Watches are basically the only wearable electronic device that ever caught on. That's because they provided some absolutely critical information (the time) that is by its nature glanceable information. Watches were the most efficient way to take the time with you - what alternatives where there to watches?
Even then, lots of people didn't like them because they were wearable - if you leave it on all day, your arm can get sweaty and uncomfortable, it catches on your shirt sleeves, doesn't match your outfit, is too difficult to put on and remove, whatever. Lots of people never liked watches.
I also doubt that having a hunk of Apple strapped to your wrist is "safer" than an iPhone in your pocket. Firstly, I don't think an iPhone particularly (as opposed to any other branded smartphone) makes you more likely to be attacked. iPhones are rather common these days, even amongst the plebs. Secondly, it'll be easy enough to spot the guy following his wrist rather than his phone. This wouldn't be announced in a vacuum - the day after this thing is announced most people on the planet will have heard of it.
Peeking your phone from out of your pocket and tapping the unlock button can in many situations be even more discreet than looking at your watch.
The case for having something like this is pretty weak IMO. It's definitely not the first time somebody's thought of a super-watch that could make video calls or browse the web or whatever: none of them have caught on. They've all had cool, futuristic, hyped-up receptions and then flopped once people saw the price, how stupid they look, and the excruciatingly thin value proposition.
meh.
The nano didnt catch on as a watch for a very good reason.
People are still wearing watches?
I think an "iWatch" (or whatever name) would be a great idea. Something that displays textual data/info on the screen like text/email/weather.
It should also be able to control the phone while using an Apple headset. So you could answer calls with a click/tap of the watch or activate Siri through the headset. So then you would not have a limited control like the headset controls and not have to bring out the phone. You could have complete control of Apple Apps/Siri using the watch.
Yes, but not ones like these
well if this proves out to be true, Apple is moving backwards...
Wherever I look there is a way to tell what time it is time without a wristwatch.
In the car, public building, cash registers display time etc.etc.
Obviously anybody with a cell phone has the time and would check quickly if there is a missed message or so.
Ditched watches many years ago and about the only watch I wear is Saturdays Sundays to referee soccer games.
Other than that just another thing to forget or lose. (I do leave my watch and a replacement in my ref bag and only buy Walmart under $ 10s)
This. Pebble is like a lottery ticket. The fantasy and hope distract you from the fact that you are a sucker. They are learning to be engineers and I helped pay for their education.
I love watches and Apple products, but I'll pass on this
I was in the "My iPhone became my watch 4 years ago" camp until I read this post. Missed calls and texts available on my wrist? I may have to think about wearing a watch again. My wife will surely buy it for me - she's most of my missed calls, and not deliberately! She just happens to call when I've walked away from my desk at work (with phone on Mute) or while I'm driving home and forgot to unMute. Then I *still* have to go to the corner store for milk. Maybe I'll go ahead and buy it for myself to save that hassle.