It’s that time to have a look at your wallet, get up, and purchase a smartwatch

The second half of 2015 marked a glorious occasion for Kenyans in all spheres; the coming of POTUS.

The buzz in both old and new media was intense. People stayed glued on their television screens waiting for Air Force One to touch down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This was a historical moment for the country, president Obama being the first US president to ever visit the country while in Office.

The airplane finally kissed the Kenyan skies and all of us were ready to see the chocks placed at the foot of the plane as we await for his signature wave followed by his quick stride down the stairs.

One device however caught the eyes of many Kenyans as he waved to greet the guests who had received him at the airport. POTUS had a wrist watch, not just your normal watch but a smartwatch. All over sudden, tech savvy KOT went on and on about this wearable device on his wrist.

The beauty of the upper and middle class urban consumer in Kenya is that they embrace new tech trends just with a snap. Smartwatches have been in Kenya since 2013, very few have been receptive of this devices which seems confusing and redundant. I mean-why should you have a phone and then another ‘useless’ watch that connects to your phone? According to many people, this is just a way through which tech companies monopolize the market and make you slaves to their products.

Today, smartwatches go beyond their primary use as an audio communication device. These devices boast of other capabilities sci-fi devices lacked in the past. Case example, LG Electronics smartwatches unifies fine craftsmanship and breakthrough innovation as it serves as a fitness tracker with important notification hub making it easier than ever for users to stay up to date on everything from the weather to evening plans. LG’s G watch, G-Watch R and Watch Urbane are paired with users’ smartphone, bringing the full functionality of these devices to the wrist. The most amazing wearable to me is the futuristic LG Watch Urbane LTE with a timeless design which can be used to make and receive calls without being linked to a smartphone.

So, why do you need a smartwatch?

Unfortunately for the companies selling smartwatches, most consumers don't get the opportunity to try-before-you-buy. There are however, real-world benefits that have been discovered, which should be enough to convince even the most ardent smartwatch detractors.

1. Notifications
For many, notifications are the main reason you'd buy a smartwatch. The ease of having them sent to your wrist and being able to identify their importance without removing your phone from a pocket or bag is invaluable. It simplifies your life and it saves time - and time is important.

2. Social etiquette
Checking your phone can be rude. Replacing that with a quick glance at your wrist is quicker, simpler and subtler.

3. Ease of control

You can control the volume of your sound system with a few taps on the wrist. You can also turn hue lights on and off. Again, it's quicker and simpler than retrieving a phone, and the ease of control not forgetting the 'Smart ' technology is only set to expand.

5. Answering calls
Various smartwatches handle answering calls differently. The LG Watch Urbane TE Smartwatch, for example, allows users to accept and decline calls on the watch. This is helpful when walking around with headphones on, or while driving, when your smartphone isn't easily accessible.

7. Music
You can walk around town listening to music on the phone in your pocket, if a track comes on that you don't like then simply hit 'next' on your smartwatch. You can also pause, adjust the volume or line-up the next track. It's sounds trivial, but it really does make listening to music easier.

8. Battery life
One of the biggest drains on your mobile's battery life is that big, high-resolution display .A smartwatch reduces the amount of time that large screen needs to be on, it can have a significant impact on battery life.

And before you question whether being connected to a wearable all-day drains the battery - most use efficient Bluetooth 4.0, which isn't power hungry at all.

9. Customizable
Being able to change your watch face every day is surprisingly fun, on the weekends you can walk around with a dancing ‘Micky Mouse’ on your  wrist, but at the Monday morning office meeting you can wear a more professional watch face.

10. Security
Have you ever found yourself in a rough area at night and too afraid to get your Kes 50,000 plus smartphone out? Luckily a smartwatch is a lot more discreet (well, as long as you don't go flashing your very expensive wearable around).

From the above advantages the main argument against smartwatches is that they simply do everything a smartphone can, which is true, but they're not there to replace your phone - they're there to complement it, and make your life that little bit easier. It is my challenge therefore to tech companies in Kenya to stock these devices in the market at an affordable rate for consumers to enjoy these user friendly and futuristic devices.

I hope with this read, you are able to get persuaded and that the next time you go to the mall, smartwatches will be worth a look!