Technology has evolved to such an extent that gadgets we could only dream of a few years ago have entered the market.
Did you know that gaming smartwatches were a thing?
If you are a gamer or following the latest trends and innovations in the gaming sector, you are probably aware of what a gaming smartwatch is. However, thousands of gamers around the world still have little idea about what a gaming smartwatch is.
If you are wondering what a gaming smartwatch is, you have come to the right place.
While there are a few features that overlap with a typical smartwatch, these new-age smart devices add value in different ways.
Let’s find out!
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What is a gaming smartwatch?
Okay, before we take a look at the actual definition of a gaming smartwatch, let’s clear one thing. You cannot play games on it. At least not yet.
So, a gaming smartwatch can track the key health parameters and display them on a screen if you are streaming.
When you buy such a device, you have the ability to take engagement with your audience to a whole new level. It offers a clear understanding of how you are reacting while playing to provide a surreal gaming experience to your audience.
Of course, these devices would work well with competitive gaming. Having said that, there are a bunch of amazing applications which can work well too.
We are now going to take a look at some of the best gaming smartwatches that are available today.
Best gaming smartwatches in 2022
1. Best gaming smartwatch for esports athletes: Garmin Instinct Esports Edition
- Make: Garmin
- Colour: Black Lava
- Connecting technology: Bluetooth
- Battery life: ~80 hours
- Features: stress level and heart rate sensor
If you are an esports athlete, the Garmin Instinct Esports Edition is the perfect gaming smartwatch for you.
It offers a myriad of in-built stream integrations enabling you to stream your stress level and heart rate easily.
You need to install the Garmin app called Str3AMUP! Which allows you to display your heart rate and stress levels during crunch moments during a match.
Apart from this, it has an impressive battery life of around 80 hours. The device is currently priced at ￡300 and seems like a good investment if you are looking to take your streaming to a whole new level.
2. Best mid-range gaming smartwatch: Garmin Vivoactive 4
- Make: Garmin
- Colour: Black
- Connectivity technology: Bluetooth
- Battery life: 8 days
- Features: heart rate sensor
Garmin has rolled out another amazing smartwatch and we just cannot stop talking about it.
Garmin Vivoactive 4 provides a ton of unique features including a heart rate monitor, body energy monitoring, and pairing compatibility with your smartphone or headphones.
The smartwatch’s minimalistic black design provides a professional touch and makes it look in a league of its own while you stream.
However, connecting this watch to your gaming PC to display the heart rate data is not as straightforward as the Garmin Instinct Esports Edition. You will have to purchase Garmin’s USB ANT Stick. This device connects via a single USB port on your PC and connects to the Vivoactive 4 when it is in range.
3. Best affordable gaming smartwatch: MorePro Smart Watch
- Make: MorePro
- Colour: Black
- Connectivity technology: Bluetooth
- Battery: 168 hours
- Screen size: 1.3 inches
The MorePro Smart Watch is our top pick for the most affordable gaming smartwatch, and for a good reason.
It is loaded with features such as a heart rate sensor and sleep monitoring. Oh, how can we forget? It is waterproof.
However, the limitations come if you want to display your heart rate information to a computer. Having said that, many gamers and streamers have found success in doing so with some research.
4. Best gaming smartwatch by Apple: Apple Watch Series 6
- Make: Apple
- Colour: Red
- Connectivity technology: Bluetooth
- Battery life: ~18 hours
- Features: GPR and heart rate sensor
The Apple Watch Series 6 is one of the most unique gaming smartwatches you will ever find. Why?
Mainly because it relies on a very different operating system called the watchOS.
As a result, the Apple Watch provides a whole new experience when compared to a bunch of other gaming smartwatches that operate on Android OS.
A lot of streamers have found a solution to display their heart rate on stream by using a website called HeartTwitch.
The website seamlessly connects to your Apple watch and displays the beats per minute (BPM) when you have started playing a game or exercising.
If you are looking for a smartwatch from Apple, this is one of the best products you can get your hands on.
5. Best gaming smartwatch with a large screen: TICWRIS MAX S Android Smart Watch
- Brand: TICWRIS
- Colour: Black
- Connectivity technology: 4G LTE and Bluetooth
- Design: Waterproof
- Features: GPS and heart rate sensor
What sets the TICWRIS MAX S Android Smart Watch apart from the rest is its design and the relatively larger square screen.
Although streaming your heart rate to a computer may be tricky, you can try your luck with an application called Heart Trace 2 which has worked wonders for different Android devices.
The device is waterproof and can withstand weather and random spillages.
Game smarter, game harder
The streaming scene has exploded in popularity over the past decade. Today, there are professional gamers who love to stream their practice matches and casual gaming matches to engage with their fans.
Popular streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube have provided a perfect playground for all types of streamers. While video game streaming is expected to remain popular, other streaming contents including mukabang, travel, Q&As, and more have also gained popularity.
A gaming smartwatch provides audiences with information about their favorite streamer’s heart rate and other parameters while they are playing. Whether or not these devices will become the hottest commodities in the gaming world is a major doubt, for now, the sales are surely growing.
Leave your comments below and tell us about your favorite gaming smartwatch.
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