Casio launches first G-Shock smartwatch running on Wear OS

Casio gives its fans a G-shock, finally offering a smartwatch version featuring Google's Wear OS. — Casio

Casio is finally going smart with its G-Shock brand, introducing its first smartwatch model powered with Wear OS by Google.

The GSW-H1000 is equipped with a 1.2in capacitive touchscreen with a dual-layer monochrome and colour display that can be customised to show different information like heart rate, steps, date and of course time.

Casio stated in a press release that the watch is pairable with the free G-Shock Move app, which includes 15 activities and 24 indoor workout options – including running, snowboarding, swimming, biking and even fishing – and enables easy access to various logs useful for training, from activity history and analysis to progress verification and more.

The smartwatch packs the usual array of smart-wearable sensors including an optical sensor to measure heart rate, as well as a compass, altitude/air pressure sensor, accelerometer, gyrometer, GPS functionality and more.

Beyond the touch interface, there are also three analogue buttons including a Power button, App button, and Start button.

The GSW-H1000, which is part of the G-Squad line of shock-resistant watches, has a titanium backplate for corrosion resistance, and is claimed to provide shock resistance and 200-meter water resistance.

The watch comes equipped with a lithium-ion battery that is rated to last for approximately 1.5 days under normal use, a watch face that is 65.6x56.3x19.5mm (HxWxD) in size, and weighs 103g with the urethane wristband.

While Casio has had watches with features like heart monitors and step trackers, the GSW-H1000 is the first to come with a wearable OS, giving it access to apps on the Google Play Store.

Available in red, blue and black, the GSW-H1000 is expected to retail at approximately US$700 (RM2,899) or £600 (RM3,440) in mid-May across the US and UK.

Local pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed.