Sony MN2SW SmartWatch, Bluetooth 3.0 Works with Android Based Smartphones

2014-01-05T19:00:00

I received the Sony Smartwatch 2 as a Christmas gift. I had asked for one knowing the technology was very much in its infancy but still wishing to be a part of the initial user group. As some background, I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 (so I COULD have tried the Samsung gear instead, and may yet) and am very much an Android user. My family are all Apple users so I have plenty of experience with apple interfaces, I just don't like them. First, the watch is much sleeker than I thought it would be. As a female engineer, I tend to wear bulky watches (think Baby G's# and this watch is certainly no worse, if not slightly better, than those when it comes to style. I love that I can switch out the watchband so easily. The functionality however, is where I want to highlight a few things. From a sheer UI/Human factors engineering perspective the sony team has done a great job of using intuitive movements to navigate the various menus. However, I am rather disappointed in the maturity of the apps available. For example, there is no official Sony stopwatch or timer app. These are functions that my bulky Baby G watch could handle and should certainly be part of the base functionality of this watch. You can pay for various timer/stop watch apps, but most of them are a little bit clunky and it seems silly to pay for such a basic function. Even worse, the Sony music player app is completely useless. None of the pause, play, next or previous functions work with my generic music player #only the volume buttons work#. This is ridiculous as I have been using 3rd party bluetooth headsets for years which manage this seamlessly so I assume the API is relatively generic/standard. Finally, I had some problems getting the watch to connect to my phone after the initial pairing/connection. I connected the watch and used it for about 48 hours and then glanced down to find it disconnected. Despite unpairing and repairing and rebooting of both devices I could not reestablish a connection. I even tried installing the older Liveview software in the hopes that it might find the wayward watch. Finally, I shut the watch off and determined to deal with it at a later date and a day or so later when I went to turn it on so I could be ready to respond to sony support commands, it connected just fine. The problem has not resurfaced so I am giving the device 4 stars, but it makes me worry for less tech savy users as they begin to adopt the technology. All in all, it's a clever little device, really more useful for screening incoming information #there really is no viable text creation app - I've tried 2) than anything else. Yet it's a huge step in the direction of wearable technology and less intrusive integration of digital data in our lives. So if you're looking for a cool toy, or like the idea of having to dig your phone out of the bottomless pit of a purse less frequently, this is the device for you. Oh, and runners, this thing is fantastic. The "run" app gives you distance and time info as well as haptic feedback and the GPS app provides amazing detailed maps, speed etc. so you can really get some good data on your runs! Paired with run keeper I find it really helpful!

ENelson321

Originally posted at

2013-10-08T20:00:00

i would really love to have this thing looks 10,000x times better than the samsung gear>

clinecollin

Originally posted at

2013-09-04T20:00:00

I really like this new SmartWatch. It's a neat little gadget. It doesn't replace anything or drive me to work, but it's cool and everyone asks about it. I can't complain. My wrist vibrates, and I can check texts, FB updates, the weather, etc. I haven't used it with the running app yet, but I will soon, I'm sure.

SimplyScott

Originally posted at

2013-08-29T20:00:00

I have had the watch for a couple of months now and the Smartwatch does everything the adds say it does well, except for one thing you can not see the screen if you are out in the sun. so if you spend a lot of time outdoors don't bother buying this product.

fortworth

Originally posted at

2013-08-22T20:00:00

Cons: Battery runs out easily, wrist bands breaks with use (not strong), If it breaks, you will have to pay to ship the item to them. Not worth the trouble! Very low resolution display (it doesnt look sharp). Accessories for it are too expensive (wrist bands) Pros: Beautiful design, nice colors of wrist bands, reliable brand (at least thats what I thought until I called them to replace this item, horrible service).

MarcusV

Originally posted at

2013-07-10T20:00:00

Despite the cons noted this is a product with a lot of potential. When email or texts arrive I can quickly look at the watch and ignore the unimportant ones without losing focus. It's amazing how much more I get done in a day when I don't need to fumble the phone out of my pocket to see if a message is important. Also great for allowing me to screen callers and muting the ringer so I can get out of meetings before answering the phone. Works well with the HTC one. I'm really looking forward to the updated version in September, but for the moment this one is cheap and a lot of fun. Recommended, especially if you would mainly use it in an indoor situation. Sony have made the SDK available so you can write your own apps if that's what you're into.

DarrenH

Originally posted at

2013-07-07T20:00:00

Got this phone to use with my running apps that work with SmartWatch. Great idea in theory, however in practice the display in bright sunlight is all but useless! It has a wonderful color display that is terribly under appreciated outdoors! The display needs some sort of reflective backlight that allows viewing outdoors. I understand that the brightness is to help with battery life. And I have to admit getting used to needing to charge my watch took some doing, but easily an acceptable practice as it lasts for 2 days on a single charge! I'm just disappointed in the display quality. I am satisfied with the phone enough that I would definitely by a second SmartWatch 2.0 if it's line is ever upgraded. But ONLY if the display brightness gets an overhaul!

XCman

Originally posted at

2013-06-08T20:00:00

The Silver Ring will fall, the side button will fall as well, and the watch is trash after that.

lvelasco

Originally posted at

2013-06-01T20:00:00

I would be very interested in it, but I would only be interested if it cost like $30-40 per watch instead. No one is going to want to pay that much money for a watch connected to your phone that does the exact same thing, however they probably would if it were an added accessory at a reasonable price as an 'add on'. I would definitely buy it if it cost $30-40 though. I understand what everyone's saying about how it would be hard to text, but if the texting was voice activated like on the Androids and IPhones, it would be perfect. I think that it's pretty cool. ;-)

Starlet82

Originally posted at

2013-03-24T20:00:00

I just got mine , and I put the invisishield on it. I went to RadioShack and bought the invisishield on clearance for an old discontinued phone for 99cents and then use the sticker that came on the watch face as a template to cut it. It is awesome. I cannot use personal electronics at work, thank God it is a watch,lol. I stay connected and the bosses does not know. If the call is important, go to the bathroom. It vibrates when I walk away from the phone which is cool. It keeps the time when I walk away for a while. I read somewhere that it loses time when not connected but mine keeps the time.

Djchris

Originally posted at

2013-02-26T19:00:00

I stumbled on this guy visiting my local Verizon store....upon some quick searches, I was amazed at what this little guy could do. A little skeptical, I purchased it anyway....and well, the rest is history! This little guy allows me to check email, text, read RSS feeds, control Spotify, and local music, check the weather...the list goes on and on! Just the other day I was driving and could feel my phone buzzing in my tight pocket....what did I do? I just looked at my wrist and saw who was calling me! How awesome and Dick Tracy is that!

Arcanic

Originally posted at

2013-02-12T19:00:00

I really like this watch. It is my little assistant. People compliment it for looking cool, nice, and impressive after i show them what it does. My battery lasts about 3-4 days. I really only use it to check the time, messages, and see who's calling. I really like the apps you can get for it. It does disconnect every 2-3 days for 1 minute then just reconnects. (I have the Samsung Galaxy S III). I wish they made screen protectors for it since i'm terrified to scratch it and already did. It charges dead to full in about an hour. so fast charge. To charge it though is a pain because you have to get it just right to charge. In the long run, i was happy to get it and am still really happy to have it. They just need to keep putting updates out and it would be perfect. You can see in the top left corner there is a little scratch. Just be careful.

ldrumline

Originally posted at

2013-02-12T19:00:00

I am very pleased with this watch. its great for work. If my wife leaves me a text and its an emergency I can get it right away and go take a break to call her. What seems to be a regular problem with sony is the lack of updates and or apps that come with their products shortly after their release. I would like to see more apps from sony (ie sports scores/ updates). That would be my only complaint. This watch is still very good. I can see how the battery dies if you have facebook on here with every message and news being bushed. I would recommend this.

Raininx

Originally posted at

2013-02-05T19:00:00

i love this watch but could be little bit more big and better screen. sometimes i cant see anything on screen in the sunlight.

xonxon2

Originally posted at

2013-01-26T19:00:00

I charge my smart watch over night and I connect it with my phone and put it on every morning. The overnight charge has never failed me. If I forget to charge one night, I don't have to worry because the charge has last me for more than 2. I have never killed the battery so I don't know how long it last because I charge it when I charge my smart phone. Also, everyone I meet that notices my watch wants one because it simply so cool. I can control my music on it; see my selected friends Facebook statuses and messages. But sometimes the watch notifies me that it lost the connection with my phone, and I think it happens because of electromagnetic nose from the hundreds of other devices on my school campus, but luckily it reconnects itself. I simply love this watch.

Gutierrez

Originally posted at

2013-01-23T19:00:00

This little watch is very cool. I always thought they were neat but never got around to buying one until now. Whenever someone texts you or emails you tweets or posts on facebook its right there, on the little watch. At my job, i'm not allowed to have my phone out. Now i am always with my phone even when it is in my pocket. It isn't very thick, it has a great connection distance with my phone, and it is very handy. I like the styling. So far the battery life has been good. I have an Xperia phone so its optimized for it. There are also multiple watch faces you can choose from; a standard one only appears for a short time after you click the button, and then there are two more, one analog and one digital, that are motion activated. The watch has a vibrate function, so when you get an alert you willl be notified that way. Overall I'm very happy with it and i would reccommend it.

mmorache2012

Originally posted at

2013-01-10T19:00:00

I got this cool gadget as a Christmas present. I love not having o pull my phone out for every text, tweet, or phone call. I wish I could set up my email but not sure how. I love the ease of use and the look and feel of this watch. I hate not being able to have a watch if the bluetooth is off but hey...it's worth it. Be aware that the battery does not last long if you do have alot of texts or tweets, etc coming in. Overall fun and makes life a bit easier!

Fordgirl1996

Originally posted at

2012-12-30T19:00:00

I Bought it yesterday your I wished since it came out I wished every day that I could have it but I am from argentina so they don't sell it there but I bought it in USA. The point is that I was turning on and then that I tried to synchronize said it needs an update so I touched ok and never updates an error comes and I want a solution! I wished smart watch since It came out on San francisco!!!!!!!!!!! If it works I would love it!!!!!!!! But... I can't update please HELP!!! PD: I got an Xperia neo V

Manuagus

Originally posted at

2012-12-26T19:00:00

I bought this watch a couple of weeks ago and overall I'm very impressed. If you are an avid cell phone user and constantly having to pull your cell phone out of it's case just to see who is calling or who's texting you then this watch is for you! For the casual user I would have to be honest and say it would be an expensive toy and not serve too much of a purpose. For myself though, I work onsite in different locations on computers and having to stop every time my phone rings or I get a text message is a big time waster. Now all I have to do is look at the watch quickly and if I need to answer I hit my bluetooth headset without ever pulling my phone. If it's a text then I can see who it is and whether I need to respond quickly. Makes my time alot more productive. I started out with an HTC Evo 4G Slider (older model) and it was really bad about losing the pairing with it. I upgraded to a Samsung Galaxy S3 and it doesn't lose connection but about once every 3 to 4 days now. All I have to do though is unpair it and rejoin it. Quick and easy so not too much of a hassle. Only thing that lacks for me is I can't check my email on it since I use an Exchange Server but other than that it is a very functional watch for my purpose. Being one of the first of its kind it's a good buy if you're constantly reaching for your phone.

erstho

Originally posted at

2012-12-25T19:00:00

I just got this watch for Christmas, and I love it. It works perfectly with my Samsung Galaxy S 3 and keeps me informed on what's happening. Yes, you need a phone for it to work, but who doesn't have a phone these days?!? It let's me know what's on my phone without me having to remove it from my pocket, and that is it's entire purpose! I can see who is emailing me, what's on Facebook and Twitter, and even see the weather report! Heck, I can even control my music on my phone without taking it from my pocket or backpack. Anyone who doesn't like this device, doesn't understand what it does.

LouCap

Originally posted at

2012-12-22T19:00:00

I cannot go a full day before the battery dies. Every day a 5:00 pm I have to scramble to find a usb port somewhere to recharge this thing and I don't have but a couple of apps running. Maybe I just happened to get one with a bad battery. Also seems a bit fragile. God forbid if it got wet. Nice idea but needs improvement and also be compatible with iPhone users

AL817

Originally posted at

2012-11-23T19:00:00

Not really a watch at all except that it straps on your wrist...It cannot operate alone just to tell time. I have an iPhone and this syncs only with an android phone. I would have rated it a 1 but it's my fault I don't have an android... :)

bgdadof6

Originally posted at

2012-11-08T19:00:00

1. This is a watch that doesn't keep time yet you charge it daily (the time is via the bluetooth on your phone). 2. The entire reason for its existance is to pair with your phone. Lets just say that two cups with a string tied between them is a more reliable method. 3. Can't actually answer calls 4. Can't read more than 1 line without panning all over 5. Headphone jack? Nope.

TabletUnhappy

Originally posted at

2012-10-08T20:00:00

Sony needs to make the smartwatch work with the Apple iphone 5 or the past iphones

frenchfrysp12

Originally posted at

2012-09-30T20:00:00

I received this watch for my Birthday in August. It's perfectly paired to my Droid Bionic Smartphone. If I turn it off and back on it pairs automatically. Only seldom do I have to unpair and re-pair to my phone. It makes me the envy of people who ask about it. My son gave me this and I am 61 years old. I've had various watches (the Timex one that was programmed through a computer screen and others), but I am very happy with the Sony Smartwatch and I wear it proudly!

gort999

Originally posted at

2012-09-26T20:00:00

Overall SONY did an awesome job in making this device good. For a watch, IT IS AMAZING. But for a gadget device, it could go more than this. ^^ But I really enjoy it.

Abalif

Originally posted at

2012-09-05T20:00:00

i love it . if you know how to use it then you will get it's maximum use of it

Culver

Originally posted at

2012-08-30T20:00:00

I haven't had any issues with the smart watch especially the one about it loosing connection. Well maybe ones or twice. the only thing i would say is that it needs a better battery. overall great product

bearsbeware

Originally posted at

2012-07-27T20:00:00

I purchased this watch for convenience with texting, etc. About every 15 mins it disconnects from my Droid Razr and then I cannot get to pair back. I have to power cycle the watch and phone several times until I finally give up. Maybe there will be a software upgrade for it. It is probably great with Sony phones, however, with the Motorola Razr, it's a NO GO!!!

DroidRazr

Originally posted at

2012-07-25T20:00:00

Will not connect to phone at all. Piece of junk.

MrSony

Originally posted at