Matrix PowerWatch 2 is a wearable fuelled by energy from the sun – and your own body

The word ‘rugged’ springs to mind when setting eyes on Matrix PowerWatch 2 ($199). The chunky 47mm frame comes across like it’d be insulted if you dared wear it in an office rather than on a hike in some far-flung forest. And in the latter use-case, PowerWatch 2 has your back – the always-on display can provide GPS and heart-rate read-outs, metrics syncing with HealthKit or Google Fit. The really clever bit, though, is how it charges, utilising ‘wasted’ energy from the sun and your own body heat. So although PowerWatch 2 might lack the grace of an Apple Watch and the app ecosystem of its many rivals, you might find it more reassuring to have a wearable on your wrist that only runs out of juice when you do.

Craig Grannell Contributor

About

I’m a regular contributor to Stuff magazine and Stuff.tv, covering apps, games, Apple kit, Android, Lego, retro gaming and other interesting oddities. I also pen opinion pieces when the editor lets me, getting all serious about accessibility and predicting when sentient AI smart cookware will take over the world, in a terrifying mix of Bake Off and Terminator.

Areas of expertise

Mobile apps and games, Macs, iOS and tvOS devices, Android, retro games, crowdfunding, design, how to fight off an enraged smart saucepan with a massive stick.