Japanese electronics major Sony unveiled its SmartWatch 2 (SW2) at the Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai on Tuesday.
The company claimed that the SW2 is a second screen for Android smartphone. The device offers new unique features such as enhancements to the existing phone functionality, a multi-functional message notification, a sleek design, resistance to water and NFC connectivity.
The refreshed version of its pioneer SmartWatch can also can handle calls, take photos remotely using smart camera app, control presentations remotely using the Presentation Pal app and quickly adjust the volume and tracks in the music player.
The SmartWatch 2 will be available globally starting this September.
"Sony is the proud leader in the smartwatch market since introducing our first Bluetooth watch in 2007," said Stefan K Persson, head of companion products at Sony Mobile Communications.
"Competitors are only now launching first generation devices, while we are already launching a 3rd generation device with all the insight gained from over half a million customers combined with Sony's wealth of technology expertise to create the best ever smartwatch experience."
"The future of wearable devices is incredibly bright with analyst research predicting 41 million 'smart' watches will be sold by 2016," Persson added. "We have over 200 unique apps dedicated for Sony SmartWatch with over one million downloads to date and we are continuing to work with our strong developer network to deliver ever more compelling smartwatch experiences."
Key features for Sony SmartWatch 2 include:
- 1.6-inch Sunlight readable screen at 220X176 pixels resolution
- Longest battery life for a smartwatch
- Water-resistant (IP57)
- NFC connectivity
- Standard micro USB cable for charging
- User interface similar to Android UI
- Aluminium body and stainless steel wristband
