LG G Watch R: First Full Circle Smartwatch

Smartwatches have been around for a very long time now, ever so unwillingly trying to instill the tech spirit into among the earliest devices in the history of the world - the time piece. However a wrist watch is meant for more than telling the time - it's likewise a fashion statement. And as cool as the square smartwatches may be, they can only get you so far. With that in mind, Android Wear has actually motivated the introduction of the very first wave of round smartwatches - the Moto 360 and LG G Watch R.

LG G Watch R is the firms second watch. Both have actually run Android Wear, which opens them up to a great deal of possible apps from 3rd parties. This has been a huge problem for Samsung's Tizen-based watches, due to the fact that the market is small, so writing apps isn't most likely to yield many sales or downloads. With Android Wear, at least there's a larger capacity install base.

Hardware

What makes the G Watch R really attract attention from the crowd is its stainless-steel case. It looks rugged without coming off as military grade. Yet it will certainly still look good on your wrist regardless how formal your outfit.

The G Watch R sports a really thick bezel engraved with minute marks. They're practical when utilized with specific watchfaces that are endless, but are subject to taste as some may find them unneeded. The bezel likewise works as a protector of the 1.3″ P-OLED perfectly making it harder to scratch.

The body of the smartwatch is made of stainless-steel, which is powder covered in dark grey paint. It looks stylish and durable, but LG doesn't provide any alternative colors.
LG has fitted the watch with a leather strap, which should feel nice to the touch as per the "authentic leather" moniker on its inside. Unfortunately, that's not the case as it's a bit too stiff and feels inexpensive, to be honest. It's a good idea then the wristband straps are changeable. You can pick any 22mm off-the-shelf strap of your taste even without the have to visit a watchmaker.

The bottom is where the heart rate sensing unit and pogo pins for charging lie. There are also 2 microphone cut holes - one at the bottom and one beneath. To further emphasize on the masculinity of the watch, LG has actually opted for a big crown. Pushing it brings you back to the watchface, while a longer push gets you to the settings menu.
LG G Watch R vibrates when there's a new notice or somebody calls you. It's quite practical, as you make sure not to miss anything vital. You can silence notices completely, too.

Software and apps

There is still plenty to be said for Android Wear and its applications.

Google Maps for navigation works actually well on the G Watch R, with alerts for turns and distances at a look on the screen. Making verbal notes, receiving alerts for calls and from social apps, and seeing weather and sports updates from your Google Now cards are all welcome too.

Setting an alarm is as simple as twisting the watch toward your face to activate, then saying "OKAY Google" along with your query and away it goes. Voice control does acknowledge commands effectively for triggering apps, however not so well for messaging - as a result we were forever cancelling message replies in favour of digging out the phone.

App integration is still a long way from perfect though. Searching for bus times, for instance, would be a great choice however all you get is a connected to a website which needs you to see it on your phone. Occasionally even the "navigate to" command brings up a website rather than the mapping app, which can be aggravating.

It's reasonable to say Android Wear still has a long way to precede it will permit your phone to stay hidden for the majority of the day. And with the Apple Watch due early next year the pressure is on Google to get this repaired quickly. Read More >>>