With the Apple Watch on the near horizon, 2015 is set to become the year of the wrist-based time-saving gadget, and you can be sure that someone in your office will be showing off their new smartwatch before you know it.
With this in mind, we’ve compiled the five futuristic timepieces we’re most excited about, so that you can beat them to it.
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1 | Best For Value
One of the most affordable models currently on the market, the Pebble Steel is the follow-up to last year's crowdfunded Pebble. This time around the E-ink screen (the same as on your kindle) has been given a makeover and has been updated with a high quality 144x168 pixel LED backlit display to make everything that bit clearer.
In terms of features, the Pebble Steel can link to your iOS or Android phone, allowing you to text and call via Bluetooth (if you don’t mind speaking into your wrist, like a spy). Downloadable apps include the usual suspects: games, fitness and tools, with the high-speed interface and slim-line overall design mean this should be your first port of call if you don’t want to go all out with the Apple Watch.
£179, out now, getpebble.com
2 | Best Smartwatch-In-Disguise
Taking its cues from watches we’d actually like to wear, rather than looking like you’ve stuck an iPod on your wrist, the G Watch 2 may sound like something 50 Cent would wear, but in fact has an emphasis on the smart end of the smart watch specturm, with a built-in heartrate sensor and a sharp 1.3” P-OLED circular touch screen.
A high-powered processor we don't quite understand (the Snapdragon 400 CPU) keeps everything runs smoothly and quickly, and the layout should be familiar to most smartphone users (swipe left on a notification to see the full message). As well as messaging, there are currently 175 compatible apps online, from WhatsApp to AirBNB. Of course, it’s only currently compatible with Android devices, and Android Wear is a required preemptive download.
£199.99, out now, lg.com
3 | Best For Keeping It Simple
Minimal is the buzzword when it comes to the Moto 360, featuring a single colour, 22mm strap, and simple LCD face.
Display options go from classic (a numbered display with three hands and the date included) to notes, reminders, navigation, emails, calendar and a start menu listing your installed apps, making this watch all about functionality, rather than screaming 'Hey, look at my SMARTWATCH' which is always a good thing.
£200, out now, moto360.motorola.com
4 | Best Upgrade
Remember Samsung’s first smartwatch last year, the Samsung Gear? Well here’s the sequel, the Gear 2. The emphasis here is on fitness and will let you choose from running, walking, cycling or hiking, telling you to slow down or speed up, depending on your energy levels.
The Super AMOLED display cleverly saves the watch's own energy levels by slipping into energy saving mode until you lift your wrist.
The clincher, however, has to be the S Voice system, which may soon be putting Siri out of work as the way to call, send messages and answer all of your ridiculous questions.
£260, out now, samsung.com
5 | Best Fit For You
The problem with so many smartwatches is that it can be hard to inject some personality into your wrist wear. The Sony Smartwatch 3 has got this covered, offering four easily interchangeable strap options, (black, yellow, white and pink). You can, of course upgrade the displays with a range of clock displays – featuring both digital and analog style - changeable through the easy to use touch screen.
As you'd expect from Sony, the basics are covered, from messaging and social media to fitness features, plus it also acts as a remote control to access your phone, perfect for skipping those guilty pleasures on your playlist. Oh, and the battery lasts just over two days, which means it’ll keep going twice as long as the Apple Watch.
£180, out now, sony.co.uk
Which will you go for?
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MORE TECH:
The Apple Watch: Everything You Need To Know
25 Ways Tech Will Change Your Life In 2015
C.E.S 2015: The Best New Tech Coming Your Way
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