Upcoming Android Wear smartwatches
Before splashing your cash on an Android Wear smartwatch already on sale, it's worth noting that as many as six more devices could land before Santa comes crashing down the chimney.
Here's the hotly anticipated ones to look out for, arriving in the next couple of months...
New Moto 360
The 2015 Moto 360 may still have that annoying flat-tyre at the bottom of its circular display but the rest of the setup is very promising indeed. It now comes in two sizes - 42mm and 46mm - in fact, it's three sizes if you count the different band sizes.
On offer are two different sized displays: 1.37 or 1.56-inch. On the larger size the resolution is 360 x 360 - a 233ppi conut. The pixel density is greater on the smaller version, with the 1.37-inch display's resolution of 360 x 325 resulting in 263ppi. In terms of connectivity it's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. You can pre-order now with prices ranging from $299.
Take a look at our first look Moto 360 review here.
From $299, motorola.com
Moto 360 Sport
Finally an Android Wear smartwatch to rival the Sony SmartWatch 3's GPS skills, the Moto 360 Sport was announced alongside it more fashion concious brethren at IFA 2015.
The Moto 360 Sport boasts a single-structure silicon case and band, with a special UV coating to wick away sweat. The AnyLight LCD display is naturally adaptable, meaning it should be nicely backlit in dim lighting situations but be easily readable when out running in sunnier conditions.
There's no price or launch details as of yet. In the meantime, check out ourcomprehensive Moto 360 Sport guide.
$TBC, motorola.com
Huawei Watch
Although not quite as startlingly slick as the launch videos make out, the Huawei Watch is certainly stylish and, with a diameter of 42mm and a thickness of 11.3mm, it's more compact than its round-faced rivals.
Huawei has revealed three designs so far; an all black affair with a textured metallic strap, a silver one with a black leather strap and and a gold version with a brown leather strap. The 1.4-inch AMOLED display, housed behind sapphire crystal glass, is nice and bright; as it should be with a 400 x 400 resolution. It's on sale in Europe now, apparently, with pre-orders open in the US. Prices are on the steep side though - $349 for the stainless steel body and leather strap, rising to $799 for the rose gold-plated Watch.
Have a butcher's at our Huawei Watch hands-on review.
From $349, consumer.huawei.com
Asus ZenWatch 2
Unveiled officially at Computex 2015, the Asus ZenWatch 2's price-tag is extremely appealing - it will be available from October for a very impressive €149.
The ZenWatch 2 comes in two sizes - one measuring 49 x 41mm, with a 22mm strap, and a 45 x 37mm model that sits on an 18mm strap. There are a plethora of strap options including rubber, steel, leather and even a Swarovski covered one. Messaging has been targeted by Asus, who clearly feels that Android Wear needs a bit of spit and polish. ZenWatch Message brings direct messaging with emojis from the watch and a new Smart Assistant app enables you to view more content from emails and calendar alerts.
We got hands-on with the ZenWatch 2 at IFA 2015.
€149, asus.com
Tag Heuer Carrera Wearable 01
Tag's debut smartwatch will go on sale for $1,400 in November. It's described as the "first luxury Android Wear smartwatch" and will boast a battery life of 40 hours. Assembled in Switzerland and powered by an Intel chip, we've been told by Tag that the smartwatch will feature upgradeable hardware components.
We don't know what the Tag smartwatch will look like just yet, or what sort of screen it will use, but there's bound to plenty more rumblings before the launch this autumn.
Here's what we do know about about the Tag Heuer Android Wear smartwatch.
$1,400, tagheuer.com
Fossil Intel smartwatch
We had our first glimpse of the forthcoming Fossil smartwatch over in San Francisco at IDF15 back in August.
Looking a heck of a lot like the Moto 360, complete with a chunky chassis and that ever-so-annoying flat tyre at the bottom of the circular display, the Fossil Android Wear smartwatch was revealed alongside a duo of other Intel powered connected devices. There's no price or release date for the Fossil smartwatch as of yet but we'll keep you posted.
$TBC, fossil.com
Best Android Wear smartwatches on sale
There are seven Android Wear smartwatches currently in the shops - here's what we think of each of them.
Top pick: Sony SmartWatch 3
Sony's third stab at the smartwatch comes with either a rubber sports strap in a choice of colours, or a slick stainless steel one, along with a 1.6-inch 320 x 320 pixel LCD display. The screen isn't spectacular but battery life benefits as a result, with two days of use easily achievable.
The big win for the SW3 is that it's currently the only Android Wear watch on sale with built-in GPS, so it's great for tracking runs, cycles, and even tapping into golf apps.
Digest and enjoy our Sony SmartWatch 3 review.
Great for style: LG Watch Urbane
The Urbane is a more female friendly and, we have to say it, 'blingy' version of the G Watch R, with a new high end styling that's a bit more dressy than sporty. It isn't designed to replace the R, simply add an extra option for smartwatch shoppers looking for a classier, 'luxury' smartwatch.
You can't miss the Urbane, whether it's the silver or gold model; that fully round bezel is seriously eye- and light-catching. It also comes with a higher quality leather strap, which can be changed out for something more personal. If you really want splash out, the LG Watch Urbane Luxe has a 23-karat gold case and comes with an alligator leather strap. It'll set you back $1,200.
Take a look-see at our LG Watch Urbane review.
Best for traditionalists: LG G Watch R
LG's first round Android Wear model added an improved two-day battery life, a heart rate monitor and better quality materials (stainless steel and leather) to the original G. It's sharp, well-built and feels like the most mature Android Wear watch yet. The diver's bezel makes it easily the most 'traditional' looking Google-powered smartwatch.
The 1.3-inch P-OLED display is smaller than the norm, which means the 320 x 320 pixel screen looks sharper, though the internals are the same. An IP67 rating means showering is okay but swimming isn't recommended.
Drink down our LG G Watch R review.
Great price and unisex: Asus ZenWatch
The Asus ZenWatch packs a curved rectangular display to help it stand out, and, for unisex appeal, it certainly leads the way at the moment. It's just masculine enough to be worn with a suit, yet the curved lines make it the most female friendly of the current Android Wear crop. The Asus ZenWatch sports a 1.63-inch 320 x 320 pixel screen, which certainly isn't the best in class, but amply does the job.
Perhaps its most notable feature is its low price, however - it comes in at less than $150 Stateside, although UK buyers certainly get the dirty end of the stick with equivalent Sterling pricing.
Achieve a zen-like state with our hands-on Asus ZenWatch review.
$149.99, bestbuy.com | Amazon
For maximum customisation: Moto 360
With a circular face, stylish looks and wireless charging, the Moto 360 is a looker, yet performance saw it marked down against some of its newer rivals. However, with a host of new colours and designs from Motorola and new straps available from Dodo, it's much easier to customise than any other smartwatch currently on the market - even more thanks to the new Moto Maker platform.
It brings with it a rounded 1.5-inch 320 x 290 pixel LCD display, and despite its chunkiness it feels like a watch rather than a gadget.
Peruse our venerable Moto 360 review.
The Android Wear also rans...
These are the bottom of the pile when it comes to Google's smartwatch family. Only really consider them if you can get a super cheap deal and are looking to test the Android Wear waters.
Samsung Gear Live
The Samsung Gear Live launched alongside the LG G Watch, but confusingly this is the cheaper model in the US (in the UK, the LG device undercuts it). Aside from a slightly more refined look, the key differences between the two are the Gear Live's heart rate monitor and its superior 1.63-inch 320 x 320 pixel SuperAMOLED display.
The Gear Live sports a slightly smaller battery, though it should see you through a day's use, and again it's IP67 certified so water and dust shouldn't be a problem.
Check out our full Samsung Gear Live review. And read how the Gear Live compares to the G Watch.
$199, samsung.com | Amazon
LG G Watch
One of the oldest Android Wear smartwatch out there, you'd be a fool to pay the RRP with super cheap deals now widespread on both sides of the pond.
Described by LG's own CEO as "no-nonsense", the LG Watch lets you try out Android Wear without breaking the bank. It's solid yet unspectacular in both looks and features, with a 1.65-inch, 280 x 280 pixel IPS LCD display and no heart rate monitor or GPS unit on-board.
Read our definitive LG G Watch review.
Very good watches
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