IFA 2013: Can Qualcomm's Toq smartwatch upstage Samsung Galaxy Gear?

While the tech world might be going gaga discussing whether Samsung's new Galaxy Gear smartwatch, Qualcomm also launched its own version of a smartwatch at the IFA.The watch called Toq (pronounced talk) comes with wireless charging and a Qualcomm Mirasol display technology which will allow users to read clearly even in bright sunlight. According to CNET the watch is likely to be priced at $300 as well like the Galaxy Gear.“Toq’s always on, always connected, always visible wearable technology gives you a ‘Digital 6th Sense,’ telling you what you need to know, when you need to know it, with just a glance at your wrist or a whisper in your ear. Toq is a showcase for the benefits of the Mirasol display, WiPower LE and stereo Bluetooth technologies and highlights the experience that the wearable category can provide,” said Dr Paul E. Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of Qualcomm.[caption id="attachment_1087593" align="alignleft" width="380"]

Qualcomm Toq is seen in this file photo. Reuters[/caption]This is going to be a limited edition smartwatch according to Qualcomm. So what are the features of the smartwatch?It has a 200 Mhz Cortex M3 processor, wireless charging support, Bluetooth and a coloured capacitive touchscreen display that is always on. The Toq watch also comes with days of battery life and Qualcomm claims that the screen doesn't use a typical backlit display and the lower processor means less battery life is used in the watch.The watch doesn't have any buttons either. Toq is the first smartwatch that uses Qualcomm WiPower LE technology for wirless charging.The watch lets users manage smartphone calls, text messages, meeting reminders and various notifications from their wrist. It is compatible with Android 4.0.3 and the app is available in the Google Play Store as well.Toq also has a functionality that allows users to connect wireless stereo headphones via the Bluetooth. Users can make calls with their smartphone using the headsets. The headsets will have to be bought separately.While it doesn't have a camera like Samsung's Galaxy Gear, the Qualcomm Toq does offer pretty similar features to what the Galaxy Gear does. The advantage is that it doesn't appear to be so clunky either given that it has no buttons like the Pebble does.However if it priced as high as the Galaxy Gear, it could dampen interest for some users.