DAN’S PAPERS
danshamptons.com
May 25, 2012 Page 137
Smart to Buy the Sony SmartWatch? It’s All In The Wrist: Time For The Sony SmartWatch? I’m 46 years old. As kids, my friends and I were mesmerized by the wildly false promises of technology. Raised on TV shows like “The Jetsons,” “Star Trek” and “Inspector Gadget” (the cartoon, not the Matthew Broderick live-action film), we grew up believing that someday we would all use personal spacecrafts or even teleportation just to go out to dinner. Of course, this was also the age of EZ Bake Ovens, CB Radios and TV sets with 13 channels and rabbit ear antennas. So I guess we should have known better. Recently, I came across a device that reminded of that coveted “spy watch” we always dreamed of owning. It’s called the SmartWatch. It’s manufactured by Sony—the people who really did change the world with the Walkman. Could it really be? Had one of those magical devices from my youth finally become reality? I had to see for myself. What It Does The SmartWatch is a colorful, futuristic watch that looks cool enough. It aims to put your smartphone onto your wrist—literally. It has a sleek, ultra-thin watch face that can display up
to four icons that closely resemble what’s on your smartphone. This is by design: the watch links to your phone via Bluetooth and lets you conveniently check key programs and data at times when you can’t or shouldn’t access your phone. You can also purchase various colored watchbands that ooze “modern.” Using its touch screen, you can swipe and tap to browse tweets, read email, monitor Facebook updates and switch songs, as long as you’re already listening to it on your smartphone.
And if you’re like me and were hoping for some kind of James Bond voice functionality enabling you to unleash magical powers just by talking to the phone, forget about it. There’s no voice activation. In fact, the SmartWatch only supports Gmail and can’t open any attachments. Bummer, dude.
The Verdict I don’t want to be too critical, but really, what’s the point of purchasing an extremely limited version Sony SmartWatch of your smartphone… that doesn’t work unless your smartphone is nearby? What It Doesn’t Do The only fun use for this watch is for students A lot. For starters, the SmartWatch is only who want to ignore their teachers and check compatible with Sony XPeria phones or other Facebook and Twitter during class. For us models using the Android OS. This is a slight adults, we can always use the SmartWatch to problem for the millions of us who use iPhones. pretend we’re checking the time during those Even worse: if you happen to forget your boring conference calls or group meetings— phone at home or if you wander too far away which makes the SmartWatch an overglorified— from its range, (about 35 feet on Bluetooth) you and, at $149 retail, a very expensive remote lose the ability to sync with it. control unit. The SmartWatch also has limited interactivity. For that kind of money, I suggest the following: You can only choose from a menu of pre- Grab a vintage 8-track player on eBay, pick up programmed responses for emails and texts; some Gordon Lightfoot and Bee Gees tapes, custom messages aren’t supported. press play and enjoy. sonyelectronicsnews
By matthew apfel
a Ber ad Dan's 4.5x6_12 3/21/12 3:26 PM Page 1
LIGHTHOUSE CRUISES & EXCURSIONS
“ You were simply there – quiet, supportive, expert, and above all loving.”
See the historic offshore lighthouses of Long Island Sound and Gardiner’s Bay. Participants will go aboard Bug Light to explore the lighthouse and experience its panoramic views! Great photo opportunities includingg the seals by Little Gull Island! pp
– EEH Patient Family Member
Bereavement Care From East End Hospice . . . Our Bereavement Care Services are offered to all who live on Long Island’s East End –
15900
�
East End Seaport Museum - Greenport, NY
for the families of Hospice patients as well as for members of the larger East End community. � Bereavement services may include weekly
Day and Evening Cruises
group counseling sessions, or individual
include deluxe boxed meal, wine or bottled water. $95 adult, $60 teen/child. 90 minute excursions to Bug Light - $35 adult, $25 teen/child. Discount for groups.
sessions where needed. � We will welcome you warmly when we meet . . . please call Sarah Zimmerman, R-LCSW, 631-288-8400.
Call 631-477-2100, www.eastendseaport.org for more info or to register.
East End Hospice A New York State Certified Hospice Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978 www.eeh.org • info@eeh.org • 631-288-8400 Certified by Blue Cross. Medicare/Medicaid and private insurance accepted. No one will be denied care because of inability to pay. • East End Hospice does not discriminate on any basis in admission to its programs or activities. 15663
SUPER CRUISE – September 10, 2012 see 10-12 lighthouses. $95 per person. Price includes continental breakfast, lunch, glass of wine or bottled water.