As lifestyle becomes more complex each day, any wearable should function more than what is basic. Bands we put around our wrists should not just give time-it must also function as 'life partner' - as tracking device whether in a gym or going to work, or remote places, etc.
Technology giant Sony offers this type of wearable for active people with unconventional lifestyle. The recently released Smartband Talk has features similar with other brands but of course, it will always have a unique mark that makes it distinctively Sony.
The size and built of the SmartBand Talk was designed not to be a nuisance to one's movement. It is slim, with the screen of same size, if not smaller than the strap. The buttons to maneuver are on the side.
The screen is a bit unusual. It is not LCD or a touch screen. It is a curved e-paper display similar to what one normally see in Kindle of Nook, or the back of the double-screened Yotaphone. It is always on, which makes for checking of time a breeze. Sony says it doesn't use up too much battery life, which works five days maximum.
As fitness partner, the SmartBand Talk has accelerometer and alitimeter to check on the wearer's speed and height. The device is waterproof, the person can sweat out in the gym with it safely functioning or he/she could easily step into the shower with the device worn.
Of course, one can make calls with SmartBand Talk provided it is connected to the wearer's smartphone. It has built-in speaker and microphone that aside from calls, the wearer can make voice commands. The wearer can make own sounds or carry out specific smartphone operations. Voice control is available in Japanese, UK English and US English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Other languages will be installed later.
Initially, the device is available only in black. Other colors will be introduced later in th
e year.
