@talkntech wrote:

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There are lots of wearables on the market currently, with smartwatches, smart fitness bands, and smart fitness trackers dominating the landscape. As the market marches on, other brands enter the fray to carve out a piece of the consumer pie for themselves, but some things will never change.

That seems to be a good thing for Apple and Samsung, two companies that are not only rivals in the smartphone market, but also quickly becoming rivals in the wearables space. According to a new survey by analyst firm Juniper Research, Apple and Samsung have been voted the No. 1 and No. 2 “coolest wearable brands,” respectively.

The nature of the coolest wearable brands survey

The survey was conducted by way of 2,000 consumers, with both Android and iOS users weighing in on the coolest brand. Apple won the top coolest brand, with even a large number of Android users voting for the Cupertino company over Android OEM Samsung. Samsung still won a respectable and excellent second place, particularly when you look at the company’s competition: Samsung won second place over Google (third), LG (fourth), Sony (fifth), Nike (sixth), Rolex (seventh), UnderArmour (No. 8), as well as luxury brands like TAG Heuer (No. 9), Ralph Lauren (No. 10), and Moto 360 maker Motorola, whose Android Wear smartwatch has dominated the Android Wear platform as the most popular AW watch yet.

Why are Apple and Samsung so popular?

The results have justification. After all, Apple is known for its approach to tech in such a way that fashion is king, and some consumers only want to wear a smartwatch that is first eye-catching before anything else. As for Samsung, the Korean manufacturer’s Gear S2 has taken the consumer world by storm with its new rotating bezel that blazes its own trail in the smartwatch space (even though companies like Motorola) beat Samsung to the circular smartwatch race.

Apple and Samsung offer the very best in the mobile space, and it’s not surprising to see both rivals return here. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but apparently, consumers like them both – even if for different reasons.

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@talkntech wrote:

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Samsung’s been in the smartwatch market for at least 2 years now, with the company’s Galaxy Gear and then Gear lineup (running Tizen OS, not Android; this is why Samsung dropped the “Galaxy” from its smartwatch branding) starting the current smartwatch movement. Samsung’s Gear S2 is the company’s sixth smartwatch (Galaxy Gear, Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo, Gear Live on Android Wear, Gear S, Gear S2) and the company’s seventh wrist wearable since late 2013. Apple just announced the Apple Watch one year ago at the iPhone 6 announcement. Despite the amount of time Samsung’s been in the game, though, tech reviewers and analysts predicted the rise of Apple to dominate the smartwatch segment.

The Apple Watch lives up to analyst expectations

And the numbers have proven that prediction correct. In Q3 2015 (July-September 2015), Apple outsold Samsung by a wide margin, having sold 4.5 million smartwatches to Samsung’s 600,000. The Apple Watch seems to be popular, and Apple has been known for popularizing products that have otherwise been neglected or ignored altogether.

While Apple now holds 72.8% of smartwatch market share, Samsung now holds a mere 9.8% of smartwatch market share worldwide. Analysts say that the Apple Watch could have a serious rival contender on its hands in Q4, with Samsung’s Gear S2 now becoming available.

The Apple Watch and Gear S2 go head-to-head

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The Gear S2 has a rotating bezel, circular shape, and Rotary UI, which will rival the “Bubble UI” look and the square shape of the Apple Watch. Samsung has even added two versions of its Bluetooth-connected model, with a Gear S2 (Sci-Fi or original) and the Gear S2 Classic with a genuine leather band. As for the price, the Gear S2 costs $299 for the original model, $349 for the Classic model, and $399 for the upcoming Gear S2 3G model. The Apple Watch, at its bare minimum, costs $349 for the most inexpensive Bluetooth-only model, called the Apple Watch Sport. The price of the Apple Watch increases if you decide to swap out the sport band for a more premium one.

What analysts don’t want you to know

The above sales would prove intimidating if there weren’t a few neglected factors at play. First, it is true that the numbers, in a sense, don’t lie: Apple did sell 4.5 million, and “4.5 million” is greater than “600,000” anyday. At the same time, however, one must place these numbers into context. Taking into account Apple’s opening sales weekend for iPhones, Cupertino sold 13 million iPhones. Since the Apple Watch mandates the use of an iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, or iPhone 6s, then, we can see that Apple’s 4.5 million smartwatches constitute one-third of its iPhone sales. And the total customer base must be considered, which means that the 13 million iPhones sold on opening weekend aren’t all of the pool of users to consider. Overall, then, Apple may have sold smartwatches to only 5-6% of its own user base.

In contrast, Samsung’s Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic are attracting Android users across the board, with Samsung having integrated Android 4.4 KitKat or higher compatibility with its Tizen-based Gear S2. At the same time, however, Samsung hasn’t sold as many smartphones on its opening weekend, and Samsung is but one of a handful of Android manufacturers. Whereas everything is a 1:1 ratio for Apple, Android is multi-faceted with quite a few manufacturers carving up sales.

In that regard, it’s good news for Apple, but it’s not such a slam-dunk against Android OEMs who have to share their successes in Android. Samsung’s Tizen-based Gear S2 may prove a winner in places where its Z1 smartphone has taken off and sold 1 million copies or more. But the comparison isn’t quite as direct and as mindblowing as analysts and fanboys make it out to be.

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@talkntech wrote:

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The Apple Watch is making its rounds worldwide, now that the fruit company’s first smartwatch has been released in its home country. The next country in line to get the device is India, and Apple has tipped its own release to the public by way of its own website.

When you visit the Apple India website, you’ll discover that Apple has the date “available 6/11” at the top, right above the Apple Watch photo. Of course, you have to read the date as the day, then the month, and, read in this way, the date is November 6th. That’s just one week from today.

Apple Watch already has explosive sales, makes India release perfect timing

The Apple Watch is Apple’s first-generation wrist wearable, and works with the iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus. It’s been said that the device provides about 5 hours of on-screen time (SOT) and 18 hours of battery life, half of the battery life provided by Android Wear smartwatches such as the Moto 360 2015 edition and the LG G Watch R, among others. Apple’s own Bubble UI (as it’s been called, not the formal label) is somewhat cluttered and may seem overwhelming to new buyers, but it hasn’t stopped Apple Watch sales: The latest reports from Korea show that the Apple Watch reached an additional 4.5 million sales in Q3 2015, with Apple now holding 72.8% of smartwatch market share. Apple has been said to have sold at least 6 million smartwatch already within the first six months of market availability. At the current trend, Apple will have sold over 10 million smartwatches by the end of the year.

There have been no prices yet given for the Apple Watch for India buyers, but if you’ve got relatives, friends, and acquaintances there, tell ‘em the Apple Watch is coming.

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@SmartWatchr wrote:

Apple Watch Halloween Faces

Happy Halloween! While the kids are fixing up their costumes and going out trick or treatin' we got a nice treat for you and your Apple Watch: a couple custom faces to go along with that spooky costume!

If you're looking for a how-to on how to install custom faces on your Apple Watch, be sure to check and follow our tutorial here!

Option 1: Download a Wallpaper Face

The easiest option is to save a wallpaper to your iPhone and create an album to sync to your Apple Watch. Here are a few links to some Halloween wallpapers for your Apple Watch:

AppleWatchCustomFaces.com
Pumpkin Faces Album

Option 2: Create Emoji Halloween Complications!

The second option which is also simple is to use an app called Personal which will allow you to add emojis as complications in your face. Check out the app in the App Store!

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@SmartWatchr wrote:

Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock Review

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If you're looking for an Apple Watch charging dock or nightstand, Apple just released their own version of a Magnetic Charging dock which is available today both online and in Apple Stores for $79. We bought one so we could take a close look and answer the question - is it worth the 80 bucks?

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Taking a closer look at the build quality, overall this dock is simple and well made. The charging puck in the center easily flips in or out using an L-shaped arm which feels nice and sturdy. We also like the fact that you can plug any lightning cable in the back. While the design of the dock is very simple with minimal moving parts, we weren’t huge fans of the edges - it makes the charger feel somewhat cheap considering the price tag.

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Simple and Versatile Design

The unboxing is straight forward and pleasant as always - the packaging includes a long 2 meter lightning cable which plugs right into the back. One nice aspect of this charging dock is that it’s ready to go right out of the box, there’s no setup time. It has a built in puck charger, so all you need to do is plug in a lightning cable in the back and it’s good to go. Most other 3rd party charging docks will require you to use your existing Apple Watch Magnetic Charger, or buy an extra which costs $29

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There are two ways of using the dock, you can either have the puck flat which works nicely for when your watch has a leather or silicon strap. If your watch has a link bracelet, or if you want to have the watch in nightstand mode, it’s easy to simply push the puck up and drop your watch right on the charger

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Keep in mind the dock does have a white top which could easily get smudged or dirty from daily use. However once the dock is on your desk or nightstand, it looks nice paired with any Apple Watch and band. We also really like the way it looks with our gold plated Apple Watch, so it would make a great choice if you have the Gold or Rose Gold Sport.

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Bonus: It's Ultra Portable

One of the nice features of this dock is the fact that it's very thin and portable. Just unplug the dock and easily fit it into a bag. Since most of us have multiple lightning cords already, you can easily give your Apple Watch a charge on the go.

Overall, this is an expensive dock for $80 bucks. If you’re looking for other options that cost much less, check out our other reviews where we feature 3rd party docks and stands starting at little more than 10 bucks.

Watch Our Review on YouTube

Also, don't miss - 3rd Party Docks for your Apple Watch

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@talkntech wrote:

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The Apple Watch has already made its way to Target and Best Buy (with Best Buy customers dying to find an Apple Watch under their Christmas tree), but Wal-Mart refuses to be left behind. The Apple Watch Sport, the most inexpensive Apple Watch in the company’s lineup, has now been given a place in Wal-Mart’s supply stock. The latest news surrounding the Apple Watch has the device in stock at Wal-Mart, online. However, there is just one caveat: there’s only the Apple Watch Sport, the $349 model and the 42mm Apple Watch Sport model at $399, in stock (no Apple Watch or $18,000 Apple Watch Edition models there, yet; we doubt these will make it, just to be honest).

The Apple Watch Sport is still at $349 at Wal-Mart as it has been pretty much everywhere else, although Best Buy has been discounting the Apple Watch models here and there with $100 discounts from time to time. Best Buy has partnered with Apple, creating small Apple Stores within 1,000 or so of its own. Wal-Mart is unlikely to have that kind of a relationship with Apple so as to create mini Apple Stores within its own, so Apple’s decision to bring the Apple Watch Sport to a retailer like Wal-Mart is interesting, indeed.

Apple has kept its Apple Watch models behind glass cases in its own luxury stores, including the Apple Watch Sport, but the company’s decision to bring them to Wal-Mart, Target, and other retailers is a different strategy than the company’s original plans. It seems as though, in its race to become the top smartwatch maker, Apple has taken to average channels by which to sell its smartwatches. Apple does sell iPads and iPods via online and in-store retailers, but the company tends to stick with Best Buy when it comes to electronics. You may find an iPod at Wal-Mart, but it’s highly unusual to buy a 2013 MacBook Pro there.

There are no discounts to speak of at this time, which means that you’re looking at $349 as compared to the price drops at Best Buy. The Apple Watch Sport does have a sweat-resistant band however, which makes it an ideal wristband for those who are physically active and into fitness. This deal is not perfect for all, but it is perfect for those who live at Wal-Mart and are always trying to figure out what to do with those Wal-Mart gift cards come Christmas time.

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@talkntech wrote:

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All smartwatch owners have had that time when they’re warned about a low battery level and think, “If only I didn’t have to recharge my smartwatch.” Apple Watch users in particular are more frustrated with this problem than most: while Android Wear smartwatches often last 36 hours, the Apple Watch may get 18 hours if you’re optimistic, with 5 hours of on-screen time as a generous estimate. Meanwhile, smartwatches such as the Gear S (2014) and the Gear S2 (2015) from Samsung provide 2-4 days of battery life. So, with that said, it seems as though the Apple Watch could always use more battery life.

One Kickstarter company wants to change the disappointment of the Apple Watch battery by introducing the concept of mobile batteries to match mobile devices. In walks the Prime Power Strap for Apple Watch.

The Prime Power Strap, created by Taipei, Taiwan company Brilletark, is a Kickstarter project that seeks to give Apple Watch users the chance to always have battery power with them – on their wrists. The Prime Power Strap contains 2 150mAh batteries that are slightly smaller in size than the battery in the Apple Watch (205mAh), but the two combined equal 300mAh (which should power your Apple Watch for an additional charge). Whenever your Apple Watch battery is getting low, the additional batteries will supply power. Whenever one of the new batteries is dying, you need only take it, place it in the white mobile battery bank and allow it to charge quickly again. After it recharges, you can reinsert it into the Prime Power Strap to extend your Apple Watch’s battery even further than usual.

There are some drawbacks to the Prime Power Strap, however. First, the strap itself is rather bulky. It makes the Apple Watch look as though it’s a smart communication device out of the Transformers movies or something along those lines. The watch band looks bulky and looks as if you need only stick your wrist out and “blast” an evil enemy. I’m sure that it’s probably been drawn in the Marvel Comics saga at one point. This doesn’t make it bad by any means, but it does take away from what some think of as “thin and light” and the usual fashion appeal.

It seems as though the battery sizes are rather small to help with the recharging issue; since the Apple Watch battery is 205mAh, it seems to be a bit on the small side to make two batteries that together equal one charge instead of creating two 205mAh batteries that would lead to two additional charges for the Apple Watch. Still, this will make a nice option for those who need a slight extra charge until they can get home to juice up the old-fashioned way. 18 additional hours of battery life should more than hold up for those who just need to make it through a nice dinner on the town or a quick, after-hours business meeting.

For those who are interested, Brilletark is raising $30,000 toward the effort, with the company promising to deliver the Apple Watch power strap in July 2016 (7 months from now) with a selling price of $239. If you’re interested, you can visit Brilletark’s Kickstarter page and pledge your financial support.

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@SmartWatchr wrote:

If you're interested in a replacement band or 3rd party band for your Apple Watch, we're taking a look at the newest replica link bracelet, which is nearly identical to the real one from Apple which costs $549. We're also doing a giveaway so be sure to check at the bottom of the page!

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Left: Genuine Apple Bracelet, Right: Replica Link Bracelet

In one of our previous videos we reviewed the 3rd generation link bracelet, which is also a great option for $60 bucks or less. The 4th gen is more expensive at $100 bucks, because it adds the same mechanism to resize the links just like the genuine Apple link bracelet.

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Keep in mind it is a replica which means it’s not perfect, hence the price. We discovered these bands have tons of tiny parts keeping the links together. We actually had a problem with the first one we got where one link was not holding up, tiny screws and springs came out. Fortunately the seller sent us a replacement which fixed the issue. We were told very few bands have this issue, and we were unlucky. However this could be a major issue if the watch comes flying off your wrist.

Pictured, top: While the 3rd gen bracelet doesn't have the quick resize buttons, we found longer pins holding each link. If you’re buying these bands, make sure you double check they are sturdy before putting it on your watch!

Looking at the color and finish, this band looks nearly identical. You can see the replica bracelet on the right here, it’s only slightly more black than the real one from Apple on the left. The 4th gen replica bracelet has more shine than the 3rd generation replica link bracelet. The gaps between the links on the 4th gen are slightly smaller than the 3rd version, but still visible compared to the genuine bracelet from Apple — where the gaps are not as visible.

The sides of links on both the 3rd and 4th gen band are much more of a matte black while the real Apple band has a more shiny finish. When looking at the connection to the Apple Watch, it comes on and off as expected and clicks in nicely to both our Sport and Steel watches.

One slight imperfection we found with these replica bands is that the butterfly clasp doesn’t always close perfectly, you have to press it down harder for it to click in, while the Apple version always latches smoothly each time. Both the 3rd and 4th generation replica bands suffer from this.

At at the end of the day and issues aside, for a fraction of the price you can get the same Link Bracelet look on your Apple Watch Sport, and Space Black Steel. It’s available in both silver and black, see links below:

3rd Generation - $64.99 on Amazon

4th Generation (With Push Release Links) - $100 on eBay

4th Gen Bracelet Giveaway for our subscribers - Sign up here!

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@Phil_Cay wrote:

Applewatchcustomfaces.com website allows you to go to create real Watch Faces starting with backgrounds already pre-loaded.

But now now can choose to compose your own by adding text simply by typing it in the space provided and with a choosen background. There are backgrounds with jellyfish, mickey mouse, flowers, siri, apple logo, and more.

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Try for yourself: http://www.applewatchcustomfaces.com/applewatchcustomfaces/text-face.asp

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@Phil_Cay wrote:

Surprise for your loved one! ❤

Valentine's Day Custom Faces Pack 😍

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@Phil_Cay wrote:

"iMagic Trick" is an amazing trick you can carry in your pocket. Don't
miss the opportunity to fool your friends. And kids will love it.

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Show your friends your Apple Watch can guess their number.

Perform the trick on your iPhone and reveal the secret number on your Apple Watch.

iMagic Trick website, video and photos

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@SmartWatchr wrote:

The Apple Watch Sport makes an excellent smartwatch for working out. It's nice being able to listen to music through wireless bluetooth headphones from music stored on your watch while you're also able to track your workout, pace, calories burned, and heart rate during your exercise. Therefore we think it makes sense to invest a nice pair of bluetooth headphones that works with your Apple Watch so you can take advantage of all it's functionality. We have some good recommendations for bluetooth headphones for the Apple Watch below

Best Bluetooth Headphones for Apple Watch

1) Beats Powerbeats 2 Wireless In-Ear Headphone - $144 on Amazon

While they are the most expensive ($200) these are also made by Apple (they own the brand Beats) and the most stylish and specifically made for Apple products including the Apple Watch. The Powerbeats 2 are bluetooth and wireless, specifically built for athletic purposes —it's both sweat and water resistant, they are comfortable to wear and stays in your ears very well no matter how hard the workout. The sound is strong and loud and you’ll get 6 hours of battery life from a full charge, with a quick charge feature that gives you up to 1 hour of run time in only 15 minutes of charging.

2) JayBird BlueBuds X2 - $129 on Amazon

The original Jaybirds X were great headphones for the price, but now JayBird has come out with the 2nd generation and they are even better. One of the only downsides of the original X is that not everyone got a perfect fit. These new X2's already fit better. Reviews say they really "lock in" with a good firmness. The X2's come with comply tips, whereas the old ones did not. They design of the ear pieces has also changed slightly and they just feel better this time around.

3) BackBeat GO 2 Earset - $39.99 on Amazon

For a great price, these are extremely comfortable and very light weight bluetooth headphones for the Apple Watch. They have a good sound quality and are also sweatproof which makes them perfect for running. While the battery life isn't as good as others (4.5 hours) it does include a very cool protective case that also has a built-in battery for charging on the go, which means you can keep them going for about 14 hours with the case.

4) Soundpeats Qy7 - $19.99 on Amazon

These are quality bluetooth in-ear earphones at a tiny price. The review are absolutely excellent – people seem to love them top-to-bottom. Many reviews say that the overall quality of the headphones are great and sound quality is very good considering the low cost. They have a good design and people say they are very comfortable to wear as well. Overall, if you're looking for a good pair of bluetooth headphones at good price — this seems to be the one.

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@Aki_Jarvilehto wrote:

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Runeblade - The first award winning fantasy adventure game for Apple Watch.

Game of the Year - UK and FR - App Store
Apple Watch Best of 2015 - App Store
"The poster child for Apple Watch gaming." - Pocket Gamer
"smashes tons of fun into a tiny apple watch game" - Cult of Mac
"...will give you a reason to prod your shiny new Watch" - WIRED

Are you ready for the magical journey through the world of Runeblade? Awaken the arcane Runes on your blade, cast mighty spells and gear up with magical Artefacts! Make your way to the Forgotten Halls to fight the rising darkness!

Created from start to finish as an Apple Watch original title, Runeblade is a casual take on adventure games and is crafted to provide the optimal gaming experience on a smartwatch.

Download from www.appstore.com/Runeblade

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@SmartWatchr wrote:

Replica Milanese Loop Review

We received the new Black Milanese Loop band from Apple, and we're comparing it to our Replica Milanese loop band that we bought on Amazon for $20.

First things first, let’s look at the price. The genuine band from Apple costs a staggering $200 for the 42mm band. It’s a pretty penny to pay considering you can buy a brand new Apple Watch sport for just $300.

Key Main Differences

There is one major difference and that’s the color of the mesh band. The genuine band from Apple has a grey finish while the replica band has a more deep black color. We did notice that both bands have an equal amount of shine, while the adapters are nearly identical in color and shine. As for weight, both bands feel almost similar.

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For quality, the genuine band definitely wins. The mesh feels softer and more durable than the real band. This is due to the diamond carbon cover, meaning it’s scratch resistant and durable. Both bands have the magnet, but it feels stronger and grabs better on the Apple version.

For the genuine band, we definitely were not pleased with the packaging. It’s the same Apple packaging as the Sport bands that cost $50. You would think for $200, you would get a nice case like the one that comes with the Link Bracelet.

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Verdict: Buy the Replica

If you have an Apple Watch Sport, you should definitely consider getting the replica for $20. Even if you have the Stainless Steel Space Black, you should still consider getting the replica. It’s a fraction of the price and looks just as good. But let us know what you think!

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@SmartWatchr wrote:

In this review we’re taking a look at the new Woven Nylon Band from Apple and comparing it to a NATO strap from Clockwork Synergy.

First up, price: Apple's Nylon band isn’t too bad for $50 and Apple has plenty of options to choose from on their website. There's actually an interactive gallery to customize your Apple watch on their website.

Nylon Band Issues

We did have a few issues with this band. First, we did not like the proportion of the band size to the watch. The design makes the watch look fat when you look at it from the top. Compared to other bands such as the replica link bracelet, which have a sleek contour to them.

The adapter is also plastic and feels somewhat cheap. It's a deep black color and doesn't match the Space Grey sport. Not only that, we had fitment problems as it was getting stuck in our Space Black Steel case.

NATO Straps by Clockwork Synergy

For the NATO straps from Clockwork Synergy, these are a great option for only $30 bucks. There's a few differences to note. The Clockwork straps have 3 rings on the back, the Apple one only has 1. The NATO straps also have more stitching while the Apple is a single woven design.

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The Clockwork straps come with a matching adapter, and the design is great with a rugged look and feel. There’s many color options available on their site and if you use clockwork synergy coupon code SMARTWATCHME15 you’ll save 15% off your entire order.

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Overall impressions

Both bands are nice in their own ways and we think there is a place for either in your assorment of bands. It really boils down to what type of design you’re looking for and the price you’re looking to pay.

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@Simon_Edwardes wrote:

Following on from this review here on the best sleep apps for Apple Watch, I wanted to mention a significant update to Heart Analyzer.

So straight off the bat, why Heart Analyzer over any other app?
* It has a one of a kind sleep detection ability
* It doesn’t require you to always use the app. The sleep data, the heart rate is all ready recorded for all users by their Apple Watches! Heart Analyzer just makes sense of it. Theres no need for them to remember to open the app every day or every week
* It has a one of a kind ability to graph your heart rate directly on Apple Watch
* It allows near full functionality for free without the user having to pay

Heart Analyzer can be downloaded on the Apple app store today for free, give it a try!

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@SmartWatchr wrote:

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In order to really make your Apple Watch useful, you need to find the best apps for your life and put them to use. Adding an Apple Watch to your wrist can have a huge impact on your productivity, and provide useful information always a glance away. With the ability to do everything from control devices in your home to complete work-related tasks on your wrist watch, this powerful Apple device can easily be underestimated until you start exploring available applications. Check out our collection of the 10 best apps for the Apple Watch to see which ones you'll be adding to your smart watch:

Running App: Runtastic

This is an excellent alternative to the built in fitness app. Track your runs and hikes in real-time with built-in GPS. Runtastic can also access heart rate data along while displaying details of your run on the watch.

Cost | Free in App Store (Pro Version $4.99)

Workout Assistant: Sworkit

If part of being productive includes exercising on a regular basis, the Sworkit app is a must-download for your Apple Watch. This fabulous fitness app guides you through a variety of exercise routines, helps you track your calories burned, analyses your heart's beats-per-minute, and times your workouts too.

Cost | Free in App Store

Sleep Tracking: Sleep Pulse 2 Motion

If you want to improve your productivity during the day, ensuring you get plenty of sleep at night is essential. The Sleep Pulse 2 Motion app from Spencer Brown is one of the best sleep trackers for Apple Watch and will track your sleep cycles and heart rate rhythm to better understand your sleeping patterns. Features include motion graphs, time tracking for sleep periods, sleep rating (light/deep), and goal tracking.

Cost | $3.99 in App Store

Weather: Carrot Weather

This app adds a little bit of humor, but also tells you precise forecasts, rainfall predictions, and complications that put weather updates on your watch face. The design and user interface is very clean and refreshing, but it comes at a small cost!

Cost | $3.99 in App Store

Transportation: Transit App

If you want to use your Apple Watch to improve your commute, check out the Transit App. This delightful download helps you track transit times in over 100 cities in North America and Europe. View transit times and maps for buses and subways, find bike sharing locations, discover car sharing options, and even book an Uber car from your smartwatch.

Cost | Free in App Store

Home Automation: myHome All-in-One Smart Home

While some smartwatch home automation apps let you control your security camera, others your Honeywell thermostat, or maybe even your Philips Hue lights, the myHome All-in-One Smart Home Automation app lets you control your entire home from your Apple Watch. Features include timing/event triggers, zone setting, and multiple user capabilities.

Cost | $9.99 in App Store

Skiing / Snowboarding: Slopes App

If you ski or snowboard, the Apple Watch makes an excellent use case for your next trip. Keep your phone warm and dry in your jacket — control your music through apps such as Soundcloud or Pandora right from your wrist. The slopes app will track each run, your top speed, how much vertical you’ve done and how long you’re spending shredding versus going up lifts.

Cost | Free in App Store

Productivity: Productive Habit Tracker

Speaking of productivity, the Productive Habit Tracker app is a must-discover Apple Watch download. This powerful smartwatch productivity app lets you track your activities throughout the day, track previous activity records in an effort to beat your previous records, and schedule events on a daily/weekly/monthly basis.

Cost | Free in App Store

IFTTT: Do Button

The Do Button from IFTTT (If This Then That) lets you combine multiple productivity options into one smartwatch app. Control everything from home automation tasks to email and social media tasks from your Apple Watch. Ask questions on Slack, update a Google document, control your oven, or adjust your Nest thermostat from your smart wrist watch.

Cost | Free in App Store

Multi Tool: Wdgts

For those who like a multi-function productivity smartwatch app, Wdgts is a must-download. Offering a currency converter, calculator, and iPhone stat tracking interface, the Wdgts app also syncs with your iPhone to connect you with a time zone tool, a network monitoring tool, battery monitoring interface, and even a memory tracking tool.

Cost | Free in App Store

Conclusion - What's your "Killer App"?

Making the most of your Apple Watch is easy when you know which useful smartwatch apps to download. Once you add a variety of transportation, sleep tracking, and home automation apps to your smartwatch, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. How many of the above-listed downloads will you be adding to your Apple Watch?

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@SmartWatchr wrote:

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If you bought an Apple Watch, you already know the bands and straps from Apple certainly aren’t cheap. Luckily there’s plenty of good deals out there on bands for the Apple Watch Sport, Steel, Gold and Rose Gold all of which are available in both 38mm and 42mm.

We compiled a list of the best deals we have found on different types of bands including silicone straps, milanese loops, link bracelets, leather bands, and more.

Leather Bands & Straps

If you think the Apple Watch leather bands such as the Classic Buckle ($149) or the Modern Buckle ($250) are expensive, you can get the same styles for a bargain. If you are looking for leather options, there's plenty available in all ranges of price. The starting point for a 3rd party leather band is $10-20 which is typically synthetic leather made overseas, and can range to $100+ for high quality handcrafted leather.

Oittm Leather Strap - $21 on Amazon (20% off coupon code TRDAIY56)

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Clockwork Synergy - Starting at $29 - Leather, NATO, and Silicone Bands

Parihy 42mm Leather Band - $24.99 on Amazon

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LoHi 38mm Leather Band - $19.99 on Amazon

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Double Tour Band - $19.99 on Amazon

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E3 Supply Co - Handcrafted in NYC Leather Bands - Starting from $99

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E3 Supply Co Cuff Leather Band - $169 at E3

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ArrowandBoard - Full Grain Harness Leather Band - $95 on Etsy

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Pad & Quill - Classic Handmade Leather band - $99 at Pad&Quill

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Nomad Handmade Strap by ArrowandBoard - $150 on Etsy

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Double Wrap Band by ArrowandBoard - $117 on Etsy

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Triple Tour Band by ArrowandBoard - $127 on Etsy

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Casetify Horween Leather Band - $180

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Metal Bands & Link Bracelets

If you are looking for a metal or link band for your Apple Watch, there are also a great number of options to choose from. Some of the most popular ones include replica link bands starting at only $30, and other 3rd party metal options. Check some out some our favorite below:

Oittm Space Grey Link Band - $20 On Amazon (with 20% off coupon code TRDAIY56)

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Black Replica Link Bracelet - $59.99 On Amazon
There are different variations of this replica band, we reviewed both the 3rd gen and an upgraded 4th gen which includes the same quick resize functionality as the genuine band from Apple.

On Left: Genuine vs Replica on right

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Silver Replica Link Bracelet - $55.99 on Amazon

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Silver Steel and Ceramic Band - $39.99 on Amazon

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Milanese Loop Straps

The Milanese Loop by Apple looks great and has awesome functionality with the magnetic close, but why spend $150 when you can get the same look and features for a fraction of the price? Check out some of the best milanese loop bands below:

Penom Milanese Loop - $19.99 on Amazon

On Left: Genuine vs Replica on right

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Vintage Gold Milanese Loop for Gold Apple Watch Sport - $18.99 on Amazon

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Rose Gold Milanese Loop for Apple Watch Sport (Rose Gold) - $18.99 on Amazon

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NATO Straps

This style of band is popular these days, originating from Apollo astronauts and also featured by James Bond — the NATO strap was the watch band of choice for NATO commanders during the cold war. These days, you can find these straps for your Apple Watch starting at just over $20 bucks!

NATO Straps by Clockwork Synergy - $29.95

On Left: Clockwork Synergy NATO strap vs Apple Woven Nylon

Southern Straps - NATO Bands starting at $22

Sports Bands

The original sports bands by Apple are great, but if you want to customize colors and style and not pay $50 each time — you definitely want to look at third-party options. Below are some great sports straps for Apple Watch:

MoKo Sports Bands - $11.99 on Amazon
There are many different replica sports bands you can find online for your Apple Watch. The MoKo are some of the best reviewed since they look and feel so similar to Apple's version.

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WRBLS Bands - Custom Design Sports Bands - $45

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Wooden Bands

For the ones out there that "Think Different" and are looking for something unique, you should definitely take a look at Wooden Bands. It's a link bracelet made from real wood, it feels amazing and light, with each link smooth and polished. There are a couple different places to find these, but keep in mind we have also heard these can be sometimes hard to resize and fragile when doing so — since they are 100% wood making them susceptible to cracks.
Wooden Band by LuxWood - $55 at Etsy

Ebony Wood Apple Watch Band - $55 on Amazon

Ottm Wood Bands - From Indiegogo Campaign

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@Gurham13 wrote:

I'm looking for some cheap but good quality third party Apple Watch bands. Right now I have a link bracelet, milanese loop and also a few sports bands. I'm looking for some nice looking leather bands, any suggestions? Some people have great collections, like this one. Anyone know where these are from:

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@SmartWatchr wrote:

One of the best parts of the Apple Watch is being able to swap out your straps on the fly. Many of us have a huge collection of third party bands for our Apple Watches, but keeping them neat and tidy can be tricky. Luckily, there is a bunch of great cases and holders to help you organize your collection. Check out our favorites below:

1) Tech Swiss Storage Case - $49

This is a case found by a user on Reddit and it makes an excellent choice. You can store up to 10 bands in this case, which makes it an ideal holder for all your bands!

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2) Zero Mass Band Display Case - $29

This holder is more of a display box and has 8 divided sections to hold bands comfortably. They can rest securely due to the elastic bands at the top and at the bottom of each of the slots. This is a simple display that keeps your bands organized.

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3) Caddy Bay Collection Wooden Case - $34

This is a wooden case that holds up to 12 bands, you store 6 on the top compartment which is removeable, and you can store 6 more bands underneath. There is a notch in the front of the case that makes it easy to open the case, and reviews say the wood feels high quality and the hinge is sturdy, keeping the case closed securely.

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4) Custom Cord Band Organizer - $34

This one is perfect for traveling, while still having it's own unique look. It's also handmade out of felt and leather material, giving it a nice feel and of course protecting your bands.

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5) Simple Travel Pen Case - $9

This nifty little case was found by /u/Voyager5589 on Reddit, it's normally meant for Pens - but it actually makes for a great travel case for your Apple Watch bands. Besides, it's only $9 bucks!

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