Smartwatches are equal parts technology and fashion. They’re the perfect companion to your iPhone, allowing you to check your email, send texts, get directions, or make a call without having to pull your phone out of your pocket. But how does a smartwatch work? We’ll break down everything you need to know.
As technology advances, more and more gadgets are becoming obsolete. The flip phone, the beeper, even the VCR- it seems like everything is being replaced by sleek new devices that can do much more than their predecessors. One such device is the smartwatch. How does a smartwatch work? Let’s take a look!
A watch that can tell time is a basic and common item these days. But what about watches that track our heart rate, steps taken, calories burned, or have other capabilities? Those are called smartwatches, and they are gaining in popularity.
How does a smartwatch work?
Who would have guessed that so much power could be squeezed into such a small device? Learn how smartwatches work and see for yourself below!
1. Smartwatch Display
Unlike most of your other devices, smartwatches rely on a touchscreen to operate. These displays are often what sets each model apart from the others. Some have small but highly responsive screens, while others have wide, easy-to-read touchscreens that make viewing your incoming messages easy on your eyes.
2. Then comes the hardware and software
The physical hardware allows a smartwatch to receive and send signals from your phone. The watch’s screen is designed with tiny pixels that can turn on or off individually to display information at lightning speed.
The software platform allows this data to be read and processed by your phone. This means that unlike an iPod or a phone, everything on your smartwatch is controlled by software. Of course, the company that creates the software needs to find a way to make it compatible with other devices!
3. Then comes the apps
When Apple first introduced the iPhone, there were few apps for it. Over time, developers created more and more apps so that users had a reason to buy an iPhone. Smartphone manufacturers are hoping that the popularity of smartwatches will continue to grow until there are hundreds of apps available for them.
4. Then comes the waterproofing
Smartwatches need to be water-resistant to survive in the real world. Most watches are waterproof to around 30 meters deep and can handle being submerged in water for up to 10 minutes. This means you can drop your watch into a sink full of dishes or sweat into your watch while jogging without damaging it!
5. Then comes the battery life
Most smartwatches have a battery life of around one day. They do this by changing their functions when the battery is running low. For example, your watch will stop trying to receive signals from your phone on most devices.
6. And finally, how does it all work?
All of these features combined make up how a smartwatch works. When you take your phone out of your pocket, what happens next? The watch’s screen is activated and instantly begins serving as a display for information from the phone’s apps. Some smartwatches are designed to be used without their companion phone connected, such as Apple’s watch. After your device connects to the network, the software takes that information and displays it on your smartwatch. Most smartwatches will allow you to store and receive texts or emails, listen to music, and view your fitness statistics!
Do I need a data plan for a smartwatch?
Most smartwatches require a data plan to work. This is because the watch relies on your phone’s access to the Internet. The data plan also provides extra storage space on your phone, allowing you to download and use more apps. Before purchasing a smartwatch, make sure that it works with your carrier! You do not want to buy one only to find out you can’t use it!
If I wear my watch while working out, will I get all kinds of texts or calls while running or biking?
You can control how your device reacts when you’re wearing your smartwatch during an activity like jogging or biking. How it works depends on the device. Some will vibrate when you receive a text or email, while others will turn on a notification alert. The phone must be connected to the network for this to happen, but you can use your smartwatch as if it were not there.
Is my smart watch waterproof?
Most smartwatches are waterproof up to 30 meters deep. This means they can handle being immersed in water while you’re swimming or playing in the rain. That being said, you should always check the technical specifications for your watch.
How accurate are the heart rate notifications?
Smartwatches can display notifications of your heart rate, but not with 100% accuracy. A smartwatch will display information about your current pulse rate, but it doesn’t read your actual pulse. This is because a smartwatch must be connected to a phone to receive this data, confusing the numbers. Even once connected to a phone, your body’s movement and muscle pulses can cause the heart rate monitor on a smartwatch to not read correctly.
What’s with all the different models? Which one do I get?
Each smartwatch is designed for a specific purpose. Some are designed to be used while exercising, while others are designed as a fashion piece. Some smartwatches run on Android, while others use Apple’s watchOS. Here is a list of the best smartwatches available on the market today:
Any smartwatch will tell you how many steps you’ve taken and how many miles you’ve run for the day, but it can also track your heart rate during a workout! This model by Fitbit is perfect for users who want to monitor their fitness and health. It’s also perfect for those with small wrists who need a smaller wearable.
The Pebble Time is a great smartwatch. It comes with its operating system, which is intuitive and easy to use. This watch can track your steps and tell you the time, but it also has an e-paper screen that is easy on your eyes. Added to this, the Pebble Time includes four buttons on its bezel, allowing users to navigate the device without having to take their phone out of their pocket.
How does a smartwatch work?
Conclusion
Smartwatches are all about convenience, giving you access to your phone’s data on your wrist. Some models will even sync with your phone to no longer carry it with you. The most popular smartwatches are from Apple, Samsung, and Pebble.
These devices are still relatively new to the market, so manufacturers are spending a lot of time figuring out what consumers need to make their products perfect. If you’re looking for a smartwatch, consider buying one of the top models when they come out — they’re sure to become your favorite piece of jewelry!
