LG Urbane Smartwatch Now on Sale in U.S.
If you’ve been considering buying a smartwatch but don’t have the iPhone needed to make the Apple Watch work, the LG Urbane may be the alternative you’ve been looking for—especially if you want a wearable device that looks like a real watch.
The LG Urbane is the first Android Wear device to ship with the new Google software update but what is likely to sell this smartwatch is its handsome look. Rather than just another square plastic device with a plastic strap, the LG Urbane is made from stainless steel in silver or gold and has a leather band but the watch’s most eye-catching feature is the round screen that gives it the look of a luxury timepiece.
That new Google software update includes features like Wi-Fi capability, gesture-based navigation and a low-power mode that dims the screen while keeping your app. The LG Urbane is now available for order through the Google marketplace and Verizon for $349.99. Google will begin shipping the device on May 8.
Not-so-coincidentally, that’s the same price as the entry level Apple Watch Sport, a less attractive package with the standard smartwatch square face and plastic band. Of course, it won’t be less attractive to the legions of Apple faithful who will snap up millions of the Sport model because it’s Apple and because they can’t afford the more expensive models.
The LG Urbane is more likely to turn the heads of buyers who prefer smartwatch features without the smartwatch look, especially if they really, really hate all things Apple. This classy looking device shows how to incorporate the features of a wearable device into a smart, sophisticated design that doesn’t look like a tiny smartphone strapped to your wrist.
This watch will not sell many units to fashionista types or status seekers but should appeal to aficionados of fine watches who want to try out a smartwatch but also expect it to be one that reflects their good taste.
