Are smart watches worth buying?

No longer just a timepiece, smart watches put a personal assistant, fitness coach and safety net right on your wrist! But what exactly can they do? We’re breaking down the features that make them worth your time: - Connectivity: Staying connected is more convenient than ever. Answer calls, check notifications, control music, make contactless payments and more without ever reaching for your phone. - Health Tracking: Streamline your health and fitness goals with advanced health tracking that monitors steps, workouts, sleep and heart rate. - Safety Features: Prioritise your safety with smart features like fall and crash detection, which can automatically connect you to emergency services.

What is the best smart watch to buy?

Whether you’re a serious athlete, busy professional or tech lover, Harvey Norman is the go-to destination for all the best smart watches. These are the brands to watch out for: - Apple Watch: With powerful processors, seamless connectivity and advanced health and fitness features, Apple delivers a smartwatch experience that feels like second nature for iPhone users. - Samsung Galaxy Watch: Samsung’s lineup combines sleek design with serious smarts, offering AI-powered health insights, advanced fitness tracking and battery life that goes the distance thanks to a supercharged chip. - Pixel Watch: Google's smart watch range is all about balance – Fitbit-powered fitness tracking, all-day battery life and seamless integration with Google to keep everything ticking. - Garmin Watch: Known for epic battery life, comprehensive training features and advanced health monitoring, Garmin is built for athletes, adventurers or anyone who wants a watch that can keep up. - Fitbit Watch: Fitness comes first with Fitbit. From advanced workout tracking and wellness insights to built-in GPS and days of battery life, it’s the perfect partner for hitting your health goals.

Can a smart watch replace a phone?

Smart watches are designed for convenience, but they can’t exactly do everything your phone can. Whether you're working out, cooking or on the move, they keep the essentials close at hand while your mobile handles the heavy lifting. Think of a smartwatch as the perfect sidekick, letting you take calls, reply to texts and stay on top of notifications without even touching your phone.

Do you have to have your phone with you to use a smartwatch?

It depends on the model. Wi-Fi-only smartwatches need to stay connected to your phone or a known Wi-Fi network for things like calls, texts and notifications. If you go out of range, those features may pause until you’re reconnected. Want to head out for a run without your phone weighing you down? Cellular-enabled models let you fly solo – answer calls, send messages, stream music and more, anywhere you’ve got mobile coverage. Just keep in mind, this extra freedom usually requires its own separate SIM and mobile plan.

How can I choose a smart watch?

From health tracking to battery life, the right smart watch should fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Here are some key factors to consider before you buy: - Compatibility: Whether you’re an Android or an iPhone user, make sure the smartwatch is compatible with your phone’s operating system. - Usage: Looking to track workouts, sleep and other metrics? Prioritise models with comprehensive health and fitness features. If you just need the basics, you may prefer one without all the bells and whistles. - Battery Life: Long battery life and quick charging are key if you want a smart watch that can keep up. This is especially important if you’re planning to use features like GPS, sleep tracking or heart rate monitoring. - Durability: Into working out or outdoor adventures? Look for a watch that can handle the elements, with shock, dust and water-resistance. - Design: If looks are a priority, there are plenty of sleek and stylish models to choose from. You can even make it your own with customisable watch faces and interchangeable bands that can take you from the gym to the boardroom.