The good The Sony SmartWatch draws the eye with its sleek, stylish looks. It also offers a wide range of wireless functions notifications, call handling, and music control made possible by a Bluetooth smartphone connection.
The bad The Sony SmartWatch needs an Android smartphone connection to function or even keep the time, it isn't compatible with iOS, and its display can't be read in sunlight. It needs to be charged daily.
The bottom line The Sony SmartWatch enters the realm of usability thanks to recent software updates, but it's still more smartphone accessory than solid standalone timepiece.
Editors' note: Sony has recently equipped the SmartWatch with fresh software. This review has been updated to reflect these changes.
Since the days of pocket watches, wearable timepieces have had a strong pull for gadget lovers. Watches are extremely personal devices and can be powerful fashion statements, functional or not; attractively crafted, technologically sophisticated timekeepers have their own special allure. Sony's $129.99 SmartWatch is no exception. Powered by Android software, this high-tech ticker promises a lot in the way of features and functionality. Now thanks to a fresh influx of software, the flashy gizmo feels like less of a cantankerous gizmo and more like an alluring smartphone accessory.
