On Tuesday, Sony announced the new SmartWatch Android accessory that allows users to check their smart phones without holding them. The watch connects to Android phones via Bluetooth, although it cannot connect to tablets just yet. Sony’s “initial focus is on compatibility with Android phones,” Stephen Sneeden of Sony Mobile communications stated.

 We gather more insights about SmartWatch from Tech News.

It supports events, messaging…and a weather widget.Users can make and take calls, or mute or reject them. They can also send pre-set SMSmessages. SmartWatches let users read social updates, and send and receive text messages and email. It also lets them control music on their smartphones and snap pictures with their Android phones from a distance.

"SmartWatch is for anyone who wants to discreetly stay in touch with their Android smartphone or for those who are active and want to have their hands free," Sony's Sneeden remarked.

While online reviewers and critics appreciate Sony’s effort, quite a few seem negative about this new technology. “The SmartWatch may have limited appeal,” Retrevo Director Andrew Eisner told Tech News. “It has such a small screen, and while it’ll be able to work with a lot of apps, I don’t think it’s going to be a huge seller for Sony.”

Sony remains confident in their product. The SmartWatch is only the first of many smart phone accessories that Sony is planning to launch. These so-called Smart Extras aim to broaden a smart phone’s reach and improve user experience.