Sony announces the IP57-certified SmartWatch 2 with NFC

Along with the Xperia Z Ultra phablet, Sony today officially announced the SmartWatch 2, its third-gen watch accessory that pairs with your Android smartphone.

The new SmartWatch 2 sports a new design inspired by the Xperia Z and even sports the smartphone's cool-looking aluminum power button. Just as before, the watch connects with any Android smartphone or tablet via Blueetoth and can show text messages and incoming calls as well as give you Facebook and Twitter updates, show calendar entries and act as a remote for the music player.

Sony claims that the SmartWatch 2 is significantly faster than its predecessor and is also resistant to water splashes with IP57 certification. There are a few hundred apps specifically designed for the experience that the SmartWatch 2 provides, according to Sony.

Sony SmartWatch 2 official photos

Sporting an aluminum body and stainless steel wristband, the watch features NFC connectivity for easy pairing and connecting and microUSB port for charging. It has a 1.6" display with a resolution of 220 x 176 pixels, which Sony says is very good for reading and offers great sunlight legibility.

Check out the Sony SmartWatch 2 promo video below.

Other notable features of the smart watch include remote control of presentations using the Presentation Pal app or take a photo remotely via the smart camera application.

The Sony SmartWatch 2 will be available worldwide from September, this year with a wide variety of standard 24mm wristbands as well as new Sony watchstraps. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.