TAG Heuer, Intel, Google announce smartwatch that feels like a “normal watch”

[Red Storm]

Is that based purely on aesthetics or functionality?

Personally, I'm not huge into aesthetics, but the functionality has a lot to be desired to replace a $70 watch that just works. Even though I do have a smartwatch, I think it's silly that being waterproof is an anomaly and not a standard feature. Also have to find a way to charge on the go and be readable in all situations.

It's a mix of both. The Swatch watch (and any other comparable non-smartwatch) is going to be a lot thinner and lighter than a smartwatch. In those situations I just want a regular old watch that is light enough to not notice it being on your wrist, in other words not a smartwatch, and I say that as someone who loves smartwatches.

My eventual Gen 2 Android Wear watch (with NFC!) will be my day to day watch, but when it comes to recreational activity I will prefer to wear a normal, thin and light watch.

One thing Android Wear (and the smartwatch market in general) has done which I find interesting is that I am now wearing normal, non-smartwatches again. Go figure.