Tuesday 16 / April / 2024
In the guise of a timepiece, smartwatches are really wrist-worn computers, allowing access to your smartphone or tablet without the bother of taking it out of your pocket or purse.
As interest in the intelligent timepieces increases, more and more smartwatches are making it to the markets, loaded with functions and features. Samsung, Apple, LG, Sony, Motorola, and even Huawei have all come up with their versions of the smartwatch, claiming theirs to be the best. HTC is also expected to join the bandwagon soon with its first smartwatch slated for a launch in April this year. But there are only two brands that seem to remember that this piece of gadgetry is not just about the software and programing, but as something wearable, it has to be stylish and customizable as well . The Apple Watch and the Motorola Moto 360 both offering a world of customising options.
Ever since its release last year, Apple’s smartwatch has been quite popular among iOS users all over the world, with its compact size and loads of features. Motorola has however broken a new ground with the launch of the second generation of its very successful Moto 360 smartwatch, compatible with both Android and iOS devices, unlike the Apple’s watch that is only compatible with iOS.
In terms of design, Apple opted for a rectangular display in two size variations, 38mm and 42mm display. with three material options; stainless steel, anodized aluminium, and 18K gold.
There are a multitude of customisation options beyond the material, thanks to the fact that Apple has allowed third-party manufacturers to build accessories for its smartwatch to supplement its own range of exclusive straps and bands in leather, plastic, metal, and rubber. It is extremely easy to swap out bands on the Apple Watch. Simply press in on the buttons on the back side of the watch on either side of the heart rate monitor and then slide the band out of the slot.
The Moto 360 features a round design with styles for men and women. In the men’s collection there are black, silver, or gold options in either 46mm and 42mm. The women collection feature a 42mm size in either silver, gold, or rose gold. There is no 18k gold in the watch, but a gold plated edition is available for a small additional charge. There are a vast variety of straps in leather, rubber, silicon, and stainless steel available with an easy-off latch which allows the straps to release easily. The watch can be customized with over 400 different combinations.
Motorola has also recently released a new Sport model of the Moto 360, geared more towards fitness and sports, loaded with a GPS function that makes it the only true runner’s smart watch on the market With the Sport model, however, Motorola has not included the option of replacing straps, and instead opted for a silicone strap that wraps the entire casing.
Basically, those who prefer a round dial, and are looking for platform flexibility need not look beyond the Moto 360— arguably the best Android wear watch ever made, while those who prefer the Apple ecosystem and don’t mind a square-face design can feel confident in the performance of the Apple Watch.
For tech-buffs looking for a stylish addition to their wardrobes or style slaves who are looking for a convenient new way to avail of all the benefits of their smartphones with the twist of the wrist, these customizable options are a brilliant combination of style and substance.
Apple watch
Display Rectangular AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours
Display Size (mm) 38, 42
Protection Sapphire crystal glass
OS watc hOS 1.0, upgradable to v2.1
Chipset Apple S1
CPU 520 MHz
Memory 8 GB, 512 MB RAM
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate
Messaging SMS (threaded view), Email, Push Mail, IM
Highlights MP3 player, Photo viewer, Voice dial/commands, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Resistance: IPX7 certified water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes
Talk time Up to 3 h 40 min
Price: OMR 149.900
Coolest Feature: ‘Force Touch’ — almost like a secondary (right) mouse click on the Mac or Windows., the feature senses the level of force exerted on the display surface, and responds accordingly. Press firmly on the screen of the Apple Watch and it blurs out, with one to four additional options appearing on top of it. And it’s not the number of options that matter, it’s the utility.
Motorola Moto 360 second gen
Display Round IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours
Display Size (mm) 42, 46
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3
OS Android Wear OS
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400
CPU Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
Memory 4 GB, 512 MB RAM
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate
Messaging SMS, Email, IM
Highlights Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic, Wireless Charging (Qi-enabled, MP3 player, Photo viewer, Voice dial/commands, Compatible with standard 22mm straps
Resistance: IP67 certified — dust and water resistant up to 1 metre and 30 minutes
Talk time 4 hours
Price: OMR 135.900
Coolest Feature: The ‘Moto Maker’ online app allows users to completely redesign their watch. With Moto Maker, buyers can choose the exact strap, colour, and size from over 400 diferent combinations. One can even choose to have a different colour bezel around the watch face, for no extra cost.
Where to Find them
Smartwatches are available at the leading electronic stores like Emax, Extra, and Sharaf DG, but we found the widest selection of options at the tech boutique, Gadgets.
Al Araimi Complex, Shop No. 45;
+ 968 2456 4551,
[email protected]
