Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I have the previous edition SW1 and I decided to upgrade to this year's model. Compared to last year's edition, this is a complete redesign. Sony basically addressed all the complaints from last years model and has taken most of the advantages of the Pebble Smartwatch away. Everything is better including the look, fit, and finish. I get a lot of compliments for how good the watch looks. Last year's model was almost a iPod Nano with a watch strap. Here are the pros: -bigger and better screen (1.3" vs 1.6"-full Transflective display 220x176 & scratch-resistant) -longer battery life (3-7 days depending on usage vs 2-3 days previously) -more touch sensitive -back/home/menu buttons like all Android phones -menu is easier to use (no touch controls to close apps or swiping up and down) -settings in watch to switch clocks and apps (some apps still require in phone settings) -easier setup with NFC and tap with phone (make sure you enable NFC in your phone) -water resistant IP57 (30 minutes in FRESH water up to a depth of 1 meter & dust proof) -lots of free apps (weather, currency, photo slideshow, Twitter, Facebook, GPS, games like Blackjack etc.) -easier to charge with standard micro USB charger (proprietary connection previously) -easier to see in daylight -watch is always on to tell time but dims to save battery, push power button to lighten up (previous model turned off with no time display) -works with any Android smartphone running version 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or later -aluminum body (plastic body previously) -ability to change watch band (it can take any standard watch strap that is 24 millimeters wide). -all previous apps work from last year's model cons: -limited apps out made for the SW2, but this will change as it's just been released -currently only 5 watch faces in settings (there are paid apps with more) What do I use my watch for? -Tell time of course, but also with the ability to change the look each day (almost a new watch daily). -Notifications for emails, texts, tweets, and calls (discreetly reading a text during a meeting or while driving or in a theater). -Never miss a call again when you are outside (watch vibrates when calls come in, you can answer or end call--still need phone to talk). -Finding my phone (I can call my phone from the watch to hear where I left it). -Never leave your phone behind again (because it's connected by bluetooth, the watch will vibrate to notify if you are too from it or the connection has been lost). -There are unlimited uses as more apps become available. Some others include a flashlight, viewing my camera while I'm away from my phone, remotely turning phone to silent or vibrate mode etc. Note: Sony created "Open Smarthwatch Project" this past summer to third-party firmware which enables any developer to create apps for their smartwatches. So there is no need to worry about a lack of future support. This watch is actually Sony's third smartwatch. In 2010 Sony Ericsson unveiled the "LiveView Watch" and 2012 Sony released "SmartWatch 1" (bought out Ericsson). Update Oct 23rd, 2013 I've had the watch for just over two weeks now. I've managed to get almost 7 days battery life by turning the watch off each night before bed. Without turning it off, I managed to get about 5 days. So if you are lazy at charging, turn off the watch to get an extra couple of days. Another tip for a fast charge (approx. 1 hour), I use a 10 watt AC adapter charger that came with my Nexus 7--like I mentioned, that standard micro USB is handy. These 10 watt AC adapter chargers can be found online for $10. Update 2 Dec 6, 2013 I received a free update for the watch last night, Sony has doubled the total watch faces to 10! There are some very nice designs from digital, analog, and classic museum styles. Anyone trying to decide between the Sony SW2 or Samsung Gear may want to read this article: Sony outsmarts Samsung with SmartWatch 2 [...]