IFA: Sony adds SmartWatch 3 and SmartBand Talk to wearable range

Devices to run using Google Android Wear

BERLIN: Sony has expanded its wearables portfolio, unveiling the the SmartBand Talk and SmartWatch 3 (SW3) smartwatches.

Running Google's wearable-specific Android Wear operating system (OS), the SmartWatch 3 offers significant steps up from the SmartWatch 2, including a 1.6in 320x320 TFT LCD "Transflective" display - which Sony claims helps users see the screen better in bright sunlight - set within a stainless steel back panel.

Like most other Sony Mobile gadgets, the SmartWatch 3 is waterproof, with an IP68 certification, and it charges via a standard micro USB port.

However, Sony has been keen to mention that the SmartWatch 3 doesn't rely on an internet connection in order to function. The firm claims it is "an accessory with impressive standalone functionality", due to its built-in microphone, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope and GPS sensor technology means more accurate and powerful "lifelogging", which refers to Sony's Lifelog health-tracking application, which Android users can get at the Google Play store.

The SmartWatch 3 also has 4GB of internal storage, meaning users can sync playlists and connect with a Bluetooth headset to listen.

"You can do this before a run, leaving the smartphone at home and still have great music offline - you can also track that run with GPS and Lifelog," the firm said.

As for the SmartBand Talk, Sony has marketed this wearable towards fitness buffs in the hope that they'll use it to keep track of their runs, walks and workouts. As an update to the original SmartBand launched at CES earlier this year, the SmartBand Talk allows users to receive calls through the band via the talk function, with HD voice support.

The SmartBand Talk has a curved, always-on 1.4in e-paper display, which the firm says is not only low power but also "highly visible and clear" so users can monitor Lifelog activity, view notifications and the time at a glance in different environments.

Sony said the SmartBand Talk and SmartWatch 3 will launch later this autumn.