The evolution in wearable technology is unmistakably manifested on the Sony SmartWatch 2 unveiled at the Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai. The device will likely be the first smartwatch bearing NFC wireless capabilities.

Many are viewing the Sony SmartWatch 2 as the main contender for Apple’s iWatch that is still in rumors.  Among the key features, the smartwatch will come with a 1.6-inch display with a resolution of 220 x 176 pixels. The screen, which is responsive to touch and swipe gestures, has been designed for easy readability even under extremely bright, sunlit environments. The watch will run on Android 4.0 or higher. The battery life of four days is touted to be the best so far. The device features an aluminum body and a black stainless steel wrist band that can be exchanged with standard 24mm watch-straps. It is splash-resistant, but not completely water-resistant.

A key upgrade from its predecessor is the capability to pair with Android devices via NFC and Bluetooth. Thus, it can be used as a second screen or remote control for the paired device, allowing wearers to capture photographs, answer phone calls, and access apps in just a few touches. It allows adjustment of audio settings as well. When offline, the device works as a standard watch and can read emails that were downloaded earlier.

Sony seems to be ahead of its competitors in developing its second-gen smartwatch, as it has already sold over half a million smartwatches. It has nearly 200 apps that have been downloaded more than a million times to date. Sony’s technological expertise, coupled with its huge customer base is likely to give it an edge over potential rivals – Samsung and Apple are said to be working on their own smartwatches.

As for the SmartWatch 2 release date, Sony is planning a global release by September, but has yet to reveal pricing details. The existing model of the smartwatch costs about $100.