The world of luxury smartwatches is about to get more exciting! TAG Heuer, the renowned watchmaker, has just dropped a bombshell with its latest release, the Connected Calibre E5. But here's the twist: they're ditching Google's Wear OS after almost a decade! Why? To fix the notorious connectivity issues with iPhones.
For years, Wear OS has been the go-to interface for TAG Heuer's Connected series. But with the new Calibre E5, they've decided to forge their own path. The TAG Heuer OS, as they call it, promises a seamless and intuitive experience, specifically tailored for iPhone users. But here's where it gets controversial—is this a sign of a potential rift between TAG Heuer and Google?
The new operating system is said to be built entirely in-house, with a focus on fluid navigation. And it's still Android-based, but with a twist. These customizations aim to make the smartwatch iOS-compatible, addressing the limitations iOS imposes on non-Apple devices. You see, iOS has always been a bit possessive, restricting key functions like viewing notifications or voice calling on non-Apple wearables. But with the EU's mandate for Apple to play nice with third-party devices, the game might change.
Google, on the other hand, seems to have washed its hands of Wear OS on iPhones. The Wear OS app for iOS hasn't seen an update in years, leaving users in the lurch. Was it a conscious decision by Google, or did Apple's ecosystem simply outshine it?
TAG Heuer isn't taking any chances. They've secured Apple's 'Made for iPhone' certification for the Calibre E5, ensuring smooth notification handling. However, there's no promise of extended battery life, with TAG Heuer claiming a modest two-day endurance. But is this a realistic expectation, considering the always-on display?
Under the hood, the Calibre E5 boasts an upgraded processor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 5100 Plus. It's a step up, but not a revolutionary one. The watch comes in two sizes, with minimal visual changes, but TAG Heuer assures improved efficiency. And for the fashion-conscious, there are special New Balance and Golf editions.
The price tag? Well, it's a luxury watch after all. The 40mm starts at $1,600, and the 45mm will set you back an extra $100. But wait, there's more! The special editions will cost you a cool $2,400. And that's just the starting point. So, what do you think? Is this a bold move by TAG Heuer, or a necessary step to stay relevant in the smartwatch game?
