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Smart watch with IR port and camera. Smart watch RWATCH R11 with infrared and heart rate sensor. Advantages and disadvantages of smart watches

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Hello. I bring to your attention a review of UWatch PS-101 smartwatches.
I must say right away that the watch is quite good for its price. have a metal case, mineral glass, moderate consumption (the battery lasted as much as 5 days). In addition to standard functions (alarm clock, pedometer, stopwatch), there are also quite non-standard ones, for example, a trained IR remote control.
But there are, of course, downsides.
I will try to tell you everything in detail.
If interested, please...

Packaging and equipment:
The clock came in a cylindrical box made of thick cardboard.
In the following configuration:
- clock;
- USB charging cable;
- instructions in Chinese and English;
- 2 OTK coupons.

Smart watch:
The watch case is made of aluminum alloy. Glass - mineral. The strap feels like silicone. The back of the case is plastic. On the left side of the case there is a single button that combines the functions of turning on / off, as well as returning to the screen with a clock. Next to the button is a USB socket, closed with a silicone plug. On the right side of the case there is an IR transceiver window and a speaker hole. Above, under the almost round screen, there is a microphone hole.

The dimensions of the watch are quite compact: 53x40x11 mm. Weight 52 gr.

Disassembly:
To disassemble the watch case, you need to unscrew 4 screws from the back and pry off the plastic cover.

The BlueTooth antenna is glued to the plastic cover, the signal is transmitted through spring-loaded contacts built into the strap. Strange design.

Exploitation:
The watch is compatible with both IOS and Android smartphones. For the first, you need to install the "Smartblue" application, for the second "Smartwatch.apk". The latest application can be installed either by the QR code from the instructions, or by the link: www.myuwatch/Smart-Watch.apk.
Here's what the Android app looks like:

After installing the application, synchronization with the clock did not cause any problems.
The "home screen" of the clock is available in 2 versions: digital or analog clock.

The menu consists of 3 screens with icons. Called "slide" to the left.

There are 23 poktograms in total:

Let's go through the menu items:
- Bluetooth: connect to phone, set device name;
- dialer: you can dial a number and make a call;
- notifications: view active notifications;
- front / rear camera: turn on the front / rear camera of the phone, view the image on the watch, take a photo;
- stopwatch: I think everything is clear;
- BT music: control the phone's music player;
- Messages: view incoming and outgoing messages;
- Phone book: view contacts and call (it takes some time to sync contacts for the first time after connecting);
- Call log: also needs no comments;
- Incoming call: select a ringtone for an incoming call;
- pedometer: pedometer settings (weight, step, log clearing);
- compass: it works strange, the instructions say that you need to calibrate, but I could not find the calibration mode;
- Clock type: choice of "home screen" analog clock or digital clock;
- Settings: change the time of the clock backlight, the choice of units of measurement;
- sleep monitor: view sleep phases;
- Energy saving: change the brightness of the backlight;
- Anti lost: turn on a reminder when the connection with the phone is lost;
- Alarm clock: setting up to 4 alarms;
- Sedentary reminder: Enable/Change the reminder time period in a "sitting" posture;
- Remote Controller: IR remote control. First you need to train the watch from the standard remote control. I tried to teach from the remotes of different devices (TV, media player, AV receiver, etc.), we learned from the first time.
- Find phone: search for a phone (turn on the ringer on the phone);
- Language: Select a language.
Finished with the menu.
This is what the watch looks like on the wrist:

When there is an incoming call, the following window appears on the clock with the number of the caller:

If you first go to the watch menu and synchronize contacts, then instead of a number, a contact will be displayed, but Cyrillic is not supported, “squares” are displayed instead.
The watch works like a BT headset, i.e. if you "pick up the phone" on the clock, then you can talk through them, the quality is quite acceptable. This is very convenient, for example, when talking "behind the wheel".
You can also note a fairly good battery life. The watch worked for 5 days without recharging. This is a pretty good indicator.
Of the minuses, one can note incomplete support for the Cyrillic alphabet, the inability to change the appearance of the menu and clock (except for 2 pre-installed ones), a non-replaceable strap, and the strange operation of the compass.

Video review:

P.S. 20% discount coupon: CNOFF

Advantages: The presence of a camera, the presence of a built-in microphone with a speaker, acceptable power consumption (a full charge lasts for two or three days with a margin), size and weight (not too big for a man's hand, they sit comfortably on the hand, the hand is not pulled back). The price is 7 tr. I think it is adequate for such functionality. Disadvantages: 1. The watch was not waterproof at all! Last weekend I had a chance to wet my hands in a pond for 10 ... 15 minutes. It was to wet his hands, and not to swim - he washed the sides of the boat (air temperature is about 30ºС, water temperature is about 20ºС). So, on Monday I noticed that the clock does not work, and condensation is visible in the camera window. I opened the watch, in some places I found drops of water and condensate. I dried it, charged it, turned it on, everything worked except for the gyroscope. He, it seems, is dead, because. the watch screen stopped turning on with the corresponding gesture (the settings are set correctly). I'll try to hand it over for repair under warranty, let's see how the service reacts. But in general, this approach of Samsung to the water resistance of watches seems strange to me. 2. Weak maximum vibration level for notifications - notifications are not always felt. 3. Soft body materials (screen glass, camera glass, body metal and buttons). I am a fairly careful user, but I got scratches on the glass of the screen, and on the watch case, and on the button and on the camera glass, in just a few months of using the watch! Why do I need a device over which I constantly have to shake, so as not to pour water on it, then, God forbid, not to catch any object with it ?! 4. The strap clasp quickly wore out (literally, after a couple of months of use) and ceased to be securely fixed in the fastened position. I had to tinker with bending the fastener hook. 5. The interface is not ergonomic and does not shine with design. For example, there is no way to sort contacts by last name, the clock screen could contain much more useful information and shortcuts, and the design could be much prettier, four shortcuts per screen are not enough, sequential scrolling through the screens to get to the desired application is inconvenient. In my opinion, this does not contribute to a good image of Samsung as a company that offers users modern, sophisticated and finished products. Comment: 6. There is little software on Tizen, the software is very slowly improving by developers, some (even paid) software is generally crooked and does not improve at all. 7. The clock is sometimes buggy (for example, the screen constantly turns on spontaneously, which leads to a rapid discharge of the battery). I assume that this may be caused by third-party software, but Samsung somehow needs to test the applications that appear in the watch market. 8. Charging the battery is not organized in the best way, it bothers you to attach, unhook and carry a charging bracket with you. Was it really impossible to make a stainless micro-usb connector (to charge the watch with a regular micro-usb cable, which is now in abundance) or, at least, wireless charging? 9. The watch supports a very limited number of phone models. 10. Heart rate monitor. Why is he here with such poor reliability of measurements?! Measures the pulse on the first attempt only if the arm is completely motionless (which can only be achieved while sitting, in a calm state and almost not breathing). 11. The screen is too small. If the screen occupied the entire flat front of the watch, it would be much better. 12. The screen glass has rounded edges, therefore it is not completely flat, which makes it impossible to stick a protective film. 13. Just now I noticed that the screen glass is movable relative to the watch case: if you press on it (on the glass) with your finger, you can deepen it into the watch case by a fraction of a millimeter (about 0.5 mm). Of course, this is not a disadvantage, but it looks strange. The idea of the device is not bad, but the implementation leaves much to be desired.

The Rwatch R11 is called a smartwatch for a reason. Despite the fact that the device for measuring time boasts a wide range of additional options, its cost is quite affordable for gadget addicts with an average income level. The watch can be purchased for around $45. Agree, this is not so much for a device of the latest generation. We offer you a brief overview of the novelty.

Package Rwatch R11

The kit includes only three items:
actually, the device;
USB-micro USB charging cable;
manual in two languages, - in Chinese and English;
compact black packaging.

It is noteworthy that the charger is not included in the kit. However, it can be successfully replaced with a charger from a tablet, smartphone or other gadget that you have named. It is also possible to charge the watch from the USB port of a laptop or personal computer.

Appearance and specifications Rwatch R11

Outwardly, ultramodern watches are practically no different from ordinary watches - the same round metal case and a wrist strap. However, upon closer examination, the difference between the usual time measuring devices and the innovative new generation device will be visible to the naked eye. The resolution of the IPS display is 240x204 pixels, impressive viewing angles provide excellent reading of information from the screen even in bright daylight under direct sunlight. Below the screen is a black stripe, somewhat covering the bottom of the display. On it, the developers placed a touch button to confirm any action.

On the left side of the watch is a micro USB connector. The connector is protected from the penetration of dust and moisture by a dense rubber plug. A microphone hole is located in the immediate vicinity of the connector.

The screen on/off button, stylized as a traditional mechanical watch winder, is located on the right side of the device case. Near the button, you can see a miniature speaker and a multifunctional infrared port, which can be used to control home appliances.

On the back side of the body of the device is a round area with sensors. Here you can see the name of the brand-manufacturer, model number. Next to the brand name, information about the battery capacity indicator is written, but this information, unfortunately, is not true. For reference, according to the documents, the battery capacity is 500 mAh, but in reality it is about 220 mAh. The clock has an MTK2501 processor, Bluetooth version 4.0, the following memory volumes: RAM - 32 MB, built-in - 24 MB.

Externally, the watch looks quite neat. With a case thickness of 11 mm and a device weight of 43 grams, the gadget looks pretty decent on the hand. A modest but elegant strap made of good-quality eco-leather adds elegance to the appearance of the innovative device. The device is available to customers in three color variations: black, gold, silver.

A few words about protection...

The manufacturer claims that the device boasts an excellent level of protection against moisture and dust IP67. However, such a loud statement is not entirely true. So no need to risk your money and take a sea bath with this watch.

Rwatch R11 functionality

First of all, it should be noted ease of management. It may not seem to everyone the standard of ideality, but, in fairness, it should be noted that it is really convenient. Moving your finger across the screen in the direction from right to left performs the action "forward", moving from left to right - "backward". By analogy, moving up and down you can navigate through the settings. The selection is confirmed by the touch button located at the bottom of the screen.

The display automatically turns on when you wave your hand. This option cannot be turned off, but you can simply select the time the screen is active. It varies from 10 to 50 seconds.

Three desktops are available to the user of this smart watch model. On them, in turn, the manufacturer managed to place 23 icons. Let's find out what is hidden under each of them.

Bluetooth wirelessly synchronizes the watch with a smartphone and connection settings quickly enough. So, for example, synchronization of the device with the smartphone of the model takes about 1 minute. You can view outgoing and incoming messages on your smartphone, as well as enter the phone book and view the call log.

The dialing option is also quite convenient. The optimal size of the digits makes it possible to enter the subscriber's number manually without errors.

Under one of the icons there is information about the standard application. It needs to be downloaded to sync your device and smartphone.

The Rwatch R11 user can easily make and receive calls to the watch, as well as read incoming SMS messages. To do this, if you own an iPhone, you just need to download the SmartBlue program from the official store.

Important: If the subscriber's name is written in Cyrillic in the phone book, it will not be displayed correctly on the watch, more precisely, just in the form of squares. This is most likely due to incorrect encoding.

There is a stopwatch icon, for those who are used to being extremely accurate.

The camera icon is responsible for remote control of the user's smartphone camera.

And of course, using the watch, you can listen to music that is stored in the smartphone's memory.

The calendar icon placed in the very center of the desktop has nothing to do with it. In fact, it hides the time and date settings.

The general settings icon has the familiar look of gears. Below this icon are several options. You can give a call to a smartphone lost in the apartment, set the metric system of units, set a convenient screen activity time.

There is a sleep mode option, but it does not work quite correctly. There is also a battery saver feature.

Using the icon with the image of the lock, you can turn on the sound notification for the watch if it has disappeared from the Bluetooth range of the smartphone.

And of course, Rwatch R11 can measure the number of steps taken by the user. The pedometer does not work in the best way, since it also mistakenly counts steps in one place, although in principle it should not do this. This “bug” is somewhat compensated by the possibility of independently setting the parameters of the step length. Based on these parameters, a smart device can calculate the number of calories burned.

The existing compass functions correctly, showing the cardinal directions correctly and providing information about directions in degrees.

The user can independently choose the type of dial, there are only two of them: analog and digital.

The Rwatch R11 smart watch has a built-in alarm clock. It is extremely easy to manage. Additionally, there is an option to remind you with an audible signal.

The built-in heart rate monitor functions extremely incorrectly, sometimes giving out completely unrealistic values.

The infrared port of the device more than compensates for the shortcomings of this model. It can really be used as a remote control for household appliances. Somewhat upsets a small number of control buttons - there are five of them. However, this is quite enough to configure the basic parameters of the home TV.

The level of autonomy of work

The actual battery capacity is 220 mAh. At least that's what the tester showed. The indicator of the capacity declared by the manufacturer is 500 mAh. When fully charged, the watch will work correctly throughout the day, waiting for evening recharging.

Summing up

Rwatch R11 is a bright representative of the family of budget smartwatches. Of course, some device options do not work quite correctly, but, in general, the model fully justifies its cost. If you just want to learn how to use innovative devices, you will not find anything better than this option. Stylish design and convenient functionality somewhat compensates for some shortcomings in the work of development engineers made during the development of smart watches.

Where to buy Rwatch R11 smart watch

You can buy Rwatch R11 in online stores:
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On the

It is not always possible to keep track of emerging new technology and understand them. After all, all technologies are often modernized, new functions are added to them, or completely unfamiliar gadgets appear at all. One of the updated devices that has gained popularity recently is smartwatches.

What is a smart watch

A smart watch (smart watch) is a computerized wrist watch with a wide range of functions. This gadget has the functions of a communicator and can act as a second screen of a smartphone. In other words, a smart watch is a small computer that can be put on your hand.

The appearance of the first smart watch

The first prototype of a modern smartwatch appeared in 1982. At that time, Seiko released a digital watch with the ability to save small notes.

Later in 1994, Casio created a watch that could control home appliances such as a TV.

In 2000, IBM presented a new invention - Linux Watch. They had a built-in 32-bit processor. Also, these watches were equipped with an infrared port and a Bluetooth module.

The following year, IBM and Citizen presented their joint project - WatchPad. This model was equipped with an LCD screen, a Bluetooth module and an accelerometer.

The race for new inventions continued in 2003, Microsoft introduced the SPOT watch. This watch was part of a large project that involved the mutual synchronization of all electronics using a radio signal. But five years later, this project was closed.

In 2007, Sony Ericsson launched the MBW-150 watch, the highlight of this watch was its collaboration with the phone via a Bluetooth connection. The watch face displayed missed calls and messages, when you called the phone, the watch vibrated, and the caller's name was displayed on the display. Also from this watch it was possible to reject incoming calls and control the player.

In 2009, Samsung launched a watch that could work on mobile networks without a smartphone. The watch had a touch screen, Bluetooth, they supported the playback of MP3 files.

In the future, different companies carried out the modernization and improvement of smart watches, and by 2013, smart watches of the models familiar to date were presented.

Centre

Why smart watches are needed, their capabilities and characteristics

Basically, modern models are able to work as independent devices. But to expand the functionality of this gadget, it is recommended to use the watch paired with a smartphone. The watch can act as a remote control for a smartphone and display various notifications.

Many smartphones today have considerable dimensions, which often causes some inconvenience. Smart watches allow you to use the most necessary functions of your smartphone without taking it out of your bag.

With timely notifications and visibility, staying connected is a breeze with a smartwatch. And remote control of the camera and playlist will help you forget about your smartphone at all.

Smart watch models can work without a smartphone, which is very convenient. Often they also have access to a Wi-Fi connection. And sensors that monitor the physical activity of the owner will delight sports fans and just those who monitor their health.

A secure strap and built-in anti-lost feature will help keep your watch safe. And if your smartphone is lost, the smart watch will help you find it.

The smart watch is synchronized with the phone using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection and keeps in touch at a distance of more than ten meters.

The main features and functions of smart watches:

Change of visual design and color scheme, the possibility of replacing the strap (from simple silicone to elegant leather with precious inserts).
Device control function by voice, voice recognition.
Notification for calls, SMS, social media messages, new emails received and many other events.
Ability to send messages and letters.
Accept and reject incoming calls.
health maintenance function. Smart watches are able to monitor the pulse, work as a pedometer and even wake up its owner in the desired phase of sleep.
The ability to control the smartphone player through a smart watch.
Smartphone search.

Depending on the model and manufacturer, they can work without recharging from 1 to 7 days.

Advantages and disadvantages of smart watches

From the capabilities of smart watches described above, the advantages of this modern gadget can be distinguished:

Smart watches can replace a smartphone during sports.
Instant alerts and notifications will not let you miss important calls, messages and events.
The small size of the device.
Various sensors and navigation systems.

Common disadvantages include not very convenient making calls from this gadget and the possibility of damaging the device or its display, for example, when hit or dropped.

smart watch cost

Look how beautiful and versatile they are!

New models of smart watches

The market for these products is expanding at a breakneck pace, with new smartwatch models being developed all the time. For example, in early 2016, HTC plans to launch smartwatches under its own brand. And just recently, a new watch from Samsung came out with a completely innovative control model. These are just a few examples of the development of this market.

Look at them!

Are they really beautiful? It is not for nothing that many people enjoy using this excellent watch model.

Updated and completely new watch models are released almost every month. Unfortunately, not all of them are represented in Russia. But, nevertheless, this makes it clear how vast and promising the smartwatch market is, and how popular this invention is.

When it comes to choosing a smartwatch, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Particular attention when choosing a smart watch should be paid to the following parameters:

Design and materials. The design of such watches is not limited to sports, there are many models of a classic look. It remains only to decide on personal preferences.
Water and splash proof. Some smartwatches are suitable for swimming due to their waterproof design. Other models may only be splash-proof, allowing them to survive being caught in the rain.
Communication with a smartphone. Smartwatch models are not compatible with all smartphones. But there are also universal options.
Battery life. The minimum period of work without recharging should be one day.

Setting up a smart watch is not difficult, the main thing is to choose the right watch model that is compatible with your smartphone. Synchronization of devices occurs using the included Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. You only need to connect the smart watch to the phone for the first time, then the devices will find each other on their own.

Thank you for liking the site! Be a happy, athletic and active person always! Write what you think about this, what gadgets do you use and why?

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Today untwist all and sundry. It all started in 2013, when rumors about the Apple iWatch swept online and offline. Samsung was most tense, which in a matter of months built and launched its own creative kind called . Then the Chinese pulled themselves up, whose developments, among other things, were used by Russian B-brands.

However, a smartphone on hand is cool, but clearly inconvenient. Therefore, Pebble watches have also gained good popularity - more compact, light, and you can write poems about their autonomy. However, their functionality, although “smart”, is not so advanced. But the second generation of Pebble Steel looks very stylish - the company clearly realized the importance of design in such a thing as a watch.

Meanwhile, Apple never released its smartwatches. Samsung met the spring of 2014 in splendid isolation and together with three new products: Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit. We have arranged them in descending order of "steepness". The most advanced of all is the Gear 2 watch, the direct successor to the Galaxy Gear. Gear 2 Neo differ only in the absence of a camera. Well, Gear 2 Fit is more of a smart bracelet. A goofy device in terms of ergonomics and usability, but it looks cool.

Design and controls

The first generation of Galaxy Gear looked unusual, but purely "Samsung" boring. Remember how their smartphones look: everything is carbon-copied except for the flagships. At the same time, even the flagships have a boring and ordinary design. Or rather, it would even be said "faceless". That's about the same thing Samsung did with smart watches.

Has anything changed in the case of Gear 2? Only partly. Moreover, all the changes mainly relate to technological additions and corrections that happened to the watch. But in general, the features of its predecessor are unmistakably guessed in Gear 2. If you saw last year's device, then smart chronometers from South Korea of the 2014 model will be recognized without unnecessary difficulties.

The general idea remains the same: a square screen framed by a wide frame, and all this together is covered with slightly curved glass at the edges. Next comes the watch case itself, and this is where some of the differences between Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo begin. In the first case, metal is used, and in the second, plastic. Metal looks noticeably more advantageous. In this form, the watch does not look like an inexpensive electronic craft. In combination with a black strap, they are more like an unusual wrist accessory. Of course, they are far from Pebble Steel, but in any case it turned out well.

Gear 2 Neo looks noticeably weaker and cheaper compared to the older product. Solidity in them is not worth a penny, unless you look closely and understand their functions.

Putting the watch upside down will be difficult - under the screen is the Home button, at the same time indicating where the Gear 2 has the bottom. In the metal version, it also looks noticeably better than the Gear 2 Neo - in this version, it looks more like an unusual substring element.

On the opposite end there is an infrared port for electronics control. This is for both watches. And Gear 2 also boasts a camera lens - this is the main difference from Gear 2 Neo. Compared to the Galaxy Gear, where the camera was located in the strap with an ugly growth, here it is elegantly hidden in the body and does not look alien.

On the left side of the watch there is a grip for charging, as well as slots for the speaker. Recall that in the Galaxy Gear, the speaker was built into the strap clasp.

The second grip is on the right side. Opposite him there is a microphone for conversations.

The clasp in its design remained the same.

If necessary, you can adjust the length of the strap - there are many divisions. But perhaps the most important change with the strap is its significant simplification. There are no more electronics left in it: the camera and speaker were moved to the case. This increases the reliability of all watches - the damage to the strap will not lead to anything bad, and its replacement will cost much less.

The back cover of the watch is equipped with a heart rate monitor, . There are also five contacts for connecting charging. One more thing. Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo meet the IP67 standard, which guarantees reliable dust and moisture protection.

Can I insert a SIM card into the Gear 2?

For some reason, this question interests many on the Internet. Why it suddenly appeared is not clear. Moreover, the answer to it is obvious: you cannot insert a SIM card into the Gear 2 watch. There is no compartment for her. And you can't add it. No, it's not provided anywhere.

If anyone is unaware, . They can work separately from the smartphone, accessing the Internet. They even created the Opera Mini browser!

Equipment

We received the Gear 2 Neo watch in a complete package. The box turned out to be quite massive - it does not fit in a jacket pocket.

Of the rest, the kit included only a power supply and a watch attachment that provides charging.

Charging has become much more compact and practical. At Galaxy Gear, it covered the entire body. It got to the point of being ridiculous - the watch was lying on the window with a connected charger, which seemed to be an integral part of it. With such a "makeweight" they looked very large and awkward. It may have scared some of the buyers off.

Now charging looks alien - putting on the watch there will be no doubt that it should be removed. At the end of the charging is a microUSB connector, with which the watch can be connected to a computer or power.

Note that the USB cable is not included. Of course, this is not a matter of savings - it's just that Samsung did not provide for the watch to be connected to a computer. We tried to do this and the system even somehow reacted to this act. But, of course, I did not find any drivers. Yes, and Samsung did not release any special software for working with the clock - everything is done through the phone.

A more complete picture of the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo will allow you to make a video review of them:

Gear 2 Specifications

Today, the range of smart watches Samsung includes as many as four different models. So these are old, but still presented on the official website of the manufacturer, Galaxy Gear. Then come the reviewed Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo. And complete the line announced at the end of June 2014 Gear Live - the newest model based on Android Wear. It is similar in design and preliminary specifications to the Gear 2 Neo. Gear Live went on sale in the summer of 2014. But Gear 2 isn't going anywhere. Let's take a look at their options.

The progress compared to the first Galaxy Gear watch is clearly insignificant. Moreover, here one could safely expect a regression in terms of the processor. After all, Exynos 4212 is a solution for an average smartphone, and a smart watch is a more compact and mobile device. And it should work for a long time without recharging.

But Samsung went the other way. Exynos 3250 is a brand new processor built on Cortex-A7 cores. The company began mass production of this chip in 2014, which means that it can be assumed that it was developed with an eye on smartwatches. Moreover, unlike the previous Exynos 4212, where one of the two cores always worked, the system can use a pair of cores in the new CPU. Yes, even at a higher frequency of 1000 MHz, against 800 MHz in the Galaxy Gear.

There is no clarity with the video card. However, there is nothing wrong with that - smart watches need a graphics accelerator primarily to display a two-dimensional static picture, and only then for everything else. Playing complex 3D games and watching movies on your hand is at least inconvenient and generally strange.

The parameters of RAM and built-in flash memory have not changed. In the first case, a volume of 512 MB is available, in the second - 4 GB. Is it a lot or a little? It's hard to say. If the interface and everything else works without unnecessary delays, then there is enough RAM. And why do you need a permanent memory on the clock? For photos and videos? The watch takes video for 15 seconds, and the photos have a resolution of 2 megapixels, which are also immediately sent to the smartphone. And the Gear 2 Neo doesn't have a camera at all. So with the memory of the Gear 2 "everything is fine."

The screen has not been replaced either. It uses a 1.63-inch SuperAMOLED matrix with a resolution of 320x320. The display is definitely good. But at the moment, the question arises of the correct use of the classic screen in smart watches. After all, in order not to waste energy, it must be kept turned off for as long as possible. Yes, the built-in accelerometer captures the movement of the hand to "view" the time, but it does not always work accurately. As a result, sometimes you have to look at a black screen instead of time and notifications. Approximately 15% of cases. Believe me, it's a lot.

Screens with a static picture and low power consumption usually do not excel in image quality or refresh rate. The same Pebble prefers to use electronic paper, but the watch is not as interactive as the Samsung. In general, on the part of the display issue at the moment, these are solid compromises.

It's nice that Samsung has managed to improve the Gear 2's weight and size compared to the first generation. The watch has become thinner by a millimeter and lighter by 7 grams. This despite the fact that the camera moved into their body! The battery capacity also decreased, but only by 15 mAh to 300 mAh. This did not affect autonomy. Even a faster processor did not affect this parameter. What's the secret? Apparently in Tizen.

Working with smart watch Gear 2

One of the main features of Gear 2 watches was their transfer to the Tizen operating system version 2.2. Galaxy Gear, recall, was running Android 4.2. Of course, a heavily stripped-down version of the “robot” was installed there, but it was him. Moreover, this is confirmed by the ability to control the clock through the Android SDK - with its help, screenshots were taken from the wearable gadget, and any applications were installed on it. It got ridiculous - a launcher was installed on the watch and it turned into a regular smartphone. True, without Wi-Fi and a GSM module, such a “smartphone” was not capable of much.

Most interestingly, in May 2014, Samsung released a firmware update for the , bringing it closer to the Gear 2. However, the question is, will all these watches get the newly introduced Android Wear? Or will Samsung wait until this system is brought to mind?

In the meantime, let's see how you can work with Gear 2. In principle, there are no cardinal changes since the Galaxy Gear as such. The interface remains the same, although it has been improved. For example, the first thing that catches your eye is that the background image has finally appeared. Galaxy Gear was deprived of such at all because of the imperfection of the screen - it is wonderful there - it's all about saving energy. The darker the OLED display, the less it drains the battery. Now Tizen allows you to spend less energy.

Scrolling the screen, you can see the available applications. It remains almost exactly the same as it was before. Something changed, something finalized, but again - nothing fundamentally new.

So they focused on the pedometer and sports functions. The watch has a built-in heart rate monitor. Now you can monitor your heart rate while exercising.

Now you can control from the watch not only music playback on your smartphone, but also a TV and even air conditioning.

We have retained the call function - you can dial a number on the watch, or dictate it through S Voice. Here, the experience has not changed much either - during the day in the city on a noisy street, the speaker is almost inaudible, and it is inconvenient to yell into the microphone.

In addition to the main "desktops", there was a separate list of applications, divided into four pieces per screen. There are not much more of them here than on the main screens.

The settings interface has slightly changed its design, but the logic of their work has remained the same. But now, in addition to the color theme, you can choose the background.

The functionality of a smartwatch is so much less than that of a smartphone that the difference between Tizen and Android is not noticeable.

Bluetooth is built into the watch, of course, but there is nothing else besides it.

The most interesting thing is that the "USB debugging" item from the settings menu has not disappeared - everything is just like in Android. True, there is no point in it - a computer without the appropriate driver and software does not recognize the clock.

In general, the interface has become more intuitive and easy to use. We kept the same gestures - so swiping your fingers from top to bottom on the main screen launches the camera app on the Gear 2, and from bottom to top - the dialer.

Speaking of the camera. Its resolution and quality have grown. So she can now shoot in Full HD. And the pictures are relatively good.

As for the video, its quality has also grown, but the resolution has not changed - 1280x720. And the duration remained the same - only 15 seconds per video.

Working Gear 2 with a Smartphone

Galaxy Gear watches, immediately after the release in September 2013, could only work with one smartphone - . This decision is strange - not everyone could afford to buy an expensive Note 3, and those who could, it’s not a fact that they would agree to carry a 5.7-inch phablet with them. Later, watch support appeared in other models, though mostly Samsung flagships.

In the case of Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo, the situation is not so bleak. The watch is in theory capable of pairing with any Samunsg smartphone, which is or newer.

At our disposal at the time of testing Gear 2 was the Galaxy S5. We launched the updated Gear Manager on it.

However, there is also little new in comparison with the first version. Changed design, icons. But the principle of operation has remained the same: you can make a complete adjustment of the clock.

Moreover, it is easier to configure them from a smartphone than from a phone. Still - screen sizes here have hoo what a difference!

Of course, Gear Manager is more flexible in terms of configuration - you can upload new backgrounds through it, set up data transfer between your smartphone and watch.

You can configure both built-in applications and smartphones. In the latter case, we are talking about notifications - notifications from a lot more applications can be displayed on the watch screen than it was during the Galaxy Gear. Perhaps this is one of the main and most serious changes Gear 2.

You can even customize the wake-up gesture, set the operation to double-click the Home button on the watch.

And, of course, the most interesting thing remains - applications. They are grouped into six categories: finance, entertainment, health/fitness, lifestyle, social media, and utilities. Some of them are paid.

At the time of writing the article, there were few applications - at most 3-4 dozen. Still - even the old ones from Galaxy Gear cannot be transferred! And those that are - are not of particular interest. Well, there is a paid calculator, five games, various beautifully designed watch faces. It seems that the developers and Samsung itself do not know what applications for watches can be written in principle.

Conclusion

The evolution of Samsung smartwatches is visible to the naked eye. The second generation came out literally six months after the first. There are many changes, the main of which is the transition to Tizen to save energy. But did it help the clock? Yes, they last longer. True, along the way lost all applications for the Galaxy Gear. However, there were not so many applications there.

However, in general, the experience with Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo remained the same. Yes, they have become easier to use, the interface is now more intuitive, it is better designed. However, talking by the clock is also difficult. But as a fitness gadget, they have become more advanced. Yes, and notifications are now visible on the screen much more.

An undeniable progress can be called the rejection of the technologically complex strap where the camera was built. Now it is not scary to break it, and replacement costs much less. The weight reduction and updated design have also benefited. Exactly the same as the improved camera.

Of course, there is already Samsung Gear Live based on Android Wear. Nevertheless, according to the first reviews, the new system is too raw there - the software on Tizen works much less intrusively and more logically. In addition, in terms of their capabilities, Gear Live barely reach the Gear 2 Neo - they do not have a camera. So the relevance of Gear 2 is not reduced.

But the main issue is cost. Galaxy Gear at the start cost as much as 15 thousand rubles. Now their price has dropped to 12 thousand, which is also a lot. How are things with the second generation?

Gear 2 price

You can buy Gear 2 for 13 thousand rubles. The price has dropped from the same 15 thousand in April 2014. Not cheap, mind you. True, Gear 2 Neo can be bought for 10 thousand - they are more affordable. But remember that you will lose the metal frame, they have a worse design, and they also do not have a camera. If you are definitely going to buy yourself a Samsung smart watch, then it would be better to turn your attention to Gear 2.

In general, there are still few competitors for Samsung Gear 2. A more or less worthy alternative looks like Pebble Steel worth about 15 thousand. Not cheap, but we are talking about a kind of premium version of the Pebble SmartWatch, which in the middle of summer 2014 was estimated at about 7 thousand rubles. Believe me, Pebble Steel looks much better. But this is the most important thing for a watch - a solid appearance. Even in relation to men, it is much more pleasant to wear something stylish and metallic on your wrist than a plastic craft with an advanced screen.

Sony SmartWatch 2 has now fallen in price to 6 thousand. Also a possible cheaper alternative, albeit outdated.

Qualcomm Toq can be bought for 14 thousand. The product is new, but it raises a lot of questions both in terms of functionality and usability. Yes, and their design is not so hot. But they work with a much larger number of smartphones.

In addition, there are many Chinese smart watches on the market, some of which can even insert a SIM card and a microSD card! But this is essentially a smartphone in watch format. In this design, they are heavy, thick, with a screen of questionable quality and poor autonomy. But cheap.

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