Fitness is currently a strong trend globally as the need for healthier lifestyles and exercise becomes more evident. As with every challenge we face in modern life, there is technology available to assist and today we review the smartwatch.

The two most notable offerings are the Striiv Fusion Bio and the Samsung Gear Fit. Each offers a wide variety of features and capabilities to meet the average person’s expectations when buying a smartwatch.

Regarding the more basic function as a wristwatch, the styling and general build quality are night and day. The plastic feel and design of the Striiv Fusion Bio does not inspire much when compared to the solid, handsomely crafted Samsung. The Striiv also has a noticeably narrower screen and it is the only device to offer interchangeable colour bands.

Common features on apps available for both devices offer similar capabilities with regard to health and exercise. Both are able to track distance and activity whilst monitoring heart rate and calorie burn. The watches also have exercise features that can be used to control a routine and keep time for individual sets. An interesting feature on both is sleep monitoring, which gives users insight into the behaviour of the body when at rest.

Optimum use of your smartwatch comes through pairing it with a mobile device that can provide ease of control and use. The Samsung Gear Fit is able to link with select Samsung devices whilst the Striiv is considered a universal smart watch that can be used on all platforms. However iOS 7 and Android 4.3 or higher offer best results in pairing.

When control apps for the watches are installed, there will be prompts for an immediate upgrade to the software. The pairing of the smartwatches to mobile devices offers users the opportunity to view text messages and see incoming calls to their mobile devices. Neither is capable of responding to these notifications.

In keeping with recent bold and vibrant offerings in the mobile device market, Samsung had to separate their device by adding features such as a media controller and a ‘Find My Device ‘. The media controller allows users to manipulate media on the smartwatch rather than having to use the phone to do so. These features, along with general build quality and style, give the Samsung the edge in the overall assessment of both devices.