Smartwatches: On one side are the romantics of the traditional Watch, and on the other are the hi-tech enthusiasts, convinced that putting an internet-connected watch face on their wrist is more of a plus than an additional reason for technological addiction. All analysts, starting with those at Canalys, affirm that the wearables market is healthy. Their most recent report, “Wearable Band Analysis,” states how the sector, which includes the less smart devices wristbands for almost purely fitness use, grew by 6 per cent in the second quarter of the year, with certainly rosy forecasts for 2023. The segment is of global interest, thanks in part to recent innovations such as those of Google, which has also brought to Italy its Pixel Watch 2 (399 euros), a unique product for one reason above all: it is the one and only one that perfectly integrates the American giant’s entire plethora of apps.
The base is the same as other Wear OS models but, as is the case with the Pixel smartwatches, the experience here is native to the Google world, thus perfectly adapted to apps such as Wallet payment systems, the various Gmail, Calendar and even Maps and YouTube. A central role is played by the Assistant, which is not yet the most advanced Bard, but the next step will be making the smartwatch an advanced support for daily activities, also focused on generative AI. The other side of the Wear OS coin is Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6. It arrives in many versions, Bluetooth only or even LTE, with a 43mm or 47mm case (Classic from 419 euros) or 40mm or 44mm (319 euros). The highlight is integration with the Play Store, numerous monitoring opportunities and parameters absent elsewhere, such as blood pressure, after periodic calibration with a home meter.
Apple is the king
Samsung is also betting even more than Google on customization, through dozens of straps of every material and colour to suit every need. Despite international intrigue, Huawei is very active in constantly releasing new smartwatches. The Watch GT4 (from 249 euros) is sum of the research and development work the Chinese company has followed up on over the years. The new Watch is a champion of battery life: it ranges from almost a week for the 41mm model to nearly two weeks for the 46mm model with a larger battery. Such battery life is a dream for the competition, which does not even come close to such metrics.
In addition to the accuracy of data collected by its sensors on steps, sleep quality, body temperature, oxygen saturation, and dozens of sports, great attention is paid to design. Aesthetically, the overall feeling is more that of a classic watch than a smartwatch, partly because of the strap pairings that push more on the fashion character of the object than others, always proposing interesting and peculiar combinations.
From a category for everyone to an object aimed at audiences with specific needs. Garmin has always understood smartwatches this way. And it is not changing its mind with the Marq Carbon (from 2,950 euros). Athletes, Golfers, and commanders target many types of users. The first to sports enthusiasts with varied training profiles. The second, as the name implies, to golfers, with the opportunity to plan their game and launches, access significant course maps, and finally, Commander, which winks at pilots in the air who can view plans and airport locations and receive periodic weather forecast bulletins. Why Marq Carbon? Simple: a carbon case to ensure lightness, strength and accuracy even in the smallest details. The ones that make all the difference.
Google Pixel Watch 2 and the others
Big G’s second-generation smartwatch officially arrives in Italy. The design is top-of-the-line, with materials included. It exists only in one version, with a smaller dial than the competition, but with an overall usability that returns dynamism and excellent performance. Compared to the Classic model, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has a rotating bezel, a direct descendant of the first Gear watches. Abandoned Tizen OS, it has Wear OS and the whole world of Google apps on board. Huawei Watch GT4 is the most “watch-like” smartwatch of all. Attractive design that looks fashionable.
The app store is orphaned of the most popular ones, although Huawei tries to make up for it with proprietary software, which does not disfigure compared to the big boys. There is also skin temperature measurement. Garmin Marq Carbon is a sleek, modern smartwatch with a hybrid strap made of perforated KFM leather, an AMOLED touchscreen with traditional push-button controls, and a 46mm case made of Fused Carbon Fiber. The Golfer version has a Virtual Caddie, over 43 thousand preloaded fields, and tracking of various performance metrics.
