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Apple Watch Series 2 Impressions: Iterative Design, but Ceramic Impresses and Fitness Shows Promise

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Alongside the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, the Apple Watch Series 2 was a major hardware announcement at Apple's media event in San Francisco yesterday. The company pivoted slightly from the Apple Watch's original, fashion-focused unveiling, this time focusing on the internals of Series 2, and what it can do to push Apple forward in the fitness tracking category.

As journalists got hands-on time with Apple Watch Series 2 after yesterday's event, a handful of impressions have surfaced online surrounding the new wearable device. Since most of its features are activity-focused (swimming, running, etc.), opinions on how the new Apple Watch functions under these conditions were left to speculation, but otherwise the resounding takeaway appeared to be that Apple has successfully innovated in areas where Series 1 lacked, despite the fact that extended battery and a slight design change would have been welcome.

apple-watch-series-23-800x444.jpg
Images via The Verge​


Starting off with the most expensive Ceramic Apple Watch Edition, which runs for $1249 (38mm) and $1299 (42mm), Wareable noted that the ceramic finish "felt smooth and light to the touch" and was "more attractive in real life." The case was also reflective of more light in comparison to aluminum and stainless steel, but given Series 2's ultra-bright display, it doesn't seem to be an issue. Ultimately, Wareable sees Series 2 as Apple's next step "to be taken seriously in the fitness sphere."
I strapped on the new Edition, which starts at a casual $1249. Apple claims ceramic is one of the toughest materials in the world, and it felt smooth and light to the touch. It's more light-reflective than I expected, and looks more attractive in real life than from the presentation's images, if you're a fan of the gently rounded cube display and chunky straps.

While Series 2 doesn't offer much for those longing for new designs, the under-the-hood changes are clear indications of Apple's desire to be taken as seriously in the fitness sphere as Garmin and Polar, while retaining its minimalist design.
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The Verge compared the thickness of Series 1 with Series 2, noting that Series 2 is about one millimeter thicker than Series 1, "though you really have to look closely." The site also commented on the similar battery life of each Series -- 18 hours, according to Apple -- but retained any in-depth opinions on the new Apple Watch for a future review.


TechRadar gave one of the most detailed opinions on Series 2, commenting on the "simplicity" of the fitness-focused features in the device, which might also be its "greatest drawback." The site gives an example of the Apple Watch miscalculating the user's stroke during a swimming workout, and not being able to alter the data because the bare-bones workout app doesn't offer such a feature. TechRadar feared that "if you can't trust what you're seeing, then you'll come to disregard it as a training tool."
The big question is whether these changes are enough - sure, the fitness credentials are good, and a solid upgrade, but these are the things we were hoping to see last time around, rather than having to wait two years for.

But then again, the smartwatch market is incredibly turbulent, and while Apple never disclosed sales figures of its first Watch, it was certainly the best-selling device of its kind by an absolute street. The Apple Watch Series 2 builds on that success, comes with water resistance and fitness smarts and a brighter, more useful screen - but it's iterative again.
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Focusing on one of the cheaper collections, SlashGear took a dive into the Apple Watch Nike+ Edition, which won't launch until sometime in late October. The site called the Nike-branded Apple Watch "extremely similar" to the rest of the Sport collections, noting that "it's relatively light on the wrist." Still, given the short time in the Apple event showroom, the site is unsure whether or not the Nike branding, exclusive watch faces, and Siri commands will all be enough to pick this edition over other models.

P1280751-650-80.jpg
Image via TechRadar​
This version of the Apple Watch feels extremely similar to that of the rest of the series - especially since it's nearly identical save the Nike branding on its back and the new set of straps. It's relatively light on the wrist and the strap seems to fit well for a wide variety of wrists.

Whether or not this particular version of the watch will be worth buying over the standard Apple Watch, we can't quite yet tell. We'll have to give the whole lot a try before we can give any definitive answers.
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As the September 16 launch date for Apple Watch Series 2 gets closer, we should begin seeing more detailed reviews and impressions of the device, particularly how Apple's claims of a truly swimproof smartwatch hold up in daily use. In the meantime, check out even more initial impressions of Series 2 from the sites below:

- The Next Web
- ZDNet
- Wired

Article Link: Apple Watch Series 2 Impressions: Iterative Design, but Ceramic Impresses and Fitness Shows Promise
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/08/apple-watch-series-2-impressions/
Sort of a silly caveat about the Nike version not having something that makes it different. Nike is at heart a branding company. It puts its logos on things and charges more. The logo creates a perception for those that wear it and those that see it. Is there sometimes a difference between a Nike water bottle and a not Nike water bottle? Sometimes, but mostly it's about branding. That's why Jobs was always impress with them. I imagine they will also use it as a gift and giveaway with their spokespeople which will be valuable too as Apple rarely does the product gifting and sponsorships like Microsoft did with the NFL and their Surface tablet thingy.
 
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MacRumors said:
" The site gives an example of the Apple Watch miscalculating the user's stroke during a swimming workout, and not being able to alter the data because the bare-bones workout app doesn't offer such a feature. TechRadar feared that "if you can't trust what you're seeing, then you'll come to disregard it as a training tool."
Click to expand...

Isn't that why they opened up the API's so this type of thing couldn't happen? The fitness app is for casual exercise people. People who are serious would use Strava or some other similar app and they would extract the information from the raw data
 
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Maybe it's just me, but I can REALLY see the added thickness and it kind of breaks the design for me. The Apple Watch 1 was on the verge of being too thick, this one crossed it.

I don't know what it is but the 1mm adds a lot to the curve and makes the whole device seem bigger and less elegant.
 
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These changes will unlock the watch for alot of people that were holding back on Gen 1, particularly the waterproofing & GPS. It'll be interesting to see how sales go because of this.

I'll be getting one for the holidays just for the exercise aspect making it a replacement for my watch and fitbit.
 
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MacRumors said:
The site gives an example of the Apple Watch miscalculating the user's stroke during a swimming workout, and not being able to alter the data because the bare-bones workout app doesn't offer such a feature. TechRadar feared that "if you can't trust what you're seeing, then you'll come to disregard it as a training tool."
Click to expand...
Ouch. I'm sure they're leaving room for more robust third party apps, but you've got to get stuff like motion counting right if you're going to be taken seriously as an exercise tool.
 
Art Mark said:
Sort of a silly caveat about the Nike version not having something that makes it different. Nike is at heart a branding company. It puts its logos on things and charges more. The logo creates a perception for those that wear it and those that see it. Is there sometimes a difference between a Nike water bottle and a not Nike water bottle? Sometimes, but mostly it's about branding. That's why Jobs was always impress with them. I imagine they will also use it as a gift and giveaway with their spokespeople which will be valuable too as Apple rarely does the product gifting and sponsorships like Microsoft did with the NFL and their Surface tablet thingy.
Click to expand...

Nike is NOT at heart a branding company. They are actually very tech and performance driven, and are often introducing innovations in their gear and apparel. Comparing water bottles is a strange example, when water bottles aren't Nike's core business.

Having said that, Nike is also a master of branding, like Apple.
 
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pika2000 said:
I want round face watch (smartwatch). I'll be sticking with my Moto 360.
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Except with the flat tire the actual face isn't round. The case is, but not the face. Get the Huawei if that's important to you.

nikhsub1 said:
Rolex started using ceramic for their bezels about a decade ago... they are virtually scratch proof but the can crack/shatter with a large enough impact. I suspect we will see some that do once the masses get them.
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Oh the scandal it'll be, like the 'bending' iPhones...shattered Edition AWs2s!!
 
MacRumors said:
The Verge compared the thickness of Series 1 with Series 2, noting that Series 2 is about one millimeter thicker than Series 1
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1 millimeter thicker probably wouldn't turn me off from getting this, but the series 1 was all ready pretty thick.

Almost everything else Apple makes thinner, except the one thing that I want to be thinner.

Oh well, I guess the tech just isn't there yet.
 
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k2director said:
Nike is NOT at heart a branding company. They are actually very tech and performance driven, and are often introducing innovations in their gear and apparel. Comparing water bottles is a strange example, when water bottles aren't Nike's core business.

Having said that, Nike is also a master of branding, like Apple.
Click to expand...

Actually I would argue Nike is a branding company. Just as Coke is a branding company. They spend a ridiculous amount of marketing money to create hype around their products. In fact, I can’t stand Nike. They may innovate, but they also sell a bunch of junk. Like water bottles. Just to get their logo out there.

That said, I’m unfortunately going to be giving them some money by way of a Nike branded Apple Watch.

I’m a runner, and while I’m not sure if I’ll like their app (I’m not expecting to), I do like the strap. And for the same price as the other Sport models, I’ll pick the Nike model just for the strap.

Edit: I want the band, because it’s perforated, and would work better than the normal Apple sport band for running. This will be my first Apple Watch, as it finally now has GPS built in (a requirement for me, for running purposes.)
 
nikhsub1 said:
Rolex started using ceramic for their bezels about a decade ago... they are virtually scratch proof but the can crack/shatter with a large enough impact. I suspect we will see some that do once the masses get them.
Click to expand...

Interesting. Do you know what they used before that? I have a submariner that I mostly wear when I know it's going to get beat up. It's gone through 2 house rehabs and about 12 years of very heavy abuse and the bezel doesn't have a single blemish on it. It's about 12 years old so it seems like it predates the ceramic bezels.
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RickInHouston said:
That looks really, really, really thick.
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That's what I thought looking at it. I'm surprised with Apple's penchant for thinness they actually went thicker, of course the battery was an issue. But for that amount of thickness and it still can't make a full 24 hour day? I was hoping this would have some sleep tracking ability, but that's out the window if you have to charge it every night. Hoping the HR sensor also is finally usable.
 
Looks great. I love the look of my current space black model, so same design but massive improvements on the inside is a winner in my book. I'll be buying one primarily for the GPS and improved speed
 
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