Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30, we have tested it

Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30, we have tested it

The Japanese company Sony defines the Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 as an activity bracelet . And, certainly, that is the best name that can be attributed to this wearable . We have a smart bracelet designed mainly for two things: register our physical activity and allow us to take calls and notifications as a handsfree . We have had the opportunity to test it thoroughly, and in this test the Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 we will analyze point by point each and every one of its characteristics considering that we speak of an accessory that costs 160 euros .

Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30, we have tested it

Design

The design of the Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 is that of a simple and comfortable bracelet that adapts to the wrist without major problems and that, especially for sports, is light enough ( 24 grams of weight) so that we practically do not notice that we wear it.

The SWR30 is placed on the wrist by means of a double-closure that allows to adapt the strap to the size of the user's wrist. This double-closure is firm and secure, since in our test we have not suffered any problem with the fastening of the bracelet on the wrist .

The unit we have tested has a black color tone, but on the Sony website we can see that there is also a completely white version. In addition, the SWR30 strap can easily be replaced with a strap of any other color.

Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30, we have tested it

When it comes to physical controls, the SWR30 has two buttons . Both are located on the right side of the bracelet, and one is used to lower and raise the volume , while the other allows us to navigate through the different menu screens . In addition, on the opposite side of the bracelet we also find the microUSB input (hidden behind a hermetic closure) that serves to charge the battery.

And how could it be otherwise, the SWR30 is resistant to water (up to a depth of 1.5 meters ) and dust through IP68 certification . Translated into other words, we can use the bracelet for sports without sweat or rainwater affecting its operation, and we can even take the odd dip in the water without worrying about the integrity of the SWR30 .

Regarding the exact measurements of this bracelet, the SWR30 measures  47.5 x 22.3 x 9.5 millimeters, and if we remove the module with the bracelet screen we will see that this piece weighs only 12 grams, while the total weight of the bracelet with the built-in module is 24 grams .

Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30, we have tested it

screen

The SWR30's screen is 1.5 inches in size , and it is an e-ink screen (that is, the same type of screen used by digital book readers, for example). This screen reaches a resolution of 296 x 128 pixels and a pixel density in screen 192 ppi .

Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30, we have tested it

And what content is displayed on this screen? Facing physical activity, screen SWR30 offers different types of data: Steps  tourswalking time and  race time , among others. Those are the only data we can see on the bracelet until you modify screen  SWR30 from the application of  SmartBand Talk SWR30 .

Is the screen touch? Although at first glance it may not seem like it, the screen of the SWR30 can also be controlled by touch . Of course, the response of the panel is somewhat limited and requires that we press the screen firmly and in a somewhat more insistent way compared to handling the screen of a smartphone.

Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30, we have tested it

Features

Initially, in the first turn bracelet, SWR30 has two different display modes: the main screen , which is included the time and mode of use ( walking mode , sleep mode , charging mode battery , etc.) and record screen activity in which is included the number of strokes steps , the walking time and race time . We can switch between one screen and another by pressing the physical button that is housed on the right side of the bracelet.Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30, we have tested it

From here, using the SmartBand Talk SWR30 application from the mobile we can customize our bracelet including other additional screens : a screen with music control , a screen with time or even a screen that allows taking pictures with the mobile camera from the bracelet , among many others.

All these screens (known as extensions) correspond to applications that we must download to our mobile from the official app of the SmartBand Talk SWR30 to later add them to the bracelet in a simple and intuitive way (simply by dragging the application to the bracelet menu ).

When it comes to  notifications , the  SWR30 can be configured to show the notifications we receive on our smartphone. In this way, if we receive -for example- an email, the bracelet will show us a summary of the email along with its respective sender.

And don't forget the hands-free function , which allows you to answer calls directly from the SWR30 . Incoming calls are displayed with an on-screen notification that includes the name of the contact who is making the call. Outgoing calls, meanwhile, can also be made from the bracelet itself as long as we previously configure a favorite contact (that is, a specific number) for this option.

Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30, we have tested it

SmartBand Talk SWR30 application

To get to really take advantage of the SWR30 bracelet we have to have the SmartBand Talk SWR30 application , available for free download from the Google Play store and compatible with any smartphone with Android 4.4.2 KitKat or higher (even if not it is a mobile from Sony's Xperia range ).

This application allows adding multiple additional functions to the bracelet , see for example a screen with a control of the music that we play on our mobile or, on the other hand, an import of all the activity data that the bracelet collects in applications such as Lifelog .

In summary, the SmartBand SWR30 application is essential to customize the SWR30 , since it allows us to add additional screens to those that are installed as standard. The additional screens of the bracelet are added in the form of applications, and the apps available for this task are the following:

  • Media player control . It allows you to start, stop and regulate the volume of music playback that is made from our mobile.
  • Call Favorite . Allows you to call a specific contact directly by simply touching the screen of the bracelet.
  • Life Bookmark . It allows you to record physical activities for a specific goal that can then be imported into applications such as Lifelog .
  • Audio Recorder . Allows you to record voice notes from the bracelet.
  • Find Phone . Very useful if we lose our mobile, since it allows activating an alarm on the phone as long as we are less than ten meters from the terminal.
  • Weather . It allows you to know the updated time and in real time from the bracelet itself.
  • Smart Camera . It allows you to take a picture with the mobile camera by pressing the screen, without having to touch the mobile at any time.
  • Smart Badge . It allows to display information about the user on the screen of the bracelet. Especially useful for emergency situations in which medical personnel can ask if we suffer from any type of allergy or specific symptom.
  • And other apps , all of them available for download on Google Play through the SmartBand Talk SWR30 application .

Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30, we have tested it

But the configuration options of this application do not end there. The application of SmartBand SWR30 also allows you to enable or disable notifications bracelet , enable or disable incoming calls , activate a "Do Not Disturb" during a specific time or choose the screen color (white or black).

The SmartBand SWR30 application is in some way the center of operations for the SWR30 bracelet . In addition, if we want to really take advantage of this bracelet, it is essential that we also download the Lifelog application , available for free on Google Play . The Lifelog application is designed to record in detail all the physical activity that the user performs with the bracelet on the wrist (this includes from walking time to sleeping hours, through leisure hours listening to music and even hours on public transport).

Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30, we have tested it

Battery

The SWR30's battery capacity is 65 mAh . Translated autonomy , we are talking about two days of use , at most three days if we do not use the bracelet to receive notifications or calls. The full charge time of the bracelet is approximately one hour , and the charge is carried out through a microUSB 2.0 port built into the side of the bracelet.

Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30, we have tested it

Price and final conclusions

The price of the Sony SmartBand SWR30 is set at 160 euros . And here is precisely the biggest "but" that we find in this accessory. The SWR30 is a bracelet that only people who want to have a detailed and professional record of all their physical activities will take full advantage of it, but beyond that, a person looking for a wearable accessory to be aware of their notifications can choose any smart watch from the competition for a very similar price.

In short, the SWR30 is especially recommended for people who exercise frequently and who, at the same time, seek to take maximum care of themselves . Beyond that, any other user profile should take a look at other products from the Japanese company Sony itself, such as, for example, the Sony SmartWatch 3 (available for about 250 euros ).

And since the movement is demonstrated on foot, then we leave you with a video that shows a short tour of some of the functions of the Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 .

[youtube width = ”500 ″ height =” 385 ″] oxTSIN8ddbU

Sony SmartBand Talk SWR30 datasheet

BrandSony
ModelSmartBand Talk SWR30

screen

Size1.5 inch
Resolution296 x 128 pixels
Density192 ppi
TechnologyElectronic ink
Protection-

Design

Dimensions23.5 millimeters wide, 9.5 millimeters thick
Weight24 grams
ColorsBlack White
WaterproofYes, IP68

Multimedia

Formats-
Radio-
Sound-
FeaturesMultimedia control of music playback from mobile

software

Operating systemCompatible with Android 4.4.2 KitKat or higher
Extra applicationsSmartBand Talk application

Lifelog app

Power 

CPU processor32-bit ARM Cortex-M4
Graphics processor (GPU)-
RAM256 KB

Memory

Internal memory2 MegaBytes
Extension-

Connections

Mobile Network-
Wifi-
GPS location-
BluetoothBluetooth 4.0 with transfer speed of up to 2 Mbps
DLNA-
NFCYes
ConnectorMicroUSB 2.0
Audio-
Bands-
Others-

Autonomy

RemovableNot
Capacity65 mAh
Duration in useUp to 3 days
Loading timeAbout 1 hour until full charge

+ info

Release dateComing soon
Manufacturer's websiteSony

Price: 160 euros