Apple announces Apple Watch

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Raistlin said:
You can use google's implementation without looking?

Got a video demonstrating that? I'm not familiar with it in actual use, and am not sure how that would work.
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I imagine it like this:

On the Android watch you get ready to jog, start playing music and it brings up the main music control screen. Then while running you decide to skip to the next track, so without looking you know all you have to do is swipe to the right screen and press the unmissable single button. Now imagine trying to do that, while jogging, on the Apple Watch's solution which has 3 potential actions crammed on to a 1.5" screen. You'd be fairly lucky to hit the correct area without looking and you'd probably need to stabilize your wrist a fair amount before you could do it even if you were.

That said, I see pros and cons to both solutions. Outside of a workout environment, I imagine Apple's solution works just fine. Adding swipe gestures (swipe right to skip forward etc) which is probably easy for them to do, would eliminate the workout problem too.
 
efyu_lemonardo said:
Suunto_Core_LB02_25.jpg


A lot of watches designed for extreme sports such as diving or climbing have all kinds of additional buttons and input configurations.

The reason they're so great is because you can enter quite a lot of input without having to look at them.

And if you ask me, emphasizing tactile feedback while simplifying visual feedback should be the main differentiating factor between smart watches and smartphones.
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I did some reading once I determined it was the Suunto Core series, the rotating bezels are prone to loosening/falling off. Not what people would want from a $350 watch, I'd bet.
 
Terrell said:
I did some reading once I determined it was the Suunto Core series, the rotating bezels are prone to loosening/falling off. Not what people would want from a $350 watch, I'd bet.
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There are plenty of other watches that have rotating bezels or other unconventional input methods. But the point I was really trying to make was that using a watch should be a much less visual experience than using a smartphone. It should rely more on auditory and tactile cues and the screen should primarily be something that is given a quick glance every now and then. Basically the exact opposite of what smartphones have increasingly become.
 
3phemeral said:
Here's a video of someone explaining the music-control usage. When you start music on your phone, the controls for the music remain on the top of the watch's screen. He shows that you can just swipe left or right to perform back/skip respectively, and then you just tap the screen. I wouldn't have to look at my screen for any of that.
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Works as I assumed, and has two serious flaws.

1) When you swipe-tap ... it doesn't not go back to the main music screen after the button press. That means you have to remember which screen you are on in order to continue using it without looking. So realistically ... you have to look down.

2) This is a watch. It does not default back to the watch face, and none of the music pages have a digital clock on them like Apple Watch. While that means a nice clean presentation, it also means you need to swipe to get back to the time.


So in practice, it does in fact have all the problems I outlined.



GuitarAtomik said:
I imagine it like this:

On the Android watch you get ready to jog, start playing music and it brings up the main music control screen. Then while running you decide to skip to the next track, so without looking you know all you have to do is swipe to the right screen and press the unmissable single button. Now imagine trying to do that, while jogging, on the Apple Watch's solution which has 3 potential actions crammed on to a 1.5" screen. You'd be fairly lucky to hit the correct area without looking and you'd probably need to stabilize your wrist a fair amount before you could do it even if you were.

That said, I see pros and cons to both solutions. Outside of a workout environment, I imagine Apple's solution works just fine. Adding swipe gestures (swipe right to skip forward etc) which is probably easy for them to do, would eliminate the workout problem too.
Click to expand...
See above.

Regarding adding swipe gestures though ... I definitely agree Apple should do that (assuming it's not there already).
 
Raistlin said:
Works as I assumed, and has two serious flaws.

1) When you swipe-tap ... it doesn't not go back to the main music screen after the button press. That means you have to remember which screen you are on in order to continue using it without looking. So realistically ... you have to look down.

2) This is a watch. It does not default back to the watch face, and none of the music pages have a digital clock on them like Apple Watch. While that means a nice clean presentation, it also means you need to swipe to get back to the time.


So in practice, it does in fact have all the problems I outlined.
Click to expand...

Watch this video. The clock stays in the background with the music panel on the bottom. The other video was quickly cycling through different functions, so maybe that was a bad representation. Even still, you can still swipe, tap, swipe without looking.

But back to your comment:

"That means you have to remember which screen you are on in order to continue using it without looking"
​

You don't, actually. If you notice in the original video, to get back to the main music screen, you just swipe back. So no looking required.

[edit]

Maybe someone with an actual Android Wear watch can confirm in specificity how these controls work when the watch screen turns off?
 
CrankyJay said:
i'd like to start my car from my watch
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It probably wouldn't be difficult for GM to add Android Wear and Watch support to their existing OnStar app. Same goes for any other car company with existing mobile phone integration.

Easiest voice command ever; "Siri..." or "OK, Google..." "...Start my car."
 
sometimes i game said:
Seems like it's better to swipe left or right vs hunting for the tiny icon. Keep things simple on the watch, it's not a phone. Apple got this one wrong, Google got it right.
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You have to swipe left and then press the button.

If this is not a joke, please never design anything

Meus Renaissance said:
I'm genuinely shocked Apple are not getting ripped for this. The aesthetics of this watch are terrible
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Why should they? Its beautiful. Those screenshots are misleading.
 
effingvic said:
Why should they? Its beautiful. Those screenshots are misleading.
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Mmmmm... I'm just going to disagree. I don't think it's terrible (actually I do think a few of the more cluttered parts are terrible especially given the context), but "beautiful" is not a word I would use to describe it. I think the Android one is a lot cleaner, sleeker, and overall better looking, but hey. We all have different tastes especially when it comes to aesthetics.
 
Cleveland said:
Just think about the situations where you can't use your phone or an access to your watch is just easier and quicker.
You're in the subway or in a bus full of people, you're driving, you have one hand that is occupied with a bag, or you just really need to know what time it is... which one comes in handier?
The one you can summon with your voice and that shows a bold and front-and-center picture of the core information... or the one you will have to manually activate in order to get a smartphone-sized information package shrunk into a 1.5" display?
What's quick and at a glance in that? If for whatever reason you need a specific forecast for a specific period of time, all you have to do is ask (what will the weather be tonight/tomorrow morning/this afternoon/etc.).

And as far as interface beauty goes, well...
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Oh, you don't need to sell my on smart watches. I am on board the moment I have money.

efyu_lemonardo said:
A round watch could have the rotary be a ring around the entire frame.
That sounds rather comfortable to use, and it could make a slight click every few degrees, further aiding in non visual input.
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This was my secret hope, actually. Apple Watch would have an ipod style click wheel around the bezel as an interface. Would be a good callback to a now dead product line and help with the "small touch screen" issue.
 
AstroNut325 said:
Honestly... I would love to abandon the old ways of starting/unlocking vehicles. Having the watch track my biometrics and use that as a means to authenticate via NFC is how it should be.
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As long as it's reliable and can't be used by anybody who isn't authorized, that's an interesting idea.
 
Future Versions of Apple Watch to Include Additional Sensors, 'Richer Health Features'
Mac Rumors said:
Future versions of the Apple Watch will include "richer health features and additional sensors," according to a new report from Reuters. Though the Apple Watch was only unveiled on Tuesday, the site says that some healthcare professionals who were hoping for "groundbreaking health features" were left disappointed with the watch's fitness capabilities.

Observers say there is little evidence for now that the device's fitness capabilities surpass the competition. Others, hoping for groundbreaking health features from a company whose Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook spoke of how sensors are "set to explode," were left wondering what's in store for the product.

Two people familiar with Apple's plans told Reuters the company is planning to unveil richer health features and additional sensors in later versions, the first iteration not hitting the market until early 2015.​

Apple Watch rumors had initially suggested the device would come with more than 10 sensors to track various health and fitness metrics, with Apple aiming to go beyond the fitness tracking capabilities of smart watches currently on the market.

Early speculation about the device was linked to the Health app and Apple's health-related hires, with rumors pointing towards features like sleep tracking, glucose monitoring, and hydration tracking, but those functions did not make it into the device.

Instead, Apple's Watch measures fitness activity through the use of Wi-Fi and GPS (via the iPhone), an accelerometer, and a heart rate sensor, which is built into the back of the device. Data derived from the Watch is displayed in two separate fitness apps that will be included with the device, both of which aim to encourage users to increase their activity levels.

Apple Watch's inability to measure metrics beyond movement and heart rate put it on par with many other fitness devices on the market, but the Watch also includes several other distinguishing features like deep connectivity with the iPhone, Apple Pay support, and unique input methods with the Digital Crown and Taptic Engine.

Apple has not yet announced a specific release date for the Apple Watch, but says the device will be available starting in early 2015. Pricing for the Watch is expected to start at $349.
Click to expand...

How long do you think before the next version comes out?
 
Greyface said:
Future Versions of Apple Watch to Include Additional Sensors, 'Richer Health Features'

How long do you think before the next version comes out?
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This and the lack of built-in GPS are my only gripes. I think it looks fantastic (UI too). Once the watch has a broader array of sensors and fitness capabilities I'm in.... for the Apple Watch Edition... if the price is less than $699.

Edit:
efyu_lemonardo said:
As long as it's reliable and can't be used by anybody who isn't authorized, that's an interesting idea.
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Like MrGerbils said, keys can be used by anyone. If you lose your keys, any person can open your vehicle, home or whatever. Having locks authenticating against biometrics requires your physical presence.
 
AstroNut325 said:
Honestly... I would love to abandon the old ways of starting/unlocking vehicles. Having the watch track my biometrics and use that as a means to authenticate via NFC is how it should be.
Click to expand...
Modern cars (including mine) have abandoned that anyway though.

You don't have to have a phone/watch to remote start or unlock. Hell I don't even need to touch anything except my door handle to unlock my car.
 
CrankyJay said:
i'd like to start my car from my watch
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But you still have to press a button to unlock your car. Some Mercedes cars already have a feature that unlocks the car when the key gets close to the door (aka, keep keys in your pocket the whole time because of that feature and push to start)
 
What are the chances of a black Milanese mesh bracelet? The black link bracelet is OK when paired with the space black model, but I'd prefer the mesh. But steel band on a carbon colored watch seems like it'll clash.

Or I guess another good question: think they'll allow licensed 3rd-party bracelets?
 
Agent AA1 said:
But you still have to press a button to unlock your car. Some Mercedes cars already have a feature that unlocks the car when the key gets close to the door (aka, keep keys in your pocket the whole time because of that feature and push to start)
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Mercedes? Hell, my 2012 Focus Titanium has that. When I wrap my hand around the door handle (capacitive I assume?) it unlocks if a synced FOB is in the vicinity. While Ford has obviously been on the cutting edge for tech in the Focus, it's still a relatively affordable vehicle ... so it can't be all that expensive. I'd expect we'll see it hitting more and more lower end cars.




Terrell said:
What are the chances of a black Milanese mesh bracelet? The black link bracelet is OK when paired with the space black model, but I'd prefer the mesh. But steel band on a carbon colored watch seems like it'll clash.

Or I guess another good question: think they'll allow licensed 3rd-party bracelets?
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I think it's pretty likely either from Apple, or via 3rd party.

I've been rocking a black stainless steel mesh on my Skagen for years.

233ltmn_2.jpg
 
Raistlin said:
Mercedes? Hell, my 2012 Focus Titanium has that. When I wrap my hand around the door handle (capacitive I assume?) it unlocks if a synced FOB is in the vicinity. While Ford has obviously been on the cutting edge for tech in the Focus, it's still a relatively affordable vehicle ... so it can't be all that expensive. I'd expect we'll see it hitting more and more lower end cars.
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Seriously my 2013 Sonata Hybrid has this. Love it.
 
Meus Renaissance said:
I'm genuinely shocked Apple are not getting ripped for this. The aesthetics of this watch are terrible
Click to expand...

The UI design of the Apple Watch is terrible. I hate the fonts they've used and I hate the look of the emoji's. It's shocking how bad it looks because usually Apple is really good at UI design and I think iOS looks beautiful (and it looked decent during Forstal's reign).

They need to completely redesign it IMO cause right now it's ugly as sin. I get that they're going for sparse graphics and mostly text (to take advantage of OLED by turning off lots of pixels), but the design is just a terrible eyesore. The ID of the hardware is good for a gen one product but there's room for improvement (thinner design in future revisions). The look of the UI is inexcusable, especially from a company like Apple.

Will wait a few gens for this and I hope they do a revamp of the software at some point.
 
Raistlin said:
Mercedes? Hell, my 2012 Focus Titanium has that. When I wrap my hand around the door handle (capacitive I assume?) it unlocks if a synced FOB is in the vicinity. While Ford has obviously been on the cutting edge for tech in the Focus, it's still a relatively affordable vehicle ... so it can't be all that expensive. I'd expect we'll see it hitting more and more lower end cars.
Click to expand...

I've been caught out though. My wife unlocks the car with the fob in her handbag. I get in and drive her somewhere. She gets out and walks away, car then stops. I sometimes wish I had to physically put a key in the dash.
 
Quasar said:
I don't think Apple is built for anything much faster than yearly.
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Apple did dump the iPad 3rd Gen for the iPad 4th Gen after only 6 months though. Also the original iPhone had a couple flash drive changes, and a significant price drop, within the first year.
On the other hand, the iPod Touch and the AppleTV are on 2yr+ release cycles....
 
Raistlin said:
Mercedes? Hell, my 2012 Focus Titanium has that. When I wrap my hand around the door handle (capacitive I assume?) it unlocks if a synced FOB is in the vicinity. While Ford has obviously been on the cutting edge for tech in the Focus, it's still a relatively affordable vehicle ... so it can't be all that expensive. I'd expect we'll see it hitting more and more lower end cars.
Click to expand...

Fairly old tech in luxury cars, but it should be standard in in more cars today. I wish every car I use had it when I run to it in the rain. All cars have central locking today and the extra equipment to detect the key isn't very expensive. There is usually an off switch inside the car so it doesn't drain the battery if the car will not be used for some time.

One early "normal" car to feature this was the Prius which had it on many trim models in the mid 2000s. I think the Renault Laguna (family car) had it on many models in 2001.

mrklaw said:
I've been caught out though. My wife unlocks the car with the fob in her handbag. I get in and drive her somewhere. She gets out and walks away, car then stops. I sometimes wish I had to physically put a key in the dash.
Click to expand...
Even that is a fancy button in most cars. What I mean is if you flick the key to the starting position and don't hold it the starter motor still starts the car because you're just activating a button telling the electronics to start the car and it isn't a direct link to the starter motor like in the old days. Hard to explain, but you can see Tiff doing it here and note how quickly he releases the key. Don't get used to doing it that way though as it will suck when you try to start a car that doesn't work like that :P
 
MrGerbils said:
A key can already be used by anybody who isn't authorized.
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Exactly. So if this method is potentially more secure, that makes it interesting.

AstroNut325 said:
Like MrGerbils said, keys can be used by anyone. If you lose your keys, any person can open your vehicle, home or whatever. Having locks authenticating against biometrics requires your physical presence.
Click to expand...

I think we're saying pretty much the same thing.
 
Raistlin said:
Mercedes? Hell, my 2012 Focus Titanium has that. When I wrap my hand around the door handle (capacitive I assume?) it unlocks if a synced FOB is in the vicinity. While Ford has obviously been on the cutting edge for tech in the Focus, it's still a relatively affordable vehicle ... so it can't be all that expensive. I'd expect we'll see it hitting more and more lower end cars.





I think it's pretty likely either from Apple, or via 3rd party.

I've been rocking a black stainless steel mesh on my Skagen for years.

233ltmn_2.jpg
Click to expand...

Skagen bros for life
 
3phemeral said:
Maybe someone with an actual Android Wear watch can confirm in specificity how these controls work when the watch screen turns off?
Click to expand...

I have a Moto 360 and yep, you just swipe back up to the top. When the screen turns off (which on the 360 is pretty quick) it brings you back to the main clock screen when you turn it back on so there's no navigating back to the home screen manually. Also you can just put your palm over the watch to immediately turn the screen off.
 
While debating between the two sizes, I had a thought:

I wonder if the larger version will have slightly better battery life since its battery is slightly bigger?

If so, then the larger one is probably the better choice.
 
kess said:
Wish it wasn't $349 tho
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Same boat.

I actually liked the keynote presentation and feel the watch would be a great addition however $349?

I feel $249 would have been the right price if they wanted to target more potential buyers.

Wondering if they will be forced to lower the price.

Have they done something like that in the past? with stale products?
 
I use fitness apps on my iphone and I could definitely imagine getting one of these in the future, but this iteration just isn't doing it for me. I'll stick with my Casio G-Shock DW5600E:

voNqQeE.jpg


I've beaten the crap out of it over the years and it's still going strong.
 
xXxDieselxXx said:
Same boat.

I actually liked the keynote presentation and feel the watch would be a great addition however $349?

I feel $249 would have been the right price if they wanted to target more potential buyers.

Wondering if they will be forced to lower the price.

Have they done something like that in the past? with stale products?
Click to expand...

First iPhone
 
Terrell said:
It's been part of Siri functionality since the beginning of Apple's Siri beta, dude.
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I'm not questioning its capability of doing it. I'm saying that Apple didn't mention that you can do it hands-free from anywhere in the screen with a voice prompt, like Google now does. It's the whole point, and a pretty major difference.

EskimoJoe said:
Oh, you don't need to sell my on smart watches. I am on board the moment I have money.
Click to expand...

Uhm, I... don't have any interest in doing so?
 
Cleveland said:
I'm not questioning its capability of doing it. I'm saying that Apple didn't mention that you can do it hands-free from anywhere in the screen with a voice prompt, like Google now does. It's the whole point, and a pretty major difference.



Uhm, I... don't have any interest in doing so?
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It's pretty clear that it can. When they say it uses Siri, that means the entire package of what Siri can do, including touch-free activation. There's no need to elaborate further.
 
mturco said:
I have a Moto 360 and yep, you just swipe back up to the top. When the screen turns off (which on the 360 is pretty quick) it brings you back to the main clock screen when you turn it back on so there's no navigating back to the home screen manually. Also you can just put your palm over the watch to immediately turn the screen off.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the confirmation. None of the reviews mention this aspect of usability so it was difficult to information on it. I think even in situations where you're not using it for running, controlling the music without having to look at the screen will always be superior in most cases, except in instances where you're looking for a particular song, but that's when you use your phone.
 
mrklaw said:
I've been caught out though. My wife unlocks the car with the fob in her handbag. I get in and drive her somewhere. She gets out and walks away, car then stops. I sometimes wish I had to physically put a key in the dash.
Click to expand...

Your car doesn't alert you? My car will start beeping when the car is on the and the key fob is removed. It would be hard for my wife to get out of the car, drive off, and me not notice that I don't have the key.
 
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