Sony Smartwatch 2 pairs with your Android smartphone, has NFC and waterproofing

Beating Apple to the iWatch punch (and Samsung too for that matter) are Sony, who have today lifted the covers off their Smartwatch 2 connected wristwatch.

Pairing up with an Android smartphone, the Smartwatch 2 is designed as second screen companion to your handset, letting you control some of its functions without taking the phone out of your pocket.

Connecting over NFC (and incorporating Facebook login between the two devices in the process), the Smartwatch 2 will let you answer calls, check maps, and even use the watch as a remote camera shutter for your phone.

Featuring a 1.6-inch 220 x 176 resolution touch display, the device uses an interface which is said to mirror the feel of Android, making navigating its functions familiar. As with Sony’s Xperia Z range of phones, the Smartwatch 2 is also waterproof, letting you take it in the shower or out into rainy weather without concern.

Hitting stores in September 2013, news on pricing and stockists will follow shortly.