The smartwatches on the market today are very innovative and beautiful, but sales are slowing building. This year, it is predicted that around 1.2 million smartwatches would ship. This is a small number when compared to the 1.5 billion global smart phone users. Why is this happening? The current smartwatches don’t have the necessary features or components that will make them a huge success.
Loo Wee Tee, Euromonitor’s head for consumer electronics, said that smartwatches are not yet a great customer proposition.
“Smartwatches attempt to replicate the smartphone experience using a small wrist-sized screen. This can translate to poor usability or seek to extend and complement the functionality of smartphones onto a smaller screen.”
What makes a smartwatch the best?
This list has been reduced to five key components. These five components include design, functionality, reliability, apps and power consumption. Battery life, durability, and battery life. These are why I believe they are so important. Let’s take a look at each one.
Design
You can break down the design of the smartwatch into three parts: the watch body, watch face, and then the wrist strap.
People will first look at the watch body. Does it look too bulky or trendy? The ideal body should look good in casual and formal wear. The Pebble, for example, would look great with sportswear but may look out of place if it was paired with a suit or tie. However, the more recent contenders like Vachen and AGENT can be worn with casual wear or formal wear.
Also, the watch bodies should not exceed a reasonable size. Suunto’s dive computers are quite large without being too bulky. These watches can be worn as a regular wrist watch, and many divers do so.
While most men don’t mind bigger watches, some women do. Two watch sizes are necessary. This might be a good solution. After all, there have been watches for both men and women for a long time. Too much bulk can make the watch look unattractive. You might be able to fit more goodies into the watch because of the difference in size. The most requested size would be the largest, and maybe some sensors.
The watch body should match its face. Like the watch body, the watch face should also be adaptable to different dress needs. It is easy to change the watch face by pressing a button. This is something watch manufacturers and third-party developers need to be aware of. The watch body may have a generic design to suit most dress needs. However, the watch face must match the theme. There should be enough watches faces to suit different needs and occasions.
Pebble made it possible by providing an SDK that allows third-party developers to create their watch faces. The result is a vast library of watch faces that can be used with the Pebble. Vachen had a different approach. Vachen watches are made from their own watch faces, but they promise more than 100 watch faces upon launch.
The watch strap is last but not least. The watch strap, just like the other components, should fit in most situations. There are two ways you can do this. The watch strap could be worn with casual or formal wear by following the same design principles as the watch body. The Agent watch’s watch straps are a good example of this design approach. The strap is accent-stitched and looks great for everyday wear, but it also blends well with formal wear thanks to the elegant stitching.
Another option is to make the strap easily replaceable. The standard 22mm straps used by Agent and Pebble are easy to change with a small screwdriver. However, this may still prove too difficult for those who need to change their straps frequently or in a hurry. There are two options: the Motorola MotoActv and Sony SmartWatch. A spring-loaded clip is attached to the watch body. This allows for quick changes. This method has one drawback: it adds a lot of thickness to your watch body.
Which method is better? A mix of both is my preference. The strap should fit in most situations and allow for users to adjust the straps to their liking. It is a good idea to use 22mm straps as they are universal and come in many different designs and materials.
Reliability and functionality
A smartwatch that is successful should not only look good but also be able perform its functions as a smartwatch.
First, what screen should it be? What screen should it be? A touchscreen, normal LCD, or e-ink? Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. They all impact key considerations like design, functionality, and power consumption. Is a touch screen a good idea for a smartwatch? Is it possible to use the watch without getting frustrated by having to look at such a tiny screen? Also, a small screen means that it is not possible to display much information. Apple seems to have tried this out by releasing an iPod nano that can be touched, which many people turned into a watch. The iPod nano is an iPod. Can it perform the functions we expect from a smartwatch or iPod? With the iPod nano, Apple may have gained some valuable insights into wearable teachingnology.
A touchscreen would be a great addition to the watch’s usability, as opposed to using buttons to scroll or select (that’s just so 1990s right?). This might also be expected, given the widespread use of touch screen smart phones. This increase in usability comes at the cost of increased power consumption. It is nice to have touch functions but it would be a waste of time if your watch has to be charged every few hours.
It is tempting to add function after function to a gadget when designing it. Apple has proven that sometimes less is more. Is it worth adding or subtracting a function or feature to your watch? A microphone would allow you to call your watch hands-free, but it would make your watch less waterproof than one that does not have a mic. The clip on the back of your watch adds thickness but allows for convenience. Which is the better choice? There will always be compromises and every decision is a balance. Products that are successful will have the ability to choose features that people like and eliminate those that add no value. Why add it if no one wants to use the watch?
Notifications are an essential part of smartwatch’s value proposition. They must be reliable, and the notifications should be pushed to users as needed. Users will distrust the watch if notifications go missing all the time. They will then be forced to check their phones regularly, which would defeat the purpose of the watch. Notifications must be clear and easily accessible. The watch face must contain enough information without becoming too complicated. The Pebble has one problem. It only displays the most recent notification. This makes it less user-friendly.
Reliability is an important part of the puzzle. Smartwatches are mini-computers that run an operating system. They can also crash or freeze up just like computers. The problem is usually solved by plugging in a smart phone like an iPhone to a computer and synching with iTunes. Smartwatches, however, are not able to sync directly with computers through a hardware connection. They should be able to self-reboot to restore functionality, or at least basic functions such as Bluetooth and watch faces. Imagine your watch being damaged and unable to get it back up.
iLounge was notified when they bricked the Cookoo.
The Agent uses redundant components to minimize the chance of the watch being damaged. It has two firmware memory banks that act as failsafes and a secondary processor that can restart the watch into recovery mode. This ensures that your watch is safe and sound, even in the event of a malfunction.
Apps
Many people believe that the iPhone 3G and its successors would have failed without the Apple SDK or App store. Third-party developers could extend the functionality of your device with apps.
With so many third-party developers available, apps and functionality are possible to be added faster than manufacturers can. However, watch manufacturers must also focus on the core of the operating system and hardware development. Therefore, it is best to leave the development of these apps to outside developers.
We will see an increase in the number of apps for watches, as well as apps that allow collaboration between the phones and watch faces. Although some may be offended by the idea of paying for apps (we all have a lot of great free and paid apps), it would be beneficial for everyone if truly amazing apps were created for watches. It would be worth spending a few dollars if the app could help us save a little time each day, or give us peace of mind when needed. App developers will be more motivated to create better apps if there is a healthy market. This will benefit users long-term.
The new two-way SDK, which was released by the Pebble’s manufacturers in May 2013, allowed developers to integrate two-way communications into their apps. This allows the watch to “talk” with your phone, and your phone to talk back to the watch. Pebble Ringer is the first app to use this functionality. It allows you to change the ring tone of your iPhone. You can change the ring tone of your iPhone to silence when you’re in meetings, vibrate while at work, and then back to ringing when you return home. Although it is not much, this app only scratches the surface of two-way communication. You might be able to do a lot more with your watch to control your phone. These are exciting times!
Battery life and power consumption
Smartwatches cannot function as smartwatches if they don’t have power. Therefore, it is essential to have a long battery life. If it is only able to be used for one day before charging, it will become useless. Like all gadgets that have a processor, the battery will drain faster if you use more complicated apps or activate more sensors. This is where the dilemma comes in: Do you want a watch with a longer battery life, but simple apps (like Cookoo and Casio GB6900AA) or one that offers more advanced functions but lasts for a shorter time (like the Sony SmartWatch/MotoActv)? Consumers will be satisfied with watches that don’t offer smart functions. Cookoo’s watch displays a flashing icon that indicates the type of incoming notification. However, it does not give me any additional information and I will still need to take out my phone. This is a huge disadvantage to smartwatches.
The Pebble found a middle ground, using power-saving features such as its eink display to extend the battery life to 5-7 day. The Agent watch has a similar battery life, as it uses two processors to manage different functions. A precision power meter system has been added to the watch that allows developers to measure how much power their apps use. This will enable them to optimize their apps so that they are as battery-friendly possible. Developers will need to pay attention to not only the current power consumption but also the time it takes to drain the battery. Power management isn’t an easy task. A background app that runs for an extended time may consume more battery than an app that only runs for a short time. Apps should know when to turn off and when to go into sleep mode. If they are not able to shut down or sleep, and continue running in the background it will drain your watch more quickly than a leaking tap.
Although a tool is better than none, developers will still use it. This might not be used in the way that the Agent intended. Most developers will focus on creating something that can be released to the market. You might also find this true for free apps. This will not last. Once the core functions of an app are complete, developers will begin to focus on fine-tuning it. Then people will use power consumption as a distinguishing factor. It is simple for users to share their experiences using an app thanks to social media and all of the resources available on the Internet. Apps that are known to drain battery will be reported and users will move on to the other apps. Apps will mature, from basic apps that do little to no work, to more complex apps that drain your battery and then to high-quality paid apps that are optimized specifically for your watch.
Watches Casio GBR6900AA and Cookoo
Battery life – More than a year
Simple battery conservation methods
Watch –
Battery life – Around a week
Battery conservation methods – E Ink screen
Watches– Sony SmartWatch, Motorola MotoActv
Battery life: 3-5 days
Battery drain: Touchscreen
I’m Watching
Battery life – One day
Battery drain: Touchscreen and Bluetooth Internet Tethering
The battery is an important part of the watch, and must be carefully examined. Cookoo and Casio use standard CR2032 batteries instead of rechargeable ones. They can last for a year to two years before needing to be replaced. They are easy to replace and find, but will they be able to power a more complicated smartwatch? Perhaps not.
It would appear that smartwatches may require rechargeable batteries. We would not need to have a drawer full CR2032 batteries on hand. The method of charging the battery is an important consideration as it can affect the design of the watch’s body.
A standard USB cable can be used to charge your device. These USB cables are more common and easier to find. The watch will not be waterproof due to the exposed USB port. The convenience of charging will be balanced against the need for water resistance. Water-resistance is essential for daily use so it seems that the ubiquitous USB cables will have to go.
Others smartwatches have chosen to use proprietary cables for charging. These cables have enabled watch manufacturers to make watches waterproof and rechargeable. Problem is if you lose or are unable to find your cable. You are then stuck without a means to charge your watch. This problem will be less of an issue if more people have the same watch as you, or if third-party cables become more readily available.
Agent chose wireless charging as the interesting option. The wireless charging pad they use is the Qi wireless charger, which is an international standard inductive power transfer that was created by the Wireless Advantages of smartwatch Power Consortium. Although chargers that use this standard are not yet common, over 100 companies, including major names such as Sony, Nokia and Samsung HTC, Motorola, and Huawei have backed it. It is likely that the standard will be more widely used in the future. Qi hotspots are expected to be available in public places like airports and cafes. This will make it simple and painless for people to recharge their batteries. Agent may be right. The watch is also water-resistant, since it does not have any ports.
A power-saving mode should also be available to extend the watch’s usability before it needs to be recharged. A smartwatch should not be limited by its power supply. It should still function as a watch even if it is low on power. The watch could turn off non-essential processors, sensors and apps so it can continue to run as long as possible. The user should be able toggle the feature on/off and adjust the threshold level.
Durability
Although I love my iPhone, I was concerned about my iPhone’s safety when it first arrived. It is a good thing that I’m careful with it. My wristwatch is an entirely different story. It is almost like it is part my arm. Sometimes I forget that it is there. Although this would normally be a good thing as you don’t want your watch to weigh too much on your wrist, it can sometimes cause unintended damage. Even though we are more careful than with phones, the watch still gets a lot of abuse. A smartwatch is more durable than a smartphone.
Casio’s smartwatch is tough, just like any G-Shock watch. But do we really need such a rugged watch every day? This watch and others like it are great for you if you do. The rest of us, who use it more frequently, will likely need something between the G-Shock and fragile.
The watch should be shock-proof in that it can’t be dropped and not cause damage. The watch’s body should be strong enough to withstand some hits and not show any obvious damage or scratches. Anodized aluminum is a great choice for watch bodies, as it is lightweight and easy to color. However, it can scratch more easily than stainless steel. However, metal can interfere with wireless signals so a combination from stainless steel, reinforced glass, and composite materials may be the solution to provide a good Bluetooth connection while keeping the weight down and maintaining structural integrity.
Another thing to be considered is water resistance. While we can do our best to protect our phones from water, it is impossible to do the same for our watches. Our smartwatches could be rendered useless by the simple act or being wet in the rain. Smartwatches are not cheap electronics. It would be very difficult to get them working again with just a little water.
This is the most basic need, but it’s not the only one. It would be great to be able wear the watch to go swimming or to the beach. This will give us confidence in our watch. (Imagine if the watch was only splash-proof, you’d be concerned every time you wash your face!) It is also convenient (no need for you to change your watch every time you go swimming).
Maybe a hydrophobic (water-hating), coating such as Liquipel could be helpful? This would allow watchmakers to add microphones and speakers without compromising their water resistance capabilities.
Marketability
Although this is the sixth item on the list I realized that it was just as important as any other. Why? Marketing can make or break product launches.
The product should be cool or accepted by people. The product must convince buyers that it is what they want. It needs to be more than a novelty item for early adopters. This watch must become mainstream and popular. It should have something for everyone. Smart phones are a great example. Smart phones were created at a time when there wasn’t a need for or desire to be connected. Blackberry users had the ability to access email, but they were mostly businessmen. The iPhone was born, and the smart phone market was established.
Is there a way to make smartwatches more like this? Does the product fulfill a consumer’s need? If a product does not meet a consumer need, or even create one, it will fail to survive. There are many cool gadgets out there that we can admire, but they won’t survive if they don’t fulfill a larger market.
The watch-maker must therefore determine which functions are most relevant to its target audience. It seems that people’s needs are:
Be concerned about missing important emails, calls or texts
Are you worried about losing your phone?
You want to be available (or you are unable to hear your phone ring)
You want to connect to your electronic world more?
You don’t want your phone screen to be constantly checked
It is easy to use and fits into your daily life. You can be there for others when they are needed, but you can also disappear when you’re not.
These issues can all be solved by taking into consideration the five factors listed in this article. It would be fascinating to see how they are implemented.
Last words
It is possible that there is no perfect smartwatch. Different people have different needs. Some people prefer a smaller watch that is trendy, while others prefer a larger watch with a clear face. There are certain factors that cannot be ignored, such as reliability, durability, and water resistance. Will there be a single smartwatch that appeals to the mass market or many different models that cater to different market segments?