What Is A Smartwatch?

Date First Published: 4th November 2023

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Hardware

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 3/10

Learn about what a smartwatch is in this article.

A smartwatch is a digital watch with a touchscreen interface for daily use, designed to be worn on the wrist. It connects to a smartphone using a Bluetooth connection and an associated smartphone app allows it to be managed. Since a smartwatch relies on a smartphone for most of its functionality, it is generally considered a smartphone accessory rather than a standalone device.

Features Of Smartwatches

A smartwatch provides a wide range of features other than telling the time. Examples include:

• Heart rate monitoring
• Stress tracking
• Sleep monitoring
• Providing notifications throughout the day. Smartwatches often display the smartphone's notifications.
• Apps, similar to apps on smartphones and tablets (e.g. weather, stock prices, maps and directions).
• Body temperature monitoring
• Fitness information (e.g. calories burnt, steps taken).
• Fall detection
• Alarms
• GPS tracking
• Contactless payment and digital wallet applications

Advantages and Disadvantages Of Smartwatches

• They help people easily access important messages and reminders without having to take a smartphone out of a bag or pocket. This helps avoid missing reminders and calls and allows people to stay organised.
• The battery life lasts longer than a smartphone. Smartwatches can often last 7-10 days between charges with standard use. This is unlike a smartphone, which often requires charging every 1-2 days.
• They come with much more features than traditional watches. For example, most smartwatches come with sensors and algorithms that can track a wide range of fitness and health metrics, which can provide useful health information to people. Some smartwatches can even be used to take photos.
• They are often easy to set up. All that is required to set them up is a compatible smartphone and no special equipment is required. After it has been set up, the date and time and notifications will sync with the smartphone.

• They can be expensive, depending on the brand and the features. They are more expensive than traditional watches due to the added technologies.
• They are vulnerable to accidental damage, like being dropped, which can cause the screen to crack or the smartwatch to become unusable.
• Battery life is not always long. If the smartwatch is used a lot, it can drain the battery. This can become a problem when travelling a lot as if the battery runs out, it won't be possible to use it. This means that smartwatches need to be regularly charged, unlike traditional watches.
• Information collected may not always be accurate. Although the tracking on smartwatches can provide useful information, the data, like calories burnt and heart rate can be incorrect, so it is not recommended to entirely rely on data collected by smartwatches.

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