*“This is the most personal device we have ever created.” – Apple CEO, Tim Cook.*
That quote from Tim Cook speaks volumes to me, and I believe it to be true. Apple has never created a device that can be personalized like Apple Watch, but it goes much deeper than that. The intricacies of Apple Watch are more complex than switching out a Sport Band for a Milanese Loop, and it’s not about learning to use Apple Watch, but how *you* will use it.
One of the things that concerned me about Apple Watch is that it would only be a reactionary device. What I mean by that is you would only be responding to things that happened on your phone and getting feedback on your watch. That to me is a very expensive notification system, and perhaps not worth even the low-end price of $349.
However, after attending the keynote on March 9, I realized that Apple built-in a way for Apple Watch to also initiate actions without using the iPhone. That brings things to an entirely different level of usefulness and sophistication. Now we’re talking about a completely different type of device, and that may change the answer to whether or not you should buy one.
There is no doubt Apple Watch is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. There are very few people in this world that have even seen Apple Watch, let alone wear one, but I’ve had that opportunity twice. I can tell you, it’s stunning.
The decision on whether or not you should buy one is probably going to be one of the most personal device decisions you’ve made in some time. It’s personal, it’s fashionable and it’s functional—only you can determine the importance of those three things.
If I can offer one piece of advice—don’t listen to those people telling you that you need to buy one, and don’t listen to the naysayers who say it will be a flop. Judge for yourself and your lifestyle.
I have yet to use an Apple Watch for an extended period of time, but from what I’ve seen, it will fit into my life pretty well. The question is for how long—I won’t know the answer to that until I get to spend some time with it.
Well said, I’m shocked that Apple didn’t give you a unit to review after the event?
I knew I will buy one the moment they showed it for the first time. Not even interested in additional apps. Time, calendar and select notifications are all I really want; checking my heartbeat between two cigarettes and a Scotch,.. not so much.
It is simply beautiful, as it is from Apple it will certainly work, and even in steel it costs less than one of the suits I have to wear for work. Quite a no-brainer.
Any idea of the effect of the Watch on iPhone battery life?
He probably did receive a review unit but if so, any mention of having a test device would be under embargo until much closer to launch. This is standard operating procedure for Apple.
“That quote from Tim Cook speaks volumes to me, and I believe it to be true.”
Face it Jim. You believe everything that comes from Apple to be true.
“I can tell you, it’s stunning.”
If Apple released a pile of rocks, you’d say the same thing. Stunning. Exceptional. Blah blah…
What’s with the attitude Bob?
As soon as I need a gigantic fob of technology on my wrist, I’ll get my iWatch and pair it up with my iPhone. Right now, I’m pretty OK with just taking my iPhone out of my pocket when I need some internet…
“One of the things that concerned me about Apple Watch is that it would only be a reactionary device. What I mean by that is you would only be responding to things that happened on your phone and getting feedback on your watch. That to me is a very expensive notification system, and perhaps not worth even the low-end price of $349.”
What did they show you that changed your opinion of a reactionary device? The ability to call an Uber? Check Tweets? Respond to Notifications? These are all things that set the bar over a year and a half ago. Apple didn’t raise the bar, they raised the price.
“However, after attending the keynote on March 9, I realized that Apple built-in a way for Apple Watch to also initiate actions without using the iPhone.”
Did I miss it? What is the way? 🙂 I don’t see where you state what the relevation was, just that you had it 🙂
It was the Uber demo.
http://www.loopinsight.com/2015/03/10/thoughts-on-apple-watch/
Uber’s API is open. You’ll be able to do this with a Pebble, Moto, LG
If that is true than
“I have yet to use an Apple Watch for an extended period of time, but from what I’ve seen, it will fit into my life pretty well. The question is for how long—I won’t know the answer to that until I get to spend some time with it.”
Feels disingenuous, would be better to just not say that than pretend I don’t have the watch on right now while I’m writing this.
Excellent, thank you! Sorry I missed this one!
He doesn’t like Jim, posts this kind of thing all the time. Blah blah blah…
For “reactionary” uses, the need is actually stronger with women who keep their phones in purses, not necessarily on their person or easily obtainable.
(No offense meant to men who do the same thing.)
Really wish it was waterproof …
So many watches to benchmark in its price segments, so much money invested into precision manufacturing of the case, but not able to go swimming with it?
Unless waterproof characteristics are a “surprise” being held until launch, the lack of this feature will restrict sales interest.
You’re missing the point. Jim’s noting that things LIKE THIS enable Watch to be more than a passive device to which information is pushed.
it’s not just Uber, it’s the idea that many such uses can be envisioned. Others have mentioned the ability to display the QR code for your boarding pass. Yes, I can take my phone out but when I’m in line, digging my ID out, juggling two pieces of luggage it would be nice to just have it pop up on my wrist.
The point is that just as no single app is THE reason to use a phone (it’s the combination of apps that we each use), no single app will be the killer app for Watch. It will be a constellation of apps that, for some set of people, make it a compelling device.
For other people, the apps won’t be compelling. The Uber and boarding pass examples will resonate with frequent travelers and not with people who fly once a year.
Read http://stratechery.com/2015/apple-make-wearable-market/ for a good take on what will make the Watch succeed or not.
From a Zdnet article on the issue:
“Waterproof or not: According to Apple, “Apple Watch is splash and water resistant but not waterproof. You can, for example, wear and use Apple Watch during exercise, in the rain, and while washing your hands, but submerging Apple Watch is not recommended. Apple Watch has a water resistance rating of IPX7 under IEC standard 60529. The leather bands are not water resistant.”
IPX7 means that the Apple Watch will be able to withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. In real terms, this means a shower, being out in the rain, or washing your hands, but not activities such as swimming or lounging in hot tubs.”
It seems to me that it’ll be sufficient for the vast majority of users.
Right. I agree. What I’m saying is these things aren’t unique to the Apple Watch. They are already happening on Android Wear and Pebble. I believe in the Smart Watch industry and believe it’s the future. Apple’s watch didn’t change the game here like usual, it’s just their version. So for Jim to be “concerned” it would just be a notification relayer doesn’t make much sense when the entire industry was already pushing these types of features.
Face it, Pebble isn’t going to affect the overall market. Android could but they’re fragmented and I’m unclear on whether things that work on, say, the Moto 360 will work on other Wear watches. It also feels like the Android Wear stuff hasn’t really sold well though that’s just a gut feel.
Apple will sell millions of the same device in the next 12 months giving people one large platform on which to develop. The critical thing will be what developers do with it. If there are even 20 really amazing apps that come out that will kickstart other things. Again, it’s like the iPhone… remember the first one? No copy/paste, no apps nothing… but as apps got built, the platform took off because we can do things with phones that matter to us. The Watch will be the same but more so, but it really does depend on compelling apps for a wide variety of desires being created.
Oh, so you’ve used one then, yes?
Nope. You’re just as full of it as anyone.
How do you know it hasn’t changed the game if you haven’t used it?