Spoiler: Those cellular smarts won't be available until August
Mobvoi has pulled back the curtain on the second generation of the TicWatch Pro, with the smartwatch now coming with 4G/LTE coverage.
Still running Google’s Wear OS platform, the new watch is promising to free you from your phone, with wireless connectivity letting you make calls, receive notifications and sync fitness data without being tethered.
First look: TicWatch Pro LTE review
However, there’s a small catch: the TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE will be launching without 4G/LTE coverage. Though the Wear smartwatch is available to buy from today, the company cites “new compliance matters” as the reason behind a one month delay. The Verizon LTE network capabilities will be activated on early August, with Mobvoi taking $20 off the Pro’s $299 asking price during the delay to make up for the loss.
So, of course, though you won’t be able to use the watch wirelessly if you buy now, you can still take advantage of the majority of its features.
Such features, since you ask, include TicMotion 2.0 – a platform that promises to improve the watch’s fitness tracking chops. Much like the TicWatch S2 and TicWatch E2, the new model uses artificial intelligence to detect the difference between a genuine run in the park and, say, a fast-paced walk to the bus stop.
And, like its predecessor, the dual-screen lets users switch between two modes – one that gives full functionality and an Essential Mode that pumps battery life to 30 days and provides just the time. Google Assistant and support for Google Pay also makes the transition to the 4G/LTE model.
You can either pick up the new smartwatch from Amazon or Mobvoi’s own site (with both featuring that aforementioned $20 discount) – making it an ideal time to grab and await the LTE freedom. Just be aware that when this feature is activated, you’ll need to pay extra for the coverage. Again, all the more reason to try and save while you can and put it towards the monthly 4G/LTE fee.