Sony SmartWatch 2 Release Date: Review and RUMOR Roundup of Price and Specs / SmartWatch 2 VS Galaxy Gear [VIDEO]

The brand new Sony SmartWatch 2 hit stores in the US yesterday after having been released in Europe and Asia in June. The SmartWatch 2 was designed to compete with the Galaxy Gear and shares many of the same specs and hardware. The SmartWatch 2 is meant to be paired with your Sony smartphone or tablet and is dust-proof and waterproof and comes with a battery that should last between 3-4 days in between charges.

So far, the SmartWatch 2 from Sony beats the Galaxy Gear in one important category: compatibility. Will Shanklin from Gizmag.com writes, "The biggest perk that the SW2 offers is compatibility. While the Galaxy Gear only plays nicely with one phone at launch (with support for several more Samsung Galaxy phones coming soon), the Sony watch is compatible with most recent Android handsets. As long as it runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (released in late 2011) or higher, then the SW2 will work with it. The iPhone, however, is a no-go; Pebble is still the only significant option there."

The installation for the SmartWatch 2 is also very simple. The SmartWatch 2 requires the user to simply tap the watch against the back of the Android smartphone and the phone will then prompt the user to download all of the pertinent apps and software to sync the watch and phone.

Shanklin wraps up his opinion of the SmartWatch 2 by writing, "The overall package sounds solid enough on paper, but we weren't particularly smitten with the experience of using Sony's new watch. If you own an Android phone and are looking for an easy and convenient way to get notifications, then the SW2 is one of several solid options. Just know that you aren't getting much more than that. You also might want to be prepared to invest in a smarter-looking band than the included rubber one, and prepare your eyes for a very pixilated-looking display."

Check out this video detailing all of the features and specs of the new Sony SmartWatch 2!