Four innovative wearables introduced at MWC 2015

Smartphones and tablets may still claim most of the attention at Mobile World Congress, but wearables are stealing more of the spotlight than ever before. Ahead of the official debut of the Apple Watch later this month, several tech brands took advantage of the event in Barcelona to reveal their own smartwatches and wearable trackers.

The-LG-Watch-Urbane-Photo-AFP

Smartphones and tablets may still claim most of the attention at Mobile World Congress, but wearables are stealing more of the spotlight than ever before. Ahead of the official debut of the Apple Watch later this month, several tech brands took advantage of the event in Barcelona to reveal their own smartwatches and wearable trackers.

LG Watch Urbane

The South Korean brand chose MWC for the premiere of this stylish metal watch, which just might be sophisticated enough to compete with the Moto 360 or even with the future Apple Watch. Dustproof and waterproof, the Watch Urbane has a 1.3-inch screen and a variety of sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer, heart rate monitor, etc.). The Android Wear device is compatible with any Android smartphone (4.3 or above) and is even available in a 4G version that can be used untethered. Pricing and availability details are unannounced so far.

Huawei Watch

The Chinese manufacturer created quite a stir with the unveiling of its first smartwatch, a sleek and elegant model along the lines of the Moto 360 and the LG Watch Urbane. Available with a stainless steel case colored gold, silver or black, the Huawei Watch comes with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. The Android Wear device is customizable thanks to the availability of over 40 different dial designs and a wide assortment of bracelets and straps. In addition to relaying alerts from an Android smartphone, the wearable can be used as a fitness tracker thanks to multiple built-in sensors. The Huawei Watch will go on sale in around 20 countries before the end of 2015. Pricing details are still unknown.

HTC Grip

The Taiwanese company took advantage of MWC to debut to its first fitness tracker, the Grip, developed in partnership with sportswear brand Under Armour. Designed for serious athletes, the wearable uses five sensors to track workout details including calories, distance and pace through the UA Record app (available for Android and iOS). Athletes can use the platform to follow their performance stats over time as well as to share workout details and challenge their friends. The Grip comes in three sizes and has a curved screen that displays alerts as well as fitness data. HTC will launch the device this spring for $199 in the US, though availability details in other markets are unannounced.

Acer Liquid Leap+

Another wearable tracker introduced at MWC, the Liquid Leap+ is a waterproof bracelet that is compatible with Android, iOS and Windows Phone devices. In addition to delivering e-mail, text message and calendar alerts, this wearable also counts steps taken, hours slept and even calories consumed during the day. Acer will launch the Liquid Leap+ in Europe this April for €79 (around $88).