Apple announces Apple Watch
- Thread starter Volotaire
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Definitely room for improvements and we already know what they are.
- thinner
- better battery life
- waterproof
- GPS
- Internet without iPhone if possible
But reading articles from watch people about this watch makes one thing clear, the engineering of every aspect of this watch is far superior to every other smart watch and a heck of a lot of traditional watches in the same price range.
- thinner
- better battery life
- waterproof
- GPS
- Internet without iPhone if possible
But reading articles from watch people about this watch makes one thing clear, the engineering of every aspect of this watch is far superior to every other smart watch and a heck of a lot of traditional watches in the same price range.
24 hours is pointless.
Say you wake up at six am, take it off the charger when you get dressed at 6:30. Having it last until 6:30 the following morning does you no good, as you will need to charge it when you should be walking out the door. It needs to last until you go to bed, not until you wake up -- so either 18 hours or 42 hours.
Maninthemirror
Banned
I think what a lot of people will do is use this watch as a fitness device then sync the data with the phone. not a lot of people will use a gps on the phone but what they can do is put the phone into walking mode, put it in your pocket then your wrist will be tapped by the phone whenever you need to turn instead of looking at the phone repeatedly to see when you have to turn or holding it in your hand. Plus a lot of people who have the phone on vibrate miss a text or a message to you because the vibration is not detected in your pocket. the tap on your wrist will be a clearer indicator where only you know you have been called or messaged. This can also act as the same thing when you are in a place where your phone needs to be silenced but you can check the watch to see any update you missed because your phone is on silent due to the tap function. Also when you are driving its easier to see the wrist than to pick up your phone and see any update.
I think from what I see, Apple has envisioned this device to be a something that allows you to keep the phone in your pocket until you really need it and then have the tap function and quick notify functions and quick app functions as a better way to provide you information. Say you are sitting on a subway, you get a message, Apple doesn't want you to always pull out your phone and see it, it wants you get tapped on your wrist with the update that if you want to respond on the phone or not. I think Apple wants you to keep this primarily as a QUICK information delivery device rather than a phone replacement you can have without keeping the phone around you as well as a time piece with different clock faces for the customization. Apple envisions you to ALWAYS have a phone with you, in the pocket., in your backpack or in your bag, what if your device is being used as a gps and you want to do something other, that is where the device comes in in Apple's vision I think, where you always have the phone with you for major access but for minor access, the wrist will be your guide
I think from what I see, Apple has envisioned this device to be a something that allows you to keep the phone in your pocket until you really need it and then have the tap function and quick notify functions and quick app functions as a better way to provide you information. Say you are sitting on a subway, you get a message, Apple doesn't want you to always pull out your phone and see it, it wants you get tapped on your wrist with the update that if you want to respond on the phone or not. I think Apple wants you to keep this primarily as a QUICK information delivery device rather than a phone replacement you can have without keeping the phone around you as well as a time piece with different clock faces for the customization. Apple envisions you to ALWAYS have a phone with you, in the pocket., in your backpack or in your bag, what if your device is being used as a gps and you want to do something other, that is where the device comes in in Apple's vision I think, where you always have the phone with you for major access but for minor access, the wrist will be your guide
freenudemacusers
Member
milanese loop looks great. will wait for rev 3. need more battery and thinner body.
An iPad is just a bigger iPhone. Fundamentally accurate but the reality is that it enriches some use cases such as media consumption, and enables new use cases that aren't feasible on a small smartphone.
A smartwatch is just a small iPhone. Fundamentally accurate but there is the possibility to do the opposite of the iPad - pate experiences down and let you focus on information triage.
Bearing in mind this is a first release, and with developers bringing new experiences I think there is potential. Having said that, some things like the photo album were a bit silly
A smartwatch is just a small iPhone. Fundamentally accurate but there is the possibility to do the opposite of the iPad - pate experiences down and let you focus on information triage.
Bearing in mind this is a first release, and with developers bringing new experiences I think there is potential. Having said that, some things like the photo album were a bit silly
Squirrel Killer
Member
I don't wear watches, but do people typically wear them while showering? Even leather banded ones?
Marty Chinn
Member
Android Wear 2.0 is supposed to start acting more standalone and less reliant on a phone. A phone will enhance it, but there will be functionality without the phone soon.
I wear mine all the time. Almost never take it off.
Maninthemirror
Banned
I think its the same thing here. to enhance the feature, an iPhone is required but I am pretty sure the Watch records the fitness data and then can sync it later when the phone is near
Opus Angelorum
Member
Let me explain my disdain.
I understand the smart-watch will take time (pun intended) to find its feet. The potential is there, but in regards to this as a new product category I just...don't get it.
If a device requires another device to function properly, and struggles to do so (battery life, navigation)...what purpose does it serve?
Smart-phones and tablets are so popular because they have taken functions that traditionally would have been done on a PC/Laptop and improved them (portability, ease of use).
The smart-watch however is merely replicating functions that are better served on a smart-phone, the very thing it is tethered too. It's effectively a second screen.
Consider all the smart-phones that have been sold over the last five years, at what point did we start saying 'you know what, using this thing is such a hassle...I'd love something on my wrist that could do this'?
And even if that question has been asked, does the Apple Watch answer it? No.
From a company like Apple whom with the iPod and iPad have utterly destroyed the competition...this take on a smart-watch is piss poor. I have no doubt later revisions will be much more compelling, but to think this will sell millions when it's clearly half-baked...annoys me no end.
Byakuya769
Member
You know it's bad when John Grueber hasn't written a glowing piece on it yet.
TimeEffect
Member
Smartwatches should be huge. I hate pulling out my phone
Maninthemirror
Banned
if you let the device be independent with its own gps, calling features and all that to the point where you can leave your phone at home when going for a short while, it defeats Apple's purpose. it wants to sell both where you have your phone in your pocket or acting as a gps in the car or charging in the car or in your backpack or in your hand bag while the wrist watch acts as a short and quick information relay like reading the time and putting the wrist down or reading a message or getting a tap to turn or getting a tap to get a notification while walking or getting a tap while in a movie. Apple wants you to let the phone out of your hands for use when you REALLY need to use apps especially now that the screen size is big enough to get even more data to view and have the watch as a quick information relay
Opus Angelorum
Member
AstroNut325
Member
Byakuya769
Member
Damn. Nuff said.
Maninthemirror
Banned
A lot of people are so information hungry they constantly have thier phones in their hands in case they miss a notification, Apple's strategy seems to suggest that this way you keep the phone near and get the notification on your wrist as a quick information notification
flyinpiranha
Member
Nice read.
I LOVE the idea of a smartwatch. I always wear a watch and living in a rainy state (Oregon) I am usually wearing a longer jacket and just "glancing" at the phone, while completely possible can be somewhat annoying, phone gets wet, it was just a gmail alert, text from Amazon letting me know my package is there, etc ...
I think this tech will be perfect in a couple years. Now that Apple is on board it will push the Android market hopefully (which is what I own) and we'll see some real competition hopefully.
Dreams-Visions
Member
Cool article. I think the cuff test really matters for those interested in a watch like this entirely replacing their need for a normal watch. I expect revision 2 or 3 to be the one thin enough to pass the cuff test.
I'll get one at launch and keep my classic watches for classic suit & tie affairs.
High, but probably not until revision 3 and beyond. The iPhone will be used to help them establish their market, imo. I think of this watch like a growing baby. It will eventually be strong enough to stand on its own. For now, nope.
Lol I am still using one. Been lazy about upgrading.
I don't know what kind of resources Apple has poured into this thing, but limiting in to the iPhone ecosystem is... almost like they're hedging their bets on the first itineration. If this isn't an instant success, I'd bet the next generation won't be tethered. Then again, iTunes was originally a Mac only application, but Apple seems like they're locked into a proprietary system more now than when they were just doing computers.
Having valid complaints is one thing, being annoyed to no end with the purchase choices of other people is what's weird. Are you mad that Apple is "not going to learn their lesson" if millions of people buy them? Because that would mean you don't really think they're going to improve them over time.
Thanks, I've never heard of this blog before. I'll keep an eye out, since I love mechanical hand crafted watches.
@gruber ·
@zofel Oh, thats not true. It often takes me a while to write post-event coverage: http://daringfireball.net/2011/10/thoughts_and_observations_iphone_4s
@gruber ·
@zofel The other factor is that Ive been busy with other meetings and work.
Kung Fu Jedi
Member
Do people really want another device that needs to connect to a network independently? For a smartwatch to work without being tethered, it would need its own cell connection, which in turn is going to make it a little bigger, and put more of a hit on the battery. Considering I wear my watch constantly, and never go anywhere without my phone, the tethering concept makes more sense to me. Besides, I wouldn't want to pay yet another fee for data on a device.
By the way, Timex has announced a fitness watch that will stand alone, and uses the AT&T network for messaging, tracking updates, etc. It's due in early 2015 I believe as well, and they haven't mentioned battery life or price yet either. They have said it will come with a year of network service, but beyond that, you'll be paying for it. It doesn't do half of what the Apple Watch does, but it is a competitor in the fitness space. Their approach is a bit clunky with the messaging system though.
By the way, Timex has announced a fitness watch that will stand alone, and uses the AT&T network for messaging, tracking updates, etc. It's due in early 2015 I believe as well, and they haven't mentioned battery life or price yet either. They have said it will come with a year of network service, but beyond that, you'll be paying for it. It doesn't do half of what the Apple Watch does, but it is a competitor in the fitness space. Their approach is a bit clunky with the messaging system though.
sonycowboy
Member
I see the announcement as being significantly more than those bullett points... The watch / wearability / style aspects other than the bulge seem to be beyond reproach for the most part or at least a definite design choice to have the rectangular screen be more generally usable than what the android wear has done.
I don't see myself getting one, but I don't have a watch of any quality and don't see getting one. But I do think they nailed a host of aspects with this device...
I don't even want another device I have to plug in to the wall. Gonna need two surge protectors by the bed soon.
Kung Fu Jedi
Member
Yeah, I hear you there. My current GPS fitness watch requires a recharge about every 10 days or so, or about 30 days when not using it with GPS. That took a lot of getting use to right there, when you typically have watches that run for years without every needing to do anything to them.
D
Deleted member 22576
Unconfirmed Member
Whoa whoa whoa now, let's remember to actually read the posts before we categorize in such a reductive way. There's a lot of subtlety and and intricacy to my opinion on this concept of computing.
In my most recent post on the concept I'm a lot more positive, that's true. Apple (like Apple does best) actually made the concept understandable as something that could augment my social experience in interesting ways. I'm allowed to like one thing and not like another. Especially with how very different the two takes on this concept are.. they are not similar at all.
I don't see any inconsistency whatsoever in my expressions on this subject. You'll also note my continuing and persistent interest in health and fitness tracking.. which the Apple watch seems to bring a lot to the table..
If you want to point and say "gotcha" because you view computing as this company vs that company then by all means point but I don't view things in that way.
There's a lot of NEW in all caps concepts in this device. And I find them interesting in a way no other tech bracelet has before.
AstroNut325
Member
I agree with this sentiment. I really hope Apple utilizes the transparent solar panel tech in future iterations. Having to never "charge" the device would be amazing. One of the best things about my Citizen EcoDrive watch.
Byakuya769
Member
D
Deleted member 22576
Unconfirmed Member
One last observation before I go back to my lunch, the demonstration and Apple stock apps seemed to be operating out of this idea of people and who's closest to you. I can easily things like the tapping feature and the little doodle thing being a legitimate selling point. I mean it would be super weird to feel your partners heart racing on your wrist... Stuff like that is very science fiction to me. I can really see the watch being this incredibly intimate tool for those closest to you. They seemed to have been selling the watch as a tool to further deepen your connections and bonds to those closest. That is interesting to me at face value.
Anecdotally weird techy emotional stuff like that doesn't work too great in practice but you never know.
Anecdotally weird techy emotional stuff like that doesn't work too great in practice but you never know.
Yes. I can't stop salivating over the thing. The watch is Gorgeous.
Everyone stop using the word triage for every fucking tiny decision you make, right now.
Byakuya769
Member
Such a visceral reaction.
I've briefly analysed your post and decided it doesn't need immediate attention, but I might come back to it later
Seriously though, I have times during my day when I'm expecting a message from someone, so I'm getting my phone out for every incoming email. A watch would help keep that to a minimum - and the vibrations on your wrist would avoid you missing an important message too.
I think that is useful, just not $350 useful
Eh, seems like every muffin head in my industry has suddenly forgotten the word prioritize exists. It's pretty cringeworthy.
Damn, looking at the pics, I realized its not so much the watch, as it is the strap that you choose. Some of these straps, like the milanese.....wow, makes the watch pop hard.
What's your industry? We use it a lot in test. It is a bit management bullshitty but it is distinct from prioritization which suggests everything is relevant, but some things are less important. Triage allows things to drop off the list completely which is I think why they use it.
Phoenix
Member
Some people may not need the function in various contexts. For example, if someone is out jogging or working out - they may not need their phone at all. There are chunks of the demographic that would have good reason to not be tethered to their phone 24x7
Maninthemirror
Banned
Doesn;t the watch at least RECORD the data it needs when you are running and when you get home, sync it with the health app on the iPhone? Sort of like a fitbit device
RastaMentality
Banned
Well I'd always bring my phone out to jog in case I get kidnapped or see something and need to call 911 but maybe that's just me being overly cautious.
Phoenix
Member
Sounds like you need to bring a dog moreso than your phone
Maninthemissor said:
I don't think we know that answer yet - but I would EXPECT that you should be able to do that. I mean a whole lot of functionality needs to be able to function without the phone around. If the battery on the phone dies, the watch can't cease to work.
The phone doesn't have independent gps - so it would need your phone to measure distance travelled. But it does am have an accelerometer so it can measure movement, pace, and with your heart beat - calories. It can also keep time obv.
So if you want to run for 30 minutes or bike for 30 minutes it should theoretically be able to work and give you calories burned, heart rate, etc. But if you want to run precisely 10 miles and draw a route to end up back home, you'll need your phone for that.
Edit: or you can find the route on your phone, then leave it at home and stick to it. But you won't have message/calling functionality.
If they truly want this to be a fitness device they'll add gps and allow u to swim with it. A sleeker 2nd gen with those features would be a MASSIVE success
So if you want to run for 30 minutes or bike for 30 minutes it should theoretically be able to work and give you calories burned, heart rate, etc. But if you want to run precisely 10 miles and draw a route to end up back home, you'll need your phone for that.
Edit: or you can find the route on your phone, then leave it at home and stick to it. But you won't have message/calling functionality.
If they truly want this to be a fitness device they'll add gps and allow u to swim with it. A sleeker 2nd gen with those features would be a MASSIVE success
Booty Patrol
Banned
Is the sport model below or above the regular model?
Phenomenal article. Just what I wanted to read.
exmachina64
Banned
No.
The Sport model is above the regular model, is made of anodized aluminum instead of stainless steel, and uses "strengthened ion-x glass" instead of sapphire crystal.
http://www.apple.com/watch/overview/?cid=wwa-us-kwg-watch-com
IT. And I don't get how the classic definition of triage allows things to drop off a list.
You can use it tho man, you're one of the good ones.
GuitarAtomik
Member
Compared to the AndroidWear watches? Not a lot of difference especially when we're talking about the overall concept of the smart watch which your quotes seem to be railing against (correct me if I'm wrong). The only way to justify that kind of turnaround just from seeing the AppleWatch, is if you just weren't paying attention to what you were seeing during the AndroidWear reveal. Eschewing the look and build of the hardware (which didn't seem to be your problem with it), the only really new thing we're seeing with Apple's reveal is the haptic feedback and the dial. Not some crazy new or different approach to the concept of the smartwatch.
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