Mobile recap: Sony Smartwatch 3 arrives; helpful Android tips

Smartwatch 3 screen on

Last weekend, I took advantage of a Google Play Store deal and ordered a Sony Smartwatch 3. The $50 Play Store credit helped entice me, as did Google’s lengthy holiday return window. The watch arrived in a few short days and after using it this week, I doubt I’ll be returning it.

Since it runs Android Wear, the Smartwatch 3 generally does the same things as most other watches running Google’s software. And it does those just as well: I’ve enjoyed voice searches, Google Now notifications and offline music playback all week long on the wrist. So why did I choose the Sony when there are so many other choices that do those?

Smartwatch music

With its rubber strap and integrated GPS radio, the Smartwatch 3 is a better fit my lifestyle. I run often, for example, and have been doing so with exercise training apps on my phone since 2009. I’d like the option to leave the phone behind and only the Sony gives me that option. However, I’ve bought into the product before it can take full advantage of that GPS radio as few apps currently can use it. Regardless, I’m happy with the purchase so far.

I’m also enjoying the latest version of Android, which I flashed onto a Nexus 5 some weeks ago. With new software comes new tips and tricks, so this week, I found and shared a few. Some of them work with earlier versions of Android as well.

Android 5.0 settings two fingers

For example, you can use two fingers to swipe down and see the quick settings icons in Android. Many people use a single finger to swipe down which shows your notifications. In that case, it takes a second swipe down for the settings. Look at those labels under the icons when you’re in there too: Several of them can be tapped for fast access to additional information.

Tap the carrier name under the cellular signal strength and you’ll see how much data you’ve used in the past month. Or, touch the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi label to open their respective settings. And in the Wi-Fi settings, look for the Advanced Wi-Fi menu option and you can prioritize your list of Wi-Fi hotspots. That last one actually isn’t available in Android 5.0, unfortunately. Hopefully, Google adds it back in a future update.

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