Tech Burner’s Layers Launches Anarc 2: What’s New In The Rs 6,999 Smartwatch

Tech creator Shlok Srivastava, better known as Tech Burner, has launched the second-generation smartwatch from his consumer technology company, Layers. Priced at Rs 6,999, the Anarc 2 builds on the company’s first smartwatch and focuses on changes that Layers says came directly from user feedback. According to the company, Layers spoke to Anarc 1 users across Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru while developing the new model. Its WhatsApp community also received more than 100 messages a day over the past year, including criticism, suggestions and requests for new features. That feedback has now shaped the hardware and software changes introduced with Anarc 2.

What does Anarc 2 offer?

The Anarc 2 comes with a 1.85-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. It has an aluminium middle frame and built-in GPS.

The smartwatch runs on a HiSilicon processor and packs a 350mAh battery. Layers claims up to seven days of regular battery life and up to 14 days in saver mode.

The company has also introduced a new smartwatch interface called Nexora OS. Layers worked with London-based product design consultancy Seymourpowell on the redesign.

The software experience is one of the key changes from the first-generation model, with the company positioning Nexora OS as part of a broader effort to make the watch experience more complete.

GPS and fitness tracking get an upgrade

Built-in GPS is one of the notable additions to Anarc 2.

The smartwatch supports GPS, AGPS and route tracking. It can also sync with Strava, giving users a way to connect their activity data with the fitness platform.

For health and fitness tracking, the watch includes heart-rate and SpO2 monitoring, sleep tracking, stress tracking and women’s health tracking.

It also supports more than 100 workout modes.

Layers says heart-rate monitoring on Anarc 2 is 33% faster than on the first Anarc.

The combination of GPS, route tracking and Strava integration marks a shift towards more detailed activity tracking compared with the company’s first smartwatch.

AI comes to the smartwatch.

Anarc 2 also introduces two AI-powered features, although both are currently in beta.

Layers AI works as a voice-based assistant on the smartwatch.

The second feature, Canvas AI, allows users to create watchfaces using prompts.

The features add a more customisable element to the smartwatch experience, allowing users to interact with the device through voice and generate watchface designs.

Layers says it listened to Anarc 1 users.

For Layers, Anarc 2 is also a response to the feedback surrounding its first smartwatch.

Shlok Srivastava, Co-founder of Layers and known online as Tech Burner, acknowledged that the company made mistakes with Anarc 1 and said feedback from customers and creators helped the team identify areas that needed improvement.

The company says those conversations influenced the development of Anarc 2 rather than simply adding new specifications to the existing product.

Neel Gogia, Co-founder of Layers, said the focus was on completing the hardware and software experience in areas where the first Anarc could have done more.

That includes the move to Nexora OS as well as hardware and fitness additions such as built-in GPS.

Anarc 2 comes as Layers builds its consumer-tech business.

The smartwatch launch also adds another product to the consumer technology business built by Tech Burner and the Layers team.

Srivastava has built a large technology-focused audience through his content, while Layers operates on the product side of consumer technology.

With Anarc 2, the company is using that connection with its community as part of the product-development process.

The company says its interaction with users was not limited to launch feedback. Its WhatsApp community continued to send suggestions and criticism throughout the year, giving Layers a direct channel to understand how customers were using the first-generation product and what they wanted changed.

For Anarc 2, that feedback has translated into a new operating system, built-in GPS, expanded fitness tracking, faster heart-rate monitoring and AI-based features.

Anarc 2 price and availability

The Layers Anarc 2 is priced at Rs 6,999.

At that price, the smartwatch combines an AMOLED display, built-in GPS, health and fitness tracking, Strava integration, a new operating system and two beta AI features.

The bigger question for Layers now will be how users respond to the second-generation product after the company positioned it as a direct response to feedback from Anarc 1 customers.