It’s that time again. We’re building up to IFA in Berlin. Sony, like many other tech companies, are wanting to get on the “hype train”. They have been doing that very well with rumours of the Z5 range, however today I bring you news of an actual thing that you can actually buy.
Yes.
I’ve used the older Smartband extensively and, although it was OK, it was a bit … “meh”. So much so that it’s now been replaced by my Pebble Time (review coming soon). There were some things that the Smartband did very well but I just never really trusted the accuracy levels as it was essentially just an accelerator that measured the movement of your wrist.
Secondly and perhaps more importantly, it has a heart rate sensor built into the “core”. This works in a similar way to those used on the Microsoft Band that I reviewed. This time around the sensor is closed off so that it will maintain its ruggedness. It receives an IP 68 rating, meaning that it can be used in the pool and worn in the shower etc. It also means that if you use it while on a sweaty run in the beautiful British weather (read, rain) you don’t have to worry about it getting wet. Sony take the ruggedness of their wearables very seriously. This has been showcased up and down the country this summer by their sponsorship of Tough Mudder.
Thirdly, Sony have decided to make their SmartBand 2 available on iOS from version 8.2 and above.
I look forward to getting a chance to test this version of the SmartBand as I think it will make things a bit more accurate due to the heart rate being monitored. I just hope that it doesn’t display the bugs that the Microsoft Band had, and that it is more comfortable than it as well.
I will be getting some hands on time with this at the upcoming IFA 2015 event in a few short weeks, so check back to see what we think.
Sony introduces next generation SmartBand 2
· Second generation SmartBand features an advanced heart rate sensor, delivering meaningful insights about your fitness, well-being and stress levels1
· Never miss a call, message, email or social notification with subtle vibrations and visual feedback through colorful LEDs
· Ready for 24/7 wear in interchangeable Black, White, Pink and Indigo durable silicone rubber styles, with IP68 waterproofing2
· Open compatibility with any device running Android 4.4 (KitKat) onwards and iOS 8.2
· Launches across 60 countries worldwide for around 119 EUR, from September 20153
London, 20th August 2015 – Sony Mobile Communications (“Sony Mobile”) today announced SmartBand 2, a multi-sensor lifelogger that provides full-scale insights about your fitness, well-being and stress levels.
“We set out to create the most advanced wearable at this section of the market – SmartBand 2 has the capability to deliver, and make biometric data meaningful for users within Lifelog” said Kaz Tajima, Senior Vice President, Head of UX Creative Design and Planning at Sony Mobile Communications. “Not only does it represent a powerful vision of how consumers can learn more about themselves – it allows us to explore exciting new opportunities with development partners.”
Your heart, well-being and stress levels
Inside the same SmartBand modular “core” form factor, SmartBand 2’saccelerometer and heart rate sensors work together to monitor pulse and heart rate variability, allowing you to gauge overall fitness, excitement and stress levels throughout the day.
SmartBand 2 automatically tracks activities such as walking, running and other workouts whilst mapping your heart-rate alongside each activity. Sony’s popularLifelog app helps you keep track of progress, with fun comparative insights, giving you inspiring motivational prompts based on your activity.
You’ll be able to enjoy a better night’s rest, as SmartBand 2 provides sleep insights, with automatic sleep detection – and the smart alarm clock function will gently vibrate to wake you up at the best time based on your sleep cycle.
Live smarter, with intelligent notifications and connectivity
SmartBand 2 ensures you never miss a call, message, email or tweet with subtle vibrating notifications and bright pulsing RGB LEDs. It allows you to easily control the music on your smartphone or tablet, with simple taps to play, pause and skip through tracks.
You’ll also never lose your Xperia smartphone or tablet as SmartBand 2 will vibrate to alert you when you’re more than 10 meters from the connected device.
And, SmartBand 2 reaches full battery capacity in around one hour, lasting up to 2 days4.
24/7 wearability
With durable silicone casing, up to 2 days battery life, and IP68 waterproofing – despite its cap-less microUSB – SmartBand 2 can be worn anywhere and everywhere.
Designed at Sony’s Creative Center sites in Sweden and Japan, SmartBand 2 has sleek, subtle looks with an all-new metal clip, so it can be easily and securely fastened.
SmartBand 2 will be available in Black and White at launch, and two additional vibrant colours shortly after – Pink and Indigo. As it retains the same compact “core” footprint as SmartBand, you can wear the technology with original first and third party bands for greater choice.
SmartBand 2 launches across 60 countries worldwide for around 119 EUR, from September 2015.
For the full product specifications, please visit:
http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/smartwear/smartband-2/specifications/
