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Sony smartwatch 3 review. Third party watch apps

Another Android Wear model - with GPS and an unusual screen

A little over a year ago, we told you about the Sony SmartWatch 2. Then it was one of the most interesting and stylish models of this kind, and Sony looked like one of the leaders of the emerging smartwatch market. But in the first half of 2014, Samsung released several very decent models at once, and then the first Android Wear watches came out, and Sony was not among the pioneers. It seems that for Sony all these actions of competitors came as a surprise. Or the Japanese manufacturer deliberately decided not to rush and wait, letting go of the initiative, but reducing the risks. One way or another, the third smartwatch model was announced only in September, at IFA 2014, and went on sale only at the end of 2014, and, on top of that, it turned out to be on Android Wear (unlike SmartWatch 2).

Rejecting our own software for smart watches is a rather strange step, especially since the SmartWatch 2 software was quite good, and a pool of third-party developers has already formed around this model. Nevertheless, Sony decided to rely on Android Wear.

Thus, SmartWatch 3 is, in fact, a completely new device, and not a continuation of SmartWatch 2. There is practically nothing in common between these two models, except for the manufacturer's name. The question arises: how can SmartWatch 3 stand out from a number of competing products (of which there are already quite a few)?

The main feature of SmartWatch 3 is the built-in GPS module, which is absent in other smartwatches on Android Wear. In addition, at CES 2015, a modification of the SmartWatch 3 was announced with an all-metal case and straps. The competitors do not have anything like this either, as well as bright color options (they are available in a silicone version).

All this makes Sony SmartWatch 3 to be treated with special attention, even despite the delay in the release. Let's see how successful the device is!

Video review

First, we suggest watching our video review of the Sony SmartWatch 3 smartwatch:

Now let's take a look at the specs of the new item.

Specifications Sony SmartWatch 3 SWR50

SoC Broadcom BCM23550 *, Quad Core ** @ 1.2 GHz
1.6 ″ touch display, 320 × 320 (283 ppi)
Random access memory (RAM) 512 MB, inner memory 4 GB
Bluetooth 4.0 LE
Microphone
Gyroscope, accelerometer, GPS
Li-polymer battery 420 mAh
Operating android system Wear
Compatible with devices under android 4.3 and newer
Compliance with IP68 protection standard
Removable silicone strap (buckle width 23 mm)
Dimensions (main unit) 58 × 38 × 9mm
Weight 38 g (main unit), 73 g (with strap)

* Sony does not officially announce the SoC manufacturer, but it has revealed this particular model
** For more details on the number of cores on Android Wear watches, read

Let's compare the key features of the new item with the Android Wear devices already on the market.

	Sony SmartWatch 3	Asus ZenWatch	LG G Watch R	Motorola Moto 360
Screen	touch, color, 1.6 ″, 320 × 320 (283 ppi)	touch, color, AMOLED, 1.63 ″, 320 × 320 (278 ppi)	round, touch, color, P-OLED, 1.3 ″, 320 × 320 (348 ppi)	round, touch, color, IPS, 1.56 ″, 320 × 290 (277 ppi)
Protection	yes (IP68)	yes (IP55)	yes (IP67)	yes (IP67)
Strap	removable silicone (there will be an option with a metal strap)	removable, leather	removable, leather	removable, leather
SoC (CPU)	Broadcom BCM23550 Quad Core @ 1.2 GHz		Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Quad Core @ 1.2GHz	TI OMAP 3 (details not reported)
the Internet	no (only via smartphone)	no (only via smartphone)	no (only via smartphone)	no (only via smartphone)
Camera	no	no	no	no
Microphone, speaker	microphone only	microphone only	microphone only	microphone only
Compatibility		devices on Android 4.3 and higher	devices on Android 4.3 and higher	devices on Android 4.3 and higher
operating system	Android Wear	Android Wear	Android Wear	Android Wear
Battery capacity (mAh)	—	—	410	320
Dimensions (mm)	58 × 38 × 9	51 × 40 × 7.9 *	45 × 55 × 11.1 *	∅46 × 11.5 *
Weight (g)	73 (with strap)	71 (with strap)	61 (with strap)	59 (with strap)
average price		N / A
Sony SmartWatch 3 offers

* according to manufacturer's information

As you can see, Sony SmartWatch 3 has the highest degree of protection, but unlike its competitors, the strap is silicone. Recall that there will also be a modification with a metal strap, but its price will be much higher, since the case will also be made of metal. Unfortunately, you can't just buy a Sony SmartWatch 3 in a plastic case and then buy a metal strap (at least there is no information about such a possibility). But - we will talk about this in more detail in connection with the design. In the meantime, we can say that for the rest sony parameters SmartWatch 3 performs on a par with its competitors (although you shouldn't forget about the presence of GPS, which is not listed in the table).

Equipment

Like all of Sony's latest wearables, the watch comes in a tall, narrow box with a white bottom and a transparent plastic cover.

The watch in a strap is fixed around a plastic holder and practically does not touch the box (only the buckle). Apparently, such a mount should ensure the safety of the device even if the box is damaged. Although it is not entirely clear what will happen if the watch falls off the holder (although this is very unlikely).

The package bundle is minimal: under the plastic "bottom" there are several black and white leaflets, as well as a very short Micro-USB cable (to be honest, this is a very strange solution: it is almost impossible to use it due to its short length).

Design

The design of the Sony SmartWatch 3 is controversial. Unlike ASUS, Sony did not try to compete with classic wrist accessories. SmartWatch 3 looks without pretensions to high style: the silicone strap is as simple and impersonal as possible, the watch case is just a black square with a single power button on the right (it is pressed very tightly). Such a watch can be worn with a business suit or with a sports outfit, but in both cases hardly anyone will pay attention to them.

The watch case is inserted into a strap that, as it were, wraps around it on the sides. As is the case with the Sony SmartBand SWR10, the manufacturer calls the main unit the word core (core). The core is removed from the strap quite easily, but there is no practical sense for the user. It is still impossible to change the branded strap to any other standard (22 mm) one.

The back surface of the core, adjacent to the hand when the watch is worn, is made of metal. On it, under the cap, there is a Micro-USB connector for recharging the device and connecting it to a computer (which can be useful for developers, but is useless for ordinary users).

Of course, connecting a cable to this connector is not very convenient, especially if you do not pull the core out of the strap. But the absence of any charging cradles and additional charging devices is a big plus. Also, the design can be praised for its water resistance, moreover, the degree of protection is higher than that of most competitors, so the watch will survive not only rain splashes, but also short-term immersion in water.

The strap itself left us not the best impressions: not only is it not very beautiful, but also the hand under it sweats, and the metal buckle is very uncomfortable.

In order to fasten the watch on the wrist, you need to forcefully press the clasp from above, however, it will not be tightly fixed anyway, and the end of the strap, which is on top, will dangle a little.

The overall design impression is strange. It seems that there are undoubted advantages, such as good water resistance and the presence of a Micro-USB connector right on the watch, but in general, this is not what we expect from Sony, known for its style and design findings. The SmartWatch 2 was much more attractive and sophisticated. In addition, it featured Sony's signature styling cues such as a round metal button and straight body edges (with minimally rounded corners). And the Sony inscription above the screen did not allow us to forget which company's product was in front of us. There is nothing like this in SmartWatch 3, and even the Sony inscription is hidden on the back of the device, adjacent to the hand. Therefore, if you do not know that this watch was released by Sony, then you will never "suspect" the Japanese company in the authorship of this product.

Screen

The watch is equipped with a 1.6-inch color touchscreen square screen with a resolution of 320 × 320, but the manufacturer does not say what technology is used to make the matrix. The reason for this, apparently, lies in the fact that the screen of the Sony SmartWatch 3 is not quite ordinary, and there is no established abbreviation for its designation. The details will be revealed by Aleksey Kudryavtsev, editor of the Projectors and TV section.

The front surface of the screen is made in the form of a glass plate with a mirror-smooth surface, resistant to scratches. Judging by the reflection of objects, the anti-glare properties of the screen are good, similar to the screen of Google Nexus 7 (2013) (hereinafter simply Nexus 7). For clarity, here is a photo in which a white surface is reflected in the screens, the Nexus 7 screen is off, the Sony SmartWatch 3's screen backlight is turned off closer to the center, and a photo of the watch with the backlight on is inserted on the right:

The switched off screen of Sony SmartWatch 3 is just as dark (brightness according to photos is 82), turned on a little lighter - brightness 84. However, the time can be seen on both, and in these conditions the information is slightly more readable. The doubling of reflected objects in the watch screen is very weak, which indicates that there is no air gap between the layers of the screen (more specifically, between the outer glass and the surface of the LCD matrix) (OGS type screen - One Glass Solution). Due to the smaller number of boundaries (such as glass-air) with greatly different refractive indices, such screens look better in conditions of strong ambient light, but their repair in the case of cracked outer glass is much more expensive, since the entire screen has to be changed. On the outer surface of the screen there is a special oleophobic (grease-repellent) coating, (effective, much better than that of Google nexus 7 2013), so fingerprints are much easier to remove and appear at a slower rate than in the case of ordinary glass.

When manual control brightness, the maximum brightness value was about 450 cd / m², the minimum - 100 cd / m². The maximum brightness is high, and given the excellent anti-glare properties, on a sunny day outdoors, everything will be clearly visible on the screen, even without taking into account the transreflective properties. For total darkness minimum brightness tall. There is also a mode with automatic brightness adjustment based on the light sensor. In automatic mode, when the ambient light conditions change, the screen brightness both increases and decreases. In complete darkness, the auto-brightness function reduces the brightness to 90 cd / m² (a bit too much), in an office lit with artificial light (about 400 lx) sets at the same 90 cd / m² (normal), in a very bright environment (corresponds to lighting on a clear day outdoors , but without direct sunlight - 20,000 lux or a little more) increases almost to the maximum - up to 430 cd / m2 (which is necessary). As a result, the auto-adjustment function, taking into account the lower limit of brightness, works adequately. There is no visible flicker.

Micrographs show the duality of the screen. The backlight is off, a bright light source is directed at the watch screen:

Same conditions, but the clock backlight is on:

For comparison, you can see the gallery of photomicrographs of screens used in mobile technology.

The LCD is a hybrid matrix, it has cells that work for reflection (luminous pixels with a mosaic structure in the first photo) and for transmission (color subpixels in the second photo, apparently of the ASV type). As a result, in the presence of ambient light, the image on the screen of this watch will be visible even when the screen backlight is off. With the backlight on, the viewing angles are average, since even with a not very large deviation, some shades are inverted, and the colors change greatly. When the backlight is off, the situation deteriorates somewhat, since the visibility of the image is also determined by the orientation of the screen relative to external light sources, but the energy is not wasted on the backlight.

The white field spectrum is typical for LCD:

This spectrum with a relatively narrow peak in blue and with wide humps of green and red is typical for devices that use white LED backlighting with a blue emitter and a yellow phosphor. The color temperature of the white field is 5700 K, and the deviation from the blackbody spectrum (ΔE) is 17 units. Even for a consumer device, the balance is not very good - ΔE is too big. In visual assessment, the contrast is quite high and the white field uniformity is good. In general, the main advantage of the screen can be considered the ability to display information without turning on the backlight, while in conditions of bright external lighting, the image is visible both with the backlight off and on, the second - due to the high brightness and excellent antiglare properties. Also on the positive side is a very effective oleophobic coating and no flicker. Significant disadvantages are not very good viewing angles.

The screen is definitely interesting. However, the purely visual impression from its use is greatly spoiled by the distortion of colors at the slightest deviation (moreover, in any direction). For example, white turns yellow, and black instantly loses contrast. As if we are facing TN, and not the best one yet. Is it worth the increased battery life (this should be the main advantage of this type of screen)? Great question.

Software and functionality

Like other Android Wear devices, the Sony SmartWatch 3 is compatible with smartphones and tablets on android base 4.3 or newer. We used Sony Xperia Z1 Compact and Fly Tornado Slim smartphones for tests. We had no problems connecting the watch to them. However, when the watch was turned on for the first time, it could not update for a very long time - the process was constantly disrupted, and the case was very hot at the same time. We still didn't understand what the problem was. It was suspected that something was wrong with the firmware, but then, when using the watch and reconnecting it to other devices, everything went smoothly.

In previous articles about Android Wear devices, we talked in detail about the capabilities of the operating system, and about pre-installed applications, and about the problems that arise. Therefore, in this article we will not repeat all this, but we will focus on software and functional features namely Sony SmartWatch 3.

Smartphone android app Wear has a familiar look, as does the OS itself on the watch. The choice of watch faces is very modest: in addition to the standard Android Wear watch faces, there are only four new options: Analog, Digital (this dial appears in all advertising photos), Planetary and Sport. However, we cannot call them particularly beautiful or offering any interesting functionality.

However, due to the ability of the screen to work in a mode without internal illumination, the dials have an economical monochrome mode... What it is - you can understand from the screenshots below.

Unlike ASUS, Sony did not bother to develop any branded applications or utilities - neither for a smartphone (in order, say, to carry out additional clock settings), nor for the watch itself. Therefore, initially there is only Google Fit in the Start menu in SmartWatch 3. But it is Google Fit that cannot yet work with GPS in a watch without a smartphone. But RunKeeper and My Tracks can. And this is perhaps the only significant competitive advantage of the watch.

If we go to "Settings", then we will see the item "Geolocation: ON". The other watch simply wasn't there. Apparently, it was developed by Google specifically for a watch with built-in GPS. You can check how it works using the My Tracks and RunKeeper applications. First, let's launch "My Tracks". We press on the only red button that we see, and we hit the road.

Then we can connect the watch to a smartphone, open “My Tracks” on the smartphone and see our movements. For comparison, if we take another watch, disconnect it from the smartphone, launch the My Tracks application on the watch and try to press the record button on it, then nothing will happen, the button will simply not be pressed.

RunKeeper works the same way. The main advantage of this application is that now, when you go for a run with the Sony SmartWatch 3, you do not need to take your smartphone with you. That is, the application can record data about your movements during the run in a completely offline mode.

Again, for comparison, let's run the same application on another watch, without GPS. If you disconnect them from the smartphone, then all values \u200b\u200bthere will be at zero (time / miles / minutes per mile). The stopwatch just won't start. Another thing is in the Sony SmartWatch 3.

We emphasize that to use RunKeeper and "My Tracks" they must be installed on a smartphone, after which they (perhaps with some delay or after a reboot) will automatically appear on the watch. Alas, Sony did not take care of including them in the default set of applications, so many users simply will not guess about such an important feature of the watch as the presence of built-in GPS, since pre-installed applications (including Google Fit) cannot use it.

Autonomous work

From watches to Android Wear sony model SmartWatch 3 has one of the best results in battery life. Without using GPS (but also without turning it off in the settings), the watch will live on one charge for about two days. Probably, the energy-saving properties of the screen affected here.

The GPS module will obviously shorten this time, but it all depends on how long you use the GPS-enabled application - hardly a day?

In general, we were very pleased with the autonomous sony work SmartWatch 3. This is one of strengths devices.

conclusions

Before summing up on sony testing SmartWatch 3, we will cover the whole Android Wear watch market at a glance. On this moment absolutely all models on this OS have passed through the test laboratory, and no new ones have been announced yet. Obviously, the situation will change in a month, at the Mobile World Congress 2015, but for now, you can summarize some preliminary results and make some generalizations.

First, it's clear that Google is willing to give much less freedom to Android Wear device makers than it does to Android device makers. In all tested models, the operating system looks the same and differs only in the set of dials and additional applications.

Secondly, the hardware features of Android Wear models, apparently, are also strictly regulated: in all cases we see the same performance, the same amount of RAM and permanent memory, an almost identical set of sensors (except that some models have a heart rate monitor, and Sony - GPS).

Together, all this makes the functionality of the watch almost identical, which, moreover, is firmly tied to Google Now. That is, the watch becomes only a terminal for communication with a smartphone, which, in turn, is connected to Google servers. Here it is, the cloud model in action!

Well, one more conclusion follows from this: the main differences between the models are in design, screen properties, as well as battery life (which directly follows from the first two points, since the design determines the battery capacity, and the screen properties affect the efficiency of its consumption). As a supplement, you can evaluate branded dials developed by the watch manufacturer, as well as additional software and utilities.

Evaluating Sony watches on these points, we state that this is a strange and controversial product. SmartWatch 3 undoubtedly has a number of advantages: these include battery life, the presence of a Micro-USB connector right on the case and a high degree of protection of the case from moisture. But on the other side of the scales - the low attractiveness of the appearance, uncomfortable and not allowing replacement for third-party alternatives to a strap, a screen with unpleasant color distortions. Considering that a watch is, after all, first of all an accessory, an element of style, we have to admit that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

Also surprising is the absence of any additional applications and the scarcity of Sony branded dials (and not particularly beautiful). Here, the SmartWatch 3 is definitely outperformed by Asus ZenWatch, Moto 360 and LG G Watch R. But Sony has one trump card up its sleeve - the presence of a built-in GPS module. Since competitors do not have it, we can call it a unique feature of SmartWatch 3. However, the question arises: is it really needed? Given that not all applications (even those developed by Google) can use it, the answer is probably no. Still, if a user needs a fitness device that does not require a constant connection to a smartphone, then he will rather choose some kind of bracelet. Android Wear watches are used primarily to work with notifications and using google Now, but here the built-in GPS does not make any special weather.

If Sony actively encourages developers to create apps that can use GPS in the watch, this could potentially be a big advantage for the SmartWatch 3. In addition, we look forward to seeing the metal version announced at CES 2015. In the photos it looks like very attractive. But at the moment, the Sony SmartWatch 3 seems to us far from the most successful model among smartwatches on Android Wear.

First of all, I would like to praise Sony for its serious progress compared to the previous model, although there were also some drawbacks (but more on that later). Whoever says anything about the practical application of such gadgets, but working with notifications on the wrist is really very convenient. Especially if you constantly need to be "online" and be ready to answer an important letter or read a message on time. In this case, smartwatches are indispensable for you, and SW3 will be an excellent choice. I use it in conjunction with the Xperia Z Ultra, they always connect well, they keep the connection stable, they don't fall off. I practically don't use NFC, pairing via Bluetooth is enough. I have 2-3 days of work, taking into account regular notifications, controlling the player from the watch and using several applications (Google Keep, Calendar, Runtastic Pro). But the watch can be fully charged in an hour, which smooths out the overall impression of autonomy. I like the design, they look futuristic. The screen resolution and matrix make it easy to read text even in sunny weather. The screen cover is quite durable. For more than six months of active use, not a single scratch has appeared. I did not use additional films. The watch is protected from moisture, so you can safely train with it in the gym, but it is better to refrain from swimming under running water.

Minuses

Now about the shortcomings that I would not like to meet in new products from Sony: 1). The charging port cover is inconvenient. It is not easy to open it and insert the cable. During use, it began to stick out a little, it does not fit snugly as before. 2). The watch is large enough. The shirt compatibility test will not pass. In winter, there is also a risk of getting stuck in the sleeve of the jacket. Therefore, sometimes you have to take off your watch in advance to get dressed or undressed - it is annoying) 3). The silicone strap perfectly collects all dirt and dust, and if you have it white (like mine), then get ready to wash it with soap every 2 weeks if you actively use it. 4). IN latest version firmware for some reason removed the reboot function for an hour. Not that I often didn’t use it, but periodically used it to reanimate the weather widget. 5). The high cost and low prevalence of branded replacement straps.

Feedback

Despite the listed disadvantages, I am very pleased with the device, the score is a solid 4 with a plus. Android Wear starts to like it - it is clear that they are working on it. Slowly but surely they turn it into a fully working smart firmware. Now it's hard to imagine how I could do without instant notifications from mail or messengers about new messages. It is worth mentioning that I have not tested the compatibility of the watch with smartphones from other manufacturers, but paired with Sony phones, there are no serious complaints about the gadget. Conclusion: a good product in its market segment, not devoid of shortcomings, but with a big backlog for the future. When choosing a smartwatch for yourself, or any other device, first carefully study the reviews and user reviews, so as not to complain about the lack of a heart rate monitor (which is not in SW3) and other points that are known in advance. Happy and useful shopping to everyone!

Each sample of Sony SmartWatch is unique in its own way, the manufacturer never ceases to amaze customers with its stylish design, user-friendly interface and various novelties. The Sony company has released the third generation of smart watches. The new representative of Sony Smartwatch 3 significantly differs from previous models by the transition to the Android Wear operating system, the presence of a GPS-navigator, a pedometer, a more compact and durable screen.

Specifications

display: TFT LCD, 1.6 ″, 320 × 320 pixels, touch screen;
operating system: Android Wear;
wireless interfaces: GPS navigator, NFC, Bluetooth0;
processor: 1.2 GHz, ARM A7, quad-core;
rAM: 512 MB;
internal memory: 4 GB;
battery: lithium polymer, 420 mAh;
sensors: digital compass, accelerometer, gyroscope;
weight: with a strap - 85 g, base - 40 g;
dimensions of the main unit: 58 × 39 × 10 mm;
cost: from 9000 rubles.

Completion and packaging

The Sony Smartwatch 3 (swr 50) comes in a narrow box with a white base and a transparent lid. The module itself is fixed around a plastic holder attached to the bottom of the box, such a fastening ensures the safety of the gadget in case of mechanical damage to the package. The box also contains a special compartment for accessories, where the cord for connecting to a smartphone or tablet and documentation are located.

It turns out that the minimum equipment is:

smartwatch module 3;
replaceable strap;
micro-USB cable;
instruction.

Appearance and design

Compared to SmartWatch 1 and SmartWatch 2, Sony's 3rd generation smartwatch has a simpler and more primitive design, no frills. This model is versatile, suitable for almost any image and style of clothing: it goes well with both a business suit and a tracksuit. In stores you can find watches made in white, black, lemon colors or a pink Sony SmartWatch bracelet.

The module is made of stainless metal and plastic, the strap is silicone, with a metal clasp, it has small frames with latches, where the device is inserted. Without a strap, the watch does not function, because the power button is part of the bracelet, and on the watch there is just a small protrusion. The back side, close to the hand, is made of metal, in its lower part there is a cap covering the micro-USB input.

There is a metal bracelet on sale if reliability is important to a person, as well as a sports silicone strap for people with an active lifestyle, called sport. The difference between the latter and the standard one included in the kit is that this sample has a long longitudinal slot, which provides additional ventilation. Otherwise, the design of the bracelet has remained unchanged: the button for turning on the device is on the right side, in the upper part there is a cutout for the microphone. The display is enclosed in black frames and a light sensor is located in the center above it.

Sony smart watch 3 is reliably protected from dust and moisture according to the IP68 standard.

Ease of use

By weight, SmartWatch 3 is quite lightweight, almost imperceptible. The strap has several slots for adjusting the volume of the wrist. In order for the latch to close, it must be pressed firmly. The user learns about alerts and calls by means of a gentle vibration.

Screen and its features

Smart watch smart watch is equipped with a square touch screen with a diagonal of 1.6, an extension of 320 x 320 pixels, a matrix - TFT LCD. Special glass helps protect against mechanical damage, and the oleophobic coating repels grease, so fingerprints can be easily removed with a regular cloth.

The picture is clear, the text is readable, the fonts are distinguishable, but the quality is the best if read from a right angle. When changing the viewing angle, or the color is significantly distorted ( white color noticeably turns yellow, and black loses contrast), or the brightness is greatly reduced due to the TN matrix.

Thanks to the transflective property, the use of smartwatches is easy even in bright sunlight. The brightness control is automatic, adequate, although it has only 5 levels. Provided the screen is turned on, the time is displayed in sleep mode as on a standard electronic clock.

Functionality and connectivity to other devices

You can connect smart watch 3 to a tablet or smartphone running on Android operating system 4.3 or later. To communicate with the watch from Play Market you need to install an application with which you can make the necessary settings on it without touching the Sony smartwatch 3.

Time display methods - a conventional dial with hands or a digital clock. It is possible to select a mode when a landscape or any picture, a photo from a smartphone, will flaunt in the background. Watch faces added by other developers can be downloaded from Google Play if the existing ones are not to your liking.

The controls are intuitive: to turn on the display, you need to press it, to turn it off, just cover it with your palm, double-clicking will display a list of available actions.

GPS navigator

Pedometer

The Google Fit app lets you track your physical activity throughout the day. The built-in pedometer in the sony smartwatch counts the number of steps, and this information is saved. The application keeps statistics:

how many people walked or ran (not only mileage and number of steps are saved, but also pace, altitude, route and more);
how many calories burned;
how long did the walking (or running) take.

Other possibilities

The Sony Smartwatch 3 boasts voice-generated notes. Pleasantly happy new function - playback of music that can be downloaded from a tablet / smartphone, a full-fledged upper "curtain". There is also an accelerometer, thanks to which the smart watch monitors your movements in sleep, determines in what phase you are and when it is better to wake up.

Quad-core processor and 512 megabytes random access memory provide fast navigation, high speed of the system. Speech recognition in android wear works fine, without a hitch, moving through the menu is at high speed.

No one will be left indifferent by the "phone search" function, because it often happens: they forgot where they left the phone and are looking for it, and the smart watch will help out at that moment and save time.

Autonomous work

The Sony smart watch has a built-in 420 mAh battery. The device will last 1-2 days without recharging, depending on which services you use. The GPS navigator discharges the battery the most, if you use it several times a day and turn on GPS positioning, by the evening the gadget will need to be recharged. If you listen to music during the day, respond to messages with voice input, watch notifications, then 2 days of battery life are guaranteed. The smart watch is fully charged in 1 hour.

Comparison with other samples

If we compare the Sony SmartWatch 3 swr50 with its predecessor SmartWatch 2, we can conclude that they have nothing in common other than the similarity in the name and the transflective screen. The Japanese company, in the fight against competitors, modified the watch beyond recognition, then about the changes.

The third-generation Sony representatives have clear advantages - dust and water resistance at a depth of 1-1.5 meters, the smart watch 2 does not. The new version weighs much less - only 45g, can connect to Wi-Fi, answer calls, is characterized by more new version bluetooth, has a play mode, voice commands, compass, GPS-navigator, pedometer, accelerometer.

Before its brothers smartwatch 3 is a clear favorite, let's compare the model with other manufacturers.

Motorola MOTO 360 ... The platform is the same, Android Wear, the design is more unusual, with a round display. It attracts more buyers' attention, but there is an important drawback - the price. The cost is 15,000 - 16,000 rubles, which results in a double overpayment for practically the same functions. If you buy a metal strap for Smart Watch 3, then in appearance it will be able to compete with Motorola, although this is a matter of taste.

LG G Watch... Having considered the functionality of this device, we can conclude that it is similar, it can perform tasks the same as smart watch 3. The cost is the same, about 9,000 rubles ... However, the brand plays the main role here, because LG is a South Korean company, and Sony is Japanese, so the latter is intuitively more credible.

LG G Watch Urbane... Against the background, the Sony 3 smart watch looks bulky, suitable for people with a large wrist. The main advantage of the Urbane is 2 to 3 days of battery life, it is the only watch based on Android Wear that can boast of such a result. Excellent gamut of colors that do not distort when changing the viewing angle. Cost - 18,000 rubles.

To tell you the truth, this is the first Android Wear watch I've tested, so don't be surprised if there are some pretty obvious conclusions to an experienced smartwatch user here.

Specifications

Dimensions: 36x51x10 mm
Weight: 40 grams - watch without strap, 45 grams - strap
Screen: 1.6 inches, resolution 320x320 pixels, TFT LCD, automatic brightness control
Processor: Quad-core 1.2 GHz, ARM A7
Memory: 4 GB internal, 512 MB RAM
Operating system: Android Wear 5.0.1
Wireless interfaces: Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS
Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, light sensor, digital compass
Battery: non-removable, 420 mAh
Price: from 9,000 rubles

Equipment

Clock module
Wireless strap
USB-microUSB cable
Documentation

The watch is delivered in a beautiful transparent package, it is perfect as a gift option.

Appearance, control elements, dimensions

It is generally accepted that only Apple and Motorola can compete with Sony in terms of design. Indeed, the devices of the Japanese company always have recognizable designwhether it is a smartphone, tablet or smart bracelet. But in the case of the Smart Watch 3, I cannot say anything enthusiastic about their appearance. In my opinion, this watch hardly stands out against the background of the same LG G Watch or Samsung Galaxy Gear. However, in terms of design, everything is difficult and easy at the same time. Difficult because everyone has their own tastes, and maybe it's for you appearance I will like these watches very much, but will leave someone else indifferent. And simply - due to the fact that you can understand whether you like this watch externally, just by looking at it.

There are three on sale different options hours - black, lemon and white. The pink strap is also available separately.

At CES 2015, Sony announced a version of its watch with a metal strap. They are not yet available with us, but their cost is already known - 15,500 rubles (6,000 rubles more than the usual version). By the way, complete with an aluminum strap, this watch looks much better and is already much more reminiscent of the branded Sony Style.

By default, the watch uses a rubberized material of your chosen color. Your wrist won't get tired, but keep in mind that you shouldn't tighten it tightly.

The watch module itself can be easily pulled out of the strap, which is convenient for recharging.

The back of the module is made of steel, while the front is covered with protective glass. On the right side there is a power button, and on the back there is a cap for a microUSB connector. The watch has an IP68 protection standard, which should guarantee it is dust and moisture resistant, in theory, you can even swim in it. However, I would still not recommend specifically wetting the Smart Watch 3, since it is enough to close the cap loosely, and the device's performance will be impaired.

The dimensions of the watch are 36x51x10 mm, the weight of the module itself is 40 grams, and the strap weighs about the same. To my taste, the dimensions of the module itself are large, they significantly limit the mobility of the wrist, but for greater objectivity, I decided to clarify what impressions Sergey Kuzmin had of the watch. He noted that he did not experience any discomfort while wearing the watch. I think that his experience is closer to the truth, because Sergei has long been wearing different watches, unlike me.

Screen

Display diagonal - 1.6 inches, resolution - 320x320 pixels, matrix type - TFT-LCD, the screen is covered with protective glass, there is an oleophobic coating.

It seems to be typical characteristics, but for some reason this display seemed very good to me (although pixelation is noticeable). After thinking a little, I realized that I unwittingly associate this little screen with the display of my old nokia phone 5300, which had a similar (320x240 pixels) screen resolution.

From the point of view of reading information, there are no complaints about the watch, the fonts are perfectly distinguishable, and in which case you can always move your hand closer to your eyes. Separately, I was pleased with the presence of an oleophobic coating, after all, it is really important for such an accessory.

If we consider the screen from the point of view of viewing angles, then it becomes sad. A simple tilted TN-matrix either inverts the colors or significantly reduces the brightness. So keep in mind that it is best to read from the watch at a right angle. By the way, unlike most manufacturers, Sony did not use AMOLED matrices, and this, in my opinion, is a plus of this watch. The fact is that the notorious PenTile is most noticeable precisely at low resolutions and using small fonts. So it's much easier to see it on a watch than on the same Galaxy Note 4.

By the way, the watch has an interesting function "keep the screen on at all times." In this case, the backlight turns off, but you can still see the time and basic notifications. By the way, thanks to it, you can easily see the time even in sunny weather.

Connection, functionality

The watch has an NFC module, which allows you to quickly connect it to any smartphone running Android 4.3 or higher and equipped with the same NFC. You just place the watch on the back of your smartphone and pairing begins. However, I recommend that you pre-install the Android Wear app, otherwise instead of pairing you will simply be sent to Google Play.

First, let's talk about the basic functionality. It can be divided into two large parts: displaying notifications and other information and voice dialing.

When the watch is connected to a smartphone, any new notification is immediately displayed on it. To prevent duplicate notifications, you can turn them off on your smartphone (there is a special item in Android Wear). To tell you the truth, this is very convenient. I often receive various letters, messages in WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and other applications, and after looking at them on my watch, I can only then decide whether to take out my smartphone. By the way, there is no dynamics in the watch, but the vibration on the hand is enough for the eyes.

Android Wear has become a great demo space for voice typing and searching from Google. You can not only dictate a message or note, but also quickly find something on the network or launch a program by the appropriate voice command, for example, "Listen to music" (although in this case Play Music is launched, which, in my opinion, is a minus ). And a few more words about switching tracks. If you use a third-party player and its control panel is displayed on the lock screen, then you can switch tracks in it.

The settings set the brightness of the display, the time it turns off, as well as other clock parameters.

I liked the Google Fit integration, the watch works great as a pedometer, and you can see your results right there on its display.

Control

Menu navigation and control seemed intuitive to me. Clicking on the display turns it on, double clicking opens a list of available actions. To turn off the watch, just cover the screen with your palm. Forward / backward actions are emulated by horizontal swipes to the right / left.

Customization and third-party applications

As with regular Android, a big plus for Android Wear is its huge community of developers and enthusiasts creating apps for the platform. You can find almost anything in the corresponding Android Wear Store: e-readers, toys, millions of different themes. It's all limited by the size of your wallet and the battery life of your watch.

Autonomous work

The clock is set non-removable battery capacity 420 mAh. You should not expect miracles from this watch, in the mode of average activity (periodic check of notifications, rare navigation through the menu, always-on pairing) they are discharged by 80% per day. With more active use before coming home in the evening, they will be completely discharged. The charging time of the built-in battery is one hour.

Conclusion

In retail, these watches can be found for 9,000 rubles, the version with a metal strap will cost 15,500 rubles (it is not yet available, but pre-order is available). For this money, you get a watch that allows you to take your smartphone out of your pocket less often, and also knows how to count your steps. This functionality is partly extended by third-party applications (for example, you can use them as a GPS tracker). First of all, it is important to understand whether you need such a device and whether you are ready to spend 9,000 rubles on it (we are now talking not so much about Smart Watch 3, but about the segment of "smart" watches in principle). And there is nothing wrong with the fact that you may not be ready to buy a watch that costs an entire mid-budget smartphone. If the decision to buy is made, then let's look at the competitors of Smart Watch 3.

Motorola MOTO 360... The same Android Wear, but a more interesting design with a round display. It is at this watch that most geeks look ... Until they see that we have them costing 15,000-16,000 rubles. The overpayment for a unique appearance is exactly doubled. By the way, I believe that the Smart Watch 3 with a metal strap can perfectly compete with the MOTO 360 in terms of design.

LG G Watch... Functionally - a copy of Smart Watch 3, but the brand plays a key role here. Sony fans won't watch LG. The cost is 9,000 rubles.

Samsung Gear Live... The key difference between this watch is the use of an AMOLED display. And whether this is a plus or a minus, you will have to decide on your own. The cost is 9,000 rubles.

It's nice that in the case of this watch Sony did not set a high markup for the brand, as you can see, their price matches most of the competitors. At the same time, for fans of the brand, this is an excellent opportunity to purchase a device of their favorite brand without any extra charge for it.

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