BERLIN -- After being announced ahead of the IFA tech show, we have finally been able to get our hands on LG's latest smart watch, the G Watch R, here in Germany.
Although it's not long since LG unveiled its square G Watch at Google's developer conference, LG says that is best seen as a reference device. The G Watch R, with its round screen, properly shows the company's vision for the future of wearables.
There's no word on price yet for the new watch, but LG did say that it will be more expensive than existing smart watches -- expect it to be somewhere north of £200 (which converts to roughly $330 or AU$350) when it goes on sale towards the end of September.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The standout feature of the G Watch R is of course its display. Although we've seen a round Android Wear device from Motorola -- the Moto 360 -- LG's watch uses a completely round screen, rather than requiring a flat, cut-off bit at the bottom.
LG, therefore, argues that it is in fact the first truly circular display on a smart watch.
Caption byAndrew Hoyle
/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
As well as interchangeable watch faces, there are numerous straps too, allowing you to create up to 29 different combinations.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The body of the watch is made from metal, with stark, angular edges. It's a very macho design so is unlikely to appeal to those who prefer lightweight, elegant designs.
Caption byAndrew Hoyle
/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The 1.3-inch display has a 320x320-pixel resolution, which seemed every bit as sharp as the smartwatches I've seen from Samsung, Sony, LG and Asus.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It runs Android Wear, Google's operating system specifically designed for smart watches.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Android Wear connects with the Google accounts on your phone, showing you information in cards, much like Google Now does on your Android phone.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Underneath is a heart-rate monitor. It can keep track of how intensely you're exercising and if you've opted for one of the sports-watch faces, you can see your heart rate as well as steps and even altitude right on the face.
Caption byAndrew Hoyle
/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The button on the side acts as the home button -- press it to be taken back to the main watch face or to launch voice control.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
LG said this watch has been in development for two years. "The direction we pursue of smartwatches combines high technology with sophisticated design," the company said in a statement. "Our product is functional rather than minimal. It is stylish rather than plain."
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Next to the square Samsung Gear Live, the G Watch R looks much more like a watch, rather than a smart device. If you want to blend in to the crowd then LG's is the one to go for.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Android Wear will give you weather forecasts for your current locations as well as your pre-set home destination.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
You can use it to control your music and videos too.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
A silver model was wrapped around the wrist of one of LG's executives at my briefing in IFA, but apparently this colour isn't going to be available at launch.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It's a shame, as I think the silver, with perhaps a light-coloured leather strap, would have wider appeal than the macho black model.
Caption byAndrew Hoyle
/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It felt lightweight to hold so you're unlike to feel dragged down on one side while wearing it.
Caption byAndrew Hoyle
/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The Android Wear software was always designed to work on both square and round displays. So far, most companies have opted for square ones -- presumably because it's much easier to make.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It's not particularly fat, so it doesn't stick out too much when it's on your wrist. It's not as slim as the newly announced Asus ZenWatch, however.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Doesn't look too bad, does it?
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The G Watch R doesn't have GPS built-in. LG says this was a decision it made to improve the battery life of the watch. GPS, it says, is provided via your phone.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
There's no USB port built into the watch so charging it requires this little dock.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Straps will come in real leather, fabric, rubber and metal.
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/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Take your pick!
Caption byAndrew Hoyle
/ Photo by Andrew Hoyle/CNET