LTE

LG has announced the successor to their Android Wear smartwatch Watch Urbane. The original Watch Urbane only launched in May, so we are bit surprised to be hearing about the  Watch Urbane 2nd Edition already. While the original device was applauded for being one of the best Android Wear devices at the time it, most reviewers were still quick to find shortcomings. Among them, a bulky design, lackluster screen, no ambient light sensor, and internals that were about a year old. Thankfully LG’s Watch Urbane 2nd Edition will introduce some (small) hardware upgrades. First, the screen increases in pixel density (from 245ppi to 348ppi), RAM sees a slight bump (from 512MB to 768MB), and the battery shifts from 410 man to 570mAh. The improved battery isn’t just there to increase the watch’s run time though; the Watch Urbane 2nd Edition is the first Android Wear smartwatch to support cellular connectivity, with the device including a LTE antenna. LG previously released a WebOS version of the Urbane with a cellular antenna and Samsung makes Tizen based watches with a mobile connection, but this will be the first time the Android Wear OS and the vast library of smartwatch friendly apps offered through Google Play will be available to watch users who prefer to leave their phone behind. LG has not announced pricing or timing of the device.

Smartwatches with cellular connectivity are an interesting segment of the market. We get the appeal, but don’t see it becoming more than a niche segment for a while. First, I don’t think people are looking for one more device that they have to pay for and manage on their cellular plans. Second, I don’t think the technology is there yet. My phone barely makes it through the day and its battery is much more significant than what can be fit into a watch. Large strides need to be made in battery storage and mobile radio power efficiencies. Finally, I don’t think the software is there yet to make using an untethered smartwatch a compelling experience.