Skip to main content

HP smartwatch is light on features, but looks like a normal watch

HP-MB-Chronowing-on-wallet
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Opting for a focus on classic design rather than a futuristic touchscreen, HP is debuting a new smartwatch that’s been designed by American fashion designer Michael Bastian. Called the MB Chronowing, the smartwatch is very similar to classic chronometer designs that consumers see in popular watch brands like Nautica, Tag Heuer or Gucci. Interestingly, the face of the stainless steel watch is actually a black and white LED. In the upper left corner, Bastian has designated an area for a digital clock dial to display the time.

The remainder of the screen is used for displaying the date as well as notifications for recently received text messages, emails and calendar notifications. By default, the watch displays the current weather on the bottom left side as well as the current temperature.

Recommended Videos

The watch display can also be used to show real time events like current stock prices as well as scores on sporting events. One of the sporting event examples displays the score of a Red Sox / Yankees game along with the current inning. In addition, text previews of notifications appear on the watch display, ideal for calendar event reminders as well as short text messages.

HP-MB-Chronowing
Image used with permission by copyright holder

On the right side of the watch, the user will find three buttons that handle functions like activating the backlit screen, controlling music functions and flipping through the watch’s menus. The watch also includes a battery level indicator on the main display next to the three buttons.

According to the specifications of the MB Chronowing, the battery will last approximately one week before requiring a recharge. The watch is also water resistant up to 50 meters and will automatically adjust the time when entering a new time zone. Regarding compatibility, the MB Chronowing will work with the iPhone 4S and higher as well as any Android smartphone with version 4.3 and higher of the OS.

Interestingly, the watch is more expensive than many smartwatch alternatives. Only sold on luxury site Gilt this holiday season, the MB Chronowing will be available for $349 with the option of a leather, nylon or rubber strap. An additional all-black model with alligator strap and sapphire-glass crystal display will be available for $649.

Mike Flacy
By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…
You’ve never seen a smartwatch like the new Huawei Watch Buds
Person using the Huawei Watch Buds, with the smartwatch open on the wrist.

Here’s a product you probably haven’t seen before. Meet the Huawei Watch Buds, a smartwatch with a pair of true wireless earbuds inside. That’s right, it’s a two-in-one solution to a problem you didn’t know existed.

But before you dismiss it as being a ridiculous gimmick, Huawei may actually be on to something here, and there’s no doubt this is a properly thought-out product, and not something sketched out on a napkin during a drunken night out.

Read more
The Pixel Watch reminds me why I love smartwatches, but don’t love it
The Pixel Watch on a person's wrist.

I was disappointed with the Pixel Watch when I first used it, something that's made very clear in my Google Pixel Watch review. Following that, I wanted to give the Pixel Watch a little space before going back and giving it another try — just in case my opinion softened, or feature updates arrived to make it a better purchase.

Upon revisiting the Pixel Watch, I’ve been reminded why I love smartwatches, but also why I’d rather wear almost any other smartwatch except the Pixel Watch. Here's what I mean.
The Google Pixel Watch is too small

Read more
Fossil’s first Wear OS 3 smartwatch looks like a better (and cheaper) Pixel Watch
fossil gen 6 wellness smartwatch wear os 3 pixel watch

Fossil today launched the Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition, its first Wear OS 3 watch. It's a minor update on something we've already seen before, with the major non-aesthetic updates here being driven by the Fossil Wellness app.

The Fossil Gen 6 is reasonably powerful. It's got a Snapdragon 4100+, 1 GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage, and a 1,3-inch AMOLED display — all wrapped in a 44mm chassis. The connectivity specs are here, with Bluetooth 5.0 and all the usual suspects. There's 3ATM water resistance and sensors for your heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. These all play with the Wellness App and allow you to keep track of your vitals while exercising, sleeping, and passively. Fast charging is also included here, and it'll take your battery to 80% capacity in 30 minutes as with other Fossil watches.

Read more