Go Smart Or Go Home

Thinking of jumping onto the smartwatch bandwagon? The Alcatel OneTouch Watch is a nifty device that goes back the basics

Have you ever considered getting a smart watch? We all know the buzz and hype about these little critters and what they can do for you; personally, I find them quite handy when on your wrist.
Alcatel OneTouch decided to join in the fray with their own version of the gizmo - the Alcatel OneTouch Watch. Yes, that's its name. Can't get much simpler than that - and aptly so; what we have here is a simple device that gives you the basics.
It looks like a Moto 360 from afar, but up close, you'll get a rounded screen with some numbers on it (it is a watch, right?) adorned with a rubber strap that's ready to lock onto your wrist. And speaking of the strap, you don't have to worry about changing it - because you can't; fold out the end to reveal a USB conne-ctor, which means you need to find a USB slot to charge it. I wouldn't be surprised if that infuriates you, just as it did with me. On the bright side, that eliminates the need for cables. Silver lining: there are four models to choose from.
Anyway, the screen is bright enough, although you'll see when you start tapping and swiping that the UI isn't exactly smooth because of its low FPS. It also has a customised OneTouch interface, which may make you wonder why Android Wear is lagging behind. And as for battery life, it's good to go for a whole day.
Although you'll get some of your usual notifications via Bluetooth, it's just that; you can't peruse an entire e-mail on it. And standard as it is, you'll also get a fitness tracker with it, with a heart rate monitor to boot. One thing going for the watch is that it can function as a multimedia remote control - doodle with your music, snap pictures from afar or even ring your mobile in case you misplaced it again. And not to forget, it's rated IP67 - water and dust resistant.
AND SO.
This is hard to judge, especially after freaking out about that USB-on-the-strap issue. The Alcatel OneTouch Watch isn't the best device out there, but it does hold potential. At its price point, there are other alternatives, but if they can find a way to improve it further, I see no reason why it won't be in demand. Simple is great, but being too simple isn't always.
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