COVID isn't going anywhere anytime soon, but the world is learning by the day how we might need to live with the virus and try to get back to some sort of normality. The gradual easing of lockdowns around the world has meant that travel, no matter how long, that you wanted to do but couldn't, can start again. We can resume exploration, adventure and feel that the world is here to start enjoying again. It also means that it's time to start thinking more about what comes with you when you start to venture further. Strapping one of the best smartwatches to your wrist might not seem like the first thing on your mind, but these smartwatches have come a long way. There are actually some really good reasons why you should have one now that it's a little easier to get around.
1. Do this exercise outdoors
(Image credit: Huawei) Remember when we were all exercising at home, trying to find the last available kettlebell to balance ourselves, and trying to climb ourselves out of boredom? Now is the time to fill those lungs with fresh air more regularly and sweat it out. It doesn't have to be a long walk, lacing up your running shoes, or getting on your bike. You could get off the land and into the water. Taking a dip has many physical and mental benefits. The good news is that if you have your watch attached, many can now capture freestyle time, so you always have a record of when you decided to tackle it and jump into that lake.
2. Spend less time on your phone screen
We've spent a lot of time staring at big screens and our phones at home, and while smartwatches still mean staring at screens, albeit noticeably smaller, they can help you spend less screen time across the bedroom. i really need it. You can use them to better filter the stream of notifications that catch your eye. Pay attention to messages and emails that are important or ignore them completely, use quick replies or send a simple emoji response to handle calls so you can focus on the things that matter. Ultimately, smartwatches won't close the door on communicating with the world, but they can help you be more selective about who and when to communicate.
3. Use your voice to get things done
(Image credit: TechRadar) Smart assistants live in our homes, our phones, and are also present in our smartwatches. Its presence on our wrists, however, does not make much talk about it. Maybe they should, because while you might not be comfortable taking a call from a watch, these voice assistants make your job so much better. So much so that you can now call on them to do more than just set a reminder to pick up the milk on the way home later. They bring more context to those conversations, making it that much more useful to connect other features on your smartwatch and better understand some of your more complex requests.
4. Stay safe when you return from a trip
Your smartwatch doesn't have to be a way to help you spend less time on your smartphone or somewhere to quickly check your daily step count progress. Increasingly, smartwatches are becoming more effective at keeping you safe, whether you're with others or traveling solo. They provide enhanced security features that make it easy to activate the alarm and let those closest to you know when you might be in trouble. More and more smartwatches are embracing what it means to be a companion and that includes being something to turn to or look at when things don't feel right.
(Image credit: LaComparacion)
5. Pay per watch
Yes, your phone can, and probably has, a set of contactless cards to make these transactions less burdensome. The smartwatch has the power to replace your wallet, purse, or loose change in your pocket when you need to grab an impromptu lunch. Just make sure the smartwatch of your choice works well with your favorite bank and take the time to set everything up. You will not regret having another way to pay without contact and without putting a hand in your pocket.
6. Make it easier to get to the airport
Being able to get on a plane during the Covid era brought a few extra checks and things to remember to take with you. One thing that hasn't changed is keeping your boarding pass nearby. Just as a smartwatch can replace the funds in your wallet, it can also be a place to keep you from worrying about where you put that paper version of your boarding pass. It will be more difficult for you to lose it when it is already stored on your watch. Just make sure you remove it from this tray after you pass security checks. < p class="article-body__disclaimer">LaComparacion created this content as part of a paid partnership with Huawei. The content of this article is completely independent and reflects the editorial opinion of TechRadar only.