Sony has polished up its SmartWatch 2 to compete with the various new challengers on the market, such as the Pebble Steel, and Samsung’s Gear 2. It has announced the launch of two new special editions, named Business and Brazil, plus pushed a software update out with several new features.
The two new models are differentiated by the strap, one of which is made of metal, and the other a fabric in the Brazilian flag’s colors. The latter celebrates the SmartWatch 2 being the “official accessory of the 2014 FIFA World Cup,” which is an unusual title, while the former adds a considerable touch of class to Sony’s watch. The SmartWatch 2 has always been one of the better looking smartwatches, and the stainless steel-style metal strap really elevates it above the standard model.
Sony’s software update comes with the news there are now almost 400 apps made specially for the SmartWatch 2, including what it describes as the world’s first wearable boarding pass. Made in conjunction with Spanish airline Vueling, the watch displays flight information and a boarding pass barcode.
The new update brings a degree of customization to the watch. You can choose which watch face to use, either on the watch itself or by using the smartphone app, and the widgets displayed on it. Sony has also added six wallpapers to use on the watch. There’s now a calculator app onboard, plus it’s possible to choose whether the watch’s vibration mode is activated, at the point it connects to your phone using Bluetooth. Finally, the Gmail and Facebook apps have been modified, and calendar appointments displayed in the notification drawer are now scrollable.
If you want the SmartWatch 2 with the new metal band, it’ll be available through Sony’s online store soon, priced at $200. Interestingly, if you don’t mind the basic, plastic-strapped model, it has been reduced to $150. If you’re football mad and want the Brazil model, Sony hasn’t listed it on the site yet.
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