smart watch

A smart watch is a computerized wristwatch that functions beyond timekeeping, and is often comparable to a PDA, smart phone, or even a tablet.

Smart watch features may include any of the following: a camera, accelerometer, thermometer, altimeter, barometer, compass, chronograph, calculator, cell phone, touch screen, GPS navigation, Map display, graphical display, speaker, scheduler, watch, SDcards that are recognized as a mass storage device by a computer, etc. and rechargeable battery, and it may communicate with a wireless headset, heads-up display, insulin pump, microphone, modem, or other devices.

Historical perspective: In 2013,The Week reported that Samsung unveiled its new Galaxy Gear, which puts “a huge 1.63-inch” display, framed in metal, on the user’s wrist. Samsung has even built a camera into the device’s rubber strap. But don’t toss out your smart phone just yet. The Galaxy Gear is more like “a companion for your phone,” linking to a handset in your pocket or bag using a special app and Bluetooth technology. “Once you’ve found a compatible phone and connected it up, you’ll be able to place and answer calls, take voice memos, and get all of your phone’s notifications up on the screen.”

More than 17 million wearable devices, including smart watches and fitness bands, are expected to be sold in 2014, according to a report by market research firm Canalys. That number is expected to increase to 23 million in 2015 and more than 45 million by 2017.