Top 6 Wearable Gadgets of 2015

Samsung Galaxy Gear S

Price: Starts @ 24,900

Key Specs

• 2.0” Super AMOLED curved display (360 x 480 pixels)
• Dual-core 1 GHz CPU, 4 GB internal memory
• 512 MB RAM, Tizen-based wearable platform
• Non-removable Li-Ion 300 mAh battery
• Nano SIM card support (3G and voice calling), No Camera

Pros: Bright AMOLED display, calling and 3G internet ability, Good battery life, premium design, efficient sensors functionality, IP67 certified

Cons: Feels bulky to wear, Tizen OS has few applications, typing experience is bad, tries to do so many things that can confuse, still need a Samsung phone for setting up, average output from speakers, high price

The true power of this device lies in understanding that this is not a replacement for your smartphone, it is something which enhances the functionality of your smartphone to a new level. Keep it this way and you will understand the true potential of a smart device on your wrist. However, its high pricing is something Samsung needs to reconsider.

MOTOROLA Moto 360

Price: Starts @ 24,900

Key Specs

• 1.56-inch backlit LCD IPS (320x290p) display with 205ppi
• Android Wear OS, Texas Instruments OMAP 3 processor
• 4GB internal memory, 512MB RAM, Bluetooth 4.0 LE
• 9-Axis (Gyro / Accelerometer /Compass), pedometer
• Optical heart-rate monitor, dust and water resistant (IP67)
• Dual microphone, 320mAh battery, 49 gram

Pros: Elegant design, several changeable bands, nifty Android wear OS

Cons: Poor battery life, not so sharp display

The elegant design and nifty software features of Moto 360 do impress and makes it a decent smartwatch but everything comes to a pause with the poor battery back-up.

Apple Watch

Price: Starts @ `34,900

Key Specs

• 1.65-inches AMOLED capacitive touchscreen (390 x 312p)
• Sapphire crystal glass Protection, watchOS 1.0
• upgradable to v2.1, 520 MHz CPU, PowerVR SGX543 GPU
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth v4.0, NFC

Pros: Stylish design, clever interface, two sizes

Cons: Expensive, battery life, missing key apps

Apple Watch does many things well, including iPhone notification delivery, heart rate monitoring, and Apple Pay execution, it’s still a first-generation product with room for improvement. Like most smartwatches, its functionality is extremely limited when not paired with its companion iPhone. And while WatchOS 2 promised more capable native third-party apps, developers haven’t exactly jumped at the opportunity.

YuFit

Price: Starts @ 999

Key Specs

• Wireless wristband with LCD Display
• Connects with Android devices running Android 4.4 or above and iOS 7 or later
• Supported by a dedicated app Healthify Me
• Can display time, notifications, steps covered, calories burnt, sleep pattern, incoming calls and messages
• Integrated 24x7 guidance from fitness experts
• Water resistant

Pros: Comes with display, battery life, affordable

Cons: Inaccurate activity tracking, not very responsive buttons

Competing with the Mi Band is none other than India’s Micromax YUFIT, which is a wireless wristband that connects with your smartphone (via Bluetooth) and works in tandem with a dedicated app HealthifyMe. It can display time, track your steps, sleep patterns, distance walked, calories burnt, set alarms and can notify about incoming calls and messages. The main feature which differentiates it from the Mi Band is the LCD display, which shows all your health statistics, time and notifications. The band also has a ‘find my phone’ button and comes with a water-resistant design. Moreover, the YuFit companion app Healthify Me comes with a database of Indian dishes and connects users with fitness experts for guidance which is unavailable in Mi Band.

Oculus Rift

Price: Starts @ $599

Key Specs

• VR Device
• Large field of view
• Adjustable for every head size
• Works well with 3.5-6 inches mobile headsets

Pros: 1080p display, positional head-tracking, less motion blur

Cons: Some lo-fi visuals

Virtual reality really is becoming a reality with Oculus Rift. It is right on the cusp of being in your home. This could actually be the future of gaming. And the Oculus Rift is back where it belongs — at the front of the pack.

Xiaomi Mi Band

Price: Starts @ 999

Key Specs

• Wireless wristband with three LED lights
• Connects with Android devices running Android 4.4 or above and Apple devices running iOS 7 or later
• Supported by a dedicated app Mi Fit
• Up to 30 days battery life
• Can notify about steps covered, calories burnt, sleep pattern, incoming calls and alarms
• Water resistant

Pros: Lightweight and comfortable, battery life, affordable, day and night tracking

Cons: Auto sleep tracking isn’t ideal, limited visual encouragement

Chinese manufacturer takes the credit to introduce its Mi Band, the first ever affordable wearable health band in India. It pairs up with Android devices running Android 4.4 or above and Apple devices running iOS 7 or later via Bluetooth. The waterproof band has no screen but comprises of three LED indicators that let you monitor your daily step goal at any given point. Moreover, the companion Mi Fit app for iOS and Android display all the statistics on your smartphone. The band can track your sleep patterns, let you unlock your phone without a password when in the range, and can also alert you about incoming calls and alarms through mild vibrations.