rise runs on full Android 5.1 (customized with Omate's new OUI 4.0) instead of Android Wear, meaning you can side load any regular Android app -- including all the missing Google Play services -- onto it. But of course, you'll have to get used to poking around on that 1.3-inch, 360 x 360 round LCD. Additionally, the Rise also works as a notification watch with phones running on either iOS 9 or Android 4.4 and above.
This 'Super Mario Bros.' watch will cost you $18,950
How much of a Nintendo fan are you? Enough that you could spend as much as you would on a car, just to show the world where your allegiances lie? You'll want to talk to luxury watchmaker Romain Jerome, then. It just unveiled a limited edition Super Mario Bros. mechanical timepiece that marks the 30th anniversary of the plumber's adventures in style. And we do mean style: its 46mm case is made out of black titanium, and the three-layer dial is loaded with enamel-coated pixel figurines to remind you of Mario's early days. It's quite posh-looking, then, although the eye-watering $18,950 price will likely rule this out unless you're a high roller with some fond gaming memories. On the plus side, that ultra-rare Nintendo World Championship cartridge suddenly seems like a bargain.
Sony's crowdfunded e-paper watch is coming to Japanese stores
Sony's one-of-a-kind FES Watch is about to become more than a clever crowdfunded idea. The mostly e-paper timepiece is going on sale in Tokyo at Omotesando's MoMA Design Store on November 21st, when it will cost you a not-completely-unreasonable ¥29,700 ($241). It'll reach the city's Isetan boutique more than a week later, on December 1st. There's no mention of retail launches elsewhere in the world, but something tells us that you'll have to order it online (either through Sony's First Flight or the MoMA store) if you want any hope of strapping on this customizable wristwear outside of Japan.
Android Wear can do a whole lot more using your wrist
That big Android Wear update isn't just about allowing cellular data on smartwatches -- it's also really helpful if you don't have a hand free. Google has quietly revealed that Android Wear 1.4 has a ton of new wrist gestures beyond the usual flicks to navigate cards. You can take action on a card by pushing your arm down, for instance, or go back to your watch face by wriggling your wrist. You're probably going to look silly if you use nothing but wrist gestures, but this beats dropping a bag (or freezing your hands) just to touch your watch for a brief moment.
Watch TAG Heuer unveil its Android smartwatch at 11AM Eastern
After months upon months of hype, Intel and TAG Heuer are finally ready to show their Android Wear smartwatch to the world. The two are hosting a live stream at 11AM Eastern to spill the beans on the Carrera Wearable 01, billed as the first Google-powered luxury watch. We know a handful of details about the wristwear (such as its $1,800 price tag, Intel components and familiar design), but there are still a few things up in the air. Will it really get that vaunted 40-hour battery life? What kind of bands can you choose from? And will the software deliver anything beyond the usual Android Wear experience? We're on the ground at the event to get the full scoop first-hand, but you can tune in below if you just can't wait to get details.
Samsung app gives you a virtual Gear S2 try-on
You ideally get to try on a smartwatch before you buy it, but that's seldom easy -- you can't exactly rip a store's security device off and strap on the watch for a minute. Samsung thinks it can give you the next-closest thing, though. It recently released an experience app for Android that not only gives you a feel for the Gear S2's interface and apps, but includes an augmented reality view that shows what the circular smartwatch looks like on your wrist. You can even share a snapshot to get a second opinion. It's still not going to be the same as feeling steel on skin, but you'll at least know whether or not you're making a fashion faux pas.
Samsung's Gear S2 smartwatch with 3G will cost you $50 more
If you've been itchin' to get your hands on the cellular version of Samsung's Tizen smartwatch and its fancy rotating bezel, you'll soon be in luck. Both T-Mobile and Verizon announced pricing and availability for the Gear S2 with 3G today. On T-Mobile, you can add the wearable to your plan for $5/month while the watch itself will set you back $360 or $15 on a monthly payment plan. There isn't a pre-order option, but it'll hit the Big Magenta's stores and website on November 15th. Verizon will also require you to pay an extra $5 a month to add the Gear S2 to your account, but it's offering the gadget for $350 or $300 if you opt for a two-year contract. You're able to pre-order from Verizon, starting today, before it goes on sale November 6th. T-Mobile and Verizon will both carry dark grey and silver models, so you'll have two color options to choose from should you decide to splurge for one. AT&T is expected to announce availability for the Gear S2 as well, but hasn't revealed those details just yet.
Pebble Time smartwatch apps are getting voice dictation
If you're a Pebble Time owner and would like to respond to emails or texts without pulling out your phone, we've got good news. Starting today, Android users can employ the Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel to reply to those messages using their voice. The feature is scheduled to arrive on the Pebble Time Round on November 8th. What's more, the wearable company has teamed up with Nuance for the voice-driven tools and the duo is releasing a Dictation API for third-party developers to build apps for both iOS and Android. The functionality is limited to emails and text messages for now, but we'll be interested to see if more voice commands arrive in the future.
ICYMI: Latest grenade launcher, modular smart watch and more
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-332561{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-332561, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-332561{width:570px;display:block;} try{document.getElementById("fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-332561").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: The U.S. Army is more interested than ever in blowing things up with precision, and that's why it's beginning acceptance testing on a smart grenade launcher that can detonate explosives mid-air. The rest of us can get our geek on with the Kickstarter for Blocks modular watch, which has different modules for all kinds of things: Advanced fitness tracking, mobile payments or GPS. And a Kickstarter to house jellyfish in the fanciest way possible is up for a hefty $1,500.
Blocks wants your help funding its modular smartwatch
After a long, long development process, Blocks is getting relatively close to releasing its modular smartwatch -- and it wants your help making that final push. The startup has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund its customizable wristwear. Pledge $195 and you'll get the circular core watch, which gives Android devices and iPhones the fundamentals like activity tracking, phone alerts and voice control. However, things get really interesting when you drop $250 or more -- you'll get at least four modules that can add everything from advanced fitness tracking to GPS to mobile payments. The hope is that you'll get just the smartwatch you want, rather than settling for whatever other manufacturers feel like giving you.
ASUS' ZenWatch 2 launches in the Google Store
Want a brand new Android Wear smartwatch while sticking to a tight budget? It's your lucky day. The Google Store has started carrying ASUS' ZenWatch 2, which offers the latest Android experience while starting at a very frugal $149 US. You don't have the full selection of straps or case colors -- sorry, no Milanese band here. However, you can pick from either a moderately-sized 45mm silver body with an aqua blue rubber strap, or a large 49mm gunmetal case with a wristband in navy blue leather. Either wearable will give you improved weather resistance and as much as 66 hours of use between charges. The ZenWatch 2 isn't as posh-looking as the new Moto 360 or the 2nd Edition LG Watch Urbane, but you probably won't mind when you're going to save a wad of cash.
Apple Watch is coming to Target stores on October 18th
If you're shopping at Target, you'll soon be able to buy something other than picture frames and bedding. The Apple Watch arrives October 18th and be available in every store by October 25th. The retailer said it will stock 20 different models, with prices ranging from $349 for the 38mm Watch Sport, up to $599 for a stainless steel 42mm Watch model. Target is the second retail chain to get the Watch after Best Buy, and apart from Apple, only high-end department stores like Galeries Lafayette in Paris have carried it. The Target deal makes sense, however, since the chain already carries the iPhone, iPad and most other Apple products.
Samsung's Gear S2 smartwatch arrives in the US October 2nd
After a number of teases, Samsung finally revealed its Tizen-driven Gear S2 smartwatch earlier this month at IFA. If you've been champing at the bit to purchase one, you'll soon have the chance to do so. The wearable goes on sale this Friday, October 2nd in the US. When it does, you can expect to nab one from Amazon, Best Buy and Macy's in addition to Samsung's own online store. If you're in need of a refresher, there's two models to choose from, the Gear S2 and the Gear S2 Classic, which are priced at $300 and $350, respectively. The difference? The Classic sports a classier look in a smaller size with a black leather strap and a bit more detail around that rotating bezel. If you're willing to hold out for the 3G version, it's set to arrive "later this fall" on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
T-Mobile will start selling the Apple Watch September 25th
Well folks, it seems the rumblings were in fact correct. T-Mobile will begin selling the Apple Watch this Friday when it's also scheduled to hit shelves at Sprint. As you might expect, Big Magenta is offering some zero down and zero interest options (while supplies last, it seems) for two years to make Cupertino's wearable even more attractive. The payment plan only applies to the Sport models which are $349 (38mm) and $399 (42mm) if purchased at full price. When you do the math, that's $14.54 and $16.62 for 23 months with the final payment for each going up a few cents. If you'd prefer the pricier Apple Watch you'll have to shell out the entire $549 (38mm) or $599 (42mm) to take one home. Full details on the available models and band options reside at the source link below.
BuzzFeed's Apple Watch app is a needy virtual pet
When you install an Apple Watch companion app, you typically expect something that reflects the experience you get on your iPhone. News on your phone means news on your wrist, for instance. That's definitely not the case for BuzzFeed's app, though -- instead, you're treated to nothing less than a Tamagotchi-style virtual pet. Install it and you'll have to keep a gem-like critter happy by traveling, eating pizza, listening to music on its couch and otherwise hanging out. The experience will seem more than a little familiar if you had one of these digital pets as a kid (read: it may get annoying over time), but it's at least easier to deal with on a watch than it is hanging off your keychain. And let's face it, this is probably going to be more entertaining than scrolling through GIF-heavy list articles on a tiny screen.
Apple releases watchOS 2 to put apps directly on your wrist
It's arriving a few days later than originally anticipated, but the first big Apple Watch software upgrade is here. watchOS 2 lets third-party developers create apps that run directly on the device itself, without relying on a connected phone. That means the apps have access to sensors embedded within the Watch itself, and they should run faster and be easier to interact with. Some have compared this change to the introduction of the App Store on iOS in 2008, but we'll have to see what developers use it for first. Other changes include new customizable Watch faces with Photo, Photo Album and Time-Lapse, plus upgraded Apple Pay and Siri integration. It also has Activation Lock, so if someone steals your Watch they can't just reset it or easily access your data. One thing you'll still need your iPhone for is to actually get the update -- owners can check Software Update under the Watch app to start the download now.
