I'm Confused As To How This Watch Works

[Slytherin_Princess]

Does this watch need a separate data plan and phone number, or is it only the Watch Urbane LTE (that hasn't come out yet) that is going to need that?

So if it doesn't need a separate data plan and phone number, does it only work in wifi areas, or can I leave my phone and the watch in bluetooth mode all of the time?

Does it make and receive phone calls? Does it send e-mails? Or does it only send text messages?

If it can do all of the above, then is the only difference between the current Urbane and the Urbane LTE that the Urbane LTE will do all of these functions using a data plan?

 

[N4Newbie]

The Urbane LTE is able to have its own data plan and phone number but it is not an absolute requirement (to the best of my knowledge).

The Urbane however must be linked to a smartphone running Google's Android Wear to be of any real usefulness. Linkage can be via Bluetooth when the phone is within range or via WiFi when it is not. However, the Urbane itself can only connect to a "known" WiFi access point; in other words, your phone must have previously connected to that specific access point or the Urbane will not know how to do so. The Urbane itself has no access point configurability; you cannot connect to a new access point and be prompted for a password or other parameters, for example.

The Urbane LTE - last I read - is only available in South Korea with no date for general release in other parts of the world.

 

[Slytherin_Princess]

The Urbane LTE is able to have its own data plan and phone number but it is not an absolute requirement (to the best of my knowledge).

The Urbane however must be linked to a smartphone running Google's Android Wear to be of any real usefulness. Linkage can be via Bluetooth when the phone is within range or via WiFi when it is not. However, the Urbane itself can only connect to a "known" WiFi access point; in other words, your phone must have previously connected to that specific access point or the Urbane will not know how to do so. The Urbane itself has no access point configurability; you cannot connect to a new access point and be prompted for a password or other parameters, for example.

The Urbane LTE - last I read - is only available in South Korea with no date for general release in other parts of the world.

Thank you sooooo much for replying. Do you have a LG Watch Urbane? Do you regret buying it?

 

[N4Newbie]

Thank you sooooo much for replying. Do you have a LG Watch Urbane? Do you regret buying it?

Yes, I have an LG Watch Urbane. My current phone is a Nexus 6, following Nexus 5 and Nexus 4 previously.

The first day I was like, maybe this wasn't such a good purchase...

The first week I was like, really, what's the value of wearing this thing?

But after that it began to grow on me and I am generally happy with the purchase at this point.

However - let's face it: any other $350 watch purchase would be one for the ages. I might not wear it everyday but it would be wearable and functional for years or even decades to come.

But a $350 smartwatch has, I figure, at best maybe a 12 to 24 month lifespan. After that it is either try to eBay it for maybe $50 (if very lucky) or toss it in the junk drawer. It is definitely not an investment piece.

 

[Slytherin_Princess]

Yes, I have an LG Watch Urbane. My current phone is a Nexus 6, following Nexus 5 and Nexus 4 previously.

The first day I was like, maybe this wasn't such a good purchase...

The first week I was like, really, what's the value of wearing this thing?

But after that it began to grow on me and I am generally happy with the purchase at this point.

However - let's face it: any other $350 watch purchase would be one for the ages. I might not wear it everyday but it would be wearable and functional for years or even decades to come.

But a $350 smartwatch has, I figure, at best maybe a 12 to 24 month lifespan. After that it is either try to eBay it for maybe $50 (if very lucky) or toss it in the junk drawer. It is definitely not an investment piece.

Thank you for your candor. I need to think a little more as to whether or not I really would get enough use out of it. I forgot to ask you if you have the gold one or the silver one? I've never seen either in person. In the pictures it looks to me like the gold one is going towards a brass or pink gold look more than a regular yellow gold look. I normally love silver jewelry and shy away from gold, but to me in pictures the gold one looks nicer than the silver one.

 

[N4Newbie]

It's "Rose Gold" which means it will most likely not match your other Gold jewelry. I posted a comparison photo here http://forums.androidcentral.com/lg-watch-urbane/522886-urbane-ordered-4-29-a.html#post4401978

One thing I do not like about the rose gold watch (in hindsight) is that it is nearly impossible to find a matching-color metal band to replace the leather band which comes with the watch. Others have had much better luck customizing the stainless steel Urbane. I suppose that maybe, just maybe, LG will eventually make a rose gold metal band available as an accessory; barring that I fear I will be stuck with leather forever.

 

[Slytherin_Princess]

It's "Rose Gold" which means it will most likely not match your other Gold jewelry. I posted a comparison photo here http://forums.androidcentral.com/lg-watch-urbane/522886-urbane-ordered-4-29-a.html#post4401978

One thing I do not like about the rose gold watch (in hindsight) is that it is nearly impossible to find a matching-color metal band to replace the leather band which comes with the watch. Others have had much better luck customizing the stainless steel Urbane. I suppose that maybe, just maybe, LG will eventually make a rose gold metal band available as an accessory; barring that I fear I will be stuck with leather forever.

I like the rose gold a lot. I don't wear yellow gold jewelry anymore, and I wear my silver and black Pandora bracelets on my left arm, which is where I would wear the watch. I think it would make an nice contrast. I can see, though, where the color would be a problem for many people. I prefer leather bands over metal stretch bands so I'd be OK that way. The issues now are the same ones you have/had - the price vs. usefulness and longevity. I really appreciate all of your help.

 

[Slytherin_Princess]

I decided not to buy it. I don't think I'll get enough use out of it to justify the cost.