A smartwatch comes in all shapes and sizes: from standard watches that vibrate when a notification is received, to complete mini computers on your wrist. The Casio Edifice EQB-500 should be somewhere in between. However, the lack of a score in this review indicates that something is seriously wrong...
Big but beautiful watch
You wear a watch on your wrist every day. It is generally seen as an accessory and that means that it should look nice. Casio, as one of the most famous watch brands, knows how to design a beautiful watch. That is also reflected in this Casio Edifice. This watch is cool thanks to the large buttons on the side and the dial with different clocks. The black version, which is tested here, also contains red elements that provide an even tougher design. Also read: Wearables - What exactly are they?
There is a good chance that you will like the watch if you like a somewhat larger clock.
The watch contains a steel strap that is very large once you receive it. So if you're not a giant, chances are you'll need to shrink the band. The thickness of the watch can be seen as a disadvantage. It is a lot thicker than the average watch and therefore sticks out a bit. So be careful when walking close to walls, because the chance that you will scrape along the wall with this watch is considerably greater than with thinner watches.
Getting started with the Casio Edifice EQB-500
It should be very simple, but unfortunately our test model didn't work properly and we couldn't get it connected to a phone. However, the operation should be simple. First, download the Casio Watch+ app. In this app, select the watch you are using and then press Next. You will then be asked to press the button at the bottom left of the watch for half a second. If all goes well, the watch should connect to your phone. Unfortunately, we received an error message on four different devices, from iPhones to Samsung Galaxy's. Other users also complain a lot about connection problems with the watch in the app stores. So it's high time Casio optimized its apps for iOS 8 and a wider range of Android devices.
Unfortunately we did not get the device working with a telephone in any way.
What he should do
If you do get it to work, you should be able to do a few things with your watch via your phone. First of all, the watch is built for people who travel a lot. For example, the time zone is automatically changed and you can display the time zone of another place in the world in the small clock on the dial. You should be able to easily set this up with the app. You can also set an alarm clock and have a stopwatch at your disposal.
The Bluetooth button on the side should allow you to connect the watch to your phone.
Another notable option is a speedometer, aka a speedometer. With the dial that normally indicates the day of the week, you can also measure the speed. Not really handy, because it's tiny. More of a nice option that unfortunately adds little else.
On the clock you can see, among other things, the speedometer.
The nicest and most useful option on this watch is the so-called "Phone Finder". By pressing the button at the bottom right of the watch, your phone lights up and plays a ringtone.
Furthermore, you never have to worry about an empty watch, because through the Tough Solar technology the watch charges thanks to solar energy. Another practical advantage is that the watch is water resistant to 100 meters, according to Casio.
Conclusion
You don't buy this watch for the options. You can't call it a real smartwatch, because with so few options, it's not nearly as smart. It's more the idea that you can connect it to your phone, than that you actually benefit from it. The reason to purchase this watch will be because you just find it incredibly beautiful. Whether you're willing to pay 400 euros for it, that's up to you.
Because we have not been able to test the 'smart' functions of the Casio Edifice EQB-500, it is difficult to put a hard score on the gadget. And so we didn't do that. We cannot, of course, call a smartwatch that cannot connect to a smartphone, no matter how beautiful it looks. We hope to be able to take care of the watch again when the software works properly.
Casio Edifice EQB-500
Price: 399,-
Clock: Analog
Waterproof: Up to 100 meters
Battery type: CTL1616
Precision: +/- 15 seconds per month
Weight: 199 grams
Dimensions: 52mm x 48.1mm x 14.1mm
Pros:
+ Design
Cons:
- Bluetooth not working properly
- Limited Features
- Price
