I have owned both models of theApple Watch Ultraand , before this , every theoretical account in theApple Watch Series , starting with the very first one back in 2015 . After thoroughly testing theWithings ScanWatch Nova Brilliantin recent weeks , I ’ve come to a surprising finish : I may never purchase another Apple Watch .
Do n’t get me incorrect . As someone who loves exploring new gadgets and , more importantly , writes about them regularly , I am quite likely to buy theApple Watch Ultra 3 , which is expected to be released later this twelvemonth . However , today , I feel much less confident than I did yesterday that traditional smartwatches are the in force choice . Instead , I ’m gradually leaning toward the feeling that hybrid smartwatches might be a good alternative for the average consumer .
Make no mistake , Apple Watches and similar products from brands likeSamsung , Google , and others have revitalize the sentinel diligence .
Joe Maring / Digital Trends
For centuries , watches have retained a alike design , whether we ’re talk over sumptuosity brand like Rolex and Z or more low-cost options like Swatch . While most even horologe have stayed analogue , digital watches have also been a democratic choice for decades .
The ascent of smartwatches has come in multifunctional devices on our wrists , making watches more democratic overall . These watches now cover health , fitness , and activity metrics . They inform us by furnish atmospheric condition updates , calendar appointments , notifications , and content . to boot , they allow for music playback restraint , headphone call ( both answer and making ) , voice help interaction , roving payments , and much more . Along the way , we can change the faces of these watch every solar day , hour , or minute to suit our tastes .
Yet , all this is starting to finger like overkill , peculiarly since it ’s become crystal clear that smartwatches are n’t perish to exchange our phones anytime before long .
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends
Why I loved smartwatches and then became frustrated
Some might not realize this , but the first Apple Watch was abigdeal . Announced at a monolithic event at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts in Cupertino , California , in September 2014 alongside the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus , the picket was one of Apple ’s signature tune “ one more things . ” When the Apple Watch Series 0 arrived the espouse spring , it included three collections : Apple Watch Sport , Apple Watch , and Apple Watch Edition , with monetary value ranging from $ 349 to $ 17,000 for the gold Edition models .
The first Apple Watches were quite canonical , despite their crazy terms points , particularly when compared to late model , but they still made a meaning impact , if only for their newness . Initially , Apple stress the sentinel ’s fittingness feature . However , as new functionalities like blood oxygen saturation ( SpO2 ) , ECG / EKG monitoring , and eternal sleep trailing were insert , the centering shifted to the watches ’ capabilities in push overall wellness . Along the mode , it added new lookout man faces and , occasionally , new hardware features , like the Apple Watch Ultra ’s customizable Action Button .
Over the years , I have become increasingly aware of several military issue with Apple Watches that I can no longer cut . It ’s significant to remark that my concerns extend beyond just Apple ’s wearables ; I ’ve also used Google ’s Pixel Watches , which have similar feature of speech and frustrations . My defeat begin with their consistently pitiful battery lifespan , which has not improved importantly over time . For representative , the Apple Watch Series models still provide only 18 hours between armorial bearing , which is half the electric battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra .
Apple Watch Ultra 2. vs Withings ScanWatch Nova BrillantBryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends
Additionally , I ’ve noticed a growing anxiety associate with the invariant need to check the Apple Watch display for time and notifications . It ’s become almost habitual to glance down at my wrist multiple time an minute , finger compelled to remain connected and informed . This incessant checking is often accompany by an unhealthful impulse to research all the feature article , from tracking my physical exertion to monitor my heart rate , which can sometimes feel consuming .
what is more , I ca n’t abnegate that I ’ve felt the pressure of the upgrade cycle that come around every free fall when new Apple Watches are announced . The excitement in the air is palpable , yet it also brings an fundamental anxiousness about continue up with the late technology . There ’s a shrewish feeling that I should upgrade to the newest fashion model to take advantage of the latest lineament and improvement , which sum to the overall stress of finagle my gadget usage . It ’s a unremitting tower - of - warfare between wanting to stay current and realizing that this technology can be more of a burden than a benefit .
Enter hybrids
Hybrid smartwatches have been on the market for several year , with early models like the Withings Activité and the Fossil Q Grant pave the style before the introduction of the first Apple Watch . These watches successfully blended the classic esthetic of traditional wristwatches with modern technology , offering notice alert and introductory physical fitness tracking without compromise manner .
For a considerable metre , hybrid watches lagged behind their fully - fledge smartwatch counterparts regarding feature and functionality . However , this trend shifted gradually as manufacturers lead off incorporating more advanced capabilities into hybrid models — many of which outperform the offerings of democratic smartwatches like the Apple Watch . Notable progress include significantly enhanced shelling living , which can stretch to weeks or even months , more discreet notification systems prioritizing usability , and a focus on of the essence wellness metric unit rather than an overwhelming influx of datum .
During my recent inspection of the Withings ScanWatch Nova Brilliant alongside my Apple Watch Ultra 2 , I notice a transformative impact on my relationship with wearable engineering science . The simplicity and elegance of the ScanWatch ’s traditional analogue showing stood out , especially when compared to the often distracting array of notification , step goals , news headlines , sports account , and weather updates presented on the Apple Watch . Plus , the Withings watch delivers notifications more understatedly , allowing me to stay connected without feeling overwhelmed .
Withings appWithings
One of the most dramatic feature was its impressive 30 - day stamp battery life , a important selling degree drastically vary substance abuser experience . This seniority meant I could stow away the charger in a drawer , eliminate the frequent charging ritual that often company conventional smartwatches . This newfound freedom minimized distraction and allow me to appreciate the vigil ’s design and functionality more fully , making it a refreshing alternative in a domain increasingly overshadow by tech - leaden devices . As I explore the capabilities of the ScanWatch , I felt a regenerate sense of balance between engineering and mindfulness , finding a sentry that complements my life style rather than complicating it .
Everything is still there
What has surprised me the most about ditching the Apple Watch for a loanblend is that I ’m not missing any vital information . Thanks to the lookout man ’s longsighted lean of sensors and telling Withings app , I still have accession to primal features bring home the bacon by the Apple Watch .
The app , available for iOS and Android , track weight and body typography with advanced insights , include weight trend and BMI . For natural process monitoring , it automatically tracks daily bodily function and workout sessions with contingent on steps , heart pace , multisport tracking , attached GPS , and physical fitness grade assessment .
The app ’s eternal rest analysis lineament furnish detailed nap metrics , include sleep cycle , eternal sleep grievance , heart rate monitoring , and snoring detection . Some reading can even discover potential slumber apnea .
Joe Maring / Digital Trends
For motivation , the app also includes a leaderboard feature , where friends and family unit can compete for weekly step numeration . Thanks to in - app trailing , you do n’t need Withings machine to take part — anyone with the app can fall in .
And because the Withings app integrates with Apple Health , all my data is stored just like it has always been on my iPhone .
Finally , the Withings app also opens up a macrocosm for other wellness - free-base products that Withings provides , including scales , blood line pressure monitor , nap trackers , and more .
Withings ScanWatch 2Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
What’s missing
Switching to a hybrid watch like the Withings ScanWatch Nova Brilliant from an Apple Watch involve some notable trade wind - offs , of course .
One of the most substantial change is the absence of a touchscreen display . Without this feature , you lose the ability to navigate a vibrant and interactive interface , which can make accessing information and feature more cumbersome . For example , you enjoy a rich visual experience with an Apple Watch , allowing seamless app interactions . At the same time , hybrid watch typically come with only the fundamental features integrated into the fellow traveller app . This mean limited access code to customizable watch expression , widgets , and a broader range of apps that heighten daily lifespan .
Regarding communicating , hybrid watches go down unretentive on functionalities such as headphone call treatment and integrating with voice assistant . While smartwatches allow you to take calls straight from your wrist and result voice instruction for tasks like send schoolbook or dress reminders , loanblend watch offer minimal interaction with your smartphone . This may be thwarting for users who rely heavy on these smart features for convenience and efficiency .
Moreover , features such as mathematical function and navigation , which can be vital for outdoor activities or travel , are either wanting or poorly supported in hybrid models . Detailed exercising steering is often restricted to basic tracking capabilities , miss the advance metric function and existent - clip feedback smartwatches provide . likewise , functionality such as media control and euphony storage are notably limited .
Another important consideration is the absence of safety features like Fall Detection , Emergency SOS , and Crash Detection . These capability have become essential for many user , especially those prioritize health and rubber in their wearable engineering science .
However , the deal - offs of choosing a hybrid scout can be worthwhile for some user . loanblend watches often boast significantly longer assault and battery life , lasting weeks or even months on a single charge , which , as noted , starkly contrasts the day-by-day or every - other - day charging need by smartwatches . The traditional aesthetics of hybrid watch also attract to those who choose a classic look over a tech - centrical purpose . to boot , hybrid lookout foster a less intrusive relationship with technology , allowing users to unplug from constant notifications and digital distraction .
It’s a choice worth considering
I do n’t have a bun in the oven to switch to a hybrid watch anytime before long , especially since I compose about and review tech product . However , it ’s important to recognize that 99.9 % of user do n’t share my viewpoint . production like the Withings ScanWatch Nova Brilliant and the slimly heavy Withings ScanWatch Nova offer pregnant reward in condition of shelling life story and conception , which many masses should seriously consider . At the very least , these watches represent alternatives that could promote more mortal to encompass wise wearables , ultimately benefiting the total lookout man market .
