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Main bhi James Bond! Smart wearable gadgets are here
Apple, Samsung, Sony, LG, Nike and Google are all betting big on smart wearables that can help you connected with your home whenever, wherever!
2014 is going to be marked as the year when wearable technology became a household name. Smart wearables has already become the buzzword of the year.
With these devices, you can now stay connected with your home whenever and wherever. Leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have now moved to the second and third generation devices.
Market analysts fear that the pace at which these OEMs are coming out with upgraded versions of smart wearables, the time is not far when tablets and smartphones will start feeling the heat.
As per recent estimates, the global wearable technology market is expected to reach $5.26 billion in value.
Here are some of the most happening smart wearables that the world is talking about:
Sony SmartBand
This is one of the most happening devices available in the market that tracks everything you do.
It's an innovative life-logging wrist-band that not only tracks your movement but also your entertainment and communication.
You can also record the special moments of your life through this device and check them out on your Android tablet or smartphone during free time.
Users can wear this smart wearable round the clock. It is waterproof and comes in different styles and vibrant colours.
Sony SmartBand is smart because the Android app it comes with records a user's social, physical and entertainment activities.
You can also use it to set activity goals and then monitor progress accordingly. Weather forecast of the coming day is also available on this smart gadget. This device comes with features such as smart alarm, removable core, Life Bookmark, comfortable and stylish wristband, ability to get connected with smartphone through Bluetooth, NFC connectivity and many more.
In India, it is available at a price of Rs 5,990.
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Apple iWatch
It is going to be Apple's next big revelation in recent times. This smartwatch is still a part of rumours, but its invisible presence in the market has given birth to lots of expectations and cut-throat competition.
It is expected to hit the market this October, though nothing has been confirmed officially by the Cupertino-based Apple.
Some of the rumoured specs include latest iOS 8 platform, 1.3-to-2.5-inch display size, 4 to 5 days of battery life and availability of sensors in huge amount, including biometrics.
It is learnt from various sources that this smartwatch will have a slightly rectangular look, creating an arch shape on wrist.
As it is expected to be available in different screen sizes, we feel that there will be different price points too.
Some of the features expected in this iOS-driven smart wearable are NFC integration, advanced mapping abilities, wireless charging capabilities, ability to measure health related metrics (heart rate, sleep quality, calories burnt, and steps taken), and capability of doing basic functions such as voice calls, receiving messages and notifications.
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Motorola Moto 360
Motorola's first smartwatch, he Moto 360, is the next most adorable and happening device, for which the entire market was waiting with bated breath.
This Android Wear was first announced in March 2014 and the final version was displayed at Google I/O 2014.
It doesn't look like the sci-fi kind of watch. Its design resembles the classic watch's round look, which makes it more special.
The Moto 360 comes with removable wrist band, steel casing and circular capacitive touch display.
Google Now can be integrated here and pairing can be done with smartphones having Android 4.3 or above OS.
Wireless Qi charging facility is available in this smartwatch.
Most importantly, this Android Wear OS based smartwatch is water resistant and is available at an affordable price of $249.
Upon currency conversion it will cost just above Rs 16,000, though as of now the wearable is not available in India.
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LG G Watch
This Android Wear platform based smartwatch from LG is now available globally via Google Play Store.
It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor clocked at a speed of 1.2GHz and comes with a 1.65-inch IPS display of 280 x 280 pixels resolution.
Some of the other important features of LG G Watch are built-in storage of 4GB, 400mAh battery, RAM of 512MB, 9-axis sensor and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity.
This smart wearable is available in two colour options -- White Gold and Black Titan. Any standard 22mm strap can be used for personalising this smart wearable.
It is priced at Rs 14,999 at Google Play India.
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Samsung Gear Live
Like the mobile segment, Samsung is trying hard to rule the roost in wearable market as well. Keeping ahead of the other manufacturers, Samsung by far has launched nearly five wearables gadgets in the market, Samsung Galaxy Gear being the first one.
The rest of the wrist-bands include Samsung Gear 2, Gear Live, Gear Fit and Gear 2 Neo.
You can not only ask Samsung Gear Live to give you latest information on various aspects but also takes note or sends text message.
Various other important features available here include navigation, flights, appointment, and reminder.
With Gear Live you can show your individuality through choice of various screens or clock designs.
It is IP67 certified, thus resistant to dust and water. Users can use it for staying healthy. It can track your heart rate too.
At Play Store, Samsung Gear Live is available at a price of Rs 15,900.
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Samsung Gear 2
Gear 2 comes with customisable themes, changeable straps of different colours, seamless communication, instant notification, everyday captures, personalised fitness manager, great audio facility, WatchON Remote and compatibility with other devices.
This device too is IP67 certified. The other two smart wearable devices have almost similar features.
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Samsung Gear Fit
Samsung Gear Fit can be termed as you personalised fitness manager that keeps a real-time track of your health and exercise throughout the day.
As of now, Gear Fit is compatible only with Galaxy smartphones and tablets.
In India, Gear Fit now costs Rs 12,100, Gear 2 Neo is priced at Rs 15,450 and Gear 2 is available for Rs 21,550.
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Nike Fuelband
This smart wearable gives a fun, simple and smart way to track and lead your life. You can sync this band with any Android device running on or above Jelly Bean v.4.3.
It provides real time feedback, insights and reminders so that you can move better and also more. The LED display will help you to check progress. It comes with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity feature and is priced at $99 (nearly Rs 7,000).
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Google Glass
This is essentially a wearable computer, which comes with OHMD or Optical Head Mounted Display.
Just like you check information on smartphones in hands-free format, you can do the same with Google Glass too.
It comes with Touchpad, located at the side of the device.
Camera with this smart wearable device can not only record 720p HD video but also take photos. Some of the popular apps that users can use at Google Glass include Gmail, Google+, Google Maps and Google Now.
Voice activation facility is also available in this device. The explorer version of Google Glass is available in UK at £1000 (upon currency conversion the price revolves around Rs 80,000).