However in order for the Smartband to work, we had to download three applications. Connecting the Smartband to our test device was a smooth process. It is also possible to use NFC to create this Bluetooth connection without too much trouble. The Sony Smartband SWR10 is supposed to be able to connect to any device running Android 4.4 KitKat or higher via a Bluetooth 4.0 LE (low energy) connection. All three LEDs blink in sequence when you change modes. LED A blinks continuously when the battery is charging and when it's waiting to be paired to a Bluetooth device. There are three notification LEDs - A, B and C. The core unit has a single button on its right which can perform multiple functions apart from just powering the device on and off. The heart of the Smartband is a white plastic core unit that is attached to the wrist strap. It was a pain to insert the pins properly. Instead of a regular watch strap, there's a metal disc with two blunt pins that need to be pushed into the provided holes.

Sony provides two straps in different sizes, and since we have larger hands we chose the larger of them. The Smartband is waterproof and dust resistant with an IP58 rating, and at 22g, it's so lightweight that most of the time we forgot we were wearing it. If you're more interested in using the Smartband as a fashion accessory, straps are also available in nine different colours. The unobtrusive black band could easily pass off as a rubber Livestrong Foundation band. Stealth assassins would approve of the Sony Smartband SWR10's design. This wearable device looks unobtrusive and has a few interesting features apart from the just the fitness-oriented ones.

Now, to go with the announcement of its latest flagship Xperia Z2 ( Review), Sony also announced a new wearable focused on fitness - the Smartband SWR10. The company was one of the first entrants in this space with the Sony Smartwatch. Sony is no stranger to the current obsession in the user technology space - smartwatches.

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