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TAG Heuer Connected vs Apple Watch Edition: Connected Is First-Ever Upgradable Smartwatch; Apple Watch Has a 'Huge Problem'?

Traditional luxury and fashion watchmakers are entering into the smartwatch industry. TAG Heuer is days away from officially unveiling its Connected device, which aims to compete with Apple Watch Edition. Fossil has also recently launched its smart bracelets and smartwatches, with the flagship Q Founder slated to be released in November.

Here's the comparison of the two luxury watches from Apple and TAG based on what we know so far:

Apple Watch Edition features an 18-karat yellow or rose gold case, which is twice as hard as the standard gold. It has a Sapphire crystal and retina display with Force Touch. TAG Heuer Connected has a case made from titanium carbide coated steel and a screen that is always on that when touched would show digital options.

Apple Watch Edition has up to 18 hours of battery life. TAG Heuer Connected can last up to 40 hours. Teaser image of TAG Heuer's smartwatch shows that the strap seems to be a perforated black rubber seen on the Carrera Heuer 01. Apple Watch Edition has a range of "exquisitely crafted bands and clasps" to complement the gold cases.

Apple's luxury smartwatch has a ceramic back and a digital crown. Apple Watch Edition also features ambient light sensor, heart rate sensor, gyroscope and accelerometer. It has Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth 4.0, a microphone and a speaker.

Apple Watch Edition runs on watchOS2, while TAG Heuer Connected uses Android Wear. TAG Heuer Connected is powered by an Intel Curie which is based on "System on Chip" instead of a Qualcomm Snapdragon. This makes it easier to upgrade the watch in the future.

TAG Heuer Connected is reportedly priced at $1,800, the most expensive Android Wear to date but still way cheaper than Apple Watch Edition which is priced from $10,000 to $17,000.

TAG Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver told CNBC, "Above $2,000, the connected watch has a huge problem. There is no eternity, it means it will become obsolete, and who wants to buy a $10,000 - $20,000 watch, that becomes obsolete after five or 10 years?"

Apple Watch Edition is now available for purchase, while TAG Heuer Connected will be released on Nov. 9.


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