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'Do Not Buy a Smartwatch Right Now' (droid-life.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the be-patient dept.

Since Qualcomm is set to launch a new wearable chipset on September 10, Kellen from DoidLife argues against buying a new Google Wear OS-powered smartwatch in the meantime. The new chipset will be able to execute commands quicker, and provide for substantially longer battery life. From the report: This new chipset is said to be built from the ground up, will allow watches to look pretty when you aren't using them (like a normal watch sitting idly by your side), and extend battery life. More importantly, Qualcomm is betting that this Snapdragon Wear chip will "significantly change the Wear OS ecosystem, what you expect from a smartwatch." If you buy a smartwatch today, before Qualcomm announces this chip, you will be stuck with a 2+ year old Snapdragon Wear 2100 chip. All of the new Wear OS watches that have been announced recently, use that chip. It's old. It's never been great. And it's about to be replaced by something potentially game-changing for smartwatches. A report from WinFuture says that this new Snapdragon chip will be called the Wear 3100 and will allow for "Ok Google" detection even when the display is off. It is rumored to come with Google's Pixel-branded smartwatch, although DroidLife thinks that LG will be one of the first to launch a watch with this new processor. "This LG watch is said to have physical watch hands, as well as the smarts of Wear OS and a touch display," reports DroidLife. It is expected to make its debut on September 10.

58 of 113 comments (clear)

  1. I'll do you one better than that. by AbRASiON · · Score: 5, Insightful

    How about I never buy a smartwatch instead?

    1. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by murdocj · · Score: 4, Informative

      Yep. The title could have just been "Do not buy a smartwatch"

    2. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by AbRASiON · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I'm very old, to me a watch is a fasion and timepiece. I rarely wear one, but if I do, it sure won't be as guady as a smart watch.

      I also already pull my phone out of my pocket FAR too much as it is. I need not, even more contact with the internet.

      AND they need charging.

      Nope, never.

    3. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by ChunderDownunder · · Score: 2

      Battery life. A piece of jewellery that you have to charge once a day using a non-standard cradle with fragile pins because it can't fit a standard USB connector is a turn off.

    4. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Hadlock · · Score: 1

      I'm trying to remember the last time someone I know talked about a smartwatch, let alone admitting out loud that they wanted one.

      --
      moox. for a new generation.
    5. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by bkmoore · · Score: 4, Funny

      How about I never buy a smartwatch instead?

      I'm perfectly happy with my "dumb watch". It runs on an analogue CPU which requires winding, but main-spring battery life is about three days. It has an automatic winding pendulum that recharges the spring-battery when you wear it. The analogue OS on my watch comes with three built-in applications. One app, tells date and time. The second app is a timer applet. The third is a slide rule flight computer that allows you to compute time-speed-distance problems. The watch plays a cool "tick" sound when you listen closely. The only draw back to my analog watch is I couldn't find any App Store where I might download newer functions or change the "tick" sound. oh well....

    6. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by DeBaas · · Score: 1

      Iâ(TM)ll get one as soon as they can also double as a key fob for my car.

      --
      ---
    7. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by chispito · · Score: 1

      They aren't really that good for telling time.

      --
      The Daddy casts sleep on the Baby. The Baby resists!
    8. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by AuMatar · · Score: 2

      Because they provide 0 value that you don't already get from the expensive phone in my pocket, require constant charging, and cost way too much.

      --
      I still have more fans than freaks. WTF is wrong with you people?
    9. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by hawguy · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Most of the new ones are wireless. I work in a job where I get TONS of email and I had the same problem as you. E-mails constantly buzzing, forcing me to take my phone out of my pocket. My smartwatch allows me to see my notifications without taking out my phone saving me time and battery life. I can use watch navigation to get directions while I'm riding on 2 wheels.

      I had the same problem, but I found a better solution.

      Settings -> Apps and Notifications -> Email -> App Info -> Notifications Off

    10. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by skam240 · · Score: 1

      You had me nodding along in approval until you refered to smart watches as "gaudy". Smart watches are the exact opposite of gaudy which is why they fail miserably as a fashion accessory (one of your two usss for a watch). For your reference:

      gaudy1
      ôd/Submit
      adjective
      extravagantly bright or showy, typically so as to be tasteless.

      Modern smart watches are anything but "bright and showy". "Cheap and crapy" are more the adjectives I'd use for what one looks like.

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      I ignore Anonymous Coward posts. If you want to discuss something, that's awesome. Log in.
    11. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by skam240 · · Score: 2

      Don't forget that the "jewelry" looks like cheap plastic crap!

      --
      I ignore Anonymous Coward posts. If you want to discuss something, that's awesome. Log in.
    12. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by ChunderDownunder · · Score: 2

      One of the supposed niches of smartwatches was in workplaces where looking at one's smarthone during business hours was banned.

      e.g. waiters and shop assistants where managers didn't want them browsing facebook or calling their friends - with a watch they could get around the rule by still getting notifications.

    13. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by K.+S.+Kyosuke · · Score: 1

      Just hang it above your bed and you'll never forget it. You can even keep the "now" since it will never be wrong!

      --
      Ezekiel 23:20
    14. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

      People said the same thing about smart phones that needed charging daily instead of once a week like a Nokia 3310.

      I'd get a smart watch if they provided useful functions that made it worth charging (wirelessly of course, Qi standard).

      Something like an accurate, always on heart rate monitor and step counter. Bluetooth so it can vibrate on things like calendar event reminders or priority communications.

      The problem with smartwatches at the moment is lack of a killer app.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
    15. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by dcw3 · · Score: 1

      I don't know how "very old" AbRASION is, but I'm nearly 60. I wear a Fitbit Ionic that allows me to pick from a huge variety of faces...extremely basic to information overload. The screen is normally dark unless I turn my wrist up to view it, then it automatically lights up...nothing "gaudy" about it, and yet it looks nice enough to have on with formal wear. My primary reason for having it is tracking exercise, and sleep...I typically only get 4 hrs, and am an apnea sufferer. As far as charging is concerned, I have a cradle on my desk at the office, and one at home that it can charge on in about 15-20 mins once ever 4-5 days. While some don't want the interruptions, I have mine notify me with texts and calls (since my cell is often out of reach at home, and always on vibrate).

      --
      Just another day in Paradise
    16. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by dcw3 · · Score: 1

      My Ionic charges once every 4-5 days in under 20 mins. I bought a cradle for it on Amazon for about $8 that works perfectly. It's much more than a piece of jewelry. I have jewelry watches...this is not one of them.

      --
      Just another day in Paradise
    17. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by dcw3 · · Score: 1

      Your cell doesn't track your heart rate, and I haven't seen an app that does anything like my fitbit for tracking my sleep, but maybe there is. Many of us with sleep issues can make use of that. I don't have to carry my cell around the house to get my calls or messages either. And, by just turning my wrist, I can see my daily steps, stairs, calories, active minutes, heart rate, date, and time, w/o turning to an app.

      --
      Just another day in Paradise
    18. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by thegarbz · · Score: 2

      I also already pull my phone out of my pocket FAR too much as it is.

      Sounds like you need a smartwatch :-)

    19. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by AuMatar · · Score: 1

      If you have sleep issues, see a medical professional and have a sleep study done. Its going to be FAR more useful than the pseudoscience you get out of an app on your smartwatch.

      --
      I still have more fans than freaks. WTF is wrong with you people?
    20. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by dcw3 · · Score: 1

      Um, I have had a a sleep study done. There's nothing about the app on my watch that is pseudoscience in spite of your claim.

      I get that you have some kind of hatred for smart watches, which you seem to feel the need to push on everyone else that finds them actually useful. Don't buy one, and we'll all just get along.

      --
      Just another day in Paradise
    21. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by HideyoshiJP · · Score: 1

      It depends on where you're looking at along the smart-watch-fitness-band spectrum. I have a Garmin watch. I use mine to track my rides with GPS and heart rate. It also has ANT+ so I can connect it to speed and cadence sensors (or a power meter, if I had one). The battery lasts a week or so with the amount of time I ride. I bought it last year as a refurb for about ~$130.

    22. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by reanjr · · Score: 1

      I see smart watches used for exactly two things: submission to digital exercise overlords and messaging addiction. I don't think most healthy people are interested in either of those "features".

    23. Re: I'll do you one better than that. by reanjr · · Score: 1

      So, it's for addicts? Maybe we should start regulating smart watches if they only serve to feed addiction.

    24. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Quirkz · · Score: 1

      So, unlike a stopped clock, which is only right twice per day, this invective against clocks is good for all time?

      Might as well get the tattoo, then.

      --
      The Quirkz Handbook of Self-Improvement for People Who Are Already Pretty Okay
    25. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Dusanyu · · Score: 1

      wish i still had mod points +1

    26. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by tlhIngan · · Score: 1

      Your cell doesn't track your heart rate, and I haven't seen an app that does anything like my fitbit for tracking my sleep, but maybe there is.

      Apple Watches have apparently saved a few lives because they warned of dangerous heart rates that caused the person to actually visit a doctor and discover they had a serious heart condition.

      Short of a massive heart attack, a lot of heart conditions aren't found unless a doctor looks for them. The watch merely pointed out something was seriously wrong and to actually seek medical attention.

      Google "apple watch saves lives" and it'll bring up dozens of articles on dozens of people who were alerted that something was wrong.

    27. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by dcw3 · · Score: 1

      After my own surgery last year (after a serious fall that required ~$50k of plastic surgery), I was able to share data on my resting heart rate change in my resting heart rate with my primary care doc. I was surprised to notice it jump from ~60bpm to just over 80 for about a week before slowly recovering.

      At nearly 60 yrs old, I always monitor my own heart rate during exercise to make sure I'm not overexerting.

      --
      Just another day in Paradise
    28. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by doconnor · · Score: 1

      One of the main benefits of a smartwatch is that you reduce the number of times you pull the phone out of your pocket to check notifications or the time.

    29. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by Quirkz · · Score: 1

      to hard?

      Look, I'll bother counting to 24 when you can count out the proper number of O's in "too". :P

      --
      The Quirkz Handbook of Self-Improvement for People Who Are Already Pretty Okay
    30. Re:I'll do you one better than that. by lsatenstein · · Score: 1

      How about I never buy a smartwatch instead?

      I'm not wearing the one I never bought. My smart watch is thin, waterproof, lightweight and sweatproof. It tells me the time exactly twice per day, runs independently of battery chargers and at othertimes is less than 10 seconds out in a month.

      The stuff that separates the men from the boys is the cost of their toys. I will take a Rolex.

      --
      Leslie Satenstein Montreal Quebec Canada
  2. Good headline for once by TimMD909 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Don't buy a smart watch has been good advice for years. Glad to see the editors are finally catching on...

    1. Re: Good headline for once by AuMatar · · Score: 1, Insightful

      There's a difference between technology and gadgets.

      Technology allows you to do things you couldn't otherwise do, or do things better than previously possible.

      Gadgets are (usually) expensive doodads that provide no unique functionality and are pushed on marketing.

      Smartwatches are gadgets, not technology.

      --
      I still have more fans than freaks. WTF is wrong with you people?
    2. Re: Good headline for once by Mordaximus · · Score: 1

      Gadgets are (usually) expensive doodads that provide no unique functionality and are pushed on marketing.

      Smartwatches are gadgets, not technology.

      That depends entirely on use case. There are things a smartwatch can do, that a traditional smartphone cannot do nearly as well. Biometrics for one (sure a smartphone can, but there are times when you don't want or can't have your smartphone with you.) If biometrics are important to the user, then everything other function provided is simply a bonus.

    3. Re: Good headline for once by AuMatar · · Score: 1

      Actually they do these extremely poorly, to the point of uselessness. They don't provide medical grade data.

      --
      I still have more fans than freaks. WTF is wrong with you people?
  3. its about the screen... by johnjones · · Score: 1

    The Snapdragon Wear 3100 will still share many of the traits of its predecessor, like four Cortex-A7 cores and a large 28 nm process.

    IF you buy a smartwatch THEN worry about the screen that sucks more power and is your primary interface...

  4. Do not buy a smartwatch, forever by Snotnose · · Score: 2

    Why? Let the dust settle, then you have a 10/90 chance of seeing who benefits from your data, and you can make an (un)informed opinion.

  5. OK ... by PPH · · Score: 1

    ... I'll wait.

    How will I know when I've waited long enough?

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
    1. Re:OK ... by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 1

      How will I know when I've waited long enough?

      When your breathing finally stops.

      --
      #DeleteChrome
  6. FUCK a smartwatch, it's a waste of money. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    When a smartwatch can REPLACE a cell phone and it can drive a display which is incorporated into eyeglasses and include augmented reality,
    MAYBE I will consider spending my money on it.

    But right now, a "smart" watch is just a silly overpriced gadget that is of such limited use I cannot believe people buy this stuff. Well yeah, actually
    I can believe it, because there are over 4 BILLION idiots in the world and some of them have money.

  7. Re:Ok Google by MachineShedFred · · Score: 1, Informative

    Spoiler alert - your phone already does this.

    --
    Slashdot still doesnâ(TM)t support Unicode after it was added to the HTML standard in 1997.
  8. Waiting... by markdavis · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I know there is a lot of hate on Slashdot about smart watches, and I certainly understand a lot of it, but I actually like them. Sure, they have issues, but they can be extremely useful. I have had the Moto 360 and Moto 360.2. The 360.2 version is oh so much better, and the always-on screen is a must (and it can go all day with the always on). In the first year, it could go 2 days with the always-on screen (although as the battery grew old, it became 1 day, then less than a full day, and now I have to turn off the always-on feature I love).

    Every WearOS watch I have seen since the 360.2 has been LED (not LCD) and has to be "activated" to use it every time... so it looks like an ugly black puck the rest of the time. Some support a limited "super dim/boring" always-on, which can't even be seen, and still barely gets through the day. I want a watch I can glance at any time, even stealthily, not one that has to be twisted or shaken or touched and then wait a second for it to finally show something. I am hoping the new breeds are all ALWAYS ON, like a real watch should be.

    Fingers crossed...

    Also, I don't care if I have to charge it every day, just like I do with my phone. But when it costs so much, I *DO* want the option to replace the battery myself in 2 years when it croaks!

    1. Re:Waiting... by avandesande · · Score: 4, Insightful

      You seem to have no problem discussing the problems of the smart watch, how about explaining the 'extremely useful' part :)

      --
      love is just extroverted narcissism
    2. Re:Waiting... by GuB-42 · · Score: 3, Interesting

      There are two "extremely useful" things that I found in smartwatches, but they are present in $15 fitness trackers too as they just involve the vibrator.

      Silent alarm and notifications. Vibrations are much easier to feel on your wrist, and can even wake you up, so no need for a loud alarm that wake up everybody around you. And same thing for notifications. In loud environments where you can't hear your phone ring and you are too active to feel the vibrations, this is one of the only thing you can feel. Nice in music festival when you need to get in touch with your group.

      That's my use case. But I suppose there are others. For example, when you can pick up your phone because both your hands are taken or dirty, like when you are cooking. Which would call for an always-on screen, building on GP's idea.

    3. Re:Waiting... by Daralantan · · Score: 1

      I've got a Garmin that I use for tracking running, swimming, and various workouts. The notifications are useful for when my phone is across the room or I can't grab my phone out at work. Also the fact that it can alarm by a vibration is useful for stuff like when I'm going camping or don't want to wake others with my alarm. Mine is just a "fitness watch" though, and I can't imagine wanting to pay more for less battery life just to do something like.... look at facebook or respond to text messages with "OK :)".

      I can definitely see why people would enjoy them... but it's definitely not a "for everyone" product.

    4. Re:Waiting... by markdavis · · Score: 1

      >"You seem to have no problem discussing the problems of the smart watch, how about explaining the 'extremely useful' part :)"

      LOL! 'Tis true, I seem to be focused on the negative. Here are some:

      1) Love controlling music remotely
      2) Love notifications
      3) Love being able to read and voice reply to text messages
      4) Like seeing radar, temp, forecast quickly
      5) Like being able to do quick web searches (although they made that WORSE in WearOS 2.0)
      6) Like glancing for directions while driving/navigating, especially if I didn't hear what the phone said or can't remember
      7) Like being able to shut up the phone from ringing quickly

      Keep in mind, I typically keep my phone considerably out of reach- in a briefcase or belt case or fanny pack. The smart watch allows me have light, small, convenient remote control over it.

    5. Re:Waiting... by Gilgaron · · Score: 1

      A watch with regular hands but that could also display some useful extra information could be useful. There are some 'hybrid' watches that still use a regular watch battery, although I've not tried one.

    6. Re:Waiting... by nine-times · · Score: 1

      Not the guy you asked, but here's my 2 cents:

      I wouldn't go as far as "extremely useful", but at the very least, I'd say there are some nice-to-have conveniences.

      First, there's the whole fitness tracking thing. I'm sure the number of calories my watch said I expended isn't the actual number of calories I expended, but I'm also sure it does correlate with how active I've been, and has therefore been helpful in encouraging me to be more active.

      Second, it offers a better way of handling notifications. I get too many notifications on my phone, but I don't want to turn them all off. Having a smart watch lets me have a 2-tier notification system. I set it so only important things go to my watch. When one goes off, it feels like someone gently tapping my wrist, and I can glance casually at my watch to see what it is. I don't have to do anything as overt as reaching into my pocket, pulling out my phone, unlocking it, and scrolling through the notifications every time I get one. It's only important notifications, and it doesn't disrupt whatever I'm in the middle of doing.

      Similarly, it gives me quick, easy access to a small amount of information. A glance at my watch not only tells me the time and date, but the weather and my next calendar appointment. I've heard people comment, "Yeah, but why bother putting it on your wrist when you can just reach into your pocket and look on your phone?" Ok, but why bother having a wrist watch at all when you can have a pocket watch? Because for something you want to check quickly and easily throughout the day, having it on your wrist is easier. You don't have to go digging through your pockets, and even if you have your hands full, you can usually sneak a quick glimpse without breaking your stride or having anyone notice.

      And part of it it, it keeps me from screwing around with my phone. Once I open up my phone, there's a web browser and email and games-- just too many things that contribute to the always-online distraction that's a plague to modern society. Though the watch technically allows some input, it's impractical. There's nothing really to do with it. Though I can install apps, I don't. The phone with all my apps stays in my pocket for most of the day, and the watch only gives me a small set of pre-determined information.

    7. Re:Waiting... by lexman098 · · Score: 1

      YES. The OLED displays actually can be always-on these days because they move the whole face around every minute but you still can't have any thick features showing or they won't move enough to prevent burn-in. Most of the face has to be black. Why everyone is obsessed with OLED for everything I do not know. Especially on a watch where you're going to want it on all the time, a screen technology that can burn in is obviously the wrong choice. I had a moto 360 v2 and my experience with the battery was the same as yours. I eventually got rid of it due to not lasting a whole day at the end and now of course I have a OLED watch. It looks nice but I miss watch faces with a full color background.

    8. Re:Waiting... by TomGreenhaw · · Score: 1

      I like be able to glance quickly at my watch when I get a text message, instead of taking my phone out of my pocket. Same goes for time and date. I know you can do all these things with a phone, but its very convenient and efficient to have it on your wrist.

      I use the timer app all the time; it helps remind me when stuff is done - e.g. cooking, laundry, etc...

      I like having my activity level and heart rate measured. It encourages me to be less sedentary.

      I like having my Weber Bluetooth grilling thermometer on my watch. Its super handy when I'm entertaining guests and grilling.

      I'm very into technology, but I really don't obsesce the watch technology much. I wore an Apple Watch for more than three years and now I'm wearing a Samsung Gear watch. I like them both, but mostly prefer the gear because it looks like a nice watch. Charging has never been an issue; it easily lasts an entire day and I charge it on my nightstand while sleeping.

      I think a lot of people criticize smartwatches when they have never tried one. It's not for everybody, but don't knock it until you've tried it.

      --
      Greed is the root of all evil.
  9. You are doing it wrong. by thesupraman · · Score: 2

    Get with the times! Its not 1910 any more!
    These days through the wonders of mechanical science you can get self-winding mechanical watches ;)
    Yes, they are a bit bleeding edge - only been around since the mid 1920s, but hey, live life on the edge!
    But yes, energy storage is only about 2-3 days, BUT they use amazing bio-engineering technology to self-charge!

    Only problem is they tend to last a bit long, I have several from the 60s still going strong - make corp profitability
    less good - and I am supposed to feel GOOD about how much of a profit center I am for my logo supplier I think?

    1. Re:You are doing it wrong. by bkmoore · · Score: 3, Insightful

      .... I have several from the 60s still going strong - make corp profitability less good...

      that's the whole point behind smart watches. Planned obsolescence.

    2. Re:You are doing it wrong. by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 1

      that's the whole point behind pretty much all “smart” devices. Planned obsolescence.

      FTFY

      --
      #DeleteChrome
  10. Meh. by antdude · · Score: 1

    Current smartwatches aren't impressive. I will stick with my Casio Data Bank 150 calculator watch. ;)

    --
    Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
  11. Heart rate monitors by spinitch · · Score: 1

    HRMs in a watch form factor are good investments for your health. An inexpensive device can suffice. Pairing with a chest strap BT or ANT for exercise can provide better monitoring. A HRM can help improve efficiency of health lifestyle especially for avoiding over training. Don't need to be a fitness fanatic even casual folks can benefit.

  12. Now couple that with an e-Ink display by unrealmp3 · · Score: 1

    And NFC payment and I'm sold. Until then, I'm crossing my fingers that my Pebble Time Steel live on.

  13. Can we talk about this? by mrwireless · · Score: 1

    So people walking around with always on microphones is normal now?

    People were disgusted with Google Glass. But this is heading in that same direction again.

  14. FUD by Mats+Svensson · · Score: 1

    No don't listen to the haters.
    I have a whole warehouse full of these watches, and trust me they are great!
    You don't want to be the only kid in school not wearing one of these babies, do you?
    Look!
    Shiny!
    New!
    *dangely* *dangely* *dangely* *dangely*