Fashion brand Emporio Armani is spearheading Wear OS efforts this summer with a refreshed model of its original Connected smartwatch.
The 2018 model brings some notable upgrades to the table including a heart rate sensor, GPS and NFC technology to use for Google Pay. Even so, the Emporio Armani Connected 2018 still runs on the aged Snapdragon 2100 platform. Which, according to a report dating back from May, it’s bound to be replaced soon. Apparently, Qualcomm is working on a new wearable chipset that’s expected to launch this fall.
Given that a new dedicated processor and a flagship device are in the pipeline, it might be worth to consider postponing your Wear OS smartwatch acquisition plans. For the time being.
Emporio Armani’s smartwatch puts an emphasis on style
But the Connected 2018’s appealing design makes it hard to ignore. It’s a 43 x 49 mm watch made from stainless steel that’s offered in a range of elegant finishes. Customers will be able to grab it in silver, black, blue, green or rose gold with rubber link bracelets. A Milanese loop option will also be available.
The smartwatch packs a circular 1.19-inch AMOLED screen and a battery that’s said to be able to support up to 2 days of use. We should also mention the wearable is waterproof and comes with Google Assistant built-in.
Pricing is set to start at $295 and interested parties will be able to pick it up before the end of this month (in select locations). The smartwatch should become more widely available in September.
In related news, it seems LG is also gearing up to launch two Wear OS smartwatches. And according to a recent leak, the Korean company might unveil the two devices as soon as this month.
One of these watches could be the LG Watch Timepiece that leaked back in May. The wearable has been rumored to be a digital/analog hybrid watch packing a 1.2-inch circular LCD display and IP68 certification. But we doubt the LG Watch Timepiece will be as stylish as the new Emporio Armani watch.
