The first smartwatch was introduced by a company called Seiko in 1998. The device was called the “Seiko Ruputer,” and it featured a monochrome display and had limited functionality compared to modern smartwatches. It could perform basic tasks such as calculations, translations, and data storage. However, it didn’t gain widespread popularity, and the concept of smartwatches didn’t really take off until many years later with the introduction of more advanced and feature-rich devices.
Many different companies are manufacturing mismatches along with wristwatches in the world. Below are the top rated companies and their best models in race of smartwatches. Smartwatches are also in trend besides of its benefits for human health.
Apple Watch Series: Apple’s smartwatch lineup, including models like Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE, offers features such as fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, ECG measurement, cellular connectivity, app support, notification management, music playback, and voice assistance (Siri).
Samsung Galaxy Watch Series: Samsung’s smartwatch lineup, including models like Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch Active 2, provides features like fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, blood oxygen saturation measurement, built-in GPS, NFC for contactless payments, app support, notification management, and voice assistance (Bixby).
Fitbit Versa Series: Fitbit’s Versa lineup, including models like Fitbit Versa 3 and Fitbit Versa Lite, focuses on health and fitness tracking, offering features such as continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, built-in GPS, activity tracking, workout coaching, NFC for contactless payments, app support, and notification management.
Garmin Forerunner Series: Garmin’s Forerunner lineup, including models like Garmin Forerunner 945 and Garmin Forerunner 745, targets athletes and fitness enthusiasts with features like advanced running dynamics, GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, training plans, performance analysis, swimming metrics, and smart notifications.
Fossil Gen Series: Fossil’s Gen smartwatches, including models like Fossil Gen 5 and Fossil Gen 6, typically offer features like fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, NFC for contactless payments, app support, notification management, customizable watch faces, and integration with Google services (Wear OS).
Smartwatches have several potential benefits for human health. Here are some of the key advantages:
Fitness Tracking: Smartwatches often come equipped with sensors to monitor physical activity and provide detailed fitness tracking. They can track steps, distance traveled, calories burned, and even specific activities like running, cycling, or swimming. By providing real-time feedback, smartwatches can motivate users to stay active and meet their fitness goals.
Heart Rate Monitoring: Many smartwatches feature built-in heart rate monitors that continuously track heart rate throughout the day. This data can help users understand their resting heart rate, monitor heart rate during workouts, and provide insights into overall cardiovascular health. Abnormal heart rate patterns can also be detected, allowing users to seek medical attention if necessary.
Sleep Tracking: Smartwatches can assist in sleep tracking by using various sensors and algorithms to monitor your sleep patterns and provide valuable insights. Here’s how smartwatches can help in sleep tracking:
u Sleep Duration: Smartwatches can track the duration of your sleep by using sensors like accelerometers to detect movement and determine when you’re asleep or awake. They can provide you with data on how long you slept each night, helping you understand if you’re meeting recommended sleep durations.
u Sleep Stages: Smartwatches with advanced sleep tracking capabilities can analyze your sleep stages. By measuring your heart rate, movement, and other factors, they can determine when you’re in deep sleep, light sleep, REM sleep, or awake. This information allows you to assess the quality of your sleep and make adjustments as needed.
u Sleep Efficiency: Smartwatches can calculate your sleep efficiency, which is the percentage of time you spent asleep while in bed. It considers factors such as the time it takes for you to fall asleep and the number of times you wake up during the night. By monitoring sleep efficiency, you can evaluate how restful your sleep is and make changes to improve it.
u Sleep Patterns: Smartwatches can identify sleep patterns and provide insights into your sleep routines. They can detect if you have a consistent sleep schedule or if your sleep patterns vary significantly. Understanding your sleep patterns can help you establish healthier sleep habits and maintain a more regular sleep-wake cycle.
u Sleep Insights: Based on the data collected, smartwatches can generate personalized sleep insights. They may provide recommendations on improving sleep quality, such as avoiding caffeine or establishing a bedtime routine. These insights can help you make informed decisions about your sleep habits and identify areas for improvement.
u Sleep Alarms: Some smartwatches offer smart alarm features that wake you up during a period of light sleep, within a specified time range. Waking up during a lighter sleep stage can help you feel more refreshed and less groggy in the morning.
3- Stress Management:
Smartwatches can assist in stress management through various features and functionalities. Here’s how smartwatches can help in managing stress:
u Stress Monitoring: Many smartwatches are equipped with heart rate sensors that can detect changes in heart rate variability (HRV), which is an indicator of stress levels. By continuously monitoring HRV throughout the day, smartwatches can provide insights into your stress patterns and alert you when stress levels are elevated.
u Breathing Exercises: Smartwatches often offer guided breathing exercises or relaxation techniques to help manage stress. These exercises typically involve deep breathing at a specific pace, which can help promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. The smartwatch can guide you through the breathing exercises with visual cues or vibrations.
u Stress Reminders: Some smartwatches allow you to set reminders to take breaks or engage in stress-reducing activities throughout the day. These reminders can prompt you to practice mindfulness, engage in physical activity, or engage in other stress-relieving techniques to maintain a healthier stress response.
u Activity and Exercise Tracking: Regular physical activity and exercise are known to help reduce stress levels. Smartwatches can track your activity levels, such as steps taken, distance traveled, and active minutes. By encouraging and monitoring your exercise routines, smartwatches can contribute to overall stress reduction and well-being.
u Mindfulness and Relaxation Prompts: Some smartwatches offer features that remind you to practice mindfulness or engage in relaxation exercises throughout the day. These prompts can help you take short breaks for meditation, deep breathing, or other stress-relieving activities to promote mental well-being.
Reminder and Alert Systems: Smartwatches can act as personal assistants by sending reminders to stand up, drink water, take medication, or complete other health-related tasks. These reminders can promote healthier habits and encourage users to stay on track with their well-being goals.
Integration with Health Apps: Many smartwatches can sync with health and fitness apps on smartphones, allowing users to centralize their health data in one place. This integration enables more comprehensive tracking, analysis, and visualization of health-related metrics, fostering a better understanding of overall health trends and progress.
It’s important to note that while smartwatches can provide valuable health insights and encourage healthier habits, they should not replace professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.