Imagine a world where your watch not only tells you the time, but becomes your everyday technological companion. This world is already here, and it’s time to immerse yourself in it! THE connected watches have revolutionized our relationship with technology by integrating the functionalities of a smartphone directly onto our wrist. From managing our notifications to monitoring our health, these little technological gems have continued to evolve to become essential. If you are curious to know how a connected watch works and what the secrets of this technological feat are, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we will explain their operating mechanism and their different characteristics.
What are connected watches used for, what are their daily functions?
To better understand how connected watches work, here is a list of the main features they offer:
- Call and message notification : receive real-time notifications from your smartphone directly on your watch.
- Health and wellness tracking (heart rate, sleep, etc.): monitor your health thanks to integrated sensors and dedicated applications.
- Integrated GPS for navigation and monitoring of sports activities: use your watch to orient yourself and monitor your sports performance.
- Remote music control : manage the playback of your favorite songs from your wrist.
- Ability to install and use third-party applications : Personalize your watch with apps to meet your specific needs.
- Contactless payment : Make secure payments directly from your watch using NFC technology.
- Sports monitoring and coaching : benefit from monitoring your physical activities and personalized training thanks to dedicated applications.
- Voice assistant : Control your watch by voice and request information using voice assistants such as Siri, Google Assistant or Bixby.
How a connected watch works: the key elements
1. Operating system
Just like smartphones, connected watches work with a operating system (OS) specific, such as watchOS for Apple Watches, Wear OS for Android watches, or Tizen for Samsung watches. This operating system allows you to use applications, manage settings and interact with the different features of the watch.
2. Connectivity
Smartwatches usually sync with your smartphone via a connection Bluetooth. This allows the watch to receive notifications and share data with your phone. Some smartwatches are also equipped with a connection Wireless or a SIM cardallowing them to access the internet and make calls without needing a smartphone nearby.
3. Sensors and tracking features
These watches are equipped with various sensors to track your health and activities. The most common sensors are the gyroscopeL’accelerometerTHE heart rate sensor and the GPS. They allow the watch to track your movement, heart rate and location, and analyze this data to provide you with information about your health and physical activity.
4. Battery and autonomy
A smartwatch’s battery life varies depending on usage, apps installed, and features enabled. In general, most smartwatches offer a battery life of 1 to 2 days. Some watches, on the other hand, can last up to a week with moderate use. It is therefore important to consider battery life when purchasing a smartwatch.
5. Compatibility
Smartwatches are generally designed to be compatible with a certain type of smartphone. For example, Apple Watches are only compatible with iPhones, while Wear OS watches are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones. Be sure to check the compatibility of the smartwatch with your smartphone before making your choice.
FAQs
- Do I need to have a smartphone to use a connected watch?
Most smartwatches require a smartphone to take full advantage of their features, such as receiving notifications or syncing data. However, some watches can work independently with a Wi-Fi connection or a SIM card.
- Are smartwatches waterproof?
Many smartwatches are water resistant, but this varies from model to model. Be sure to check the water resistance of the watch before purchasing it, especially if you want to use it for swimming or water sports.
- Can I customize the appearance of my smartwatch?
Yes, most smartwatches offer customization options, such as choosing the watch face and replacing the strap. Some watches also allow you to install custom watch faces created by third-party developers.
