If in the field of "smart" watches and in general this kind of gadgets there is a clear dominance of two companies, Google and Samsung, then in the segment of technological bracelets everything is not so clear. Sony is also testing its strength on this site, using both the conceptual approaches of competitors and its own developments. Her path to mastering IT bracelets began with the experience of Samsung developers, who provided their Gear Fit product with a foldable screen and the functionality of a full-fledged fitness gadget. According to the same principles, the Sony SmartBand SWR10 version was created, which, however, did not offer any innovations, but only duplicated the typical functionality of similar devices.
Sony's contribution to the development of the segment could have gone unnoticed, but the Japanese soon surprised fans with a more interesting development - SWR30. Although the direction of development of the gadget has remained the same, the company has provided a number of technological features in it. This is not to say that another attempt to take its rightful place in the fitness bracelet market offers a completely unprecedented option, but some advantages distinguish a new product in the Sony SmartBand line, an overview of which is presented below.
Arrangement and design
When examining the gadget, the display with E-Ink technology and the button for adjusting the volume immediately catches the eye. On the left side is a micro-USB port with a plug - it can be used for charging. The speaker output is also located here. On the right side is the main control button. By and large, both the stylistic features and the configuration of the controls repeat the performance of the Sony SmartBand SWR10, but there are also significant differences. For example, in the new modification, the plastic block with the electronics and the display is in plain sight, and the strap is fastened along the edges. It should be noted that the ability to conveniently adjust the strap allows you to literally merge the gadget with your hand, eliminates the feeling of discomfort and stiffness of movements.
In terms of design, everything is predictable, but without obvious failures. Against the background of competitors, this model is still distinguished by the E-Ink screen - however, disagreements arise, whether this difference is a plus or a minus. The device looks original, but it can be called fashionable and stylish with big reservations. In general, the manufacturer is known for its meticulous approach to design development, and for this reason, it is not clear why the Sony SmartBand family has not yet found a beautiful individual image.
Specifications
According to the officially declared characteristics, the offer from Sony looks even more interesting than the Samsung bracelet. True, a considerable advantage of the Korean device is the Super Amoled screen. The development of E-Ink competes with him:
- Type - fitnessbracelet.
- Software platform - Android 4.4.
- Vibration - provided.
- The material of the device is plastic.
- Time display is electronic.
- Weight - 24 g.
- Screen type - touch monochrome with E-Ink technology.
- Display size is 1.4 inches.
- Main memory is 2 MB.
- Resolution - 296 x 128.
- Interfaces - Bluetooth 4, NFC, USB connector.
- The bracelet processor is Cortex M4.
- Additional functionality - altimeter, accelerometer, activity and sleep monitoring.
- Battery capacity - 70 mAh.
If we note other criteria for comparing the new Sony SmartBand model with competitors, then communication capabilities will come to the fore. The Japanese bracelet has an advantage in terms of wide compatibility with other gadgets, but loses due to lack of access to the Web.
Display
It has already been emphasized more than once that the model is equipped with an E-Ink type screen, which does not provide for backlighting. Accordingly, good lighting provides optimal conditions for using the gadget. In this case, the screen has a stretched shape. On the one hand, thanks to this solution, the Sony SmartBand bracelet has a high density of points, but on the other hand, the displayed objects are somewhat smeared at the edges. Among the minuses of this part, the presence of traces from previous actions is also noted. That is, when changing the function, the old image disappears gradually, and not immediately.
The screen is implemented as a touch screen, but supportmultitouch is not provided. Moreover, the sensor function itself is unstable - according to users, it is often necessary to perform double taps, which causes inconvenience. Here it is necessary to note the plastic coating of the display, while premium wearable electronics for the most part is provided by glass surfaces. It is worth highlighting the positive side of the screen, which is supplied to all members of the Sony SmartBand family, including the initial version of the SWR10. For example, in the sun information is perceived better than on screens with any backlight.
Screens and extensions
The main screen displays the time and distance traveled during the day. The second screen informs about the number of steps taken, as well as the time of running and walking. The content and order of the remaining sections depend on the user's extension settings. In particular, the content of the next screen can be assigned to a music player or voice memos. From an additional option, it is worth highlighting the Voice Control function. In this case, the Sony SmartBand Talk developers were looking to implement something similar to Google Now or Siri. This ability allows voice commands to be recognized, linking results to Internet searches.
But for Russian-speaking users, this innovation is useless, since the system only supports working with phrases in English - and even then with significant problems. The Calendar and Weather extensions are more useful. As in other devices, these options are responsible for displaying the weather andcalendar day. But the creators of Sony SmartBand slightly expanded the traditional approach to such informing, providing for the output of information several days in advance.
Communication Skills
The gadget interacts only with devices that run on the Android platform, and only version 4.4. Pairing can be implemented via two channels - using Bluetooth or NFC. There are no special problems in organizing the connection - electronics willingly interacts with smartphones. I must say that the Sony SmartBand SWR10 bracelet seriously loses to the new modification in terms of the ability to work with mobile devices.
One of the main advantages of the SWR30 version was support for calls and notifications. This means that when a call is received on the phone, the bracelet starts to notify the user with vibration. Through the same device, you can also receive a call. Moreover, the gadget is quite suitable for the role of a wireless headset, allowing the owner to conduct conversations without taking out the smartphone. Active users of social networks will also like the work of the bracelet with notifications, but, unfortunately, they can only be received as notifications, and the answers are sent through the main device.
Autonomy
Here we can note one more advantage of E-Ink technology, which makes screens stand out from the background of LCD displays. The Sony fitness bracelet can last longer than competitors without recharging thanks to this technology. But only if there are batteries with the same capacity. Achieve significantautonomy is possible subject to the rational use of gadget functions.
For example, a modification of Sony SmartBand Talk can remain operational for 4 days, provided that any synchronization with the phone is disabled. But this advantage is related to the screen, and overall battery performance leaves much to be desired. The battery capacity is only 70 mAh. For comparison, Samsung's direct competitor provides its fitness bracelets with 210 mAh batteries. As a result, Korean gadgets are able to work for 5 days without recharging, while not limiting the user's functionality.
Positive feedback about the bracelet
The model evokes positive impressions due to its simplicity, ergonomics and good functionality. While most manufacturers of new electronics tend to endow products with new and usually not particularly useless features, the Japanese firm has come up with a truly effective option. As the owners themselves note, the Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 is very convenient for receiving calls and notifications, not to mention the basic functions of a fitness tracker.
Negative reviews
The list of shortcomings probably exceeds the positive reviews. But the point is not even in their number, but in significance. For example, many owners are not satisfied with the lack of a heart rate monitor and backlight function. Although the model perfectly displays information in the sun, it is practically useless in the dark. There are also claims to the device of the strap withlatches, which, together with an inconvenient recharging connector, often cause breakage. As already noted, the Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 is supplied with a plastic screen cover. This decision led to two drawbacks at once: firstly, the weak function of the sensors when pressed, and secondly, the susceptibility to mechanical damage.
Conclusion
The device turned out to be ambiguous and unfinished in many respects. A weak battery, an indistinct configuration of menu sections, an inconvenient interface, a screen with its own set of shortcomings - these disadvantages do not allow calling the Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 bracelet a good offer in the wearable electronics segment. Moreover, the absence of competitive products in this area is all the more surprising because the company is practically a pioneer in this direction. But if, from the user's point of view, Sony fitness bracelets are not yet particularly attractive, then the developers of such devices are following the steps of the Japanese manufacturer with great interest, which at this stage are rather experimental.
