What’s Ahead in the Smart Phone/SmartWatch War

New LG G Watch

Ok so before we even begin, let’s say it flat out – smart watches will NOT replace wristwatches. Not now, not ever. Wristwatches are works of art, innovation, and hand craftsmanship. They are signature statements of who you are, what you love, how far you’ve come in life. They are centuries old and destined — for centuries more — to be instrumental in life, style, fashion and passions.

However, that said, there are smart watches out there that are reaching a new generation of device-happy tech-savvy information must haves. A friend of mine – also a watch lover – sometimes wears his smart watch. I hate it – it’s too much gadget, too much gizmo, too much info (besides, when he and I are talking with a luxury watch brand, I don’t want to see that on his wrist). But then, I’m not as techy as he is. He loves it. He says it tells him important info he wants to know, such as when he has mail (his phone does that, too), what the weather is (you can look outside or at your phone or tablet for that), and other can’t-live-without information. In my opinion, he’s too tied in…. but then, that’s what he likes.

Sonostar smartwatch

Millions of others around the world are just like him. The world of smartphones has truly impacted the world of wristwatches with the younger generation, who has time at their fingertips with their phones. Now, though, as smartphones progress to smart watches – these gadget-friendly brands are trying to put wristwatches back on the younger generation. BRAVO.

Brands such as Apple, Sony, Samsung, Pebble, and others are all building smart watches that are destined to bring more info to the wrist. This summer, Google releases its first watches that run with a version of its Android software and is designed for what it calls “wearable screens” to provide wearers with traffic alerts, weather forecasts, etc. without the wearer having to search for it. The new Google smartwatch device, expected to sell for about $350, is created by Korean manufacturer LG. Yes, Korean –the Swiss just aren’t embracing the Smartwatch technology concept yet (shades of quartz?). Called the G Watch, the square screen on the Google watch measures about two inches in both directions and is billed as water resistant. (Let’s not forget that Google glasses are also all about offering “wearable” information.)

Sony smartwatch

Similarly, Motorola has plans to release its round Moto 360 device later this summer, and others are destined to arrive from other brands by year-end. The latest edition from Samsung – its fifth model in wearable technology is slated to join the Galaxy Gear line   this summer and is being developed as a stand-alone device – meaning it won’t act in tandem with the Smartphone, but as a Smartphone (Yes, it will  be able to make calls, receive calls and texts via its own SIM card). Even fashion watchmaker Fossil has plans to enter this arena. The concept is all about wearable information and technology via wrists and glasses. I may have to alter my outlook. A new age is coming…. who’s up for it?