The G-Shock Bluetooth Low Energy Smart Watch also includes notifications for basic things like calendar alerts, weather and stock — although you may have to squint to see them on the tiny screen. You can silence all of these vibrating notifications by simply double-tapping the watch’s screen.
One feature we like in particular is the watch’s built-in system that notifies you when your iPhone is out of range. That’s perfect for those of us who hastily grab at our pocket in a short burst of panic after getting out of a cab.
Even with its iPhone-syncing capabilities, the Casio watch reportedly doesn’t consume an exorbitant amount of energy because it runs on a traditional button-cell battery. Assuming that you use the Bluetooth function for 12 hours per day, the watch’s battery could last two-year lifespan.
Casio isn’t the first to release a smartphone-connected watch. The sleek Sony LiveView, $78, runs Android 2.0 and can download apps from the Android Market. The Meta Watch FRAME, $199, is another option that connects to both your iPhone 4S and Android smartphone.
Casio’s G-Shock connects with iPhone 4S and iPhone 5. The watch was announced in Japan earlier this year. It now retails for $180 at select U.S. retailers including Macy’s and Bloomingdales.