There are billions of us in the world who enjoy a decent connection to the Internet, and in Switzerland, almost 85% are Internet users.
Today, being connected to the world of the web is easy: smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, computers and, more recently, watches, all provide access to the Internet.
But how does the magic work, and what does the near future hold for this brand-new phenomenon in the high-tech aisles of our specialist stores?
When electronics get involved
These days, it’s hard to live without being connected to the Internet.
Weather, train timetables, stock market prices, online shopping, political information, international news, people, cinema, music: all sectors are concerned.
The strength of the major brands and electronics giants lies in their ability to constantly create new consumer needs.
According to Institut Canalys (a research firm specializing in technology), the connected watch should pass the 5 million user mark by 2014, i.e. by tomorrow.
A battle between the major brands
To be present in this market, the biggest brands are already thinking about the products of tomorrow.
Samsung, Apple, LG, Motorola and Sony have all given the issue a great deal of thought, and are now in a position to provide some answers by offering well-thought-out connected watches on this still closed market.
The Smartwatch (from Sony) was the first to convince the most skeptical among us.
But it is now closely followed by the Galaxy Gear (from Samsung), the Pebble, and most certainly the Apple Iwatch.
there’s even a Swiss project, the ZeNano
What is the purpose of a connected watch?
If the question comes to mind and the answer doesn’t seem obvious, here are a few explanations of the various functions of a connected watch, in addition to displaying the time and date, and being worn on the wrist, which is why it’s called a “watch”.
First of all, for this watch to be fully intelligent, it must be linked to your smartphone via Bluetooth, for the most part, although some have a degree of “independence”, since they work even if the phone is switched off.
The main principle of the connected watch is to display alerts and notifications, without having to consult your Smartphone: sms, call, voice message, email, weather… But to perfect this accessory, brands have focused more on applications downloadable from the cell phone, which then operate freely on the watch.
The touch screen, which replaces the glass (or plastic) screen, enables optimal consultation of a vast amount of information, simply by looking at your wrist.
With your smartphone on your arm, you should be able to limit theft (especially on the street or in the metro), keep your hands free and optimize your mobile’s battery (reserved for calls and other consultations that are always more comfortable on a larger screen), all while being at the cutting edge of technology…
