The Sony SmartBand talk represents an evolution for the brand - taking the idea of 'Lifelogging' to the next level through the ability to see what's going on with an e-paper display.
It's a device that sits somewhere between a smartwatch and a fitness band, with the ability to count steps on the one hand, but the option of controlling music on the other.
The 1.4-inch e-paper display isn't the most high-res on the market, nor does it particularly impress when you're scrolling through the options. However, the big plus point it does have in its corner is the fact it can last a lot, lot longer on the battery due to drawing very little power when you're pootling around your life.
The screen isn't even touch-enabled (which will confuse a great many journalists used to prodding things on their wrists) and instead relies on buttons on the side of the SmartBand to let you navigate through.
The functions are slightly limited - although the ability to 'bookmark' key points in the day will be a nice one for anyone that gets used to the idea of connecting their life through the LifeLogging application.
The app has been updated since MWC earlier in the year, where the Sony Core was announced (and while released, has been rather swept under the carpet and not shouted about strongly in marketing).
The new app has a great range of activities it can track, meaning you can learn about where you've been, what you've done and mark key moments (with that bookmarking option) with ease.
I'm sceptical about such an app being that holistic, simply because it doesn't seem to be much use if you have to do certain things to activate it - similarly, if you're watching TV but not using the SmartBand or a phone to do so, that app has no idea what you're up to.
Anyway, back to the SmartBand Talk. The second part of the name is due to the fact it can receive and answer calls on the wrist, in the same way as the Samsung Galaxy Gear could (and subsquent Gear models) - with the added bonus of supporting HD voice as well, for crystal clear communication, apparently.
I used to thing such a function was useless, but when the sensitivity is just right (and Sony promises me this has a good level) I came to like such a thing in the car or when alone and needing to take a quick call.
It should be said that this is not something you want to do with others around, but it's a nice addition to have.
The other cool feature is the 'click to pause' feature of the music player. Connect through Bluetooth to your smartphone and you can then control music streamed to a speaker by clicking your fingers.
The SmartBand Talk can't hear the click, but recognises the jerk of the hand when making the motion - as such any vigorous back and forth motion with your hand would do the same thing. If you hear music going on and off quickly near a Sony fan, don't enter the room.
It's a neat trick to show to friends (the clicking, that is) and one that will sell the device well in shops. The price will likely be around £130 ($210, AU$225), which is a little on the expensive side for a fitness band, but the extra functionality should make it just about palatable… although it will still be a tough sell for Sony.
Early verdict
A lot of people are still suspicious of these bands that are designed to track our lives - and especially ones with fiddly buttons to press.
That said, the SmartBand Talk does have some clever tricks, and doesn't look too bad on the wrist thanks to inheriting some of Sony's design language - I'm looking forward to conducting a full review to see how it gets on.
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