When they first hit the market a few years ago, smartwatches might have been seen as a bit of a passing fad. Did we really need such devices at all? Flash forward to today, and it’s clear that they’re more than just a novelty – they’re actually a great way to stay organized, lead healthier lives and everything in between.
With so many models on the market, it can be difficult to know where to even begin. But don’t worry, we’ve taken care of that for you. Here are our top smartwatch picks that you should definitely consider before you buy one of your own.
An important tool
Digital watches date back to the 1970s, when the Pulsar watch was introduced by the Hamilton Watch Company. It could store 24 digits, making it the first watch with programmable memory. Fast forward to this model from Fitbit. It can react to stress through a built-in skin temperature sensor and watches your heart rhythm for any irregularity. Use the built-in microphone and speaker to take Bluetooth calls or utilize Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa to control any smart home devices.
Buy now: Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch
Stay connected
In the 1980s, Casio was the big name in watches thanks to their lines of computer watches and calculator watches. Pager watches also became common during the decade. In the ’80s, Apple was probably best known for its home computers, but these days, it’s a giant in the smart device marketplace. This Apple Watch lets you stay connected to friends through calls, texts and even email – no need to have your iPhone with you.
Buy now: Apple Watch Series 7
Don’t sacrifice style
In the early 2000s, smartwatches made a quantum leap when IBM teamed with Citizen Watch Co. to create the “WatchPad.” It featured a monochrome touch sensitive display, calendar software, Bluetooth, 8 MB of RAM and 16 MB of flash memory. Samsung’s latest model includes much of the spirit of its predecessors. Track your wellness goals right from your wrist, watch your heart rhythm, connect to live coaching sessions and more.
Buy now: SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 4
Ready to crunch some data
These days, smartphones can replicate pretty much any feature that a cell phone can offer. It really boils down now to size, battery life and wearability. This smartwatch from Amazfit has 14 days of battery life and more than 70 built-in sports modes. It’s great indoors and outdoors. It can monitor your exercise and your stress – just don’t stress about missing any exercise. If you forget to order bottled water before heading to the gym, just tell Amazon Alexa to add it to your list.
Buy now: Amazfit GTS 2 Mini Smart Watch GPS Fitness Tracker
Steve Spears is editor of Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. He is based in Orlando and counts St. Augustine, Key West and the Gulf Beaches among his favorite destinations in the state.
