If you’re a music lover, a smartwatch might be the perfect accessory for you. It can control your smartphone’s music player and pair with Bluetooth headsets to stream to headphones. It can also store music, allowing you to listen to it on the go without the use of your smartphone. If you’re interested in cellular smartwatches, you can even stream your music through a wireless network. And because most smartwatches come with built-in GPS, you can easily find the location of any nearby store.
Limitations of smartwatches
The addressable market for smartwatches is relatively small, because most consumers already rely on smartphones for this functionality. But with their small screens, smartwatches can offer more information faster and are not as bulky as a smartphone. But consumers are not yet sold on the idea of using a smartwatch as a standalone computing device. For this reason, smartwatches face challenges blending digital information, the functionality of a traditional watch, and a person’s desire to wear a piece of technology that can be worn anywhere, whenever they want.
Even if they have a built-in heart rate monitor and SOS calling capabilities, smartwatches cannot diagnose or prevent serious medical conditions. They aren’t a substitute for an electrocardiogram or a 12-channel ECG. Their accuracy is limited and they can lead to false alarms or cause unnecessary anxiety. Additionally, their light-detection methods may not work as well on people with darker skin.
Health-related technologies in smartwatches
Apple Watch Series 4 and 5 introduced ECG (electrocardiogram) features, which could monitor the wearer’s heart rhythm and help detect irregular heartbeats. The Apple Watch can also summon emergency medical assistance. Competing wearables offer digital biomarkers and improved visibility into the wearer’s health. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch3 and Active2 come with heart-monitoring ECG features. The new models can also communicate with companion health apps.
Blood pressure monitoring is one such application that could make smartwatches more useful. In addition to identifying the signs of hypertension, the device could also track the patient’s health. Blood pressure monitoring is essential to prevent heart disease and strokes, but intermittent measurements can miss early warning signs. The device could be trained to monitor these gestures and provide accurate information to healthcare providers. Researchers are now studying ways to interpret data from blood pressure sensors to detect medication adherence.
Apps on smartwatches
Besides the standard fitness apps, smartwatches also have the ability to run third-party apps. Popular apps include WhatsApp, Spotify, NS Reisplanner, and Appie. These applications make life a lot easier by not requiring you to pull out your smartphone to access them. The latest version of these apps can also be used to start workout apps. If you have an Android smartphone and don’t want to deal with the hassle of using two devices, smartwatches are a great solution for you.
A smartwatch with NFC support can make contactless payments. Simply bring the wearable device to the payment terminal, and the payment is processed. Smartwatches can also have simple games. These can be a great way to pass time while waiting for a doctor or a train. Some smartwatches even have an anti-loss option, which sends a signal to your phone if it gets too far away.
Cost of smartwatches
The cost of smartwatches is determined by the type of smartwatch you choose. Different styles are priced differently, with some types costing more than others. These differences are usually due to differences in construction and complexity. Standalone smartwatches are typically more expensive than those with Bluetooth or GSM connectivity. While these differences are significant, they are not as dramatic as you might think. To get the most out of your smartwatch, consider purchasing a cheaper version with similar features and quality.
Price is also influenced by the features that smartwatches offer. A smartwatch with many features will cost more than one with few, or without any. A smartwatch with independent calling will cost more than one without. Cost may also depend on the benefits of certain elements, such as the ability to make calls. The price range will depend on what features you’re interested in, so take some time to compare the prices of different smartwatches.