In 2015, jetpacks and flying cars briefly appeared on the market, while the smartwatch market began to take shape with several products achieving mainstream presence.
Apple Watch
Apple's product lineup includes the Apple Watch, available in aluminum and stainless steel bodies and an 18K gold option. It offers about 18 hours of battery life, a dedicated system-in-package, and the Taptic Engine for haptic feedback. The device supports heart rate monitoring and includes basic fitness and health apps for exercise tracking.
Samsung Gear S2
The Gear S2 is available in two versions: the sport-oriented Gear S2 and the more formal Gear S2 Classic. The rotating bezel provides menu navigation, and two physical buttons on the right side handle back and home functions. Gear S2 runs Tizen rather than Android Wear, and Samsung states it will support Samsung Pay and is designed to be compatible with most current payment methods without hardware changes.
Microsoft Band 2
The Microsoft Band 2 emphasizes a broad sensor set. New sensors include an optical heart rate sensor, GPS, and a barometer, alongside an accelerometer, gyroscope, skin temperature and humidity sensor, and UV sensor. The Band 2 can display ambient oxygen content and provide pulmonary capacity indicators for athletic use. Microsoft specifies about 48 hours of battery life and a full charge time of about 1.5 hours. The Band 2 pairs with devices running Windows Phone 8.1, iPhone 4s with iOS 8.1.2, and Android 4.3 or later.
Motorola Moto 360 (2015)
The 2015 Moto 360 is offered in two sizes: a 46 mm large version and a 42 mm smaller version. It supports customization through Moto Maker, allowing selection of materials and watch faces. Metal-body models can be paired with leather or metal bands. The device runs Android Wear.
Huawei Watch
Huawei's first Android Wear smartwatch features a metal case, a clear display, and responsive operation. Pricing varies: the base stainless steel case with leather band is priced at about $350, a black stainless steel bracelet model at about $449, and a gold-tone variant at approximately $800.
Asus ZenWatch 2
The ZenWatch 2 is positioned as a cost-effective Android Wear option with a rectangular face. It is available in two sizes, around 49 mm and 45 mm, with a stainless steel body and curved glass. Leather and rubber strap options are offered. Battery life is about 24 hours, and the watch includes a standard set of sensors for activity tracking.
Fitbit Surge
The Fitbit Surge is a fitness-focused wristband that provides continuous heart rate monitoring, long battery life, and a basic display for time and activity goals. Its appearance is utilitarian and emphasizes functionality over decorative design.
Pebble Time Steel / Pebble Round
Pebble began on Kickstarter and gained attention for long battery life and water resistance. Recent models include the Steel and Round variants, offering square and round faces respectively, a color display, and more dynamic software features. After these upgrades, battery life is reduced to roughly two days. Pebble devices support both iPhone and Android smartphones.
Withings Activite Pop
The Withings Activite Pop resembles a conventional quartz watch with a round dial. It quietly records activity and fitness goals, then syncs with a smartphone to present the collected data in a companion app.
