Casio unveils its first G-Shock smartwatch with Wear OS

Just as rumors circulate about a possible rugged Apple Watch, Casio has unveiled its first G-Shock rugged smartwatch using Google’s Wear OS platform. The GSW-H1000, part of Casio’s rugged G-Squad Pro line, has a host of sporting features and is also the first G-Shock watch with a color display.

As you would expect in a G-Shock watch, the GSW-H1000 has a muscular look with a titanium back for added durability. This is backed by real toughness, including impact and water resistance up to 200 meters deep. What is new is the Android Wear operating system as well as the dual-layer display with an always-on LCD screen for displaying the time combined with a color LCD screen that can display maps, notifications. , sensor data and other information. This is a first for G-Shock watches, although Casio already uses Wear OS on its Pro Trek line of smartwatches.

The watch is also loaded with sensors, including built-in GPS, optical heart rate sensor, compass bearing, altitude, barometric pressure and more. It also includes the Casio app for 24 indoor training options and 15 activities, including running, road biking and swimming, or more extreme sports like surfing and snowboarding. Meanwhile, the Wear OS platform gives you access to smartphone notifications, plenty of apps, and access to the Google Assistant. A big downside is the 1.5 day battery life with the color display, although this extends to a month in “multi-clock mode”.

The Casio G-Squad Pro GSW-H1000 is available in red, black and blue and will cost $ 700 in the US and £ 600 in the UK. It is expected to arrive in mid-May, although it is yet to appear on G-Shock’s US website. However, you can find him on the UK site and ask to be notified as soon as he arrives.