Skip to main content

Sony launches an Android Wear SmartWatch 3, and an E Ink watch

sony smartwatch 3 and smartband talk ifa reveal
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Sony had a few wearables up its sleeve for IFA 2014. The company introduced its third smartwatch and a standalone device called the SmartBand Talk.

Here’s everything we know about both wearables:

Recommended Videos

SmartWatch 3

Sony started making smartwatches before it was cool, but now it’s jumping on the Android Wear bandwagon with the SmartWatch 3. The SmartWatch 3 features a 1.6-inch LCD screen with a 320 x 320 pixel resolution.

Related: Sony SmartWatch 2 review

Sony’s third smartwatch is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core ARM A7 processor along with 512MB of RAM. The wearable has a slew of sensors onboard, including ambient light sensor, accelerometer, vibration for alerts, compass, gyro, and GPS. It comes with 4GB of storage, so you’ll have some room for Android Wear apps.

The SmartWatch 3 has an IP68 dust and waterproof rating, meaning that you won’t have to worry if you get caught up in a rain or dust storm. Sony also added NFC and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a 420mAh battery, which it says can last up to two days.

The smartwatch also comes with a microphone for voice commands. If you pair the watch with a Bluetooth headset, you can even leave your phone behind and just use the SmartWatch 3 on its own — one of Android Wear’s new capabilities.

01_SmartBand_Talk_White
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The SmartWatch 3 is encased in steel and comes with a rubber silicon band. The band is available in “apple green,” pink, and black color options. Sony says the classic and sport version of the watch will cost 230 euros (about $300), but the bands cost 25 euros ($33) extra if you want pink or white.

SmartBand Talk

Sony’s SmartBand Talk may look like a fitness tracker, but it has a whole lot of smartwatch functionality built in. The thin band has a curved E Ink screen that measures 1.4-inches across. The black and white display has a resolution of 288 x 128 pixels and is meant to conserve power. Devices using E Ink can often attain weeks or months of battery life.

The SmartBand Talk can make calls and respond to voice commands. It has an auto sleep detection feature that turns off notifications when you fall asleep at night, so that you won’t be disturbed by anything except your alarm. The SmartBand features activity tracking, thanks to the accelerometer and altimeter sensors. The band has a speaker, microphone, and HD Voice support.

Just like the SmartWatch 3, the SmartBand Talk is IP68 water and dust proof, so it’s safe to wear in the rain or in dusty conditions. The band can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and also has NFC connectivity onboard.

Sony added 2MB of flash memory and a 70mAh battery, which should last up to three days of regular use. However, if you talk on it for one hour, you’ll be completely out of battery power.

Sony says that the SmartBand Talk will cost 160 euros ($210). The bands come in black, white, red, blue, lime, and pink color options. Any extra bands will cost you 25 euros more.

Malarie Gokey
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Mobile Editor, Malarie runs the Mobile and Wearables sections, which cover smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and…
The best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protectors
Person holding skateboard while wearing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.

A new, sleek design and digital bezel help the Galaxy Watch 4 stand out in the crowd and set it apart from the traditional style of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Whether you've picked up a 40mm model with a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED screen or opted for more screen real estate with the 44mm model, that stand-out design needs protecting from scratches and knocks. That means it's time for our picks of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protectors, with something to suit all budgets.

These screen protectors will all fit the 40mm or 44mm models of the Galaxy Watch 4. If you've got a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, these won't fit.
Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Screen Protector

Read more
How to remove watch links from the strap on your new watch
how to remove watch links fossil q explorist

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all smartwatch. If your wrists are on the smaller size, then you may find that your new smartwatch is dangling from your wrist and sliding up your forearm. No need to worry — it's a common problem. Chances are there are at least one too many chain links on the strap, but adjusting a metal-link smartwatch band isn't as difficult as you might think — and doesn't usually require a trip to the jewelers.

We'll take you through everything you need to know and the tools you'll need handy to remove links from your smartwatch so it fits snugly on your wrist.

Read more
Best Cyber Monday Deals 2022: Laptops, TVs, AirPods, and more
Best Cyber Monday Deals 2022

Cyber Week is here! With some truly epic deals out there, this is the best time of year to buy a new tech gadget. If you slept through the Black Friday sales, then the Cyber Monday sales, you better grab what you need during this week of slowly diminishing deals. From tablets to air fryers, laptops to smartwatches, we've rounded up the best Cyber Monday deals across a range of categories, and you'll find them all below.
Cyber Monday sales: Quick links

Amazon: Huge discounts on laptops, Echo devices, and tablets
Best Buy: Your destination for sales on super-sized TVs
Dell: Unbeatable discounts on gaming laptops, monitors, and more
Gamestop: Cheap video games, console accessories and monitors
HP: Gaming PCs, laptops, monitors, and printers from $129
Kohl's: Home decor, clothing and kitchen appliance steals
Lowe’s: Up to 60% off appliances like refrigerators and decor
Staples: Save big on laptops, home office hardware and supplies
Target: Tons of cheap kitchen appliances and stocking-fillers
Walmart: Great for laptops, and is restocking PS5 and Xbox Series X

Read more