Will the smartwatch replace the smartphone?

As technology advances, I find myself wondering if the smartwatch will ultimately replace that smartphone that we put into our pockets. Add a Bluetooth earpiece and some Google Glass - type of visual aid, and you don't really need a smartphone. You can do all your mobile computing through a tiny digital device that you simply wear on your wrist. Plus, the smartwatch can monitor your physical activity and give you quantitative data on your fitness each day.

The first generation of smartwatches will emerge in 2013 from major smartphone OEMs like Apple, Samsung, and others. These devices will probably rely on your smartphone for essential functions, so they won't be designed to replace your smartphone. However, eventually we'll start seeing models that will have full cellular capability. Once the smartwatch phenomenon really takes off, the days of the traditional smartphone may be over.

Smart phones, smart watches, and smart glasses

Right now, many people use smartphones. Soon, most people will be using smartphones. Many people walk around with a Bluetooth headset in their ear. So, we're already talking about wearable gadgets and computers. Some manufacturers have designed Bluetooth headsets to be fashionable pieces of high-class jewelry.

The future of wearable computing include self-tracking gadgets like the Fitbit and the Nike+ FuelBand. Those types of gadgets may be reserved for fitness geeks or people actively trying to achieve and sustain weight loss. However, other types of wearable computers will become standard issue for business executives and health care professionals.

Let's start with the smart watch. In the near future, we'll also see many people wearing smart watches that connect to our smartphones using low-energy Bluetooth. We know that Samsung is planning on releasing a smartwatch soon. Rumors of an Apple smartwatch will eventually come true. There are many smartwatches on the market and they don't resemble the clunky gadget that Dick Tracy used to wear.

How will smartphones evolve once the smart watch phenomenon takes off? Will we see smartphones getting smaller? Bigger? Willl everyone want a phablet so that they can be more productive by having a larger screen? Will the smart watch replace the smartphone entirely?

I think that could happen as we all wear more gadgets and computers on our body. For instance, why would you need to wear a smart watch and carry a smartphone if you also wore smart glasses? Google Glass is a new technology, but we'll see other manufacturers release similar smart glasses.

So, imagine that your smart watch is your phone. It has cellular connectivity. You don't need a Bluetooth headset since audio is built into your smart glasses.


Voice command and voice dictation. Plus, your hand/arm gestures will get sensed by the built-in accelerometer in your smart watch and get translated into commands. The days of typing on an on-screen keyboard may be over soon. It's time to practice your speaking skills so that you can dictate voice commands precisely. Voice recognition engines are getting much more sophisticated to recognize certain accents or speaking patters.

Wearable computers. Body computing. These terms are about to have new meaning. These technologies will become a part of everyday life. Plus, they will be highly effective in promoting behavior change, in coaching healthy behavior, and in assisting with disease self-management. The possibilities are endless.

Are you ready for this?

Apple iOS wrist watch (iWatch)

There are growing rumors on the Internet about a wrist watch from Apple. Will such a device run iOS or will it run a simplified operating system like the ones found on touch-screen iPod nanos? I have a 6th generation iPod nano (the square one) that I'll occasionally wear on the my wrist. It's a fun touch-screen watch and I can change the watch face easily. However, the display doesn't remain on all the time, so it's a bit annoying that I have to press the button to see the time. Also, the device doesn't have Bluetooth, so I can't use my Bluetooth headphones. I could use a Bluetooth adapter, but it drains the battery too quickly.

I predict that eventually Apple will release some type of wrist watch that will include:

• Motion sensors like what you see on the Jawbone UP or the Nike + Fuel Band
• Bluetooth so that you can stream your music to your Bluetooth headphones
• Touch screen
• Interface with your iOS device like iPhone or iPad to show incoming calls, emails, text messages, etc. 

Maybe the first version of the Apple iWatch will resemble the Motorola MOTOACTV - Fitness Tracker. But, without the GPS tracking and the heart rate monitor. After all, Apple has traditionally designed their products to appeal to the general consumer market. Most people don't need GPS tracking or heart rate monitoring when they exercise. Also, most consumers don't exercise regularly (although they probably should). 

This year, the Quantified Self movement (self-tracking movement and physical activity with digital gadgets) is seeing many new devices entering the market. Will Apple enter the QS market in 2013 or 2014? I can't imagine that they would wait much longer than that. 

Sony Ericsson SmartWatch Android™ watch

We're going from Smartphone to Smartwatch.

The Sony Ericsson SmartWatch Android™ watch is an extension of your Android smartphone to your wrist. So, instead of pulling out your phone to see who is calling you or sending you messages, you can view those things right on your wrist.

Could the "smartwatch" be the next hot technology to follow the smartphone?

• The SmartWatch communicates wirelessly with your Android smartphone via Bluetooth.
• SmartWatch features an easy-to-use, ultra-responsive touch display.
• Customize your SmartWatch with any 20mm wristband.
• Can read SMS and email and calendar reminders on display
• Clip the device anywhere

This device actually looks a lot like an iPod nano. It has a clip, it can be worn like a watch, and it has a color screen. Perhaps the next iPod nano will have Bluetooth and will connect with iPhones. Maybe it will be called the iWatch.