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Smartwatches: Should I Buy One?

From the Apple Watch to the Pebble SmartWatch, high tech watches are flooding the marketplace. While less than one in five consumers have purchased a smartwatch, 37 percent of consumers report plans to buy one in the next six months, according to the latest Adobe Digital Trends report. Fitness tracker purchases are higher, with 25 percent of all consumers owning one and 38 percent planning to buy one in the next six months according to Adobe.

Smartwatch.

Are you considering a smartwatch purchase this year? Here are some helpful things to keep in mind:

What exactly is a smartwatch?

According to Yahoo, a smartwatch is a device that is able to connect to the internet and sync up with other devices such as a computer and a cell phone to provide you with information like your text messages and apps at your fingertips. Yahoo goes on to say that these devices are really “tech toys” you can purchase in addition to a smartphone, as a smartwatch needs the phone or tablet to work.

What features should I keep in mind?

According to the latest consumer report on smartwatches, there are several different aspects to keep in mind when you’re shopping for your newest wrist accessory:

  • How much are you willing to spend?
  • Are you looking for a watch that includes the basic features or do you want the latest technology?
  • Is your phone compatible with the watch you are looking to purchase? How about your tablet?
  • Is it comfortable?
  • How long is the watch’s battery life?
  • Is it water resistant?
  • Does it track my fitness? Do I want it to?
  • What kinds of notifications am I able to receive?
  • Does it have voice control?
  • What apps are available?

The list of smartwatch options continues to grow as the technology evolves, which can allow you to have more options about what features you would like included. If for example, you’re planning on using a smartwatch to track your fitness, it may be best to compare and contrast the functionality of a fitness tracker to a smartwatch.

Whether you decide to purchase a smartwatch or a fitness tracker, contact your independent agent to make sure your wearable device is sufficiently covered so you can track your steps or manage notifications with ease.


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