A smartwatch is a wearable digital device that has its own operating system and locally installed apps. While early models could perform basic tasks such as digital time telling and game playing, the latest smartwatches have functionality closer to smartphones, including apps, a mobile operating system and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity.
The wearer may use their smartwatch to make and answer calls, read text messages and emails, dictate text messages and emails, or even ask a digital assistant a question.
However, some smartwatches are standalone and purpose-specific, for instance the apps may gather and track data about the wearer’s heart rate or provide them with GPS information such as travel directions.
Smartwatches available today include the Sony SmartWatch, Samsung Galaxy Gear and Gear Fit, NikeFuel and Pebble Watch.
