10 Smart Watch Alternatives to Apple’s iWatch Vaporware

by Don Reisinger

The Kreyos Smartwatch made a mark on the technology world over at Indiegogo — a place where the community can invest in a particular project. The technology allows for hands-free communication with gesture and voice control. In addition to reading the time, users can check out e-mails, place phone calls, and perform other tasks. The watch starts at $119.

The Sony MN2SW is designed to work with Android-based devices. The touch screen device allows users to check out applications, listen to music, and add Android-based applications by downloading them from the Google Play marketplace. Although it retails for $150, it’s available on Amazon for just $94.

Another Sony product, the LiveView Bluetooth Phone Remote connects wirelessly to Android-based devices via Bluetooth technology. With that, users can place calls, send out text messages, and use all of the other functions available on a smartphone. And although its suggested retail price if $74.95, online shoppers can find it for as little as $22.99.

Judging by its name, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Nike+ SportWatch is made for athletes. The device is designed to be a GPS system first, with full integration of TomTom’s GPS functionality. The Nike+ feature tracks progress, measures beats per minute, and performs all kinds of other health-related evaluations. Oh, and it takes time. Not bad for a device that sets customers back $169.

The Pebble SmartWatch is one of the most interesting inclusions in this roundup. The device was made popular on Kickstarter, where it raised boatloads of cash. Pebble connects wirelessly to an iPhone or Android-based smartphone and transmits practically all of the information on that device to its display. In addition, the device can be used as a clock, a rangefinder, a way to track distance, and much, much more. It sets customers back $150.

The MW08 Waterproof Stainless Steel Watch is designed to work underwater. But what’s interesting about it is that it comes with a stainless steel wristband, making it match a bit better with today’s fashionable styles. In addition, the device is a fully compatible GSM phone, meaning users can place calls right from the watch. Plus, at $109.99, it’s one of the cheapest unlocked phones anyone will find.

The E4worlds I3 Watch is bulky, but that’s only because it comes with a 1.8-inch touch screen that’s capable of displaying call information, e-mail messages, and applications. Better yet, it has a camera and allows users to place calls over GSM networks. It comes with an awfully strong feature set for $79.99.

Those customers looking for a flashy device won’t find much to like in the GSM Quadband Voice Dialing Watch. However, those who want to place calls with its physical keyboard will like it quite a bit. It would be nice if the device came with a touch screen, but for $60, customers shouldn’t expect everything.

At first blush, the Tw810 might not seem like a smart watch. However, the device’s 1.6-inch screen is fully capable of placing calls, working with Bluetooth, and playing both music and video. It’s a little expensive, though, at $134.98 on Amazon.

The MQ998, like many of the other devices in this roundup, doubles as both a watch and a phone. It works on quad-band GSM frequencies, meaning it’ll work anywhere in the world, and it supports both music and video, as well as voice recording, e-book reading, and more. It comes with a 1.5-inch touch screen. And although its suggested retail price if $149.99, Amazon customers can pick it up for $44.99.