LG G Watch: Is It Good for Business?

Credit: LG

The LG G Watch brings alerts, voice commands and more straight to your wrist. And it's one of just two smartwatches currently powered by Android Wear, the new mobile operating system from Google that is designed specifically for watches. But in an increasingly crowded smartwatch landscape, is the LG G Watch good for business? Read on for three reasons it's good for work — and three reasons it may not be.

It's good for business because …

• Android Wear: Android Wear is a lean, easy-to-use smartwatch operating system that makes it easy to save notes, look up facts, check your calendar and more using voice commands. It also ensures you'll never miss an important alert.
• Wireless charging: No need to plug in the LG G Watch — just set it on its charging cradle before you go to bed at night for a full charge by morning. The only other Android Wear watch, the Samsung Gear Live, must be snapped into its flimsy charging cradle each time.
• Slim profile: The G Watch won't weigh you down. It's slimmer and lighter than the Gear Live, making it more comfortable on the wrist.

It's bad for business because …

• Limited functionality: There's a lot to like about Android Wear, but it may not suit your needs if you want a smartwatch with deep functionality. Unlike competitors such as the Pebble Steel, Android Wear watches keep the focus on notifications and voice commands. Apps are extremely limited.
• Uninspired design: The LG G Watch is relatively thin, but it won't win any beauty contests. The device is essentially a black plastic slab. The Gear Live is bulkier, but features a more attractive metal design.
• Short battery life: Like other Android smartwatches, the G Watch doesn't offer much longevity. If you forget to charge it for even a single night, it will be dead by morning. By comparison, the Pebble Steel, with its efficient e-ink screen, can run for nearly a week on a single charge.

Conclusion

The LG G Watch can make you more productive, but unless you love the design, you may be better off with another smartwatch. The Samsung Gear Live is a slightly cheaper and better-looking Android Wear device, and the Pebble Steel has deeper functionality and lasts for days.