How does a smartwatch work?

To use a smartwatch, you need a smartphone. On your smartphone, you can install the app that comes with the smartwatch, such as Galaxy Wearable, Garmin Connect, or Watch by Apple. If you open the accompanying app on your smartphone and turn on Bluetooth, you can synchronize the watch with your smartphone. Now, your devices are connected and you'll receive notifications from your smartphone on the screen of your smartwatch. For example, you can read emails and messages, view your calendar appointments, or answer phone calls. That's useful, because you no longer have to worry about missing an important message.

If the smartwatch has a built-in GPS and/or heart rate sensor, the watch tracks your daily activities. This includes counting the number of steps, stairs, calories burned, and sleep pattern. Thanks to the GPS, a watch also measures your route while you exercise. Doesn't the smartwatch have a built-in GPS? It's often possible to use the GPS signal from your smartphone. In this case, you do have to take your smartphone with you when you go for a run or bike ride.

It's possible to install third-party apps in the corresponding app store of the smartwatch. Popular apps are Spotify, WhatsApp, NS Reisplanner, Appie, or Buienradar. Thanks to these apps on your smartwatch, you no longer have to take your smartphone out of your pocket when you do your shopping, when you want to see if your train is delayed, or when you're wondering if you need to bring an umbrella.