Bracelet Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30: specifications, description, review and reviews

If in the sphere of "smart" watches and in general such gadgets there is a clear domination of the two companies, Google and Samsung, then in the segment of technological bracelets everything is not so unambiguous. The Sony company is testing its forces on this platform, using both the conceptual approaches of competitors and its own developments. Her way to mastering IT bracelets began with the application of the experience of Samsung developers, who provided their Gear Fit product with a foldable screen and functionality of a full-fledged fitness gadget. By the same principles, a version of Sony SmartBand SWR10 was created, which, however, did not offer any innovations, but only duplicated the typical functionality of similar devices.

Sony's contribution to the development of the segment could go unnoticed, but the Japanese soon surprised fans with a more interesting development - SWR30. Although the direction of the development of the gadget remains the same, the company has provided for it a number of technological features. It can not be said that another attempt to take a worthy place in the market of fitness bracelets offers a completely unseen option, but some advantages stand out in the Sony SmartBand lineup, the review of which is presented below.

Device and design

When you view the gadget immediately catches the eye of the display with E-Ink technology and a button to adjust the volume. On the left side there is a Micro-USB port with a plug - it can be used for charging. Here is the output of the speaker. On the right side is the main control button. By and large, both the stylistic features and the configuration of the controls repeat the performance of the Sony SmartBand SWR10, but there are also significant differences. For example, in a new modification, the plastic unit with electronics and display is in sight, and the strap is attached at the edges. It should be noted that the possibility of convenient adjustment of the strap allows you to literally merge the gadget with your hand, relieve the feeling of discomfort and stiffness of movements.

In terms of design, everything is predictable, but without obvious failures. Against the background of competitors, this model still highlights the E-Ink screen - however, there are disagreements, plus this difference or in the negative. The device looks original, but it can be called fashionable and stylish with great reservations. In general, the manufacturer is known for a thorough approach to design development, and for this reason it is not clear why the Sony SmartBand family has not yet acquired a beautiful individual image.

Specifications

According to the officially announced characteristics, the offer from Sony looks even more interesting than the Samsung bracelet. True, the great advantage of the Korean device is the Super Amoled screen. With him and competes the development of E-Ink:

• Type - fitness bracelet.
• The software platform is Android 4.4.
• Vibration - provided.
• The material of the device is plastic.
• Time display - electronic.
• Weight - 24 g.
• The screen type is a touchscreen monochrome with E-Ink technology.
• The display size is 1.4 inches.
• The main memory is 2 MB.
• The resolution is 296 x 128.
• Interfaces - Bluetooth 4, NFC, USB connector.
• The bracelet processor is Cortex M4.
• Additional functionality - altimeter, accelerometer, monitoring activity and sleep.
• The battery capacity is 70 mAh.

If you note other criteria for comparing the new model Sony SmartBand with competitors, then the communication capabilities will come to the fore. The Japanese bracelet has an advantage in terms of broad possibilities of combining with other gadgets, but loses due to lack of access to the Network.

Display

It has been repeatedly emphasized that the model is equipped with a screen type E-Ink, which does not provide illumination. Accordingly, the optimal conditions for using the gadget provide good coverage. In this case, the screen has a stretched shape. On the one hand, thanks to this solution, the Sony SmartBand bracelet features a high density of dots, but on the other hand, the displayed objects are somewhat smeared around the edges. Among the minuses of this part is the presence of traces from previous actions. That is, if you change the function, the previous image goes away gradually, and not immediately.

The screen is implemented as a touch screen, but multitouch support is not provided. Moreover, the very function of the sensor is unstable - according to users, often you have to double-click, which causes inconvenience. Here it should be noted and the plastic coating of the display, while premium wearable electronics in bulk is provided by glass surfaces. It is worth highlighting the positive side of the screen, which is supplied to all representatives of the Sony SmartBand family, including the initial SWR10 version. For example, in the sun, information is perceived better than on screens with any backlight.

Work of screens and extensions

The main screen displays the time and distance traveled per day. The second screen informs you about the number of steps passed, as well as the time of running and walking. The content and order of the remaining partitions depend on the user settings of the extensions. In particular, the content of the next screen can be assigned to a music player or voice notes. From the additional option is to highlight the function Voice Control. In this case, the developers of Sony SmartBand Talk sought to implement something similar to Google Now or Siri. This ability allows you to recognize voice commands by combining the results with an Internet search.

But for Russian-speaking users this innovation is useless, since the system only supports working with phrases in English - and then with significant problems. More benefits come from the Calendar and Weather extensions. As with other devices, these options are responsible for displaying weather and a calendar day. But the creators of Sony SmartBand slightly expanded the traditional approach to such information, providing for the output of information for several days in advance.

Communication skills

The gadget interacts only with devices that run on the Android platform, and only version 4.4. The pairing can be realized via two channels - via Bluetooth or NFC. Special problems in the organization of the connection does not arise - the electronics willingly interacts with smartphones. I must say that the bracelet Sony SmartBand SWR10 seriously loses a new version in terms of the possibilities of working with mobile devices.

One of the main advantages of the SWR30 version is support for calls and notifications. This means that when you receive a call to your phone, the bracelet begins to alert the user to vibration. Through the same device, you can also accept a call. Moreover, the gadget is quite suitable for the role of a wireless headset, allowing the owner to conduct conversations without getting a smartphone. Active users of social networks like the work of the bracelet with notifications, but, unfortunately, they can only be accepted as alerts, and answers are sent via the main device.

Autonomy

Here you can note one more advantage of E-Ink technology, which allocates screens on the background of LCD displays. Fitness bracelet Sony can work longer competitors without recharging is due to the use of this technology. But only if there are batteries with the same capacity. You can achieve significant autonomy if you use the gadget functions rationally.

For example, the modification of Sony SmartBand Talk can remain operational for 4 days, provided that any synchronization with the phone is disabled. But this advantage relates to the screen, and the overall performance of the battery leaves much to be desired. The battery capacity is only 70 mAh. For comparison, a direct competitor Samsung provides its fitness bracelets with 210 mAh feed elements. As a result, Korean gadgets are able to work for 5 days without recharging, while not limiting the user in the functionality.

Positive feedback on the bracelet

The model evokes positive impressions due to its simplicity, ergonomics and good functionality. While most manufacturers of new electronics tend to provide products with new and usually not particularly useless features, the Japanese firm has proposed a truly effective option. As the owners themselves note, Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 is very convenient for receiving calls and notifications, not to mention the basic functions of the fitness tracker.

Negative feedback

The list of deficiencies may exceed positive reviews. But the matter is not even in their number, but in significance. For example, many owners are not satisfied with the lack of function of heart rate monitor and backlight. Although the model perfectly displays information in the sun, in the dark, it is almost useless. There are also claims to the device of a strap with fixatives, which together with an inconvenient plug for recharging quite often become the cause of breakdown. As already mentioned, Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 is equipped with a plastic coated screen. This decision caused two shortcomings: first, the weak function of the sensors when pressed, and secondly, the susceptibility to mechanical damage.

Conclusion

The device turned out ambiguous and in many respects unfinished. Weak battery, muffled configuration of menu sections, awkward interface, screen with its own set of shortcomings - these disadvantages do not allow to call the bracelet Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 a successful offer in the segment of portable electronics. And the lack of competitive products in this area is all the more surprising that the company is practically the pioneer of the direction. But if, from the user's point of view, Sony's fitness bracelets are not particularly attractive yet, the developers of such devices watch with great interest the steps of the Japanese manufacturer, which at this stage are rather experimental.