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Gadgets [China Daily: Europe Weekly]
[October 24, 2014]

Gadgets [China Daily: Europe Weekly]


(China Daily: Europe Weekly Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Huawei TalkBand B1 Huawei's consistent push in the smartphone industry has given it the confidence to roll out a wearable device. The well-designed TalkBand B1 transfers data via Bluetooth 4.1 technology. The TalkBand is one of the few bands that can be used as a phone. Its 90-milliampere-hour battery gives the product seven hours of talk time and two weeks of standby time. Because it primarily targets those who love to do outdoor activities, the band can be immersed in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Similar to the most popular bands on the market, it tracks many types of activities, including daily commutes and evening runs. It can automatically calculate daily steps and calories burned. At night, it monitors user's sleep quality and synchronizes data with the health track application on the smartphone. The band is compatible with a number of best-selling smartphones in China. Besides Huawei's own devices, it also supports iPhones, Samsung's Galaxy series and handsets developed by Xiaomi, ZTE, LG and Sony.



M100 Smart Glasses In July, personal computer maker Lenovo joined with US high-end wearable device maker Vuzix Corp to introduce the Chinese company's first smart eyewear. The M100 Smart Glasses device, designed by Vuzix, is a hands-free device. It offers access to information, data collection and more. The glasses are an Android-based wearable computer, enhanced with a wearable monocular display and computer, recording features, and wireless connectivity capabilities designed for industry users. The M100 is equipped with a full-color display that floats near the user's line of sight, providing an image visually equivalent to a 4-inch (10.2-cm) smartphone screen held at a typical distance. The preinstalled apps can be used to record and play back still pictures and video, as well as track timed events, manage calendars and make phone calls. The M100 is compatible with thousands of existing Android apps, according to Vuzix. Priced at 8,000 yuan ($1,300), the M100 is provided only to Chinese mobile application developers.

Apple Watch Apple Inc finally unveiled its long-expected wearable device during the iPhone 6 launch event. The Apple Watch comes in three different categories, targeting business, fitness and fashion users. The company's new digital crown works as a multifunctional input device that lets users zoom, scroll and select without touching the screen. Apple has been known to create new ways to let customers interact with its devices. After the classic click wheel on the iPod to the touch screen on the iPhone, the crown on Apple Watch is the company's latest attempt to make yet another legendary product. A force-sensitive high-definition home screen replaced the dial plate on traditional watches. Users can go through apps, make calls, receive notifications and get directions. The new device will help Apple enter the health market, in which a number of companies made investments years ago. The watch has a little problem though - buyers have to wait until next year to get it.


Moto 360 Motorola Mobility's Android Wear-based smart watch is set to be a strong challenger to the Apple Watch. The round dial plate makes Moto 360 look like a traditional watch. Technology website engadget.com said it is the "best Android Wear watch" available. An ambient light sensor on the watch enables it to adjust lightness automatically. Voice recognition and location-sharing functions make renting a car easier. The heart rate monitoring capability also makes Moto 360 a personal health tracker - a goal of every wearable manufacturer. It is a rather high-end smart watch with a $300 price tag if buyers also want two metal bands. The Moto 360 weighs less than the LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live. The wireless charging function is also making the watch a strong competitor. After Lenovo finishes the acquisition of Motorola, Moto 360 will become a part of the Lenovo product family.

Samsung Galaxy Gear S South Korean electronics giant Samsung has been rolling out smart watches since September 2013. The Gear S was announced on Aug 28 as the successor to the Samsung Gear 2 series. The smart watch has a curved 4.1 cm screen of 360 by 480 pixels. Sensors within the Gear S include an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, heart rate monitor, light sensor and a barometer. The Gear S is a smartphone on users' wrist that includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It also has a SIM card slot that the watch can use to connect to the Internet and make phone calls. The watch, which looks slimmer than other Gear family products, uses an Android operating system and gesture-based navigation. Users have to install a Gear Manager app in order to pair the watch with a smartphone or tablet.

China Daily (China Daily 10/24/2014 page25) (c) 2014 China Daily Information Company. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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