AT&T Debuts NumberSync for Smartwatches
One of the weaknesses of many current smartwatches is that they require connection to a smartphone in order to do all those cool things that owners expect their device to do. That could be changing in the near future as one wireless carrier is about to launch a new feature that will allow smartwatches to be less dependent on the connectivity of the owner’s smartphone.
Last month AT&T announced its NumberSync functionality, which will allow subscribers to use a single phone number across multiple devices for 24/7 connectivity. On Monday, the carrier revealed the first two smartwatches that will be compatible with the new feature.
Starting November 13, the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE will be available through AT&T for $199.99 with a two-year contract or $300 without one. The device may also be purchased with AT&T’s Installment Plan for Smartwatches at $15 per month for 20 months. On November 20, the Samsung Gear S2 will go on sale at AT&T stores for the same prices.
These watches have their own built-in cellular radios that allow them to connect to a mobile network without having to go through a smartphone. Both smartwatches have their own 4G connections but cannot be hooked up to NumberSync on the day they are purchased since AT&T doesn’t have it up and running yet.
When all systems are go, AT&T customers will be able to send and receive text messages, receive calls, surf the web and utilize the apps of their smartwatches even if they leave their phones at home. This is one small step to making wearable devices independent of smartphones but one that is sure to be picked up and improved as time goes on. Now when will Apple come on board?
