Most smartwatches can keep track of data such as heart rate, sleep, calories burned, distance traveled and more to help consumers keep their workouts on track. Cost and how it will be used are two main factors people should consider when deciding to purchase a smartwatch.
Smartwatches: telling time and then some
Pocket watches were very popular as a portable way to tell time in the 19th century. These were gradually replaced by wristwatches in the 20th century. Now in the 21st century, people’s wristwatches also serve as powerful computers.
Whether used to keep track of workout statistics or as an additional device to receive alerts and reminders from a smartphone, smartwatches have become a big part of the technology that connects people.
And yes, it’s true that they still tell time.
Apple, Samsung and Garmin are three large smartwatch brands. All three have devices that actively monitor health statistics and can be used to track workout information. Garmin models are typically very durable and have high battery life, which can be great for very active users.
PC Telcom controller Jessica Cumming has had an Apple Watch for about three years. An Apple Watch uses Bluetooth to communicate with a paired iPhone.
“We ultimately live in a connected society,” Cumming said, adding that she feels the watch is a great extension of her phone.
She said the watch is also a good way to keep tabs on things if she’s unable to access her phone for a period of time.
For example, she gets alerts on her smartwatch whenever she receives a phone call, and if she receives several alerts in a short period of time when she is not near her phone, she said she knows it’s time to go to her phone and call the person back. Cumming emphasized that this can be especially important when it comes to her children trying to contact her.
The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.