Microsoft’s plans for a smartwatch and its entry into the wearable segment could not have been better timed. With Apple and Google also preparing for the big wearable foray, 2014 can well and truly be called the year of the smartwatch.
Microsoft’s offering is said to be unique as it would work across the board with all devices, including Android smartphones and Apple iPhones, and this immediately sets it apart from much of the competition. It will reportedly have an always-on heart rate sensor Let’s look at some of the possible rivals for Microsoft’s watch.
Moto 360
The Moto 360 is the smartwatch to watch out for this year. Motorola’s unique take on design, an understated look and the fact that it runs Android Wear have won us over. It’s expected to be launched in the next few months, with a late June or July release date rumoured. Motorola has made it clear that the Moto 360 will come to India at a competitive price and it will also be a Flipkart exclusive.
LG G Watch
LG will also be launching an Android-wear based smartwatch and it is likely to be identical to the Moto 360 in terms of functionality. LG has gone for a square waterproof casing, and it looks very much like the Sony SmartWatch 2. The G Watch could be bundled with some LG phones, and this could make it easier to sell. The price is unknown and the release date is also not available. But Google will likely show the G Watch and the Moto 360 at Google I/O in June.
Apple iWatch
This one is perhaps the most awaited smartwatch in the market and it could shake up the category as Apple is wont to do. Not much is known about the iWatch, but it will have a pretty heavy health focus, thanks to leaks about the related Healthbook app. It is also likely to have a small display, with trimmed down iOS and a bevy of sensors, to enable all the health features.
Samsung Gear Solo
Never count Samsung out of it and the company will likely reveal a new line-up of wearables around September, when its time to refresh its Gear series. One of the rumoured devices is a Samsung Gear Solo, which is said to have a SIM slot. It could be Samsung’s first standalone smartwatch, and that sets it apart from the rest.
HTC’s rumoured watch
We can be assured that HTC’s first smartwatch, which is rumoured to be coming later this year, will have stellar design, if the company’s past is any indication. It’s said to be running Android Wear, and will be available in a round chassis, like the Moto 360. Speculation is that HTC will launch a cheaper polycarbonate version along with a premium metal body watch, like Samsung’s Gear series.
