There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t get a comment about my Sony SmartWatch 2.  For the past few weeks, I’ve donned the piece of wearable tech on my left wrist, and the modestly reviewed, yet not quite game changing device has quickly grown on me.  After plunking down some hard earned cash to accompany the gift cards we received as Sony Education Ambassadors, I have been pleasantly surprised at how much the little watch actually can do.  Read on to find out how I now incorporate a smartwatch into my daily life.

Mobile Phone, Check. SmartWatch, Check.
The Sony SmartWatch 2 is actually the third generation watch produced by Sony.  Although I’ve only read about the first two editions, I can’t help but assume that the third time’s the charm in terms of working out some of the glitches in software and hardware.  The way this smartwatch works is that it is essentially an extension of your Android phone (version 4.0+).  Note that I used the general term Android phone in that Sony’s SmartWatch 2 will currently work with a wider range of devices than the more heavily marketed Samsung Galaxy Gear. 

My main goal for purchasing and actually using a smartwatch was to receive notifications while keeping my phone in my pocket. To this end, the SmartWatch 2 meets and exceeds my expectations. Upon receipt on any new email, text message, or phone call, the SmartWatch registers a light vibration that's strong enough to alert me yet light enough to not draw the attention of everyone in the room. Granted, the screen also lights up but I can turn my watch face towards me or dim the brightness setting if that is going to be an issue.  In the end, I can participate in meetings yet still be on alert for any important notifications all without causing a distraction or appearing to be rude while checking my phone.

When not displaying notifications, the Sony SmartWatch 2 has a variety of clock faces, and the screen has a passive display visible enough to read the time without pressing any buttons yet will brighten up to full visibility when powered on.  Battery life is an impressive 3-4 days and can be recharged easily with a standard micro-USB cable. The screen size is large enough without being too bulky on the wrist, and the touch screen is responsive with only the occasional lag. 

It’s All About the Apps
I would have been pleased enough if the Sony SmartWatch 2 just did what I mentioned above. However, it's the additional applications (200+ and growing as of this article) that offer some really cool functionality and extend the usability of the device. Here are some of my favorites and ones I tend to use on a daily basis.

Find Phone - Smart Extras
Sure, there are web-based solutions to make your phone ring and shout, but for a quick and easy find, there’s this little app that will make your device ring assuming it’s within range.  I’ve used this several times when my one-year old has taken my phone and decided to hide it under the couch for fun without my knowledge.  Also, the watch has a built-in solution is that the smartwatch will vibrate three times when it is no longer in range, reminding you to grab your phone to go. 

Remote Shot and Watcher
Two camera apps of note here.  One is to use your smartwatch as a remote shutter.  If you mount your phone on a stand, are having someone else hold it, or if you want a high quality selfie, you can use Remote Shot to take a picture without touching your camera’s on screen button.  Another more comprehensive app (Watcher) offers you a live view of your camera even when the device is off.  This is a potentially great way to set up a baby monitor or motion camera for use in another room (remember, you must be within Bluetooth range of the device). The app even has a motion detection setting so your watch will vibrate if movement is detected.  I tested this feature with the sleeping baby as a makeshift monitor and it worked reasonably well. 

Tasker and Remote Widget 
Two more apps to allow for even more customization and power use with the SmartWatch 2 but be forewarned that these require some time and effort in the setup.  For those that are already using a popular app called Tasker, you will be pleased to find a SmartWatch app available that allows you to run your tasks directly from your watch.  Tasker provides some automation for your mobile device (example: turn off your device’s WiFi when you are no longer connected to your home network).  I used the combination to open up specific apps on command such as Pandora.  However, upon searching the Play Store one day, I stumbled upon Remote Widget that allows you to view phone widgets on your SmartWatch.  Seriously?  Yes.  Just $1.56 later, I found instant access to my Google Calendar, Pandora and Tunein Radio controls and the ESPN Sportscenter widget. 

Oh the Possibilities
The Sony SmartWatch 2 is by far not a perfect device.  The entire smartwatch market remains undefined, but I think that Sony has gotten off to a better start than most reviewers have given it credit for.  Here are just a few suggestions I would make that would propel the wearable kit closer to a “must have” gadget. 

Voice Commands - Despite the Dick Tracy coolness factor, I don’t really want to talk into my watch, and I’d go out on a limb and suggest that most of us don’t want to either.  However, I have already experienced some of the benefits of not needing to access my phone because of my access to my smartwatch .  I think similar benefits could be had with access to Google Now from the watch.  Simple searches, access to directions, nearby restaurants, and possibly short SMS messages to one’s favorites would be ideal extensions to Sony’s existing platform of built-in applications. 

Music Controls - I might have found the solution to this with the Remote Widget app, but I would love to see native apps developed to control Pandora, TuneIn Radio and even a better Sony designed app for Google Music.  Keeping the phone in my pocket or backpack (especially when it’s cold out - I’m in Chicago after all) makes the SmartWatch that much more useful. 

Listening Directly from the Watch  - And to go along with the music app improvement request, I would be interested in plugging earphones into the SmartWatch.  Again, the phone would be the direct conduit to the music, streaming online or from the device itself.  Bluetooth makes the connection to the SmartWatch and instead of playing back through a speaker, one would just plug a pair of headphones into the watch.  I know it’s possible, Sony, and I think it would be well received. 

Conclusion

All of the above being said, there are certainly some downfalls and glitches with the Sony SmartWatch 2.  However, the positives outweigh the negatives in my opinion, and this version (again, Sony’s third iteration) offers a viable option for those interested in picking up a smartwatch that serves the purposes as mentioned above. 

The Sony SmartWatch 2 is available for purchase with a list price of $199.95.