Smartwatch

A smartwatch is a wearable computer that resembles a wristwatch. Most modern smartwatches are operated via a touchscreen, and rely on mobile apps that run on a connected device (such as a smartphone) in order to provide core functions. Early smartwatches were capable of performing basic functions like calculating, displaying digital time, translating text, and playing games. More recent models often offer features comparable to smartphones, including apps, a mobile operating system, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and the ability to function as portable media players or FM radios. Some high-end models have cellular capabilities, allowing users to make and receive phone calls. While internal hardware varies, most smartwatches have a backlit liquid-crystal display (LCD) or OLED display and are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. They may also incorporate GPS receivers, digital cameras, and microSD card readers, as well as various internal and environmental sensors such as thermometers, accelerometers, altimeters, barometers, gyroscopes, and ambient light sensors. Some smartwatches also function as activity trackers and include body sensors such as pedometers, heart rate monitors, galvanic skin response sensors, and ECG sensors. Software may include maps, health and exercise-related apps, calendars, and various watch faces.

]] A smartwatch is a wearable computer that resembles a wristwatch. Most modern smartwatches are operated via a touchscreen, and rely on mobile apps that run on a connected device (such as a smartphone) in order to provide core functions. Early smartwatches were capable of performing basic functions like calculating, displaying digital time, translating text, and playing games. More recent models often offer features comparable to smartphones, including apps, a mobile operating system, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and the ability to function as portable media players or FM radios. Some high-end models have cellular capabilities, allowing users to make and receive phone calls. While internal hardware varies, most smartwatches have a backlit liquid-crystal display (LCD) or OLED display and are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. They may also incorporate GPS receivers, digital cameras, and microSD card readers, as well as various internal and environmental sensors such as thermometers, accelerometers, altimeters, barometers, gyroscopes, and ambient light sensors. Some smartwatches also function as activity trackers and include body sensors such as pedometers, heart rate monitors, galvanic skin response sensors, and ECG sensors. Software may include maps, health and exercise-related apps, calendars, and various watch faces. ===2020s=== In 2020, the United States Food and Drug Administration granted marketing approval for an Apple Watch app called NightWare. The app aims to improve sleep for people suffering from PTSD-related nightmares, by vibrating when it detects a nightmare in progress based on heart rate monitoring and body movement. As of January 2025, smartwatches have advanced significantly, integrating sophisticated health-monitoring features, enhanced connectivity, and practical everyday functionalities. Recent models, such as the Apple Watch Series 10 and Google Pixel Watch 3, include innovations like sleep apnea detection and alerts for abnormal pulse rates. Huawei has introduced technology capable of analyzing cough patterns to identify potential pulmonary issues. ==Market and popularity== Smartwatches rose in popularity during the 2010s. Today, they are often used as fitness trackers, and smartphone "companions". According to a study from statista, smartwatch revenue was estimated to reach $44.15 billion by 2023, and revenue per year was expected to continue to grow to $62.46 billion by 2028. The top contributors to the market size of market watches include Apple Inc, Fossil Group Inc, Garmin Lt, Google LLC, Huawei Technologies Co, Samsung, and Xiaomi. ===LTE=== From about 2015, several manufacturers began to release smartwatches with LTE support, enabling direct connection to 3G/4G mobile networks for voice and SMS use, without the need to carry a paired smartphone. ==Security and health issues== Tests by UK consumer organization Which? found that ultra-cheap smartwatches and fitness trackers sold online often had serious security flaws, including excessive data collection, insecure data storage, the inability to opt out of data collection, and a lack of a security lock function. Typically, a watch app can request permission to collect and store personally identifiable information, and apps can be rendered unusable if permission is denied. The user cannot know if information is being stored securely, and it cannot be deleted. There is no control over whether the supplier views it or sells it on, for whatever purpose. In many cases, data collected is not encrypted when transmitted to the supplier. Which? did not specifically test the functionality of ultra-cheap watches, but noticed during their security audit that some could detect heart rate, blood oxygen measurements, and steps while not being worn or moved. They said that this "suggests [that] they are at best inaccurate and at worst useless". In the United Kingdom, a Product Security and Telecoms Infrastructure Act was passed in December 2022, effective from 2024. The Act, which should cover smartwatches, specifies security standards that manufacturers, importers and distributors (including online marketplaces) of smart devices must meet. A 2024 study by the University of Notre Dame found that some smartwatch straps contain high levels of PFAS, chemical compounds that have been classified as toxic or carcinogenic and might penetrate the skin. The researchers recommend replacing straps containing fluoroelastomer with straps made of silicone, which does not contain PFAS. ==Operating systems== ===AsteroidOS=== AsteroidOS is an open source firmware replacement for some Android Wear devices. ===Flyme OS=== Flyme OS is firmware based on the Android operating system, developed by Meizu. ===InfiniTime=== InfiniTime is the default firmware for the PineTime smartwatch, produced by Pine64. It is a community project based on FreeRTOS, as well as being free software licensed under the GNU General Public License. It supports Android, desktop Linux, the PinePhone, and SailfishOS as companion devices for features such as music playback, call and text notifications, navigation instructions, and time synchronization. As of January 2022, Infinitime version 1.8's additional features include secure Bluetooth pairing, customisable watch faces, a flashlight, basic paint program, stopwatch, alarm clock, countdown timer, step counter, heart rate monitor, a one-player pong clone, a numerical puzzle game and a metronome. Features are under ongoing development, with firmware updates available via GitHub. ===HarmonyOS=== HarmonyOS is an operating system developed by Huawei, intended for the various "smart" devices they manufacture. Starting in 2021, it has seen use in Huawei Watches, replacing its predecessor, LiteOS. ===Sailfish OS=== Sailfish OS is a Linux-based operating system for various platforms, including Sailfish smartwatches. ===Tizen=== Tizen is a Linux-based operating system developed for various platforms, including smartwatches. Tizen is a project within the Linux Foundation and is governed by a Technical Steering Group (TSG) composed of Samsung and Intel among others. Samsung released the Samsung Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo, Samsung Gear S, Samsung Gear S2 and Samsung Gear S3, all running Tizen. ===watchOS=== watchOS is a proprietary mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc. to run on the Apple Watch. ===Wear OS=== Wear OS, previously known as Android Wear, is a smartwatch operating system developed by Google Inc. ==For children and the elderly== In China, since around 2015, smartwatches have become widely used by schoolchildren, and are widely advertised on Chinese television as a safety device for them. The devices are typically colorful and made of plastic, and they often lack a display unless a button is pressed. While their functionality is limited, they primarily allow children to make and receive calls, display the time, and sometimes measure air temperature. These smartwatches typically cost between US$100 and US$200. Children's smartwatches are also sold in other countries. Some smartwatches can also help elderly or disabled people, reporting their location to a caretaker if they fall or become lost.

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