AT&T Confirms LG G Watch R Will Join Its Wearable Portfolio

lg_g_watch_r_black_storyCarrier stores have become full service tech retailers. It makes sense that when you front your cash to pick up a new phone, you might also want to make sure you leave well accessorized.

This is pushing into more supplemental devices like wireless speakers and now wearable tech. AT&T is confirming they will carry the upcoming LG G Watch R when it’s released later this year. Of course, like LG, they are remaining tight lipped on what the pricing will be.

In competing against online retailers, this might be another good opportunity for folks to be able to play with one of these things in person.

Full PR Below.

Continue reading “AT&T Confirms LG G Watch R Will Join Its Wearable Portfolio”

LG Confirms G Watch R European Release In November – Still No Pricing Info

GWatchR1The G Watch R is drawing eyes as another fashionable option designed to compete against watches like the Moto 360 and the Apple Watch. It’s pricing and release date have been shrouded in mystery. Tonight we at least have half of that mystery answered.

The G Watch R will hit select European and UK markets the beginning of November, with the United States and Asian markets to follow “soon after”. When it does drop we can expect to see it for sale on Google Play, but we still don’t have any official word on pricing. As it’s the more fashionable option opposite the terrifically inexpensive G Watch, I would expect pricing to be comparable (if not higher than) the Moto 360.

(Via LG UK Blog)

One Terrible Day Without a Smartwatch…

qualcomm toq activity tracker update smartwatch

It wasn’t something that I planned to do. In fact the problem was I didn’t plan as much as I should have before a shoot, and I left my house in a scattered flurry. Arriving at the studio after an hour on the 405, I checked my phone to see an assault of tweets, G+ messages, Youtube comments, emails, and a new survey for the Google Opinion Rewards app.

Why hadn’t my amazing wearable data device alerted me to all of this digital activity? Because I had carelessly left it on its charging dock at home.

It was an opportunity to see if smartwatches really did provide a benefit beyond just being cool techy gadgety things. For the last couple months, between a Pebble, a Toq, a Martian, and a Gear 2, there really haven’t been any days where I haven’t been wearing something on my wrist. Like my favorite traditional timepieces, I often wondered if they were more of a fashion statement than actual productivity devices. Continue reading “One Terrible Day Without a Smartwatch…”

Samsung Gear S Smartwatch to Feature Curved Screen and 3G Cell Radio

Samsung_Gear_S_02_640We’re still waiting on the Moto360 and whatever watch Apple might eventually bring to the table, but the market isn’t standing still. Now Samsung has taken the wraps off of the newest entry to their Gear line of smartwatches.

samsung gear 2 hero profileThe Gear S is another Tizen offering, which will not use Android Wear like the Gear Live, but features a curved AMOLED display. It looks like it should wrap around the wrist in a slightly more comfortable way than some of the other rectangular screened watches available.

It wont be packing the camera or IR blaster found in the Gear 2, but it will add in a 3G cell radio and WiFi, making it more of a standalone data enabled device, similar to what Timex recently announced with their rugged watch. Using an almost comically small on screen keyboard or S-Voice will allow users to reply to incoming message, and the 3G connectivity will provide voice calling features as well. It could prove to be a decent stand alone experience for folks who want basic communication and media streaming while working out and don’t want to pack a bulky smartphone.

Gear S should be available in October, with pricing info to follow soon. Full PR below.

Continue reading “Samsung Gear S Smartwatch to Feature Curved Screen and 3G Cell Radio”

LG Video Teases Round Smartwatch Coming Soon

The Moto 360 still hasn’t been released, but that isn’t stopping LG from pushing forward with their smartwatch lineup.

Their rectangular watch was a Google Wear launch partner with the Samsung Gear Live, and now it looks like they’re going to tackle something with a bit more style.

vlcsnap-2014-08-24-09h44m37s45Brightening one of the frames from the video, happily we can see LG isn’t just copying the minimalistic round face from the Moto, instead going for a more traditional round face with watchband arms. A look which hopefully can blend in well without advertising the geek gear bolted to someone’s wrist.

Have you been shopping a smartwatch? Is the “fashion-ability” weighing in on your decision? Drop us a comment!

Timex Unveils IRONMAN ONE GPS+ Smartwatch

Timex took the wraps off of their new fitness focused smartwatch.

TW5K88800Built on a partnership with AT&T and Qualcomm, the ONE GPS+ uses the incredible screen from the Toq for low battery usage and direct sunlight view-ability.

In addition to the Mirasol display, the watch also comes with 4GB of storage and Bluetooth for music playback, GPS for location and fitness tracking, and a 3G phone connection for messaging and a pretty neat SOS feature.

For many people, exercising with a phone is becoming a necessity as that’s where all your entertainment and communications capabilities are stored. The idea that you could leave with just a watch, not worry about sweat-soaking your phone, and still have the basics covered is pretty exciting.

The ONE GPS+ is currently in pre-sale on the Timex site for $400 or $450 with a built in heart rate monitor.

LG G3 and G Watch coming to AT&T July 8th

LG G 3The newest hot flagship phone in AndroidLand is heading to AT&T, and it’ll be available to order tomorrow!

The G3 shows off why LG is the fastest growing Android manufacturer, and recent phones like the G2 and G Flex have started giving players like Moto, HTC, and Samsung a run for their money. A 5.5″ QHD screen (2560×1440) with ultra-thin bezels is powered by a Qualcomm 801 quad core, 16GB of storage (with MicroSD expansion), 3GB of RAM, all fed by a 3000mAh battery. Camera junkies will appreciate the 13MP rear shooter capable of UHD video with true Optical Image Stabilization and a new Laser Focus autofocus.

lg g watchAlso in attendance, it’s clear why carriers are getting into the accessories game. More than a bumper case or pair of headphones, gadgets like speakers and smartwatches are tangible value add for consumers, and better help the carrier’s bottom line. The G Watch is one of the first to offer up Google’s Android Wear OS, and it’ll function like having Google Now cards on your wrist, a handy way to keep you from having to check your phone for every little alert you get.

The G3 will run you $199 on a two year agreement. The G watch will set you back an additional $229. Both will be in stock at brick and mortar AT&T stores starting July 11th. Full PR below for more info!

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Review: Toast Real Wood Skin for the Pebble Smartwatch

I’m a big fan of the covers made by Toast in Portland! They sent down a real wood skin for the Pebble smartwatch, so let’s take a look at the setup!

More info on Toast Products.
Galaxy S5 Toast Cover Review.
Galaxy Note Toast Cover Review.