SmartWatches in 2013 ?

What's out there?

Cookoo Watch

The COOKOO smartwatches

(Credit: COOKOO)

The Cookoo watch is one of the more basic smartwatches. It has a digital face of an analog watch and looks a lot like a real watch. But compared with some of the other smartwatches on the market it's pretty limited in functionality. Telling time is the most important feature. And it syncs with your iOS devices (iPhone or iPad) to provide updates. You can also check into some social-networking sites like Facebook. The device will soon work with Google Android devices. It costs $130. It supposedly has a long-lasting disposable battery that's good for a year. And it's waterproof for up to 50 meters.

I'm Watch

I'm Watch

(Credit: CNET)

From a design perspective, the I'm Watchsmartwatch is among the coolest, with a touch screen that allows users to drag, swipe, or pinch their way through the interface. It syncs with Apple iPhones and Google Android smartphones. The device acts as an extension of your smartphone, allowing you to answer calls by hitting a button on your watch. You can also receive text messages, emails, and notifications. In addition, it allows you to view your calendar, pictures, weather apps, as well as listen to music from your wrist. It has a 1.55-inch, 240x240 color display, and comes with 4GB of built-in storage. The tiny gadget uses a 450MHz Atom 9 processor and comes with 128MB of RAM. All this technology and swanky design come at a price. The I'm Watch starts at $349. The device was first shown off at CES last year.

Martian

Martian Watch

(Credit: CNET/Brian Bennett)

If you've always dreamed of having a Dick Tracy watch so you could talk directly into your wrist, then look no further than the Martian smartwatch. The company claims on its Web site that it has "taken the 'SmartWatch' to the next level by adding hands-free voice communication. Use your Martian Watch to talk, listen, initiate voice commands, and be notified of incoming calls and texts, all without your phone leaving your pocket, purse or backpack!"

This is the only smartwatch that I have seen that actually allows you to make phone calls. It uses Bluetooth to connect to either an iPhone or Android phone. If you have an iPhone 5 or iPhone 4S, it also allows you to initiate Siri voice commands and listen to Siri replies through the watch. You can access the integrated voice controls in iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS.

The watch sports a traditional analog face, and it has a tiny screen at the bottom of the device where you can see who is calling your phone. It also gives you a 40-character preview of text messages sent to your smartphone. Like some other devices in this category, the Martian doesn't come cheap. There are currently three styles of the watch available ranging in prices from $249 to $299. The Martian Watch was a finalist for CNET's Best of Show at this year's CES.

Basis Science

Basis Technology watch

(Credit: Basis Technology)

Basis Science is one of several companies offering devices that are geared to helping you stay fit via a wearable smartwatch. Similar to FitBit and Nike+ Fuel Band, the Basis Science device tracks your workouts and activity and measures a wide range of biometric data in real time. Sensors measure things like heart rate, skin temperature, and your sleep patterns. And the device is also able to measure how active you've been as well as how much you sweat during a workout.

The idea is that people can use this information to improve their lives by changing behaviors and living a healthier lifestyle. Currently, the device does not sync directly to an Android or iOS app. But the company's executives say that's in the works. Currently, the data can be viewed and manipulated via a Web interface. The Basis fitness gadget sells for $199.

As mentioned earlier, there are tons of wearable fitness devices that are not "smartwatches" per se. Their primary use isn't to be a watch, but because these devices are typically worn on the wrist and keep time as well as keep track of your activity and fitness levels, they can be used as watches.

The Basis Band was also a finalist for CNET's Best of CES in the category of wearable technology.

Pebble

The Pebble watch connects with the iPhone and Android to deliver email, text messages, and calendar alerts, among other things.

(Credit: Pebble Technology)

If you're looking for an all-around smartwatch that can do almost everything, from running fitness apps to connecting to Facebook, then I'd go with the Pebble smartwatch. This Kickstarter-funded startup has raised more than $10 million, and it officially kicked off its new product at CES.

The company says on its Web site that "apps bring Pebble to life." The device is "infinitely customizable." This means you can download everything different watch faces to Internet-connected apps that will allow you to use your smartwatch as a fitness tracker, accessing GPS on your smartphone to display speed, distance, and pace data. You can also use the music control app to play, pause, or skip tracks on your phone.

This new smartwatch has a 1.26-inch screen that uses e-paper technology so that it can be viewed even in bright sunlight. The device is water resistant, and it's battery should last a week on one charge.

Like other devices in its category, it uses Bluetooth to communicate with your iPhone or Android smartphone. And it allows you to check text messages, email, and all kinds of social-networking apps such as Facebook and Twitter.

The Pebble watch will begin shipping to Kickstarter backers on January 23. After that, it will be available to the public. And it will only cost $150. It comes in several colors, including red, white, black, orange, and gray. And it also uses a standard watch strap, so that you can swap the style and color that you like best.

Martian Passport Watch tackles calls, texts hands-free (pictures)

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Will this category ever take off?

The list I just gave you is just a sampling of what's available in this category. There are tons of other devices out there that offer similar functionality. Even though such devices have been around for some time, this category of product has not really hit the mainstream, as you point out in your question. And to some extent, I think the smartwatch is destined to always be a bit of a niche product category.

Why? Since the proliferation of cell phones, watches have stopped being a necessity. And for years they've been more fashion than function. As my good friend and CNET colleague Scott Stein wrote in a piece about turning his nano into a smartwatch, "In this day and age, watches are a novelty anyway."

That said, I think this could finally be the year that the smartwatch comes of age. In addition to all the new devices showcased at CES and the $10 million funding Pebble mustered on Kickstarter, there are rumors that Apple may launch its own smartwatch dubbed the iWatch. Business Insider reported in late December that Apple has partnered with Intel to develop an iOS watch. Supply chain sources reportedly told Chinese blog site Tech163.com that the watch would be Bluetooth-enabled and sport a 1.5-inch OLED screen. The reports said that the new iWatch could debut as early as the first half of 2013.

Right now, the possibility of an iWatch is still in the rumor stage. But this is a product category that Apple could easily move into and dominate. Apple fans have already been turning their older versions of the popular iPod Nano into watches. Accessory makers made bands so that users could put the small, square device on their wrists.

The Nano could play music, display photos, and keep track of fitness history. Apple bumped up the size of the 2012 Nano, so newer versions of the Nano can no longer serve as a watch. But there are plenty of people who have used these bands to turn their older Nanos into watches, including CNET's own Scott Stein. While Stein said he was impressed with how cool the Nano looked on his wrist and how easy it was to use as a watch, he said the fact that the device was not water resistant and had open ports could be problematic when used on a regular basis as a watch.

Still, it seems like Apple could easily adapt the technology and design of the Nano into a more ruggedized iWatch. If that happens, you can bet that the category will take off.

My iPod Nano watch (photos)

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Best bang for the buck: iPhone or Android?

Dear Maggie,
I am a Verizon customer currently using an HTC Thunderbolt stuck in the Gingerbread world. I am eligible for an upgrade 1/13/13, but I am torn on what to do. I really like the Android OS, but I've grown a bit peeved about how fragmented software on Android devices are, to the point where I think my money is more well spent over the life of my two-year contract with Apple since iPhone devices typically receive software updates over multiple generations of devices in a timely fashion. Do you have any advice that can help me feel more confident before locking myself into another two-year contract?

Thanks,
Brandon

Dear Brandon,
You touch on one of the biggest problems with the Google Android ecosystem. On the one hand, I applaud Google and the open-source community for rapidly innovating on the Android software. And it's terrific that manufacturers are cranking out new models of devices in what seems to be a faster and faster pace.

But that also means that a device you buy today with the latest and greatest software is likely to be outdated within six months. And by the end of your two-year contract with your carrier, your old Android device is really looking ancient.

More from Ask Maggie

• Android or Chrome? Will Google ever decide on one OS?
• Why I still love the Nexus 7
• Do you need a case for your smartphone?
• Do I really need insurance for my smartphone?
• Could Verizon nix unlimited data for everyone?

Part of the problem is the fact that device manufacturers layer their own software onto Android devices, so when new releases of Android come out, they must be tested and tweaked to work on that specific device. The other problem is that some carriers also have "rigorous" testing procedures, so even some Android devices which are already getting an upgrade on a different carrier or in a different country, may not get the update here in the U.S. Unfortunately, for you, Verizon is notoriously slow in being able to upgrade its Android devices.

So what should you do? The way I see it, you have three main options.

1. You can buy one of the latest and greatest Android smartphones and hope that it gets at least the next update to Android. I'm thinking of a device like the Galaxy S3 from Samsung. It's true that the company hasn't been particularly fast about keeping up with upgrades. But the Galaxy S family of devices is the hottest Android product on the market, so it's likely to be slated for updates sooner than others.
2. A better option for you if you want to stick with Android and want to make sure you have the latest and greatest software is to simply get a Google Nexus device. These smartphones do not come with the added software from the device manufacturers. They are considered "pure" Google phones. While they're supposed to offer the latest and greatest in terms of technology, sometimes they fall short of other devices on the market. For example, the LG Nexus 4, which is the latest Nexus device, doesn't support 4G LTE network speeds. While I believe that software is important, I also think it's key to consider what you have to give up to ensure you have the next software update.
3. The last option for you is to get an iPhone, as you have suggested. This is perfectly fine to do. But beware that switching between device ecosystems can be tricky. So you may want to consider all the ins and outs of re-downloading and repurchasing apps that you used on your Android phone onto a new iPhone. Depending on what apps you use, and whether they're available for free on iOS devices, you may have to spend a lot of extra money. And even though iPhones have a more consistent software update schedule, just keep in mind that many people would say that Android's software is a bit more advanced, offering new features and functionalities months, if not years, before they're introduced in iOS.

The bottom line is that the mobile market is moving so fast that it's easy to feel like your device is outdated the day after you buy it. The truth is that any new smartphone you buy today is way more advanced than the one you already own. So use the technology available to you today, and stop worrying about the technology you might miss in the future. For more details on comparing the LG Nexus 4 with the Samsung Galaxy 3, check out this previous Ask Maggie.

Ask Maggie is an advice column that answers readers' wireless and broadband questions. The column now appears twice a week on CNET offering readers a double dosage of Ask Maggie's advice. If you have a question, I'd love to hear from you. Please send me an e-mail at maggie dot reardon at cbs dot com. And please put "Ask Maggie" in the subject header. You can also follow me on Facebook on my Ask Maggie page.

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Xperia Z Review

The Sony Xperia Z is the phone that's set to propel the Japanese firm to the head of the phone charts - and if it went on specs alone, there's a good chance it would manage it.

We're looking at yet another redesign from the Sony design studios - from the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc to the Xperia Z, we've had four iterations of the smartphone aesthetic.

From the 'human curvature' through to the more industrial Xperia S, back to the curves for the Xperia T and now with the sharp edges of the Xperia Z, we're constantly being given new looks.

While we - rightly - lambast Apple for not really changing the look of the iPhone from model to model, this is a lot to take in. However, the good news is that the Xperia Z is probably the most attractive of the lot, with its superbly thin 7mm chassis, 1080p 5-inch screen and quad core Qualcomm processor kicking things along under the hood.

In short, this is the most powerful Sony smartphone ever made, and the brand tells us it's the first model it's really had a strong influence on since it took the manufacturing over from the Ericsson joint venture.

The new design language will permeate through the entire Bravia range apparently, bringing an iconic look to products in the TV, phone and other categories. It make sense, given Sony needs to push the 'connected home' message, but also probably means the Xperia Tablet S will be obsolete before it's even had a chance to get going.

But what of the Xperia Z, we hear you cry? Is this the final message in the Xperia range thanks to nabbing the last letter of the alphabet? Well, probably not, but it does deserve to have the Z moniker thanks to the sheer awesome power on offer.

We've already mentioned the 1080p 5-inch screen, and it's probably both the most impressive and disappointing feature on the Xperia Z. It's impressive because it's so pin sharp, coming with a post-400 PPI and offering some lovely contrast ratios.

On top of that, it's much closer to the edges of the device, meaning that it has a footprint very close to the Samsung Galaxy S3 while packing that massive display. Think Motorola Razr i when you're holding it in the hand and you'll be pretty close.

However, we say we're disappointed in it as it really does lack the impression of a Super AMOLED screen when viewed even slightly off angle. Look at the phone on a table and you'll be surprised how washed out the display seems, compared to the almost printed-on nature of the Samsung S3 or Galaxy Note 2.

We say we're most disappointed in this feature and that tells a story in itself: it's not a big deal at all as you will mostly be looking at the phone straight on for 99% of the time, so for this to be the worst of it means it's an excellent smartphone.

In the hand it feels superbly premium: light enough to be impressive, heavy enough to feel like you're getting a decent deal for the money. And add to that the fact it's water and dust resistant and you'll be so surprised it may fall from your hand. And it would likely survive.

The interface is also a pleasure to use: it's Android Jelly Bean 4.1 running on top of a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad core CPU with 2GB of RAM.

We're a little sad that we're not seeing Android 4.2 used here, but Sony assures us that it has placed a minimal skin over the top of the OS and can be upgraded very easily when needed.

In terms of the interface, it's recognisably Sony but doesn't add too many bells and whistles; gone is the resource-intensive and pointless Timescape 'Splines' that dominated the old interface. Instead we're presented with a sea of icons and widgets that you can resize and change as you see fit, and not much else.

The Sony Xperia Z will definitely appeal to those who are fans of stock Android but like the idea of having a little personalisation in their handset - although the lock screen does at least offer a cool way to open up the camera or unlock the phone.

You can have little home screens on this part of the interface too, so you can set calendar, social network or messaging updates to show without you needing to actually start up the phone proper-like.

When we say that the skin is minimal, it really is; so the main points of differentiation have to come from the software enhancements.

To that end, the Mobile Bravia Engine 2 is the biggest leap forward on the phone – we were shown side-by-side comparisons between standard definition footage and the same with the BE2 algorithms applied – and it was startling.

The colours were so much more rich, the detail it 'discovered' was massively impressive, and the overall smoothness of what was a fairly fuzzy scene blew us away.

Sure, it looked a little over-sharp and saturated at times, and proper video buffs are going to moan about the fake enhancements, but in reality most users will see this mode as a real plus.

When it comes to media, we were a little shocked to find out that the Sony Xperia Z comes complete with a microSD card slot to supplement the meagre 16GB of onboard storage.

It's refreshing to see another top level manufacturer putting the option on there, and especially so when you consider the minimal thickness of the phone too.

As you can imagine, HD video looked simply superb on the expansive screen, and we can see the Xperia Z will be a really decent mobile for movies on the go.

The screen is also excellent for internet browsing (along with the RAM and processor combo, which on Wi-Fi were superbly speedy. We couldn't test it on 3G or 4G, but we'd imagine that it will be excellent on both as well, given the grunt and speed on offer).

Zooming in and out of text was a breeze and it meant that even if you wanted to view anything zoomed out, the text was really easy to read and made navigation that much easier.

In short, when it comes to movies or internet browsing on the go, we couldn't really fault the Xperia Z. Of course, it does come down to price, but with one of the best processors on the market as well as an impressive screen there are going to be a lot of people drawn to the device.

Another one of Sony's strengths is the upgraded Exmor R sensor: it's now the Exmor RS version and it brings even greater low light ability. Sony is touting the improved photo quality, obviously, but its main feature is HDR video recording.

This means the Xperia Z can handle full HD video, process each frame three times and decide on the optimal light level. It's an incredible amount of work going on when you consider it, so we'll be massively intrigued to see how the battery power holds up during our full Sony Xperia Z review.

The final thing that we really think is worth mentioning, especially with the possibly suspect battery power, is the data and power management on offer.

Sony has, it says, invented new technology that means the phone will be drawing very little power when in sleep mode (ie when the screen is turned off) and it will completely disable apps from being able to communicate during this time.

The first phone to perform such a trick is the Sony Xperia E, a more budget offering, but the difference between these two is that the Xperia Z can intelligently decide which apps should be able to communicate and which shouldn't.

The user will have to specify which apps they think should be able to run under the lock screen, for instance Facebook Messenger or Skype, but Sony still thinks that battery standby life could be improved by a large order of magnitude with this new technology.

Early verdict

There's no doubt that Sony has stepped up its game with the Xperia Z. We were pretty unimpressed with the screen quality when we first saw the handset sitting nonchalantly on the table, and if you're not using the phone straight on, then you may not think you're staring at a top-end smartphone.

But that aside, the rest of the device impressed us hugely. From the premium design, the weight and industrial casing and the larger edge-to-edge screen to the high-end Exmor RS sensor and Bravia Engine 2, there's so much that Sony will be able to tout on its marketing literature.

We're getting used to our hands on reviews yielding promising smartphones these days, so we'll reserve a lot of judgment until we get our final review sample in. But based on our early look with the device there's definitely a lot of positivity surrounding it, and the fact that Sony has finally joined the big boys with a powerful smartphone is enough to pique our interest at the very least.

Goodbye PS2

Well, my friends, it’s official. Sony has confirmed that production of our beloved PlayStation 2 has finally ended. After 12 years and over 10,000 games, no new PS2s will ever be made again. While many gamers may have hung up their DualShock 2 controllers a long time ago, this announcement adds a sad finality to what we all knew was inevitable.

The PlayStation 2 may be the most successful game console of all time, and for good reason. Much like the PlayStation 3′s ability to play Blu-ray discs, the PS2 had the extra selling point of also being a DVD player back when those things were all the rage (which kind of makes me wonder if anyone ever planned for a console with a VCR attached … probably not). It also had some great third-party support throughout its life span. Many franchises that gained their popularity on a Nintendo console — such as Final Fantasy, Castlevania, Metal Gear, and Dragon Quest — would eventually make the move to over to the PlayStation, and most of these found sequels on the PS2.

At the time of its release, the PS2′s only real competition was Sega’s last console, the Dreamcast, which was already losing popularity. It’s no exaggeration to say the PS2 firmly planted the nail in that coffin. Developers were moving on to Sony’s newest polygon-pushing powerhouse, and exactly one year after the release of the PS2, Sega would discontinue the Dreamcast, never again to release another console.

It wasn’t until the release of Microsoft’s first home console, the original and enormous Xbox, in November 2001 that Sony’s juggernaut would begin to have some serious competition. Developers were now releasing titles on both consoles, but PS2′s exclusives helped keep its new and as yet unproven challenger at bay. That same month, Nintendo would also enter the ring with a fresh console, the diminutive GameCube. But without a single Mario, Zelda, or Metroid title available at launch, it took the GameCube a little while to pick up any real steam. The PS2 had a year of seniority, a steady release of quality titles from well-known developers, and a DVD player.

To further illustrate just how incredible the PS2′s longevity was, let’s compare the numbers. The Dreamcast (may it rest in peace, the poor thing) was released in 1999 and discontinued in 2001. Many would lament that it died before its time. The Xbox was released in 2001 and discontinued in 2007. Six years — not bad. The GameCube was also released in 2001 and went out in 2007. That 12 years is starting to look a lot more impressive, isn’t it?

What’s even more impressive is that Pro Evolution Soccer, the last title to come out on the PS2 in North America, was only released just last month. And the last game scheduled for release in Japan, the Final Fantasy XI expansion Seekers of Adoulin, won’t even be out until March 2013. Because the PS2 has such a ridiculously large install base, Sony continued to support it long after the release of the PS3.

The PlayStation 2 was home to many of my greatest gaming experiences. The epic Shadow of the Colossus, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Final Fantasy XII, Dragon Quest VIII, Katamari Damacy, and Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 and 4 are just the tip of very large iceberg. I still power up my PS2 and unravel the cord of my trusty silver DualShock 2 to play these classics from time to time.

But what about the future? Will the PS3 even come close to having the kind of longevity of its predecessor? Rumors of the inevitable PlayStation 4 are becoming more prevalent, as are whispers of Microsoft’s next console. Tech demos for the next generation are already being shown. With the added competition of veterans like Nintendo, newcomers like the Ouya, and the recently announced Project Shield, does Sony have its work cut out for it? If the lifespan of the PS2 is anything to go by, the PS3 might very well be supported years after the launch of its successor, which is all right with me since I’ll likely be unable to run out and buy a new console anytime soon.

But what do you think? Will the long years of support for the PlayStation 2 set a new precedent for console lifecycles?

Either way, today I say farewell to the PS2. Thanks for all the memories.

Read more at http://venturebeat.com/2013/01/08/saying-farewell-to-the-ps2-2000-2012/#aGCsOVztQUiOsCeq.99 

Android News !

Android 4.2: A new flavor of Jelly Bean.

Android 4.2 takes the speed and simplicity of Jelly Bean to a different level – a completely new camera experience that’s beyond smart, a new form of typing that helps you power through your messages, and much more.

Simple, Beautiful and Beyond Smart

One tablet, many users.

It’s your fully customized tablet. And theirs, too. With support for multiple users, you can give each person their own space. Everyone can have their own homescreen, background, widgets, apps and games – even individual high scores and levels! And since Android is built with multitasking at its core, it’s a snap to switch between users – no need to log in and out. Available only on tablets.

Share what’s on your phone on the big screen.

Android 4.2 allows devices to enable wireless display. You can share movies, YouTube videos, and anything that’s on your screen on an HDTV. Just connect a wireless display adapter to any HDMI-enabled TV to mirror what’s on your screen quickly and easily.

Daydream.

Daydream lets your Android device display useful and delightful information when idle or docked. Show off your photo albums, get the latest news from Google Currents, and more.

Expandable, actionable notifications.

Android has always put you in control when it comes to staying notified and connected. Just swipe down from the top of the screen to see all your notifications in one place. Late for a meeting or missed a call? Take action in an instant directly from the notifications shade.

Fast and smooth.

We put Android under a microscope, making everything feel fast, fluid, and smooth. With buttery graphics and silky transitions, moving between home screens and switching between apps is effortless, like turning pages in a book.

More reactive and uniform touch responses mean you can almost feel the pixels beneath as your finger moves across the screen. Jelly Bean makes your Android device even more responsive by boosting your device's CPU instantly when you touch the screen, and turns it down when you don't need it to improve battery life.

Beam photos and videos.

With Android Beam on Jelly Bean you can now easily share your photos and videos with just a simple tap, in addition to sharing contacts, web pages, YouTube videos, directions, and apps. Just touch two NFC-enabled Android devices back-to-back, then tap to beam whatever's on the screen to your friend.

Widgets work like magic.

With Jelly Bean it's now even easier to personalize your home screen. As you place widgets on the screen, everything else automatically moves to make room. When they're too big, widgets resize on their own. Interacting with your favorite apps and customizing your home screen has never been easier.

Accessibility.

Enable screen magnification to easily zoom or pan the entire screen to get a closer look. Visually impaired users can now enter full-screen magnification with a triple-tap on the screen, and even type and interact with the device while zoomed in. Blind users can use Gesture Mode to reliably navigate the UI using touch and swipe gestures in combination with speech output.

Best of Google

Live in the Now.

Google Now brings you the information you need, when and where you need it, before you even ask. Google Now tells you today's weather before you start your day, or when the next train will arrive as you’re standing on the platform. With the latest version, you can see popular photo spots nearby, track packages easily, get information about upcoming movies, and much more.

See what’s new in Google Now.

A new look for Google Search.

It's easier than ever to quickly get answers, explore, and browse search results. Android also lets you search the web with your voice, and it's convenient for getting quick answers on the fly. It speaks back to you and is powered by the Knowledge Graph, bringing you a precise answer if it knows it, and precisely ranked search results, so you can always find out more.

Amazing Photo Sphere camera

Up, down and all around you, it’s like no camera you’ve ever seen. With Android 4.2, snap pictures in every direction that come together into incredible, immersive photo spheres that put you right inside the scene. View your photo spheres right on your phone, share them on Google+ with your friends and family, or even add them to Google Maps for the world to see.

Explore incredible photo spheres from photographers around the world.

A smarter keyboard, now with Gesture Typing

Writing messages on the go is easier than ever with Gesture Typing – just glide your finger over the letters you want to type, and lift after each word. You don’t have to worry about spaces because they’re added automatically for you.

The keyboard can anticipate and predict the next word, so you can finish entire sentences just by selecting suggested words. Power through your messages like never before.

Android's dictionaries are now more accurate and relevant. With improved speech-to-text capabilities, voice typing on Android is even better. It works even when you don't have a data connection, so you can type with your voice everywhere you go.