The latest edition of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held back in January 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada, introduced a wide range of cool gadgets and devices that might become big hits this year. But one of the most popular category of products showcased at CES have been smartwatches.
Following, we would like to provide you with a brief overview of the top 4 smartwatches presented at the 2014 CES. Apart from the companies listed on our countdown, other smartwatches presented at CES 2014 were the MetaWatch, Sonostar, ConnecteDevices, and QUALCOMM, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM).
Curious to see who made the list? Let’s take a look at the countdown.
No. 4: Neptune Pine
After raising $800,000 on Kickstarter, Neptune worked hard at its part phone-part watch concept, which it unveiled at CES 2014. The Pine can hold a SIM card and allows the same functions as a standard smartphone. It can also allow 2-way video chats and uses a front and rear camera to take photos. This Android based watch is set to start shipping in March 2014, with pre-orders available from $335 a piece.
No. 3: Archos
Archos has big plans for 2014, as it announced it will be releasing two other smartwatch concepts by the end of August, apart from the model it showcased at CES. The company is planning on releasing more affordable smartwatches, ranging from $50 to $120. If their products are to the likings of consumers, we can expect Archos to become a main competitor for Pebble, the already established smartwatch mogul.
No. 2: Omate TrueSmart
This Android powered smartwatch was an attention-grabber at the 2014 CES. TrueSmart allows its users to introduce a SIM card, thus allowing it to be used in the same manner you would a phone. You can send texts, make calls, and run a wide range of apps on it. However, it still remains to be seen how much consumers will want to use a phone that’s glued to your wrist.
No. 1: Kreyos Meteor
After a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, Kreyos took the CES by storm when it unveiled its latest product, the Meteor. This smartwatch was designed for the active individual, and focuses a lot on fitness. Packed with apps that can help you in your sporting endeavors, from golf to running, the Meteor was a big hit at the show. This smartwatch can be connected to your phone and controlled through voice commands or gestures. In addition, the watch can be removed from the hand band and replaced with a neat accessory of your choice, such as a belt clip.
Honorable mention: Pebble Steel
The popular smartwatch company Pebble wasn’t present at this year’s CES, but we felt that their latest product deserves a spotlight in our countdown. The second generation smartwatch produced by the company, the Pebble Steel was released January 28th. Although the company didn’t bring major alterations in what concerns the device’s hardware, the new version is a lot more stylish, available in colors such as Brushed Stainless or Black Matte.
