1. Samsung - Gear S3 Frontier / Classic
Release Date & Price: Unknown
Samsung's new techpiece was probably the most popular product that caught our attentions. As LTE-enabled Frontier model no longer requires connection to smartphones, users will be able to use Samsung Pay, download watch faces, and track their activities directly on Gear S3. Furthermore, the both Frontier / Classic model look almost the same as real watches and their full color always-on-displays enhanced their functions as fashion items.
Samsung will also release various types of straps with Gear S3, which give us more choices to wear S3 as a fashion item.
You can check out more information about Gear S3 on our previous post. Click HERE to read more about Gear S3.
2. Sony - FES Watch U
Price: $300 (1st Generation)
Release Date: 2nd Generation is expected to be launched in April, 2017
We were somewhat disappointed because we were expecting to see a new generation of Sony smartwatch. This year, Sony seem highly unlikely to launch any new smartwatches. However, we met a very interesting watch at a small section in Sony's exhibition hall.
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This E-ink enabled watch is called FES Watch U. It was originally developed in Sony's fashion division through cloud funding. FES is not a smartwatch, but it applied E-ink technology which lasts 2 months from one battery charge. When clicking a button on the watch, the patterns of watch face & strap changes into various patterns which the users can choose based on their fashion tastes.
The 2nd Generation FES watch is currently being developed with improved design and materials. It will be available in April 2017, and we are eager to see what it will offer.
3. Withings - Steel HR
Release Date: On Sale
Price: $189~$199
Withings offer swiss-made hybrid watches. It added smartwatch's functions as a complication to its analog watches. It allows users to check their activities, check messages / phone calls, and get notifications.
Withings' Steel HR watches last 25 days from one battery charge, and the analog feature will last additional 20 days. Smartwatches so far were mostly used by male users due to their designs. Yet, hybrid watches like Withings may appeal to broader groups.
4. Huawei Watch - Flora Edition
Release Date: Oct. 2016
Price: $500~800 depending one straps
Huawei didn't release a new generation of their smartwatch in IFA 2016. Instead, they continued their attempts to attract female users by releasing a new design.
Huawei focused on its new smartphone Nova this time. Although exact pricing of Nova hasn't been announced yet, we can definitely expect it to be cheaper than other high-end smartphones.
5. Asus - ZenWatch 3
Release Date: Oct. 2016
Price: $229
Although Asus didn't set up a booth at IFA 2016, they announced a launch of ZenWatch 3 in their press conference on Aug 31st. ZenWatch 3 is equipped with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 2100 processor that significantly enhanced ZenWatch's activity tracking functions and battery life. It applied 1.39" AMOLED display with 400 x 400 resolution, and will come in three colors, rose gold, gunmetal, and silver.
Asus claims that ZenWatch 3 has the best activity tracking functions. It can track various activities not only step counts but also other activities such as sit-ups and squats. We'll be able to assess its accuracy when it gets released in October.
6. Xiaomi - Amazfit
Release Date: On Sale
Price: $140
Xiaomi also didn't participate in IFA 2016. Instead, they announced the release of Amazfit and made it available in China market. Amazfit applied 1.34" display with 300 x 300 resolution, IP67 water proof, and 200 mAh battery which Xiaomi claims that it will last for 5 days.
However, what brings our attentions is its very low price. While typical smartwatches cost $200~$400, Xiaomi attempts to gain more market share through its pricing. Amazfit's quality might be questioned, but we've already experienced fairly good quality from Xiaomi's other products.
7. Other Watches...
There were other smartwatch brands participated in IFA 2016 such as Fibit, Garmin, and traditional brands such as Fossil and Philips.
A. Fossil
Fossil Q series improved their design and hardware. Like ZenWatch 3, Fossil also applied the new Qualcomm processor that improved battery life and activity tracking functions. Also, the Q series will come with various types of straps to enhance its position as a fashion item. Fossil also offers hybrid watches. With Fossil's already loyal customer base, such various offerings will appeal to broader customer groups.
B. Fitbit
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| Fitbit Charge 2 |
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| Fitbit Flex 2 |
Fitbit also introduced the new Charge 2 & Flex 2. Although the two new bands were worth to take a look, we were impressed by how Fitbit is perfectly positioning their products as fashion items.
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