While the tablets and smartphones continue to vie for consumer attention, a relatively new device - smartwatch - is making inroads to establish a foothold in the market.
With several smartwatches making their way to the consumer market this year, shoppers will be spoilt for choice. What's more, with smartwatches doing more than keeping just time - they track workouts, answer calls, check emails, play music, etc. - the devices are fast becoming popular.
We take a look at the top three smartwatches that are not only arm candy but also pack top-end features:
1. Pebble
If you're looking for a smartwatch that can do pretty much anything, Pebble is what you're looking for.
Launched at the International CES in January this year, the smart watch can do everything from being a music player, a fitness tracker to helping you socialize on Facebook. The smartwatch is "customizable" which means that you can download several watch faces, as well as apps to enhance its functionality.
"Pebble can change instantly, thanks to its brilliant, outdoor-readable electronic-paper (e-paper) display. We've designed tons of watchfaces already, with more coming every day. Choose your favourite watchfaces using Pebble's iPhone or Android app. Then as the day progresses, effortlessly switch to the one that matches your mood, activity or outfit," notes the product description.
The Pebble smartwatch features a 1.26-inch screen with e-paper technology, which means that the screen is clearly visible even in harsh sunlight. The smartwatch even packs in a rechargeable battery, which would last a week on a single charge. If that's not enough the Pebble smartwatch is even waterproof!
The Pebble smartwatch is available in five colors: Jet Black, Arctic White, Orange, Grey and Cherry Red. You can pre-order Pebble here for $150.
2. Martian SmartWatch
If you want to "talk and listen from your wrist" then the Martian SmartWatch could well be the answer.
"We've taken the 'SmartWatch' to the next level by adding hands-free voice communication," notes the Martian Watches website. "Use your Martian Watch to talk, listen, initiate voice commands, and be notified by incoming calls and texts, all without your phone leaving your pocket, purse or backpack!"
The Martian SmartWatch can connect to an Android or iOS smartphone via Bluetooth. Moreover, iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 users even have the option to talk to Siri via the watch.
Design-wise, the Martian SmartWatch sports a conventional analog face. The watch has a tiny screen at the bottom which shows who is calling. The screen also gives users a 40-character preview of texts.
The Martian SmartWatch is available in three models, in the $249 to $299 price range.
3. Basis
The Basis smartwatch has been designed keeping fitness freaks in mind. It is similar to Bike's FuelBand and keeps track of a user's workout and measures biometric date real time. The device's sensors can measure skin temperature, sleep patterns, heart rate etc.
Per the company, "Basis is comfortable and looks great. It's sleek, stylish, lightweight and customizable with straps in different colors. So it goes wherever you go and with whatever you're wearing."
Currently, Basis does not sync directly to an iOS or Android app. Users, however, can view the data through a web interface. The Basis smartwatch can be purchased for $199.
Check out all the 3 smartwatches by clicking 'Start'.
