The wearable is an updated version of the original Watch Urbane. The circular smartwatch was well-received at its launch and this second-generation edition seeks to add more functionality to the original.
LG boasts that the 1.38-inch P-OLED 480×480 resolution display of the Watch Urbane 2 is the most detailed of any smartwatch on the market today. However, that isn’t the only claim to fame that the device has.
Until today, Android Wear smartwatches have required access to a Wi-Fi hotspot or direct Bluetooth link to a smartphone to receive data. The Watch Urbane 2 includes built-in support for 3G and 4G LTE cellular data, making it usable without a smartphone when carrying both isn’t desirable or practical. LG warns that some features may be inaccessible and availability will vary depending on whether the watch pairs with an Android or iOS device but generally it should function as expected.
The smartwatch is powered by Qualcomm’s 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 and 768MB of RAM. It has 4GB of storage and a 570mAh battery that LG claims should last a day. The device is controlled by its touchscreen but three buttons on the right side also allow the user to quickly jump straight to settings or apps.
Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics, said: “The wearable sector continues to evolve and we’re playing an active role in that by bringing to market various devices that appeal to various customers. At LG, we don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all wearable device. This second edition of our Watch Urbane aims to be a must-have smart device for active individuals who want to stay connected to the world, whether they’re at work, at home or on the tennis court.”
The Watch Urbane 2’s Android Wear interface includes only minor customisations by LG. Fitness features such as heart rate tracking, stress monitoring and workout guidance are provided but, as with other Android Wear devices, the rest will look familiar to previous users of Google’s OS for wearables.
LG also announced a new high-end smartphone today, the V10. It features a secondary ticker display which can be used to keep information such as news, notifications and status indicators permanently visible, independently of the main 5.7-inch panel. The combination of a V10 and Watch Urbane 2 is likely to please LG fans looking for an Android phone and smartwatch.
The Watch Urbane 2 will be available in space black, opal blue, luxe white and signature brown. It is dust and water resistant and includes GPS, an accelerometer, gyrometer, compass and barometer. Pricing and availability have yet to be announced but the watch will head to the U.S. and Korea first. Launches in other regions will follow afterwards.
