The connected watch is a “wearable” type object that has become widely democratized over the past 10 years. However, its operation and interest remain unclear for many potential users. This article should shed some light on this connected device.
If almost everyone can understand the value of owning and using a smartphone, this is less the case when it comes to a connected watch. This smart device comes from the trend of “self-measurement”, which developed at the same time as the fashion for connected objects. These devices are intended, in their vast majority, to facilitate the daily life of their users, in one way or another.
In the case of the connected watch, the primary objective of the device was first of all to support more or less assiduous athletes, by monitoring their sporting practice, for example by the number of kilometers covered, but also by giving them information on the number of steps taken on a daily basis, or by monitoring the hours of sleep. Hence the “self-measurement” aspect. By having access to data related to their habits, the wearer of the watch can improve their daily performance, for their well-being.
Years have passed and smartwatches have become more and more sophisticated. Brands like Apple , Samsung , Fitbit , Garmin , Huawei or even Xiaomi highlight very advanced features, such as a heart rate sensor.
What potentially scare potential buyers who may feel a little overwhelmed by the potential of these devices.
It is therefore essential to debunk certain preconceived ideas to put the connected watch in context. It is an object that can be extremely useful on a daily basis, and which does not necessarily imply being a tech-savvy person to be used.
Here’s what you need to know about how a smartwatch works, and useful features related to your real needs.
1. A connected watch, how does it work?
The vast majority of connected watches have a Bluetooth wireless connection which is essential to connect the device to your smartphone. The first step, once the watch is unpacked, is to connect it to your mobile device. Don’t panic: when first switched on, the watch will guide you through the different steps. It is necessary to install an application dedicated to setting up the watch on your smartphone. The vast majority of brands offer an iOS version and an Android version of their app – except Apple , we will come back to this.
Once connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth, the watch is active and functional. If it needs to be close to your mobile phone to be connected to the Internet, it can also operate partially autonomously. You can navigate through its menus from its touchscreen to activate certain options and access stored data. You can quickly take a liking to this way of using a small screen installed on the wrist.
2. Connected watch, frequently asked questions
Knowing how a connected watch works is just the beginning and you probably have other questions. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Are there multiple operating systems?
Yes ! There are even many of them, since each watch manufacturer is likely to offer their own. Samsung offers TizenOS, Apple obviously has watchOS, Huawei ‘s new watches have HarmonyOS, and Google has Wear OS, formerly known as Android Wear. This latest operating system, like Android, is used by many brands such as OPPO , TAG Heuer, Casio , Fossil and Polar .
However, rest assured, the operating system of a watch does not question its compatibility with your smartphone… with one exception: the Apple Watch . Indeed, the different models of Apple connected watches are only compatible with iPhones and iPads . Watch OS, the operating system developed by Apple for its smart watches, is not compatible with Android. So if your smartphone runs Google’s mobile OS , don’t buy an Apple Watch, go for a Samsung Galaxy Watch , Fitbit Sense , Garmin Venu , Huawei Watch GT 2… the choice is endless. Note that the converse is not true: connected watches from other brands are, with rare exceptions, both compatible with iOS and Android.
Can you call with a connected watch?
It depends. In practice, some watches have a microphone on board that can allow it to be used as a hands-free kit when it is connected via Bluetooth to your smartphone. This requires having headphones or earphones on hand as well. However, this does not mean that the watch allows you to call since you do it, in reality, from your smartphone.
However, there are indeed connected watches that allow you to make calls: this is particularly the case with the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE .
However, you have to invest in a Cellular model, capable of accommodating a SIM card, and subscribe to a dedicated mobile plan. Note that this allows you to use all the features of the watch without having an iPhone nearby, which is also practical, but still expensive.
Is a connected watch useful for an athlete?
Yes ! Today, even entry-level connected watches have a heart rate sensor on board . It can be passive, that is to say requiring manual activation to make a measurement, or else active, and therefore make a permanent or quasi-permanent measurement. This second mode of operation can be useful for very precisely measuring physical performance during sports sessions. Beyond performance, knowing your heart rate also allows effective sports practice to train without overstretching either.
Athletes can also take advantage of a measurement of the blood oxygenation rate on high-end watches. Some watches even allow you to perform an ECG on demand, such as the Apple Watch Series 6 , the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and Watch Active 2 or the Fitbit Sense .
But measurements of this type are not the only useful functions for athletes. There is also the presence of a GPS and many sensors to precisely follow the routes taken by walking, running or pedaling. This allows for detailed reports of circuits and associated performance, for example the average time to complete a kilometer. Finally, most of the smartwatch models available are waterproof, which allows them to be worn for sports swimming.
Is it really useful for everyday life?
Yes ! Even if you’re not particularly athletic, you may want to move more. Absolutely all connected watches offer a step counter , capable of converting your physical activity into calories burned. This can give you an idea of your level, knowing that the WHO recommends taking 10,000 steps a day . You can improve yourself this way. In the same vein, wearing your watch at night allows you to have automatic monitoring of the quality of your sleep.
When connected to your mobile via Bluetooth, the smartwatch also allows you to receive notifications from your smartphone on your wrist. For example, if you receive a call, the watch vibrates even if your smartphone is in silent mode. Text messages, emails and even messages received on social networks are displayed on the screen of the device. Convenient if you don’t always have your smartphone on you or if you want to be discreet.
Can you have a connected watch without a smartphone?
Nope ! Of course, there is the exception of the Apple Watch and a handful of other models on the market. But even with an integrated SIM card, connected watches do not provide access to as much information as on a smartphone screen. In the case of watches that have a Bluetooth-only connection, the presence of a compatible smartphone nearby is essential from the start.
The mobile phone also allows you to be connected to the Internet. It is therefore at best difficult, at worst impossible to use a connected watch without a smartphone. However, rest assured: if you forget your smartphone at home, your watch will still work, but in reduced service. It will tell you the time, record the data of your physical exercises, or your sleep. All you have to do is synchronize it with your smartphone when you have recovered it.
Does the connected watch collect personal data?
Yes ! One of the fundamental principles of a connected watch is to collect information on your habits to cross-reference data, in order to provide you with reports on your physical performance, your sleep, your health… Consequently, personal data are collected by the watch. However, this does not mean that this data is shared by the brand that markets it . In addition, your data is, most of the time, anonymized . They can be used by Apple, Samsung and others to average user performance, for example, but your identity is not revealed.
Now that you know more about how these devices work, you can take a look at the models available to choose a watch that best suits your needs, your budget and your smartphone.