Swatch CEO Says iWatch Isn't the Next Revolution

[crisss1205]

Originally Posted by MacRumors

At a press conference in Grenchen, Switzerland, Hayek implied that an Apple smart watch would be a flop because of its small display size.

Originally Posted by MacRumors

Swatch used to sell its own version of a smart watch through a partnership with Microsoft. The Swatch Paparazzi offered users news headlines, sports, weather, horoscopes, and stock quotes.

Enough said.

[Krazy Bill]

Everyone underestimates the Apple "Halo" effect that exists within the Apple Vatican (ecosystem).

Kiddies aged 12-24 will gobble the iWatch up. Up till now, the only way to walk around with your nose in the air because you have an Apple product is to remove it from a pocket or backpack and proudly show everyone. Soon you'll be able to wear your "special-ness" on your arm for all to see.

We are so influenced by the gullible. Time to buy more Apple shares.

[Smartass]

Originally Posted by Mr Fusion

iWatch = iAmOutOfIdeas

What's the next big thing Apple? A watch and a TV aren't it.

an iShoe that

wait for it

shows whos calling you on its 3" screen thats there instead of shoe laces!

and dont forget the new magical iHat!

Its so big that you can pull it over your face and hide your face from the world so nobody sees who's the idiot wearing an iWatch

[AQUADock]

Originally Posted by Mr Fusion

iWatch = iAmOutOfIdeas

What's the next big thing Apple? A watch and a TV aren't it.

I hope thats sarcasm. If so what's your idea for a "big" product.

[Makosuke]

There will probably always be a market for expensive jewelry that goes on your wrist and tells time, so Swatch is probably okay, but honestly, Nokia and Blackberry were saying the exact same thing a few years ago about phones, and that didn't work out so well for them.

Not saying it'll be the same this time around, but you never know.

Regardless, this is pure speculative science fiction, but if you're going to make an iWatch-thingy that takes some of the place of an iDevice and sits on your wrist, how about making a larger wristband-thing with a curved screen roughly landscape-iPhone size? I'm not saying it'd necessarily be a big seller--probably more Cyberpunk than something people would actually wear--but I, personally, would be more likely to put one on my forearm than an iWatch combined with an iPhone in my pocket.

[Gigaman]

I agree with those who say that it's not meant to replace, but compliment the iDevices. And I think it's rediculous to think it'll flop because of the screen size, it'd be like saying a 4 in. Watch would be a hit because its so big.

[firewood]

This is exactly the same as those who said the iPad would be a fail because it can't present a full desktop OS, and the iPhone would be a fail because Palm tried and failed with a toy OS.

Swatch isn't a platform software company expert at designing new user experiences. That may drive them out of the watch game just like Nokia and Virtu have declined in cell phone market share.

[gatearray]

Originally Posted by TheGreenBastard

What? Who said it was supposed to replace the iPhone? Jeez.

Exactly! Talk about a straw-man argument, sheesh! An Apple watch would be an accessory to your iOS device.

There are like 500 million iOS devices out there, with over 100 million more being added every year. If only 10% of those users chose to "accessorize" their iPhone, etc. with an integrated smart watch it would be a very successful product, easily beating the successful hobby ATV in sales.

[Tankmaze]

The CEO should just say "no comment", he's making a fool of himself.

[flavr]

Those will be words he will live to regret.

PALM CEO:

"We've learned and struggled for a few years here figuring out how to make a decent phone,'' he said. "PC guys are not going to just figure this out. They're not going to just walk in.''

Steve Ballmer:

"Now we'll get a chance to go through this again in phones and music players. There's no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share. No chance. It's a $500 subsidized item. They may make a lot of money. But if you actually take a look at the 1.3 billion phones that get sold, I'd prefer to have our software in 60% or 70% or 80% of them, than I would to have 2% or 3%, which is what Apple might get.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-what-steve-ballmer-thought-about-the-iphone-five-years-ago-2012-6#ixzz2Mmlu3eWk"

Swatch is done...

[x86isslow]

Originally Posted by iNVERSE

I think the CEO is missing the point. I don't believe the iWatch is supposed to replace the iPhone, but instead complement the iPhone.

I think that was the CEO's point… that an iWatch won't be the next iPhone, more like the next iPod Socks, or if Apple are lucky, the next Smart Cover.

[jclardy]

Who said anything about replacing the iPhone?

[BigJohno]

I think it's a complement device. If it Is going to happen its been very well thought out. Don't think it came up last year.

Just get a new Mac Pro out! Until then, not interested.

[Smartass]

Originally Posted by wkadamsjr

What did normal everyday people use their phones for prior to the smartphone?

you cant compare phones to watches. Phone is something that everybody needs but watch is there just for esthetic reason.

[Rogifan]

Just curious when Apple has said anything about a watch, let alone proclaiming it the next tech revolution or a replacement for a smartphone. Basically all we have is the media hyping a rumor, and then others making assumptions on Apple's thinking based on the unconfirmed rumor.

[iSee]

"Replacing an iPhone with an interactive terminal ...

Replace? Does this guy think everyone listening is that stupid? Is he that stupid?

[cowcaster88]

As long as I can make phone calls like Dick Tracy did that would be cool enough!

[Northgrove]

Originally Posted by iNVERSE

I think the CEO is missing the point. I don't believe the iWatch is supposed to replace the iPhone, but instead complement the iPhone.

I don't think the CEO is missing the point other than intentionally. He wants to reassure people that the mechanical watch still has its place because... Well, he's the CEO of Swatch.

[firewood]

Originally Posted by Mr Fusion

iWatch = iAmOutOfIdeas ...
What's the next big thing Apple? A watch and a TV aren't it.

The next big thing isn't going to be a new idea. Just like home computers, GUI's, music players, phones, and tablets, it's likely to be an old idea that everybody else is doing moderately to really badly.

[MovingWater]

Incredible insightful comments by yet another CEO. Not. What do I care for horoscopes? Integration with sports/fitness/health/email/locations-based/calendar/notifications versus horoscopes/stock quotes is an easy choice.

Go to any larger event and count the number of watches on the arms of 50-60 years old, and compare it to the number of watches on the arms of 20-30 years old, and it's a world apart. To Swatch, a watch is a watch, which has appeal to an older generation only.

The alarm on the CEO's watch is clearly dysfunctional. "Time will tell," he muttered while rewinding his watch to his past future.

[spazzcat]

Originally Posted by Mr Fusion

iWatch = iAmOutOfIdeas

What's the next big thing Apple? A watch and a TV aren't it.

I said this before, but I am guessing you have never heard of the Pebble? It's only the most successful KickStarter project ever to the tune of $10million+. People seem to want smart watches....

[drewface]

Originally Posted by Rogifan

Just curious when Apple has said anything about a watch, let alone proclaiming it the next tech revolution or a replacement for a smartphone. Basically all we have is the media hyping a rumor, and then others making assumptions on Apple's thinking based on the unconfirmed rumor.

Well Apple does have some related patents to it. So the rumors aren't completely unfounded.

[joshdammit]

Originally Posted by Mr Fusion

iWatch = iAmOutOfIdeas

What's the next big thing Apple? A watch and a TV aren't it.

Do tell us, what should the next big thing be? Because a watch and a TV are apparently not big enough for you, what would you recommend Apple make?

And before you say "It's not my job to come up with ideas for Apple," recall that you don't seem satisfied with the TV and watch ideas.

[s8film40]

Reminds me of this:

http://youtu.be/eywi0h_Y5_U

[harpster]

Ha Ha Ha - when i Watches outsell Swatches 100 to 1 he'll be singing another tune. The iWatch (or whatever they call it) may not replace phones but sure as heck will replace Swatches! I bet they're terrified!