LG has announced that its latest wearable, the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition, will begin shipping to a few markets around the world starting this month. On deck for this initial batch of launch countries are the U.S. and Korea. LG says that other markets in Europe, Asian, and the Commonwealth of Independent States will see launches in the coming months.
LG doesn't mention any specific dates or pricing information outside of "this month," simply stating that pricing and release date information will be announced locally. However, for those of us in the U.S., we already know that the first Android Wear smartwatch to sport LTE will be coming to AT&T on November 13 for $15 per month for 20 months, or $199.99 on a 2-year contract.
Likewise, Verizon has just announced that it will begin preorders for the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE starting tomorrow, November 12, for $499.99 outright or $449.99 with a new two year activation.
Check out our hands-on with the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition
Press Release:
LG WATCH URBANE SECOND EDITION TO BEGIN ROLLOUT IN KEY MARKETS WORLDWIDE
First Android Wear Smartwatch with Cellular Connectivity for Active Individuals
SEOUL, Nov. 12, 2015 ― The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition, the first Android Wear smartwatch to feature cellular connectivity, will begin rolling out to customers worldwide starting this month in the United States and Korea with key markets in Europe, Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States to follow in the months ahead.
Compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones*, the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition allows users to answer calls and check messages without the assistance of a tethered smartphone. So wearers can feel confident knowing that they won't miss any important information when out for their morning run or on the tennis court.
The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition features a classic timepiece design consisting of a hairline-etched stainless steel body and a full-circle 348ppi P-OLED display. The three buttons on the right side provide quick access to shortcut settings, LG Health and apps. Moreover, its high-capacity 570mAH battery and Power Saving Mode enables the smartwatch to last throughout the day with power to spare.
"Keeping people connected to the world is our business and the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition was designed specifically to meet the needs of customers who want to communicate anytime, anywhere," said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "The wearable category is still in its infancy and we plan to continue introducing exciting devices that appeal to a diverse audience."
Price and purchase details will be announced locally at the time of availability.
- Cellular enabled features will vary across Android and iOS.
About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a global leader and trend setter in the mobile and wearable industry with breakthrough technologies and innovative designs. By continually developing highly competitive core technologies in the areas of display, battery, camera optics and LTE technology, LG creates handsets and wearables that fit the lifestyles of a wide range of people all over the world. While helping to enhance the mobile user experience by incorporating unique, sophisticated designs and intuitive UX features, LG is also committed to guiding consumers into the era of convergence and Internet of Things, maximizing inter-device connectivity between a wide range of smartphones, tablets, wearables, home and portable electronics products. For more information, please visit www.LG.com.
Reader comments
LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE to begin shipping this month; Verizon announces preorders
Looks like Verizon is updating the Urbane 2 page. Getting page not found. Maybe they are lowering their price (not holding breathe)
http://www.androidcentral.com/e?link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kqzyfj.com%2Fclick...
I'm really interested in this watch, can anyone tell me if this watch has nfc?
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Does anyone know if these will ship SIM unlocked?
Does this have GPS .
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The only question is where and when can I buy it unlocked?
I'm sticking with AT&T for now but no way am I paying $10 plus a mess of fees for a watch. My pay-as-you-go SIM is perfect for smartwatches.
I really want this watch. Come on T-Mobile, what are you waiting for?
Agreed. T-Mobile offers this and I will be at the head of the line to buy it.
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I'm torn.. I really would love another watch the size of my Gear S with a "full keyboard".. I fell in love with the original Gear S and rarely touch my phone as it does quick typing of emails, texing, calls.. The new Gear S2 is rather disappointing and just seems insanely smaller compared.. The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE is a little bigger than the S2, which is great. In terms of long term comfort, I like the clasps better than this buckle.. Also, I've found Google Fit to be horribly inaccurate compared to S Health... Decisions... Decisions...
One thing to consider is that a lot of people are saying that the Gear S2 is pretty inaccurate in step counting. Maybe it'll be fixed in firmware though.
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These kind of watch designs were found in the leftovers section in the mass market 10 years ago.
You would see brands like Spalding ( ! ), Reebok snatch these watches for promotion and now, 10 years later, they're selling as the biggest trend in electronics nowadays because there's a digital UI slapped on the interface with a LG logo.
Shows things are all about UI now and not the design of the watch. So sad.
This looks like a weird Iron Man watch meant for kids.
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I Agree. Not classy at all
It actually looks great in person, I was worried when I ordered it. But when I got it I was happy. It is definitely bigger than a lot of smart watches but I think it looks good. But smaller wrist men and most women won't be able to wear it without it standing out
Why does it appear that the Verizon version is double the price of the AT&T version? That really sucks!
I agree. What is Verizon thinking???? Their with contract pice is still more than AT&T straight purchase price. But AT&T are incompatible, so you can't buy AT&T and use it on Verizon.
I was waiting to get a smart watch till this came out. Now I'm wondering if I should just go with the regular Ubane - I could get an open box new one for $194. No way I can afford what Verizon is charging.
I've never had a case of sticker shock like this before, I'm actually angry! I was sold on buying this thing, didn't even think price would be an issue and then I see this.! GAH!
I don't know why Verizons is so much more. I was happy to see att was 299 off contract
I was wondering what they were going to sell it for. Verizon still shows the original Urbane for $349. Really disappointed they are so much higher than AT&T. They're charging twice as much and you don't get NumberSync. Was interested - not at this price.
Since Verizon can't load it down with bloooat, makes sense.
I'm wondering if that's a typo, I've looked everywhere else and don't see pricing anywhere. If that's the case, count me out!
*update*
http://www.androidcentral.com/e?link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kqzyfj.com%2Fclick...
Whole lotta NOPE there
The extra cost is for more logos and bloatware on OUR watch!! Freaking verizon!!
I have already received mine from at&t. While I have service for it, I can pair it to my phone and enable bluetooth for phone calls and I can answer phone thru watch and use watch as speakerphone
Can you use the full functionality of the watch with it ONLY connected to the phone? Like Internet / Google Search ect.... (pull SIM and make sure it's not connected to WiFi ect. Thanks in advance!
I am pretty sure if you choose not to have cellular service, you can use it like a regular androidwear device as long as it is paired to your smartphone, plus with the speaker you can make and receive calls on the watch so long as you have the phone nearby.
The cellular service ($10 a month on at&t as long as you have a qualifying current data plan) allows you to keep your phone at home and receive calls and texts independently. It is also the first device to use at&t numbersync which allows the use of your same phone number across devices.
I didn't remove the Sim but disabled cellular in settings and it worked just like a normal android wear watch but that defeats the purpose of buying a watch with cell built it.
I want to know if you have to have cellular service with it. It would be nice if you could just use it with your phone as a speaker phone at times and I don't want another cellphone bill
I agree. I'm wanting to replace my original Galaxy Gear watch. I have it rooted and custom ROM in it. I would like something that functions like it does now, but designed to do it. But NOWHERE have I been able to find if you HAVE to have service on it, or you can make it rely upon my phone only. I feel THAT is VERY critical information that EVERYONE is missing.
So....when is the update going to roll out for Android Wear to support speakers? My Zenwatch 2 is ready!
I didn't think the Zenwatch 2 had a speaker. Hmmmm?????
There was a teardown that showed it had one.
http://9to5google.com/2015/10/13/speaker-support-android-wear-zenwatch/
Wow...for once Verizon is more than at&t! I preordered mine at $299.99 Off Contract at att.com and it is scheduled to ship Nov.12 or 13.
The android wear update activating speakers on watches with them has already been rolled out to developers and should hit anytime now. As far as I know only the new Huawei watch (which still requires your phone be nearby) and now the LG watch Urbane SECOND ED. have speakers built in- but I imagine it won't be long before some new android wear devices with speakers are announced.
It's about time!