We’ve seen so many smartphones and tablets over the past few years that we need something else to get excited about. Something new—something that makes us pause, widen our eyes, and maybe even squeal with delight. That next thing, all big companies seem to agree, is the smartwatch.
As mobile gets more powerful (and more dull), we’re starting to see a big transition over to the wrist. Instead of a tiny computer in your pocket, it’s now adorned on your person, always visible and accessible when you need it. You already (probably) wear a watch, so why not make it a smartwatch? Leave your phone in your pocket, and take a step toward the future.
That’s what Android Wear, Google’s smartwatch platform, promises. But Google’s big platform is only a small glimpse at what the future of wearables has to offer.
Samsung Gear Live Video Review
Android Where?
Google’s smartwatch operating system, Android Wear, attempts to strip Android down into a digestible mini OS for your wrist. Things like Google’s always-listening buzzword, “OK Google,” Google Now cards, and deep integration with apps are there. The experience of a pocket computer has now been shrunk down into a gadget that you strap to your arm—as Google puts it: “Useful information when you need it most.”
And that’s a true statement; Android Wear does share useful information directly to your wrist. When you get a notification, it pings you. That goes for emails, texts, calls, and more. It’ll even provide you with cards regarding your next appointment, commute time, flight information, and how many steps you’ve taken that day. All great and useful.
All totally redundant and boring on your wrist
Here’s what’s going on: we’re so bored with our smartphones that anything new is immediately awesome and cool. That’s why we’re so earnestly holding onto the idea of the smartwatch. But, in practice, these devices are largely redundant accessories capable of only providing a moment of fulfillment. When you put it on and get a few notifications, it’s something that can bring your heart rate up; it’s cool and entertaining.
Samsung-Gear-Live-Android-Wear-11
Samsung-Gear-Live-Android-Wear-12
But the more you use the Gear Live smartwatch, the more you realize everything you’re doing you could do on your phone. The love fades, and it doesn’t come back. For how sophisticated people want to believe smartwatches have become, they don’t do anything to benefit the experience. At least not right now. In fact, I’d say they mostly hinder tasks you’re trying to perform, not improve them. Text is small, so it’s not feasible to read longer emails. They have to be tethered to your phone at all times. That’s just one example.
The Gear Live is very capable of assisting with menial tasks, such as reading texts, checking weather and setting reminders. So, for example, instead of taking out my phone, I could raise my wrist, say, “OK Google, remind me to call my mom,” and it’ll set a reminder without incident. That’s neat and helpful, if not all that revolutionary. It saved me what, 30 seconds of having to fiddle with my phone? I can also ask it how many steps I’ve taken, and do quick Google searches right from my wrist.
But when you do perform searches, you’re prompted to take your phone out anyway. You might as well just search right from your phone. You can’t browse the web, can’t watch videos, can’t take pictures, and on and on. You already spent good money on your smartphone, so why not use it? Is that considered laziness? Convenience? I don’t know what it is, but it certainly isn’t very rewarding.
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