The Toq smartwatch represents a great step in the right direction for smartwatches. The display is excellent - low power, easy to see and read, and (moderately) colorful. It works really great in direct sunlight, and has a light you can turn on when in low light situations. The battery life seems to be great so far - when not being used, it barely goes down at all. This is mostly a result of the new display technology being used - it's very similar to the electronic ink you see in a Kindle ebook reader.
The downside to this new device is how Qualcomm built the watch. While the face itself is not large or necessarily bulky, the strap is quite uncomfortable in my opinion. Combine that with the fact that its currently NOT REPLACABLE, and you have to CUT the strap in order to initially size it. What a poorly thought out idea. I hope I don't gain any weight any time soon, as the watch may no longer fit my wrist. Also, I won't be able to sell it to someone with a larger wrist if I ever decide to do so in the future...
Functionality wise, the watch's main purpose is to display notifications from your Android phone to your wrist. This works great for the most part. For text messages, you can read the message and respond with some pre-defined quick responses. Phone calls can be answered or ignored right from the watch. However, you can't dismiss notifications that you receive from the watch. You still have to bring up the notification panel on your phone to dismiss them. For the most part, this works well - but it would be nice to have a little added interactivity with notifications. The included wireless charger works great.
The touchscreen is hit and miss. I had some taps that did not register at all - while other times it worked flawlessly. Again, this seems to be another area where the technology might need to develop a little bit.
Overall, I think the technology presented here with the Toq is a great step forward for smartwatches. The display technology and battery life are excellent. However, some poorly thought out design decisions (I'm looking at you, watchband), and what I would call an immature "operating system" make me say to hold off until the next generation from Qualcomm, unless the price on this drops dramatically.
Features of Qualcomm Toq - Smartwatch for Android Smartphone:
Features revolutionary Qualcomm Mirasol display technology
Toq is compatible with Android smartphones (Android 4.0.3., Jelly Bean and above preferred). Toq is not compatible with iOS devices.
Requires the free Qualcomm Toq App downloaded from the Google Play Store installed on your smartphone
Lasts multiple days on a single battery charge
Charges with the new Qualcomm WiPower wireless charger (included)
New features and functions through software updated via smartphone app
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