4G-Enabled LG G Watch Rumored for MWC 2015
How do you make your smartwatch stand out in a crowded market? Give it the fastest network speeds around. According to Business Korea, Korean tech giant LG could release a 4G version of the G Watch R, supposedly called the G Watch R2, at Mobile World Congress 2015 in Spain.
A 4G-enabled LG G Watch R2 would be a big upgrade from the original G Watch R, which only uses Wi-Fi. It would also be a way for LG to one-up Samsung, whose recent Gear S smartwatch has network capabilities but is limited to 3G.
MORE: LG G Watch R - Sleeker, but Still Limited
If the "R2" name is correct, the new iteration of LG's smartwatch will likely retain its rounded design, which was a welcomed change from the original G Watch. The device will likely still run Android Wear, which, while limited, allows you to get all your Android smartphone notifications on your wrist.
The big test for the G Watch R2 will be battery life, as 4G capabilities will almost certainly use more power than Wi-Fi. The G Watch R already has one of the best batteries of any smartwatch we've tested, lasting more than 2 days on a single charge. We're hoping that making the smartwatch even smarter with 4G doesn't compromise this, but we'll have to wait until we get our hands on one.
Valentina Palladino is a senior writer for Tom's Guide. Follow her at @valentinalucia. Follow Tom's Guide at @tomsguide and on Facebook.
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