Wearables at IFA 2018: What’s New and What’s Hot?

When it comes to IFA expo, you can always expect a good turnout of new hardware announcements. This year only proves that rule. Among the new smartphones, laptops, VR, and smart home devices there’s one more section we could not ignore.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of best wearables that made their debut at IFA 2018.

Fossil Group

Emporio Armani Connected

Release Date: September 2018

Price Range: Starts at $295

Emporio Armani Connected is not just a pretty exterior anymore. The 2018 edition is packed with useful features, like Google Assistant voice controls and waterproofing. However, its selling point is the big tech upgrades. The watch is now equipped with built-in GPS, heart rate tracking, and NFC payments. 

But of course, style still matters. The watch is made from stainless steel, has both rubber and link bracelets to choose from, and additional customizable watch faces. 

Skagen Falster 2

Release Date: September 2018

Price Range: Starts at $275 

The new generation of Skagen Falster also looks like an interesting option for someone who wants a stylish-looking smartwatch with a lot of functionality.

It runs Wear OS, so you get all the usual perks of using Google Assistant. The watch supports NFC for mobile payments and has all of the standard fitness features. Some other practical functions include GPS and waterproofing.

Diesel On Full Guard 2.5

Release Date: October 2018

Price Range: N/A

If you like your smartwatches chunky, with a massive display but also stylish, Diesel On Full Guard 2.5 has you covered. It will add some extra weight to your wrist, but you also get a ton of functions with it. There’s heart rate monitoring, NFC for contactless payments, and integrated GPS.

The watch comes with Wear OS, which means that you can access Google Assistant from your wrist and receive all your smartphone notifications. The battery life is a standard 1-2 days.

Garmin Vivosmart 4

Release Date: Available now

Price Range: $130

Garmin has now become one of the most reliable wearable brand out there. And they came to IFA with yet another device that both works well and looks good.

On top of the usual fitness features, Garmin’s Vivosmart 4 takes your blood oxygen saturation measurements which allows them to take a more detailed look at your health and improve sleep tracking. Another cool add-on is the energy monitoring system called “body battery”. Vivosmart 4 will assess your energy levels throughout the day and alert you when you’re too tired for a workout or other physical exercise.

The color options include berry purple, grey, light blue, and black.

Fitbit Charge 3

Release Date: October 2018

Price Range: Starts at $150

One of the more expected releases on our list is Fitbit Charge 3. It’s everything you can expect from a new Fitbit device–every possible fitness feature, great durability, and top-grade software. In comparison with Charge 2, Charge 3 is more touch-friendly and comes with a bigger screen.

Charge 3 has such an extensive functionality, it will make you feel like you’re getting a smartwatch and not just a fitness tracker. Some of the functions include 24/7 heart rate tracking, extensive battery life (up to 7 days), waterproofing, integrated GPS, and even something called “female health tracking”. The latter is essentially a fertility tracker, which means that your Charge 3 can stay on top of your ovulation cycle, should you want it to.

Charge 3 comes in a variety of colors and with plenty of straps to choose from.

Casio Pro Trek Smart WSD F30

Release Date: End of the year

Price Range: N/A

For all outdoor sports fans out there–Casio came to Berlin with the Pro Trek Smart WSD F30, which looks to be the most practical smartwatch yet.

You cannot miss it–it grabs your attention with its tough and somewhat chunky exterior. But Pro Trek isn’t all about the looks. It’s the perfect watch for the great outdoors. Having that on your wrist, you’ll be able to find your way home safely, no matter how tough the condition you’re in. The mapping capabilities of the watch are quite impressive, with an ability to run them offline too.

Pro Trek also runs Wear OS, so it comes with all of the smartphone notifications and Google Assistant. The battery life on this one is extended to 3 days.

Read the full article: Wearables at IFA 2018: What’s New and What’s Hot?

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