Sony is rumored to be prepping its next generation smartwatch, the Smartwatch 4, for release later this year. The Smartwatch 4 is expected to offer significant improvements, such as 4G connectivity, over the current Smartwatch 3, which was released late in 2014 as one of the early Android Wear devices. Other Android Wear devices released last year include the Moto 360 and LG G Watch.
With the watch wearable market heating up, the Smartwatch 4 is rumored to be slimmer than the Smartwatch 3 with a design that is more sleek and fashionable than the current model. It also may ship with dust and water resistance for added durability.
Under the hood, the Smartwatch 4 may include a 3GHz processor, 4GB RAM, a slim bezel LCD display, a 420mAH battery and Android Wear WiFi compatibility. It also may feature integrated 4G connectivity that’ll require a standalone data plan. This cellular option is a bonus as it would break the watch away from its reliance on a smartphone and allow it to function as an independent device.
Sony has been following a one-year launch cycle with the Smartwatch lineup –debuting the original Smartwatch in early 2012, followed by the Smartwatch 2 in 2013, and the Smartwatch 3 in 2014. Sony likely will keep this yearly product cycle and may be targeting November for the launch of the Smartwatch 4. If Sony meets that date, then the company will get its watch on the market just in time for the holiday shopping season, which could provide a much-needed boost to the early sales of the device.
