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Hands-on with Sony's Wena Watch (pictures)

Sony's new smartwatch features a traditional face with smart features built into the bracelet.

Dan_Graziano2.jpg
Dan_Graziano2.jpg
Dan Graziano
Andrew Lanxon headshot
Andrew Lanxon headshot
Andrew Lanxon
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1 of 12 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Sony's new smartwatch doesn't look like a smartwatch. The Wena watch, which is short for "wear electronics naturally," is being shown off at the IFA trade show in Berlin. Sony is looking to fund the watch on its First Flight crowdfunding platform in Japan.

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2 of 12 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The Wena watch has a traditional face with a 22mm link bracelet. It looks quite nice on our wrist.

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3 of 12 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

But isn't this a smartwatch? Yes. The smart features are actually all built into the slim band.

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4 of 12 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The band is equipped with a handful of sensors, including an NFC chip for making contactless payments. It also features an accelerometer for tracking steps, a seven-color LED for notifications, vibration alerts, and carries at water resistant rating of IPX7, so you won't have to take it off when doing the dishes or in the shower.

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5 of 12 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The face of the watch measures 42mm. That's the same size of the Huawei Watch and largest Apple Watch model.

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6 of 12 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

It will come in two styles: a $287 Three Hands model and a $576 Chronograph model.

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7 of 12 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

If you own a Sony phone you won't even be able to use the Wena watch. It currently only supports devices running iOS 8 or higher. Odd, right?

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8 of 12 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The band is said to last roughly a week on a single charge, however the Three Hands and Chronograph batteries will last you three and five years respectively.

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9 of 12 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Here's an example of a green notification light on the band.

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10 of 12 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Sony hopes to raise 10 million yen. That translates into a little more than $83,000 in the US and £54,000 in the UK.

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11 of 12 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The Wena will be available in silver and black models.

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12 of 12 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

If funded successfully, the watch will begin shipping in March of 2016.

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