How does a smart watch have to be to be perfect?

The smart watches that are coming are a good example of the potential that there is in the market. But the truth is that, at least considering the smartwatches presented so far, none of them can be classified as a perfect smartwatch. They all have shortcomings. How does a smart watch have to be to be perfect?

We are going to focus on some features that we think are essential for a smartwatch to be perfect, and then we will talk about some features and options that could be interesting. Of course, we invite you to participate in the comments section, because the only ones who can say what characteristics a smartwatch must have for it to be perfect are the users, you. And do not forget to tell us if you are considering buying a smart watch, either now - tell us which of all -, in the near future, or in the very distant future, if these replace smartphones.

2-inch square and round displays

In my opinion, smart watches already have the perfect screens. Some have a round screen, and others a square screen, and the size of the same varies very little. I do not think it is necessary for the screen to be curved, although it is not a negative thing, but rather the opposite. The size has to be perfect to receive notifications, to be able to communicate, and to display a unique element on the screen. Regarding whether the screens have to be square or round, the truth is that in the world of watches there are square, round, and even triangular designs, and they are even classic, so in that sense they have different clocks. smart on the market is the best, so that everyone can choose the one they prefer.

Heart Rate Monitor

It seems essential that watches have a heart rate monitor. One of the fields in which smart watches have the greatest potential is in health. A watch that quantifies our pulsations can be very useful, and a smartwatch that today does not have a heart rate monitor is dead. The Sony SmartWatch 3 is one of the best smartwatches on the market today, but surprisingly, it does not have a heart rate monitor. The original LG G Watch didn't have such a monitor either, but the new LG G Watch R did. To this we must add the Motorola Moto 360, the Samsung Gear S, and the Samsung Gear Live.

GPS

Of course, not having GPS on the smartwatch would be a big mistake. It is worth that watches cannot make calls without using the smartphone network, but if we cannot go for a run or ride a bicycle without being able to leave the smartphone at home, then the watch is already a bit useless. The GPS is vital so that we can locate our route, and it can also be useful to determine the distance we walk throughout the day, even if we do not like sports. Ironically, the Sony SmatWatch 3 does have GPS, but neither the Motorola Moto 360, nor the LG G Watch R (nor the LG G Watch), have it. The Samsung Gear S yes, of course, it is a completely independent watch from the smartphone, but the Samsung Gear Live does not have GPS either.

A

And this is when we leave the Samsung Gear S out of the group of perfect smartwatches. In addition to being a smartwatch of a large size, and perhaps somewhat heavy, it carries Tizen. And the biggest problem with Tizen is that it is currently only compatible with Samsung, not with Sony, Motorola, LG and company. The advantage of Android Wear is that all the applications released for this wearable version of the operating system will be available, regardless of the brand that makes the smartwatch. And this will be compatible with smartphones with Android 4.3 onwards, whatever the manufacturer. Compatibility with the rest of the brands is essential, since it gives us the option of, in the future, buying a smartphone from that other brand.

WiFi, Bluetooth and NFC

Obviously, all watches have to have connectivity options. The WiFi would serve to connect to the Internet at home and not need the connection to the smartphone to be able to use the smartphone. Bluetooth would be used to connect it to the smartphone. And NFC is the technology that could be used to pay. Currently, there is still nothing working perfectly in our country, although both Google and Apple seem to have their NFC payment systems ready. But it is a matter of time before this arrives, and we do not want our watch not to serve to pay for not having chosen well.

Full day battery

For the smartwatch to be truly useful we do not have to constantly worry about whether it runs out of battery. It is necessary and essential that the battery offers an autonomy of a full day with intensive use of the smartwatch. You should always charge the battery, yes, but at least we know that you will never run out of battery on the street.

Water resistance

Of course, wearing a watch that is not waterproof is a hazard. The rain, or even washing our hands without taking off the watch, can already end up with a device that is worth a few hundred euros. Water resistance is essential, and more if it is of the level that allows us to submerge the watch under water.

Mobile and 3G connection (optional)

Obviously, having a mobile connection would be something really remarkable. The smart watch could be completely independent. Not only could we make calls, but the applications would not need the smartphone to fully function. You would not even have to choose to carry a SIM card, after all, the SIM card is only a "key" to show that we are who we say we are to use the network. But other systems could be used that free up space on the clock and reduce everything to the inclusion of a simple 3G modem.

Camera (optional)

The Samsung Galaxy Gear was the first smartwatch with a camera. The camera was totally useless. But if we are going to talk about a completely autonomous smartwatch, maybe it would be nice if it had a camera. If not with a built-in camera, maybe with an external camera like the Sony QX1, which is compatible with the smart watch. There is still a lot of room for improvement here.

Solar charging (optional)

And this feature is not optional, it is almost impossible, at least for now. That the smartwatch can be charged by means of solar energy would be great, as it would ensure that the battery is never going to be discharged. However, as we have already said, if this ever comes, it will be in quite some time.

For now, what is missing is that a watch combines the features that most already have in a single device, which includes GPS and heart rate monitor. With Android Wear, it will be a matter of time before the most popular applications reach the version of the operating system for smart watches.