Can Qualcomm's new smart watch become what the Blackberry used to be for cell phones? Special features could make it the best option for businesses, according to Business News Daily.
Given their convenient link to smartphones, smart watches are already a sensible option for snappy business persons who don't have the time or patience to constantly reach into their pockets.
The Qualcomm Toq ($349.99) is an especially "smart" option because of its reliability. Its battery life of four days dramatically outperforms previously released (and more well-known) models from Samsung and Sony, which die after just 24 hours of use, according to Business News Daily. (Sony's SmartWatch 2 now lasts for several days).
Throughout the four days, the Toq's e-ink screen, which reads in direct sunlight like a Kindle and displays in bright colors, never fades so users won't have to press a button to check for updates, Business News Daily reported. Stuck in a staff meeting, Toq wearers can silence their phones and simply glance at their watch to determine whether they should excuse themselves for an incoming phone call/text.
At the end of the fourth day, users can restore their device quite easily via wireless charging, according to Business News Daily.
"Like a traditional watch, Toq displays information at a glance with no on/off switch. And paired with a smartphone to receive notifications and content, it allows the watch to seamlessly merge our physical and digital lives," Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs said in a statement. "Leveraging these and other industry-leading technologies, we and our partners will enable new product opportunities and consumer experiences."
Sony's SmartWatch 2 comes within a few days of Toq's battery power, but doesn't have the everlasting display. The Pebble smart watch potentially boasts a longer-lasting e-ink screen, but doesn't come in color, according to Business News Daily.
Toq's only weakness could also be perceived as strength. As of its launch on Monday (for pre-orders of the black watch only), the device's app selection considerably trailed that of its competitors', Business News Daily reported. But a lack of apps may appeal to business persons looking to use their watch for one thing only: business.
Many apps, of course, relate to business. Qualcomm may increase its selection in the future, according to Business News Daily.
