The SmartBand Talk is Sony’s latest entry into the wearable tech market, following the SmartWatch 2 and the recent SmartBand. Read on to discover everything you need to know about the SmartBand Talk and Lifelog, including release date, features, price and specs. See also: Sony Xperia Z3 hands-on review
The SmartBand Talk wasn't Sony's only IFA 2014 product launch: Also see:Sony Xperia Z3,Sony Xperia Z3 Compact,Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact,Sony Xperia E3,Sony SmartWatch 3.
Sony SmartBand Talk: Features
The SmartBand Talk will function primarily as a fitness device, designed for ‘users who live life to the fullest’. As such, it will contain integrated sensors to provide detailed exercise information and allow you to monitor your workout habits. While an accelerometer is standard kit in most activity trackers, the SmartBand Talk includes an altimeter to more accurately measure climbing or incline training, just as the Fitbit One does. This means it will take into account variables such as hills or stairs even in day-to-day life, and update your amount of calories burned automatically.
However, it lacks the heart-rate sensor of rivals such as Samsung's Gear Fit. See also: 11 best activity trackers you can buy in 2014
It will also link to your smartphone to provide information such as call logs, and provides a short call function, utilizing an inbuilt speaker and microphone with HD Voice support.
The microphone is additionally used for voice control, with verbal commands to activate functions on your smartphone. You can also give life bookmarks specific sounds.
The display is low-power, and the always-on 1.4in e-ink screen has good visibility, letting you check the time, notifications or activity information quickly and easily, although the black and white display lacks the vibrancy of other OLED screens.
The SmartBand Talk has a full IP68 rating, meaning it is fully dust-and-waterproof (up to 1.5m continuously), making it a good choice for swimmers.
At the initial launch of the SmartBand Talk, the removable straps will only include black or white styles, with further colours such as red, blue, pink and lime coming later on after release.
Sony has also teamed up, through the Proporta brand, with fashion houses such as Ted Baker, Roxy and Barbour to deliver smart and stylish strap designs to its collections, available later this year.
Sony SmartBand Talk: Release date and price UK
The follow-up to the original SmartBand will arrive this autumn, to coincide with the launch of Sony’s other wearable, the SmartWatch 3. We'll let you know when we have a more specific date but expect it to appear in the next month or two.
The SmartBand Talk will cost €159, which roughly equates to £127 but we wouldn't be surprised if it tips up at £159, including VAT.
Sony SmartBand Talk: Specifications
The SmartBand Talk runs Android’s KitKat 4.4 OS, with an ARM Cortex-M4 32-bit processor and 2MB of internal flash memory. The 1.4in e-ink screen will be 288 x 128 pixels with a 255 ppi resolution.
It will contain a Lithium Polymer battery, with a charge time of less than an hour via microUSB. This would give up to three days of battery life through normal usage or standby - hardly impressive - and up to an hour of talk time.
Sony SmartBand Talk sizes
Core: 47.5 x 22.3 x 9.5 mm
Wristband length: 255 mm (large) / 232 mm (small)
Weight: 12 gram (core) / 26 gram (inc. large band) / 24 gram (inc. small band)
Sony SmartBand Talk Onboard Sensors
- NFC
- Bluetooth 4.0 (low energy)
- Accelerometer
- Altimeter
Sony SmartBand Talk: Lifelog
Sony’s Lifelog app, available now on the Google Play Store, is built around reading data from various activities. It will log the amount, method and efficiency of your exercise, what photos you took and where, and what media you consumed throughout the day. It allows you to set personal goals (even for things like listening to music), and bookmark memorable occasions in your life by combining all the data from a given period, linking your account between all your devices through Bluetooth and NFC technology.
Sony will also allow third-party partners to develop new content and services for Lifelog and associated devices, meaning a greater potential for aftermarket expansion.
