As part of the Verizon Insider team (#VZWBuzz) I get a few goodies from time to time. Recently they sent me a Sony SmartWatch. This is an accessory sold at Verizon Wireless stores (online and in person). You use this along with an android smartphone. It allows you to view updates such text messages, Facebook, Twitter, missed calls, etc. on the watch rather than having to dig out your phone all the time. Hubby quickly snapped up this item – he has a thing for watches anyway.
The set up process is not overly complicated, but there are many steps involved. The biggest skills you need are the ability to use Bluetooth and download and install apps (or learn to do those two things). The syncing part is the most complicated and we had to do this step multiple times during the initial setup. Be patient and follow the instructions.
The watch comes with a silicone band, which is fine, but it also comes with an adapter plate so that you can purchase your own 20mm watch bands to use with it – which Hubby did. Hubby did not like that his wrist sweat under the silicone band.
Hubby has been using this for a few weeks now. The biggest drawback has been that he has had to re-sync the watch and his phone several times. He feels that the app that you use on your android phone is actually to blame for this. After he had this happen a few times he quickly figured out how to resolve the issue and re-sync easily. This glitch will depend on your phone – not all people experience this issue. That really is his only negative so far in using this gadget.
Hubby’s favorite feature is the ability to control music play from his phone with the Sony SmartWatch. He listens to the music on his phone in his car and before had to pick up the phone, scroll to player, click, scroll, etc. Now he just taps on the watch and quickly gets to music app and can control the music on his phone without being nearly as distracted as the old way.
At work, Hubby keeps his smartphone on his workbench (his an auto tech) and the rest of the time it is in his pocket. Before he found himself having to go over to this workbench or take the phone out of his pocket multiple times a day to check to see why it is buzzing, beeping, chirping, etc. at him. Now wearing the Sony SmartWatch it vibrates on his wrist (no sound options) and he can quickly look at his wrist and see what’s happening with just a tap or two. It saves him time and effort all day long. Using the watch also helps him stay on track because while you can see what is happening, you don’t get sucked into responding to things or looking around at other things like you can easily do on the phone.
Overall there are still some slightly buggy issues, but it is still a very cool tech gadget. The price (as of 7/22/12) at the Verizon Store is $149.97 and Hubby feels that it is worth that. What you can do with the watch is based upon the apps that you download and more are still being added. I should add that I would not consider Hubby an overly “tech” or “geek” kind of guy and he has managed to use the Sony SmartWatch and handle the setup and troubleshoot all without the help of me or our son. It is a fun, but still useful, gadget.
Disclosure: As noted I was provided the Sony SmartWatch to use to facilitate this review and I am compensated by Verizon Wireless on other projects. Opinions are my own (and Hubby’s).
© 2012, Robyn Wright. All rights reserved.
