Sony tries again with Xperia-like SmartWatch 2

According to Gizmodo, Sony’s trying once again to impress us with a handheld, interactive timepiece. Sony’s SmartWatch 1 was a disaster, will SmartWatch version 2.0 fare any better and what indeed do we need from a smartwatch? Gearburn needs to tell the time, checkout notifications and speak into the display, Dick Tracy style.

Firstly, check that display out. Kind of looks like a mini Xperia layout doesn’t it? The new Xperia range of smartphones from Sony are for lack of a better word, incredible and adding this interface to the SmartWatch 2 could be a genius move.

Meanwhile…

The SmartWatch 2 is now IP57-certified, so it’s highly dust and water-resistant, another carryover from the current crop of high-end Xperia devices such as the Z. Screen resolution is 176×220 and display is 1.6-inches, which is a little bigger than the 1.4-inch SmartWatch 1.

SmartWatch 1 was bluetooth, SmartWatch 2 is NFC so presumably it’ll be a snap to connect it to mostly any modern smartphone. It also looks highly functional and eye-catching, if the photo above is any judge of the final product. There are also a bunch of Android apps specifically catered for SmartWatch 2, and with the built-in and third-party software, the watch can pull off these feats:

• Handle your calls by a simple touch of your wrist
• Take a photo remotely from your SmartWatch, using a smart camera app
• Control your presentations remotely using Presentation Pal
• Taking a run or on the bike? Select a mapping app on SmartWatch to check your route with a quick glance at your wrist
• Read previously downloaded e-mails when not connected to your phone
• Use lifestyle apps like Runtastic to map and instantly track your fitness activities on the go
• Quickly and easily adjust the tracks and volume on your music player, without ever taking your phone from your pocket

So SmartWatch 2 has a better and brighter screen, “longest battery life for a smartwatch”, stands alone as a watch (handy that), charges with micro-USB, works with almost any Android phone and has interchangeable wrist-straps. Keep your eyes peeled for the  Sony SmartWatch 2, coming worldwide September 2013.