In this age of constant technological advancement, a wristwatch is largely superfluous. When a phone can tell and detect everything, why would anyone need that tiny thing? However, smartphones have undergone significant change and evolution, and watches have followed suit, to the point where they are now known as a smartwatch and can compete with smartphones in terms of intelligence.
One might wonder, “Why a smartwatch?” Why bother with a smartwatch when we live in a world where everything is already digital and requires minimal maintenance? Those with such an outlook, however, are unaware of the capabilities of modern smartwatches.
Just as smartphones have advanced and gained new features, so have smartwatches. Although the smartwatch has been around for decades, it wasn’t until the 2010s that tech companies started launching models with smartphone-like functions.
Smartwatch: What Exactly Is It?
The smartwatch is the wristwatch’s great-grandson. Today, this smart device is more akin to a tiny, wearable computer than a typical timepiece. Smartwatch features have become increasingly complex to adapt to today’s technologically advanced generation. A smartwatch can now do much more than just tell the time.
According to the statistics, smartwatches have continued to advance in terms of growth and sales. In 2019, a meager total of 46.19 billion dollars were spent on wearables, but in 2022, a whopping 93.86 billion dollars were spent globally.
What Are The Pros Of Using A Smartwatch?
When defining a smartwatch and differentiating it from a traditional watch, it is important to look at the device’s capabilities. Most modern smartwatches have the following capabilities, regardless of whether they are designed for everyday usage or a specialized activity, like a sport:
- Time: The most basic of the basics. Time. This function will never really go out of style. Perhaps time is important, and maybe that’s why, despite being the most obvious one, it stands out from the crowd.
- Real-time notifications: The main quality of the smartwatch is convenience. If you are someone who is always on the go, then a smartwatch can save you time. With this device, one can easily check notifications without having to skim through their mobile. And it is disruption-free.
- Fitness and health tracking: Smartwatches aren’t only smart for the sake of being smart. The majority of these gadgets include a heart rate monitor, a pedometer, activity monitoring, and a variety of other features. Depending on the wristwatch you select, the fitness functions and features may be broad information directing you towards a healthier lifestyle, or they may be thorough and particular, providing you with all of the specifics regarding your progress as an individual.
- Streaming of Music and Bluetooth Phone Calls: If you are someone who loves being on the phone and streaming music simultaneously, then a smartwatch is a worthwhile purchase. Most modern smartwatches feature built-in audio players or the option to wirelessly stream music from a connected smartphone. If your smartwatch has a built-in microphone, you won’t even need to pull your phone out of your pocket to answer calls.
- GPS: With its built-in GPS, a smartwatch can keep tabs on your whereabouts and alert you to relevant information in your immediate vicinity.
- Find Your Phone: The majority of smartwatches now include this extra function. People feel more at ease as a result of the increased safety it provides. A smartwatch’s “find your phone” feature allows you to keep in touch even if you misplace your phone.
What Are The Cons?
Smartwatches provide several benefits, but they also have some drawbacks. Among them are:
- Screen size: The most noticeable are the physical dimensions of your display. The majority of smartwatch manufacturers have been stymied in their efforts to improve readability and screen size. Smartwatches, however, have a rather small display. You can’t imagine yourself exercising with a phone-sized watch tied to your wrist, can you?
- Limited Battery: One more drawback of smartwatches is their limited battery life, which is a direct result of their reduced size. A high-quality smartwatch can serve most people’s needs, but those who plan to use their gadget constantly throughout the day may be better off with a smartphone, which has more powerful hardware.
- Connectivity: Last but not least, smartwatches can’t function alone. By linking up with a mobile device, they gain access to a plethora of apps that improve their ability to interact socially, engage in recreational activities, and consume media. However, they can only do so by using an already existing mobile device.
Conclusion
Smartwatches are excellent accessories. But everything has a cost. While they may have a sophisticated appearance, excessive use might have unintended consequences. Despite their impressive utility, smartwatches should be used with caution to avoid any unwanted side effects. When used wisely, smartwatches enable us to take advantage of their potential without becoming dependent on their constant notifications, obsession with health tracking, or detachment from reality. Smartwatches have the potential to greatly improve people’s lives and well-being if we find a way to strike a balance between technology and interpersonal connection.
