Time for an organic: who has a smartwatch or a smart band? And what kind? Smart wearables are already a big deal for tech companies and wearers, as are the convenience of having notifications or a payment system on their wrist. But we’re curious how popular they actually are.
There are full-blown smartwatches that run Apple watchOS, HarmonyOS, or Google Wear OS, plus some older ones with Tizen. Those have access to a rich selection of apps from their respective app stores, and tend to have more comprehensive communication options (including walkie-talkie functionality and even carrier network calls).
They have poor battery life, however, often lasting barely a day or only a few. There are more limited smartwatches, which can last a week or more. Some of them even have limited app functionality, but do you really need apps on your watch? This is part of the second question we want to ask, we’ll get there.
In fact, if all you want is basic health tracking (e.g. heart rate, sleep), basic physical activity tracking, and at-a-glance notifications, a smart band can work just as well. They are cheaper, so you don’t feel the strap when you scratch it or when it comes time to upgrade.
So who has a smart wearable and what type?
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As for our second question, which features do you prioritize? There are some advanced features that have arrived in recent years such as ECG for more accurate and detailed heart information than a simple heart rate tracker. However, it tends to be reserved for the more expensive models. Some want a built-in GPS tracker and maybe some music storage so they can run without the phone. Having voice calls available also helps with this, and mobile payments are quite affordable.
What features are you looking for when considering a new smartwatch or strap? Note that you can select several options, including a custom response by filling in the Other option.
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