ASUS VivoWatch hands-on, first impressions

Designed to focus on the user’s overall fitness and wellness, ASUS launched its VivoWatch that promises round the clock heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and exercise recording — all in your wrist. Here are our first impressions on it.

The VivoWatch still has the same curved Gorilla Glass 3 display seen on the ASUS ZenWatch and ZenWatch 2. What’s different is that the VivoWatch has a smaller screen size at 1.28 inches compared to ZenWatch’s 1.63-inch display. Screen resolution is also brought down a notch at 128 x 128.

Another major implementation on the VivoWatch is the use of a black and white memory LCD which is known for its high contrast but low power consumption so the watch could last longer on a single charge.

The company went for the familiar curved edges that give the device a touch of elegance — meaning it could also be worn during formal events and not only when exercising.

Initial startup would require you to pair the VivoWatch with a smartphone through ASUS’ HiVivo app (available for free on both iOS and Android).

The display’s edges are protected using a stainless steel frame with a glossy finish. It gives the device a nice accent although we noticed that it’s a bit prone to smudges and hairline scratches.

Also seen here is the one and only button that unlocks the screen among its many other functions.

The VivoWatch has a standard-sized 28mm strap which is interchangeable as long as they have the same size. Due to the intended active use of the device, its strap is made from plastic so it’s easier to clean compared to cloth or leather bands.

Turning it over and you’ll be greeted by the heart rate sensor which is something that not all fitness bands have. This built-in optical sensor dismisses the need for chest straps which basically deliver the same results. Having one embedded the watch simply means that your heart rate is comfortably monitored 24/7.

Just like its cousins, the VivoWatch charges using a cradle that snaps to its body. It then has a microUSB port where you can plug in and connect to a power source. The company promises a 10-day battery life on this thing with normal usage so we’ll find out if this holds true during our review.

Other specs that make up the VivoWatch are its 3-axis accelerometer, Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless pairing and connectivity, and IP67 certification that makes it able to go underwater at 1 meter for 30 minutes straight. This simply means that you can still use the device when you’re running under the rain or taking a shower.

So far, navigation is pretty simple and the HiVivo app is where we could see all the data recorded — this includes steps made, calories burned, hours of quality sleep experienced, a score that rates your overall lifestyle, and more. We’re still collecting results to determine how effective the VivoWatch works so stay tuned for our review.

ASUS VivoWatch specs:
1.28-inch black and white memory LCD display @ 128 x 128 resolution
Gorilla Glass 3
3-axis accelerometer
Optical heart rate sensor w/ ASUS VivoPulse technology
IP67 water resistance
Bluetooth 4.0
22mm standard strap size
50 grams (weight)

The ASUS VivoWatch has a SRP of Php6,990 and is available in Octagon branches.