Almost every smartwatch these days offers the same features or functions, unless it’s a Pebble or Apple Watch. Those using Android Wear, powered by Google’s operating system, have a very similar overall experience. Popular watch manufacturer Casio announced its first smartwatch at CES 2016. It’s tough, durable and can last for about a month on a single charge.
Android Wear is Google’s wearable operating system for smartwatches and other devices. It was released in 2014 with the original Moto 360, LG G Watch and others. It is slowly evolving into a capable operating system, but users can only do so much. Most are limited by battery life, so Casio is trying something different.
The new Casio Outdoor Smart Clock (WSD-F10) was unveiled at CES and has a few unique features to help it stand out. Of course, being Casio, it’s extremely durable and rugged, and it’s made for the outdoor enthusiast rather than the style seeker. Here’s what potential buyers need to know.
Casio’s new Outdoor Smart Watch runs on Android Wear, but has a few gimmicks. The design and overall style are very sporty, robust and durable. Most Android Wear watches are IP67 dust and water resistant, but meet Casio military-grade tests. Like MIL-STD-810 for drop, shock, water and can handle depths of about 50 meters.
However, the solid aspects of the new Casio Android Wear smartwatch aren’t what make it special. This is the rest. Casio has a dual-layer 1.32-inch 320×300 resolution display that works in two modes. One is Android Wear and the other is the “dumb” mode.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXWhv0Yd5Sg
Users can enjoy Casio just like any other Android Wear smartwatch, lasting approximately one day at the most. However, the second tier of the LCD screen has a time-only monochrome mode, which Casio promises can last about 30 days.
Basically, it allows users to switch from regular smartwatch mode to low-power monochrome time only when they need it. Of course, this removes all the “smart” features of the watch, but gives users additional options as and when they need it.
It will of course still focus on wellness, which comes with Android Wear and apps like RunKeeper, ViewRanger, and MyRadar. Not to mention that it can run every other Android Wear app available in the Google Play Store. Casio is targeting an April release date where the suggested retail price will be around $500.
