The Best Hybrid Smartwatch for Fitness Tracking and Notifications
Posted by BRENT DIRKS
Smartwatches provides plenty of benefits whether you’re an iPhone or Android user. Along with showing notifications, they can even track daily activity and exercise.
But most smartwatches aren’t exactly fashion-friendly, and many people still enjoy the look and styling of a classic analog watch.
A number of different watchmakers have realized this and created an interesting category of devices: the hybrid smartwatch. These offer many advantages of a smartwatch while sporting a decidedly old-school look.
Here are several hybrid smartwatch options that provide modern technology with a timeless design.
1. Nokia Steel HR
Once reserved for true smartwatches that require daily charging, heart rate monitoring is now a feature of many hybrid models. One of the best is the Nokia Steel HR.
Along with a normal analog watch face, it has a small screen. This can show a number of different items, including current heart rate data, notifications, calls, steps, calories, and more.
When working out, the watch will automatically track more than 10 different activities like running, walking, swimming, and others. Water-resistant to over 160 feet, the Steel HR will continuously monitor heart rate during exercise to help optimize training.
And at night, the watch will monitor your sleep (best apps for tracking sleep at night) and even provide a silent, vibrating alarm to wake you up at an optimal point in the sleep cycle. The smartphone app that stores activity information can even integrate with the line of Nokia smart scales.
Buyers can select from two different case sizes for the most comfortable fit on their wrist. The watch also offers two different case and face colors, along with a number of different bands that you can easily switch out.
2. Fossil Q Commuter
Fossil has always been a popular name in watches, and the company offers a number of different hybrid smartwatches.
An inexpensive option, the Fossil Q Commuter features an analog window on the bottom of the watch that provides information about daily steps, distance, and calories burned. You’ll never need to worry about charging the watch, as the replaceable battery can last for up to a year. It’s also water-resistant up to 165 feet. (What makes devices water-resistant?)
When receiving a call, text, or update from a smartphone, the Q Commuter will alert you with a quick buzz.
It’s easy to customize the three buttons on the right side of the watch using the companion smartphone app. You can program the buttons to perform tasks like taking a photo, controlling music, and more.
Choose from a number of different watches with unique strap options. The watch is also compatible with all 22mm watch straps so you can show your own unique style.
3. Garmin vívomove HR Sport
Sporting constant heart rate monitoring, the Garmin vívomove HR Sport offers other fitness features like Vo2 maximum and a fitness age. It can even track your stress levels. If the device says you’re pushed to the limit, you should take a few minutes to relax your mind.
The bottom of the watch offers an interactive touchscreen that can show messages, heart rate data, and more. It will only turn on when you quickly turn your wrist for a glance at the watch. As a nice touch, the watch hands move out of the way when viewing the screen and move back to the correct time when finished. The rechargeable battery can last for up to five days when in smart mode, and up to two weeks when only acting as a watch.
With the special MoveIQ feature, the watch will automatically start and stop tracking when on a walk. All the information is available to view in the companion Garmin Connect smartphone app.
You can select from two different watch sizes featuring numerous case and band options.
4. Kate Spade Metro
Even traditional fashion companies are jumping on the hybrid smartwatch bandwagon. The Kate Spade Metro is a decidedly feminine option that features a petite 39.5mm case and 19mm strap.
There’s no screen or separate dial on the watch, so you’ll need to view your steps and most other information like sleep in the companion smartphone app.
Promising battery life of up to six months with the replaceable cell, this watch receive notifications in a unique way. You assign contacts or apps to a number on the dial and when something arrives, a hand will quickly turn to that specific number. With the three side buttons, wearers can control music, snap a photo on their phone, or automatically ring their phone if it’s lost.
Another unique feature of the Metro is its ability to display a countdown to a customizable special event like a wedding, vacation, or other celebration.
5. Skagen Jorn
Providing up to six months of battery life with a replaceable cell, the Skagen Jorn is another option that holds its smart technology close to the vest.
Users can customize the four small colors on the left side of the watch that users in the app. When you receive a notification, call, or text from a contact, the face hands will quickly move to a different color.
For example, when you receive a text, you can select the hands to point to green. Another small dial will also show your progress toward a specific goal, while the outer ring lets you know the day of the month.
Along with tracking activity, the watch can also monitor sleep. The three side buttons also provide a number of various customizable features.
Hybrid Smartwatches: The Best of Both Worlds
An analog watch has always been a great way to show off your fashion sense. But with a hybrid smartwatch, you can still have a classic design while using some decidedly modern technology.
Tracking your daily activity and fitness with a smartwatch is one part of the equation to a more healthy lifestyle. If you’re looking for extra motivation, take a look at some fitness challenges for losing weight and getting healthy.
Read the full article: The Best Hybrid Smartwatch for Fitness Tracking and Notifications
